第11章 受洗
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第11章 受洗
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Chap. 11 - The Baptism
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（本章根据：太3:13-17；可1:9-11；路3:21-22）
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旷野的先知所传的信息和他奇异的宣言，传遍了加利利全地。风声所及，连最偏僻之处的农民和海滨的渔夫也都听到了，从这班淳朴、诚恳的人心中起了最真诚的回应。这消息在拿撒勒也传到了已故约瑟的木匠铺里。那里有一人领会了这呼召的意义，他的时候到了。他撇开平日的工作，辞别母亲，随着那些结队往约旦河去的乡民走了。[1]{DA 109.1}
§5
Tidings of the wilderness prophet and his wonderful announcement, spread throughout Galilee. The message reached the peasants in the remotest hill towns, and the fisher folk by the sea, and in these simple, earnest hearts found its truest response. In Nazareth it was told in the carpenter shop that had been Josephs, and One recognized the call. His time had come. Turning from His daily toil, He bade farewell to His mother, and followed in the steps of His countrymen who were flocking to the Jordan. {DA 109.1}[1]
§6
耶稣和施洗约翰原是姑表兄弟，而且降生的情况，也有某种亲密的关系，然而彼此却不相认。耶稣是在加利利的拿撒勒长大的，而约翰则在犹太的旷野成长。在不同的环境里，他们过着隐秘的生活，彼此从没来往，这是天意，免得给人借口说他们曾同谋，互相支持彼此的身份。[2]{DA 109.2}
§7
Jesus and John the Baptist were cousins, and closely related by the circumstances of their birth; yet they had had no direct acquaintance with each other. The life of Jesus had been spent at Nazareth in Galilee; that of John, in the wilderness of Judea. Amid widely different surroundings they had lived in seclusion, and had had no communication with each other. Providence had ordered this. No occasion was to be given for the charge that they had conspired together to support each others claims. {DA 109.2}[2]
§8
约翰知道耶稣降生时的种种事迹。他听见过耶稣童年上耶路撒冷，在拉比学校中发生的事。他深知耶稣无罪的生活，而且相信他就是弥赛亚。不过，对这一点他没有确切的把握。这许多年来，耶稣一直默默无闻，又没对他的使命露出特别的凭据来。这就令人怀疑他究竟是否所应许的那一位？尽管如此，施洗约翰仍是抱着信心等候，相信到了上帝预定的时候，一切都必显明。他蒙启示，知道弥赛亚必在他手里受洗，那时必有征兆显明他的神性，这样，他就能将他告之于天下。[3]{DA 109.3}
§9
John was acquainted with the events that had marked the birth of Jesus. He had heard of the visit to Jerusalem in His boyhood, and of what had passed in the school of the rabbis. He knew of His sinless life, and believed Him to be the Messiah; but of this he had no positive assurance. The fact that Jesus had for so many years remained in obscurity, giving no special evidence of His mission, gave occasion for 1doubt as to whether He could be the Promised One. The Baptist, however, waited in faith, believing that in Gods own time all would be made plain. It had been revealed to him that the Messiah would seek baptism at his hands, and that a sign of His divine character should then be given. Thus he would be enabled to present Him to the people. {DA 109.3}[3]
§10
耶稣来受洗时，约翰就看出他有一种纯洁的品格，是在任何人身上都未见过的。连他所在之处的气氛，也是圣洁而令人肃然起敬的。在约旦河边聚集的人群中，约翰听见过各种犯罪作恶的悲惨故事，也遇见过许多被沉重罪担所压伤的人，却从未接触过有如此神圣影响的人。这一切都与约翰所受的关于弥赛亚的启示相符。然而他不敢应承耶稣的要求。因自己是个罪人，怎能为这无罪者施洗呢？再说，这本是承认需要洗除罪恶的礼，耶稣既无罪需悔，又何必受这礼呢？[4]{DA 110.1}
§11
When Jesus came to be baptized, John recognized in Him a purity of character that he had never before perceived in any man. The very atmosphere of His presence was holy and awe-inspiring. Among the multitudes that had gathered about him at the Jordan, John had heard dark tales of crime, and had met souls bowed down with the burden of myriad sins; but never had he come in contact with a human being from whom there breathed an influence so divine. All this was in harmony with what had been revealed to John regarding the Messiah. Yet he shrank from granting the request of Jesus. How could he, a sinner, baptize the Sinless One? And why should He who needed no repentance submit to a rite that was a confession of guilt to be washed away? {DA 110.1}[4]
§12
耶稣要求受洗时，约翰退后说：“我当受你的洗，你反倒上我这里来么？”耶稣用坚定而温和的威权回答说：“你暂且许我，因为我们理当这样尽诸般的义。”于是约翰依着救主的话，领他到约旦河，把他浸在水中。耶稣“随即从水里上来，天忽然为他开了，他就看见上帝的灵，仿佛鸽子降下，落在他身上。”[5]{DA 111.1}
§13
As Jesus asked for baptism, John drew back, exclaiming, I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me? With firm yet gentle authority, Jesus answered, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. And John, yielding, led the Saviour down into the Jordan, and buried Him beneath the water. And straightway coming up out of the water, Jesus saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him. {DA 111.1}[5]
§14
耶稣受洗，并不是承认自己有罪。乃是将自己与罪人视同一体，取我们所应取的步骤，作我们所该作的事。他受洗之后所过受苦、恒切忍耐的生活，是留给我们的榜样。[6]{DA 111.2}
§15
Jesus did not receive baptism as a confession of guilt on His own account. He identified Himself with sinners, taking the steps that we are to take, and doing the work that we must do. His life of suffering and patient endurance after His baptism was also an example to us. {DA 111.2}[6]
§16
耶稣从水里上来，就跪在岸上祈祷。一个崭新而重要的时代在他面前展开了，他现在已经登上更广大的舞台，开始他平生的斗争。他虽是和平之君，但他的降临却如刀出鞘。他来所要设立的国，与犹太人所希冀的恰好相反。他本是以色列一切礼节和制度的基础，却要被人视为这体制的敌人和破坏者。在西奈山宣布律法的是他，现在却要被定为犯法的。他来是要摧毁撒但的权势，却要被斥为别西卜。地上没有一人了解他，在他传道服务的生涯中仍得孤独行走。他的一生，母亲和弟兄都不明了他的使命。连门徒也不了解他。他虽住在永恒的光中与上帝原为一，但地上的生活必须在孤寂中度过。[7]{DA 111.3}
§17
Upon coming up out of the water, Jesus bowed in prayer on the river bank. A new and important era was opening before Him. He was now, upon a wider stage, entering on the conflict of His life. Though He was the Prince of Peace, His coming must be as the unsheathing of a sword. The kingdom He had come to establish was the opposite of that which the Jews desired. He who was the foundation of the ritual and economy of Israel would be looked upon as its enemy and destroyer. He who had proclaimed the law upon Sinai would be condemned as a transgressor. He who had come to break the power of Satan would be denounced as Beelzebub. No one upon earth had understood Him, and during His ministry He must still walk alone. Throughout His life His mother and His brothers did not comprehend His mission. Even His disciples did not understand Him. He had dwelt in eternal light, as one with God, but His life on earth must be spent in solitude. {DA 111.3}[7]
§18
既与我们同为一体，基督必须背负我们罪过与祸患的重担。无罪的主必须受罪的羞辱，喜爱和平的主必须与争斗相处，真理要同虚伪为伍，纯洁须与邪恶共居。罪恶、是非及其所导致的污秽情欲，都使基督的心灵受到剧烈的痛苦。[8]{DA 111.4}
§19
As one with us, He must bear the burden of our guilt and woe. The Sinless One must feel the shame of sin. The peace lover must dwell with strife, the truth must abide with falsehood, purity with vileness. Every sin, every discord, every defiling lust that transgression had brought, was torture to His spirit. {DA 111.4}[8]
§20
这条血路他必须独自行走；这副重担他必须只身背负。他放下自己的荣耀，接受了血肉之躯的软弱，这救赎世界的重任全落在他一人肩上。这一切他早已看到，早已觉察，然而他的宗旨却依然坚定不移。拯救这堕落的人类，全赖他的膀臂，他就伸手紧紧握住全能者慈爱的手。[9]{DA 111.5}
§21
Alone He must tread the path; alone He must bear the burden. Upon Him who had laid off His glory and accepted the weakness of humanity the redemption of the world must rest. He saw and felt it all, but His purpose remained steadfast. Upon His arm depended the salvation of the fallen race, and He reached out His hand to grasp the hand of Omnipotent Love. {DA 111.5}[9]
§22
救主倾心祈祷时，目光透进了天庭。他深知罪恶如何已使世人心肠刚硬，也知道要世人了解他的使命，接受救恩，又是何等的困难，他恳求天父赐他能力胜过他们的不信，斩断撒但加在他们身上的锁链，替他们战胜这破坏者。他求上帝赐下证据，表明他已在他儿子身上悦纳了人类。[10]{DA 111.6}
§23
The Saviours glance seems to penetrate heaven as He pours out His soul in prayer. Well He knows how sin has hardened the hearts of men, 1and how difficult it will be for them to discern His mission, and accept the gift of salvation. He pleads with the Father for power to overcome their unbelief, to break the fetters with which Satan has enthralled them, and in their behalf to conquer the destroyer. He asks for the witness that God accepts humanity in the person of His Son. {DA 111.6}[10]
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天使们从来没听过这样的祈祷。他们极愿把允诺和安慰的信息带给他们所敬爱的统帅。但天父要亲自答应他儿子的恳求。他荣耀的光辉从宝座上直接闪耀出来。天开了，清丽无比的光彷佛鸽子——这适合那柔和谦卑者的象征，落在救主头上。[11]{DA 112.1}
§25
Never before have the angels listened to such a prayer. They are eager to bear to their loved Commander a message of assurance and comfort. But no; the Father Himself will answer the petition of His Son. Direct from the throne issue the beams of His glory. The heavens are opened, and upon the Saviours head descends a dovelike form of purest light,--fit emblem of Him, the meek and lowly One. {DA 112.1}[11]
§26
在约旦河边的广大群众中，除了约翰之外，没有几个人见到这从天而来的异象。然而上帝临格的严肃气氛，弥漫于会众之间。他们肃静地站在那里，凝视着基督。只见那永远环绕上帝宝座的光辉围着他全身。他那仰着的脸所反射的荣光，是他们从未在人的脸上见过的。从敞开的天空有声音说：“这是我的爱子，我所喜悦的。”[12]{DA 112.2}
§27
Of the vast throng at the Jordan, few except John discerned the heavenly vision. Yet the solemnity of the divine Presence rested upon the assembly. The people stood silently gazing upon Christ. His form was bathed in the light that ever surrounds the throne of God. His upturned face was glorified as they had never before seen the face of man. From the open heavens a voice was heard saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. {DA 112.2}[12]
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上帝发出这样肯定的话，是要使所有目击者生出信心，也是要加强救主的力量去从事他的使命。尽管有罪恶世界的愆尤都压在基督的身上，尽管他屈身俯就人类，取了我们堕落的人性，天上的声音依然宣称他为永生上帝的儿子。[13]{DA 112.3}
§29
These words of confirmation were given to inspire faith in those who witnessed the scene, and to strengthen the Saviour for His mission. Notwithstanding that the sins of a guilty world were laid upon Christ, notwithstanding the humiliation of taking upon Himself our fallen nature, the voice from heaven declared Him to be the Son of the Eternal. {DA 112.3}[13]
§30
约翰看见耶稣跪着，含泪恳求父的嘉纳，就深受感动。当他看到上帝的荣光环绕着耶稣，又听见天上发出的声音，就认定这是上帝所应许的记号。他知道他所施洗的就是世界的救赎主。这时圣灵降到约翰身上，他就扬手指着耶稣说：“看哪！上帝的羔羊，除去世人罪孽的。”[14]{DA 112.4}
§31
John had been deeply moved as he saw Jesus bowed as a suppliant, pleading with tears for the approval of the Father. As the glory of God encircled Him, and the voice from heaven was heard, John recognized the token which God had promised. He knew that it was the worlds Redeemer whom he had baptized. The Holy Spirit rested upon him, and with outstretched hand pointing to Jesus, he cried, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. {DA 112.4}[14]
§32
听见的人没有一个能领悟“上帝的羔羊”中几个字的重大意义——连说这话的人自己也不明白。古时亚伯拉罕在摩利亚山上，曾听儿子问：“父亲哪！……燔祭的羊羔在哪里呢？”父亲回答说：“我儿，上帝必自己预备作燔祭的羊羔。”（创22:7-8）亚伯拉罕看出上帝所预备代替以撒的公山羊，就是那要为世人之罪而死的救主的预表。圣灵借着以赛亚也援用这个比喻来预言救主说：“他像羊羔被牵到宰杀之地，”“耶和华使我们众人的罪孽都归在他身上。”（赛53:6-7）只是以色列民众不明白这一教训。其中多人看所献的祭物，像异教徒看他们的祭物一样——以为是用来讨好神明的礼物。上帝却要教导他们，那使他们与他和好的礼物，是出于上帝自己的爱。[15]{DA 112.5}
§33
None among the hearers, and not even the speaker himself, discerned the import of these words, the Lamb of God. Upon Mount Moriah, Abraham had heard the question of his son, My father, . . . where is the lamb for a burnt offering? The father answered, My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering. Genesis 22:7, 8. And in the ram divinely provided in the place of Isaac, Abraham saw a symbol of Him who was to die for the sins of men. The Holy Spirit through Isaiah, taking up the illustration, prophesied of the Saviour, He is 1brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:7, 6); but the people of Israel had not understood the lesson. Many of them regarded the sacrificial offerings much as the heathen looked upon their sacrifices,--as gifts by which they themselves might propitiate the Deity. God desired to teach them that from His own love comes the gift which reconciles them to Himself. {DA 112.5}[15]
§34
那在约旦河边对耶稣所说的话——“这是我的爱子，我所喜悦的。”——也是向全人类说的。上帝是以耶稣为我们的代表而向他说了这话。我们虽有许多罪恶和弱点，上帝并没有将我们当作废物丢弃。他使我们“在爱子里得蒙悦纳。”（弗1:6）那降在基督身上的荣光是上帝爱我们的保证，使我们知道祈祷的力量——人的声音是怎样达到上帝耳中，我们的恳求是怎样蒙天庭应允的。地与天因罪而隔绝，断了交往，但耶稣使之重新与辉煌的天庭连接起来。他的爱既环绕着人类，又达到了高天。当我们求帮助抵挡试探时，那从敞开的天门照在救主身上的光辉，也必照在我们身上。那曾对耶稣说话的声音，也必向每个相信的人说：“这是我的爱子，我所喜悦的。”[16]{DA 113.1}
§35
And the word that was spoken to Jesus at the Jordan, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, embraces humanity. God spoke to Jesus as our representative. With all our sins and weaknesses, we are not cast aside as worthless. He hath made us accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:6. The glory that rested upon Christ is a pledge of the love of God for us. It tells us of the power of prayer,--how the human voice may reach the ear of God, and our petitions find acceptance in the courts of heaven. By sin, earth was cut off from heaven, and alienated from its communion; but Jesus has connected it again with the sphere of glory. His love has encircled man, and reached the highest heaven. The light which fell from the open portals upon the head of our Saviour will fall upon us as we pray for help to resist temptation. The voice which spoke to Jesus says to every believing soul, This is My beloved child, in whom I am well pleased. {DA 113.1}[16]
§36
“亲爱的弟兄啊，我们现在是上帝的儿女，将来如何，还未显明。但我们知道主若显现，我们必要像他，因为必得见他的真体。”（约一3:2）我们的救赎主已打开一条路，使罪情最重、最穷乏、最受压迫、最被轻视的人都能接近天父。人人都能在耶稣去为我们预备的地方有一个家。“那圣洁真实、拿着大卫的钥匙，开了就没有人能关，关了就没有人能开的说：‘……看哪！我在你们面前给你们一个敞开的门，是无人能关的。’”（启3:7-8）[17]{DA 113.2}
§37
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2. Our Redeemer has opened the way so that the most sinful, the most needy, the most oppressed and despised, may find access to the Father. All may have a home in the mansions which Jesus has gone to prepare. These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; . . . behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it. Revelation 3:7, 8. {DA 113.2}[17]