第20章 “若不看见神迹奇事”
§1
第20章 “若不看见神迹奇事”
§2
Chap. 20 - Except Ye See Signs and Wonders
§3
（本章根据：约4:43-54）
§4
从耶路撒冷守逾越节回来的加利利人，将耶稣奇妙的作为传开了，耶路撒冷议员们对耶稣的评断，为他在加利利开了路。许多人看见圣殿被亵渎和祭司们贪财、傲慢的情形，心中悲叹。他们希望这个把首领们赶走的人，就是他们所等待的拯救者。如今传来的消息，似乎证明了他们最光明的企盼。据说，这位先知已宣称自己为弥赛亚了。[1]{DA 196.1}
§5
The Galileans who returned from the Passover brought back the report of the wonderful works of Jesus. The judgment passed upon His acts by the dignitaries at Jerusalem opened His way in Galilee. Many of the people lamented the abuse of the temple and the greed and arrogance of the priests. They hoped that this Man, who had put the rulers to flight, might be the looked-for Deliverer. Now tidings had come that seemed to confirm their brightest anticipations. It was reported that the prophet had declared Himself to be the Messiah. {DA 196.1}[1]
§6
然而拿撒勒的居民仍不相信他。为此，耶稣往迦拿去的时候，就没有取道拿撒勒。救主对他的门徒说：先知在本地是没有人尊敬的。世人总是凭自己赏识的程度来衡量别人的品质。一般眼光短浅、心思庸俗的人，就根据基督卑微的出身、俭朴的服装和平日的劳作来评定他。至于他的纯洁无暇、毫无罪恶的心灵，他们就不重视了。[2]{DA 196.2}
§7
But the people of Nazareth did not believe on Him. For this reason, Jesus did not visit Nazareth on His way to Cana. The Saviour declared to His disciples that a prophet has no honor in his own country. Men estimate character by that which they themselves are capable of appreciating. The narrow and worldly-minded judged of Christ by His humble birth, His lowly garb, and daily toil. They could not appreciate the purity of that spirit upon which was no stain of sin. {DA 196.2}[2]
§8
基督回到迦拿的消息，很快就传遍了加利利，给受苦难的民众带来了希望。在迦百农，这消息引起了一个犹太贵族的注意，他是王家的官吏。他的一个儿子患了不治之症，群医束手无策，朝不保夕。但是这位父亲一听说耶稣，就决定去求他帮助。那时孩子已奄奄一息，恐怕等不到他回来就不行了，可是这位大臣觉得这件事非他亲自办不可。他希望以一个父亲的恳求来唤起那位大医师的恻隐之心。[3]{DA 196.3}
§9
The news of Christs return to Cana soon spread throughout Galilee, bringing hope to the suffering and distressed. In Capernaum the tidings attracted the attention of a Jewish nobleman who was an officer in the 1kings service. A son of the officer was suffering from what seemed to be an incurable disease. Physicians had given him up to die; but when the father heard of Jesus, he determined to seek help from Him. The child was very low, and, it was feared, might not live till his return; yet the nobleman felt that he must present the case in person. He hoped that a fathers prayers might awaken the sympathy of the Great Physician. {DA 196.3}[3]
§10
到了迦拿，他看见已有一大群人围着耶稣。当他急切地从人群中挤到救主面前时，不禁愣住了，眼前这位不过是个衣着平凡、跋涉劳顿、征尘满面的人，他的信心萎缩了。这人能行吗？但他终于向耶稣说明了来意，并求救主同到他家里去。耶稣早已知道他的忧伤，在这大臣还未离家之前，救主已看见他的苦楚了。[4]{DA 197.1}
§11
On reaching Cana he found a throng surrounding Jesus. With an anxious heart he pressed through to the Saviours presence. His faith faltered when he saw only a plainly dressed man, dusty and worn with travel. He doubted that this Person could do what he had come to ask of Him; yet he secured an interview with Jesus, told his errand, and besought the Saviour to accompany him to his home. But already his 1sorrow was known to Jesus. Before the officer had left his home, the Saviour had beheld his affliction. {DA 197.1}[4]
§12
但是他也知道这位父亲心里的条件，耶稣若不答应他的恳求，他就不承认他为弥赛亚。当这位官长满心焦急地等着答复时，耶稣说：“若不看见神迹奇事，你们总是不信。”[5]{DA 198.1}
§13
But He knew also that the father had, in his own mind, made conditions concerning his belief in Jesus. Unless his petition should be granted, he would not receive Him as the Messiah. While the officer waited in an agony of suspense, Jesus said, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. {DA 198.1}[5]
§14
耶稣是基督，虽证据确凿，毫无怀疑的余地，但这个恳求者偏要以耶稣答应他的请求，作为信服的条件。救主就将他的半信半疑，同不求神迹奇事的撒玛利亚人淳朴的信心，作了个对比。耶稣的话有足以折服人心的能力，本身就是他神性随时的证据。而基督自己的子民，身受圣言的委托，竟忽略听上帝借他儿子对他们所说的话，这实在令救主痛心。[6]{DA 198.2}
§15
Notwithstanding all the evidence that Jesus was the Christ, the petitioner had determined to make his belief in Him conditional on the granting of his own request. The Saviour contrasted this questioning unbelief with the simple faith of the Samaritans, who asked for no miracle or sign. His word, the ever-present evidence of His divinity, had a convincing power that reached their hearts. Christ was pained that His own people, to whom the Sacred Oracles had been committed, should fail to hear the voice of God speaking to them in His Son. {DA 198.2}[6]
§16
虽然如此，这位贵族多少还算有点信心，因为他所求的，对他来说是一切福气中最可贵的了。但是耶稣还有更大的恩惠要赐给他。他不但要医治他的孩子，还要使他和他全家都享受救恩的福气，并在迦百农点亮一盏明灯。原来迦百农不久就要成为他工作的地区了。但这贵胄必须先感觉自己有需要，然后才会渴望基督的恩惠。这位大臣正代表了他本国许多的人。他们都是由于自私的动机而对耶稣感兴趣的。他们希望借着他的权能，可以得到一点特别的好处，所以他们的信心是以耶稣答应他们眼前的请求为条件的。至于自己灵性上的疾病，他们却毫无所知，也未感觉自己需要神恩的帮助。[7]{DA 198.3}
§17
Yet the nobleman had a degree of faith; for he had come to ask what seemed to him the most precious of all blessings. Jesus had a greater gift to bestow. He desired, not only to heal the child, but to make the officer and his household sharers in the blessings of salvation, and to kindle a light in Capernaum, which was so soon to be the field of His own labors. But the nobleman must realize his need before he would desire the grace of Christ. This courtier represented many of his nation. They were interested in Jesus from selfish motives. They hoped to receive some special benefit through His power, and they staked their faith on the granting of this temporal favor; but they were ignorant as to their spiritual disease, and saw not their need of divine grace. {DA 198.3}[7]
§18
救主对这个贵胄所说的话犹如闪电，照透了他的心。他看出自己寻求耶稣的动机是自私的。他那飘忽不定的信心，在自己面前完全暴露了。在深深的愁苦之中，他意识到自己的怀疑也许会断送儿子的性命。他知道自己是在一位洞察人心、无所不能的主面前。于是他苦苦地哀求道：“先生，求你趁着我的孩子还没有死就下去。”他的信心紧紧地抓住基督，正如从前雅各与天使角力时所说：“你若不给我祝福，我就不容你去”（创32:26）[8]{DA 198.4}
§19
Like a flash of light, the Saviours words to the nobleman laid bare his heart. He saw that his motives in seeking Jesus were selfish. His vacillating faith appeared to him in its true character. In deep distress he realized that his doubt might cost the life of his son. He knew that he was in the presence of One who could read the thoughts, and to whom all things were possible. In an agony of supplication he cried, Sir, come down ere my child die. His faith took hold upon Christ as did Jacob, when, wrestling with the Angel, he cried, I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me. Genesis 32:26. {DA 198.4}[8]
§20
他也像雅各一样得胜了。凡依恋救主而为自己的迫切需要哀求的人，救主绝不推辞。耶稣对他说：“回去吧！你的儿子活了”。那贵族听了这话，就离开救主回去，心中充满从未有过的安宁和喜乐，不但相信他的儿子必得痊愈，而且坚信基督就是救赎主。[9]{DA 198.5}
§21
Like Jacob he prevailed. The Saviour cannot withdraw from the soul that clings to Him, pleading its great need. Go thy way, He said; thy son liveth. The nobleman left the Saviours presence with a peace 1and joy he had never known before. Not only did he believe that his son would be restored, but with strong confidence he trusted in Christ as the Redeemer. {DA 198.5}[9]
§22
正当此时，在他迦百农的家里守候孩子的人，看到了孩子突然而神奇的变化。病人脸上死亡的阴影退去了。发热的面颊忽然现出恢复健康的气色，黯然无光的眼睛也显得清醒有神，憔悴支离的病体恢复了活力，患病的征象完全消失了。他那焦灼的肌肤，变得柔润，他安然睡着了。热病正在日中炎热时退去，全家人惊喜不已。[10]{DA 199.1}
§23
At the same hour the watchers beside the dying child in the home at Capernaum beheld a sudden and mysterious change. The shadow of death was lifted from the sufferers face. The flush of fever gave place to the soft glow of returning health. The dim eyes brightened with intelligence, and strength returned to the feeble, emaciated frame. No signs of his malady lingered about the child. His burning flesh had become soft and moist, and he sank into a quiet sleep. The fever had left him in the very heat of the day. The family were amazed, and great was the rejoicing. {DA 199.1}[10]
§24
迦拿离迦百农不很远，大臣与耶稣分别后，尽可以当晚到家，但他并未急于赶路，次日早晨才到了迦百农。今天回家，该是多么不同啊！他昨天离家去找耶稣时，心中忧伤。日头似乎是残酷的，雀鸟的歌声像是嘲笑他。但现在呢？他的情绪是何等不同啊！一切都另具新趣。他是用另一副眼光来看这世界了。他在静谧的清晨走路时，万物都似乎与他一同颂赞上帝。当他离家还有一段路时，仆人们前来迎接，想他一定很担心，所以赶去报信安慰他。但他听见儿子痊愈的消息，并不表示惊奇，只是以他们所不理解的兴趣询问孩子的病是什么时候好的。他们回答说：“昨日未时热就退了。”原来正当父亲坚信救主的应许“你的儿子活了”的时候，上帝的爱就临到了这垂死的孩子。[11]{DA 199.2}
§25
Cana was not so far from Capernaum but that the officer might have reached his home on the evening after his interview with Jesus; but he did not hasten on the homeward journey. It was not until the next morning that he reached Capernaum. What a homecoming was that! When he went to find Jesus, his heart was heavy with sorrow. The sunshine seemed cruel to him, the songs of the birds a mockery. How different his feelings now! All nature wears a new aspect. He sees with new eyes. As he journeys in the quiet of the early morning, all nature seems to be praising God with him. While he is still some distance from his own dwelling, servants come out to meet him, anxious to relieve the suspense they are sure he must feel. He shows no surprise at the news they bring, but with a depth of interest they cannot know he asks at what hour the child began to mend. They answer, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him. At the very moment when the fathers faith grasped the assurance, Thy son liveth, divine love touched the dying child. {DA 199.2}[11]
§26
这时父亲便急匆匆地去看儿子，一把将他抱在怀中，像是从死里抢救回来的一样，连声赞美上帝，感谢他神奇的回生之术。[12]{DA 200.1}
§27
The father hurries on to greet his son. He clasps him to his heart as one restored from the dead, and thanks God again and again for this wonderful restoration. {DA 200.1}[12]
§28
这个贵胄切望更多地认识基督。从那之后，他听了基督的教训，就与全家一起成了他的门徒。因这次苦难，他们全家悔改而归主为圣。这神迹的消息到处传开了，在迦百农，就是基督后来施行许多大奇迹的地方，一条为救主亲自传道的路开辟出来了。[13]{DA 200.2}
§29
The nobleman longed to know more of Christ. As he afterward heard His teaching, he and all his household became disciples. Their affliction was sanctified to the conversion of the entire family. Tidings of the miracle spread; and in Capernaum, where so many of His mighty works were performed, the way was prepared for Christs personal ministry. {DA 200.2}[13]
§30
在迦百农赐恩与这贵胄的主，现在同样切望赐恩给我们。可是我们像那位忧伤的父亲一样，往往因为想得世上的好处而去寻找耶稣，他应允我们的请求之后，我们就信赖他的慈爱。但是救主切望将超过我们所求的福惠赐给我们，所以就迟迟不答应我们的恳求，为要指出我们心中的罪恶，并使我们明白自己是何等需要他的恩典。他要我们把那寻找他时的自私之念抛弃。我们必须承认自己的无能和缺乏，一心一意地信靠他的慈爱。[14]{DA 200.3}
§31
He who blessed the nobleman at Capernaum is just as desirous of blessing us. But like the afflicted father, we are often led to seek Jesus by the desire for some earthly good; and upon the granting of our request we rest our confidence in His love. The Saviour longs to give us a greater blessing than we ask; and He delays the answer to our request that He may show us the evil of our own hearts, and our deep need of His grace. He desires us to renounce the selfishness that leads us to seek Him. Confessing our helplessness and bitter need, we are to trust ourselves wholly to His love. {DA 200.3}[14]
§32
那贵胄想要先看见自己所求的事实现，然后才肯相信；但是他必须接受耶稣的话，相信所求的事已蒙垂听，所求的福已蒙应允。这个教训也是我们所该学的：不是因为看见或是觉得上帝已听了我们，我们才相信。我们必须信靠他的应许。我们若抱着信心到他面前来，我们的每一恳求必进入他的心。我们既然求他的福惠，就该相信自己必能得着，并且因为已经得着而感谢他。然后我们就当克尽自己的本分，确信上帝会在我们最需要的时候，将福惠赐给我们。我们学会了这样做的时候，就可知道我们的祈祷已蒙应允。上帝必“按着他丰盛的荣耀”和“他在基督身上所运行的大能大力”，“充充足足地成就一切。”（弗3:16,1:20,3:20）[15]{DA 200.4}
§33
The nobleman wanted to see the fulfillment of his prayer before he should believe; but he had to accept the word of Jesus that his request was heard and the blessing granted. This lesson we also have to learn. Not because we see or feel that God hears us are we to believe. We are to trust in His promises. When we come to Him in faith, every petition enters the heart of God. When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we have received it. Then we are to go about our duties, assured that the blessing will be realized when we need it most. When we have learned to do this, we shall know that our prayers are answered. God will do for us exceeding abundantly, according to the riches of His glory, and the working of His mighty power. Ephesians 3:20, 16; 1:19. {DA 200.4}[15]