第40章 湖上的一夜
§1
第40章 湖上的一夜
§2
Chap. 40 - A Night on the Lake
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（本章根据：太14:22-33；可6:45-52；约6:14-21）
§4
那是个春天的傍晚，众人坐在绿草如茵的平原上，吃着基督为他们预备的食物，那一天他们所听见的话，犹如上帝的声音。他们所看见医病的事，唯有上帝的能力才能作到。而分饼的神迹，更是激动人心。人人都分享一份。在摩西的时代，上帝曾在旷野用吗哪养活以色列人；这一天把食物赐给他们的，若不是摩西所预言的那一位，还会是谁呢？人的能力绝不能用五个大麦饼和两条小鱼，做出这么多的食物，叫数千饥饿的人吃饱。于是众人议论说：“这真是那要到世间来的先知。”[1]{DA 377.1}
§5
Seated upon the grassy plain, in the twilight of the spring evening, the people ate of the food that Christ had provided. The words they had heard that day had come to them as the voice of God. The works of healing they had witnessed were such as only divine power could perform. But the miracle of the loaves appealed to everyone in that vast multitude. All were sharers in its benefit. In the days of Moses, God had fed Israel with manna in the desert; and who was this that had fed them that day but He whom Moses had foretold? No human power could create from five barley loaves and two small fishes food sufficient to feed thousands of hungry people. And they said one to another, This is of a truth that Prophet that should come into the world. {DA 377.1}[1]
§6
在一天的见闻中，这个信念在众人心中逐渐增强。这最大的神迹是个保证：他们长久仰望的拯救者已在他们中间了！于是众人的希望愈益增强。这就是将要使犹太成为全地乐园，成为“流奶与蜜之地”的那一位。他能满足每个人的愿望，击败可恨的罗马人的权势，拯救犹太和耶路撒冷；他能医治战场上的伤兵，供给全军粮饷。终于征服列国，把以色列多年所羡慕的王权赐给他们。[2]{DA 377.2}
§7
All day the conviction has strengthened. That crowning act is assurance that the long-looked-for Deliverer is among them. The hopes of the people rise higher and higher. This is He who will make Judea an earthly paradise, a land flowing with milk and honey. He can satisfy every desire. He can break the power of the hated Romans. He can deliver Judah and Jerusalem. He can heal the soldiers who are wounded in battle. He can supply whole armies with food. He can conquer the nations, and give to Israel the long-sought dominion. {DA 377.2}[2]
§8
众人出于满腔的热忱，预备立刻拥戴耶稣为王。他们见他并不设法引起众人的注意，或博得众人的尊敬。在这一点上，他与祭司和官长们根本不同。所以他们担心耶稣永不宣布自己有荣登大卫宝座之权。于是经过商议，大家同意用强制的手段宣布他为以色列的王。门徒和众人一同宣称，他们的夫子是大卫宝座的合法继承人。他们说基督拒绝这种尊荣是因为他谦逊的缘故。让众人高举他们的拯救者吧！让那些傲慢的祭司和官长们被迫来尊敬带着上帝权威而来的这一位吧！[3]{DA 378.1}
§9
In their enthusiasm the people are ready at once to crown Him king. They see that He makes no effort to attract attention or secure honor to Himself. In this He is essentially different from the priests and rulers, and they fear that He will never urge His claim to Davids throne. Consulting together, they agree to take Him by force, and proclaim Him the king of Israel. The disciples unite with the multitude in declaring the throne of David the rightful inheritance of their Master. It is the modesty of Christ, they say, that causes Him to refuse such honor. Let the people exalt their Deliverer. Let the arrogant priests and rulers be forced to honor Him who comes clothed with the authority of God. {DA 378.1}[3]
§10
为要实现这计划，他们急切地布置一切，但耶稣看出当时的情况，并认识到这种举动所必有的结果是他们所不能预料的。祭司和官长们现今正在寻索他的命，告他在他们和民众中进行离间。如果逼他为王，势必发生暴动、叛乱，而属灵之国的工作就要受到阻碍。故此，这个运动必须立即制止。于是耶稣叫门徒来，吩咐他们立刻坐船回迦百农，让他来遣散众人。[4]{DA 378.2}
§11
They eagerly arrange to carry out their purpose; but Jesus sees what is on foot, and understands, as they cannot, what would be the result of such a movement. Even now the priests and rulers are hunting His life. They accuse Him of drawing the people away from them. Violence and insurrection would follow an effort to place Him on the throne, and the work of the spiritual kingdom would be hindered. Without delay the movement must be checked. Calling His disciples, Jesus bids them take the boat and return at once to Capernaum, leaving Him to dismiss the people. {DA 378.2}[4]
§12
基督从来没有发过这么一道难以执行的命令。门徒早已希望能有个民众的运动来拥戴耶稣为王，但想到满腔的热忱尽成泡影，实在不堪忍受。从各地来赴逾越节的人群，都渴望见一见这新兴的先知。门徒觉得这正是千载难逢的良机，能拥戴他们敬爱的夫子登上以色列的王位。值此雄心勃发的当口，他们实在不忍走开，留耶稣一人在那荒凉的海岸上。他们反对这个计划，但这时耶稣用他从来没有向他们用过的权威讲话。他们知道再反对也无济于事，就沉闷地走向海边去。[5]{DA 378.3}
§13
Never before had a command from Christ seemed so impossible of fulfillment. The disciples had long hoped for a popular movement to place Jesus on the throne; they could not endure the thought that all this enthusiasm should come to nothing. The multitudes that were assembling to keep the Passover were anxious to see the new prophet. To His followers this seemed the golden opportunity to establish their beloved Master on the throne of Israel. In the glow of this new ambition it was hard for them to go away by themselves, and leave Jesus alone upon that desolate shore. They protested against the arrangement; but Jesus now spoke with an authority He had never before assumed toward them. They knew that further opposition on their part would be useless, and in silence they turned toward the sea. {DA 378.3}[5]
§14
耶稣随即命令众人散开，他态度之坚决使他们不敢不从。他们称赞和颂扬的话，刚出口就止住了。他们正想上前拥戴耶稣时，顿时止步，脸上欢乐热切的神情骤然消失了。群众有不少心情刚强意志坚决的人，但耶稣君王般的风度和几句沉着的命令，平息了当时的喧嚷，打消了他们的计划。他们认定他有超过一切地上权势的威力，于是二话没说就顺服了。[6]{DA 378.4}
§15
Jesus now commands the multitude to disperse; and His manner is so decisive that they dare not disobey. The words of praise and exaltation die on their lips. In the very act of advancing to seize Him their steps are stayed, and the glad, eager look fades from their countenances. In that throng are men of strong mind and firm determination; but the kingly bearing of Jesus, and His few quiet words of command, quell the tumult, and frustrate their designs. They recognize 3in Him a power above all earthly authority, and without a question they submit. {DA 378.4}[6]
§16
众人散去之后，耶稣“独自上山去祷告。”向上帝不住地恳求达数小时之久。他并不是为自己，乃是为别人祷告。他求天父赐他能力，好向世人显明他使命的神圣性，使撒但不至蒙蔽他们的理解力，混乱他们的判断力。救主知道自己在世上传道的工作将要结束，而接受他为救赎主的人为数还不多。他在心灵的痛苦挣扎之余，恳切地为门徒祈求。他们将受到严峻的考验，他们根据民众的幻想所抱的宿愿，必将在最痛苦最屈辱的情形之下化为泡影。他们非但不能看见他登上大卫的宝座，却要目睹他被钉在十字架上。而这才是他的真正的加冕礼。但门徒并没有看明白这一点，因此将来那强大的试探临到他们时，他们不会认识到它是对他们的试探。若没有圣灵来光照门徒的心并开扩他们的理解力，他们的信心是要打败仗的。耶稣想到门徒对他国度的概念是如此狭窄，竟局限于属世的荣华富贵上，心中甚为痛苦。他为他们负有沉重的担子，所以悲伤、忧苦、流泪地向上帝倾心恳求。[7]{DA 379.1}
§17
When left alone, Jesus went up into a mountain apart to pray. For hours He continued pleading with God. Not for Himself but for men were those prayers. He prayed for power to reveal to men the divine character of His mission, that Satan might not blind their understanding and pervert their judgment. The Saviour knew that His days of personal ministry on earth were nearly ended, and that few would receive Him as their Redeemer. In travail and conflict of soul He prayed for His disciples. They were to be grievously tried. Their long-cherished hopes, based on a popular delusion, were to be disappointed in a most painful and humiliating manner. In the place of His exaltation to the throne of David they were to witness His crucifixion. This was to be indeed His true coronation. But they did not discern this, and in consequence strong temptations would come to them, which it would be difficult for them to recognize as temptations. Without the Holy Spirit to enlighten the mind and enlarge the comprehension the faith of the disciples would fail. It was painful to Jesus that their conceptions of His kingdom were, to so great a degree, limited to worldly aggrandizement and honor. For them the burden was heavy upon His heart, and He poured out His supplications with bitter agony and tears. {DA 379.1}[7]
§18
门徒没有照耶稣的指示立刻离开海岸。他们等了片时，希望能等到他来。但当他们看见天色很快昏黑下来，就“上了船，要过海往迦百农去。”他们离开耶稣时心中很不服。自从认他为主以来，门徒对他的不满，没有比这次更甚的了。他们埋怨耶稣不让他们宣布他为王；他们怪自己不该那样轻易听他的话。他们想，如果当时稍微坚持一下，或能达到目的，也未可知。[8]{DA 379.2}
§19
The disciples had not put off immediately from the land, as Jesus directed them. They waited for a time, hoping that He would come to 3them. But as they saw that darkness was fast gathering, they entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. They had left Jesus with dissatisfied hearts, more impatient with Him than ever before since acknowledging Him as their Lord. They murmured because they had not been permitted to proclaim Him king. They blamed themselves for yielding so readily to His command. They reasoned that if they had been more persistent they might have accomplished their purpose. {DA 379.2}[8]
§20
不信的念头充满了他们的心思，虚荣之心蒙蔽了他们。他们知道法利赛人恨耶稣，但他们认为他应当作王，所以一心想看见他受人拥戴。他们跟的是一位能行伟大神迹的教师，却被人辱骂为骗子，这是他们难以忍受的磨炼。难道他们要长此被认为是假先知的门徒吗？难道基督将永不宣布他的王权吗？他既有这种权力，为什么不亮出自己的真底，而要使他们的生活这么艰苦呢？他为什么没有营救施洗约翰脱离横死呢？门徒就这样地推断，直到陷入属灵的黑暗之中。他们怀疑：耶稣会不会真像法利赛人所说的，是个骗子呢？[9]{DA 380.1}
§21
Unbelief was taking possession of their minds and hearts. Love of honor had blinded them. They knew that Jesus was hated by the Pharisees, and they were eager to see Him exalted as they thought He should be. To be united with a teacher who could work mighty miracles, and yet to be reviled as deceivers, was a trial they could ill endure. Were they always to be accounted followers of a false prophet? Would Christ never assert His authority as king? Why did not He who possessed such power reveal Himself in His true character, and make their way less painful? Why had He not saved John the Baptist from a violent death? Thus the disciples reasoned until they brought upon themselves great spiritual darkness. They questioned, Could Jesus be an impostor, as the Pharisees asserted? {DA 380.1}[9]
§22
那日门徒曾目睹基督所行的奇事。天国简直已经降到人间。那光荣宝贵的一天，本应使他们心中充满信心和与希望。如果他们本着心中所充满的多谈积极一面，就决不至遇到试探。但他们让失望情绪占据心思。没有留意基督的话：“把剩下的零碎收拾起来，……免得有糟蹋的。”那一天，他们曾享受极大的恩惠，但此时都忘光了。他们实在是处在困扰的思潮中，成了汹涌翻腾的狂涛，理性被淹没了。于是主就另外安排一些事，来占据他们的思想领域。当人们自造困难和烦恼时，上帝往往是这样做的。门徒用不着庸人自扰，危险即将临头。[10]{DA 380.2}
§23
The disciples had that day witnessed the wonderful works of Christ. It had seemed that heaven had come down to the earth. The memory of that precious, glorious day should have filled them with faith and hope. Had they, out of the abundance of their hearts, been conversing together in regard to these things, they would not have entered into temptation. But their disappointment had absorbed their thoughts. The words of Christ, Gather up the fragments, . . . that nothing be lost, were unheeded. Those were hours of large blessing to the disciples, but they had forgotten it all. They were in the midst of troubled waters. Their thoughts were stormy and unreasonable, and the Lord gave them something else to afflict their souls and occupy their minds. God often does this when men create burdens and troubles for themselves. The disciples had no need to make trouble. Already danger was fast approaching. {DA 380.2}[10]
§24
这时凶猛的风暴正偷偷向他们袭来，而他们却毫无准备。那是一次突变，因天气原是晴朗的；所以当狂风袭来时，他们恐慌了，忘记自己的不忠、不信和急躁。人人都拼尽全力使船不至下沉。从伯赛大渡海到他们预定与耶稣会合的地方，相距并不很远。在天气正常情况下，只要几小时就可到达。但现在他们随风飘流，离目的地越来越远了。直到四更天，他们还在辛苦地摇橹。到后来这些疲乏的人自觉已无生望，只好听天由命。在狂风与黑暗之中，大海教他们看出自己的无能。此时他们是多么渴望夫子同在啊！[11]{DA 380.3}
§25
A violent tempest had been stealing upon them, and they were unprepared for it. It was a sudden contrast, for the day had been perfect; and when the gale struck them, they were afraid. They forgot their disaffection, their unbelief, their impatience. Everyone worked to keep the boat from sinking. It was but a short distance by sea from Bethsaida to the point where they expected to meet Jesus, and in ordinary weather the journey required but a few hours; but now they were driven farther 3and farther from the point they sought. Until the fourth watch of the night they toiled at the oars. Then the weary men gave themselves up for lost. In storm and darkness the sea had taught them their own helplessness, and they longed for the presence of their Master. {DA 380.3}[11]
§26
耶稣并没有忘记他们。他在岸上看见那些受惊的人正在和风暴搏斗。他注视着他们，一刻也没有疏忽，十分关怀着那在海里颠簸的小船和其中宝贵的生灵，因为这些人将来是要作世上的光的。母亲怎样看顾自己的孩子，慈悲的夫子照样看顾自己的门徒。当他们制服了自己的心，消除不圣洁的奢望而谦虚地祈求帮助时，帮助就来了。[12]{DA 381.1}
§27
Jesus had not forgotten them. The Watcher on the shore saw those fear-stricken men battling with the tempest. Not for a moment did He lose sight of His disciples. With deepest solicitude His eyes followed the storm-tossed boat with its precious burden; for these men were to be the light of the world. As a mother in tender love watches her child, so the compassionate Master watched His disciples. When their hearts were subdued, their unholy ambition quelled, and in humility they prayed for help, it was given them. {DA 381.1}[12]
§28
他们正认为自己无救的时候，忽然有一道亮光，照出一个神秘的人影在海面上向他们走来，可是他们不知道这就是耶稣。他们把那来帮助他们的反看作是敌人。恐怖就吓倒了他们。那用以摇橹的坚强如铁的双手，这时都松开了；船随着波浪飘荡，众目都注视着那在白浪翻腾的海面上走来的人影。[13]{DA 381.2}
§29
At the moment when they believe themselves lost, a gleam of light reveals a mysterious figure approaching them upon the water. But they know not that it is Jesus. The One who has come for their help they count as an enemy. Terror overpowers them. The hands that have grasped the oars with muscles like iron let go their hold. The boat rocks at the will of the waves; all eyes are riveted on this vision of a man walking upon the white-capped billows of the foaming sea. {DA 381.2}[13]
§30
他们想这鬼怪一定是他们灭亡的预兆，就吓得喊叫起来。耶稣赶着前行，像是要越过他们去的样子，但他们认出了他，就求他帮助。他们敬爱的夫子便转过身来。他的声音消除了他们的恐慌，说：“你们放心，是我，不要怕！”[14]{DA 381.3}
§31
They think it a phantom that omens their destruction, and they cry out for fear. Jesus advances as if He would pass them; but they recognize Him, and cry out, entreating His help. Their beloved Master turns, His voice silences their fear, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. {DA 381.3}[14]
§32
他们既看出了这神秘的人影是主，彼得简直欢喜若狂。但他好像又不能完全相信，就说：“主！如果是你，请叫我从水面上走到你那里去。”耶稣说：“你来吧！”[15]{DA 381.4}
§33
As soon as they could credit the wondrous fact, Peter was almost beside himself with joy. As if he could scarcely yet believe, he cried out, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water. And He said, Come. {DA 381.4}[15]
§34
彼得望着耶稣，稳步行走，如履平地；但当他自鸣得意地回头望船上同伴时，他视线就离开了救主。风势猛烈，巨浪翻腾，向着他和夫子之间冲来；他就惶恐起来。一转眼不见基督，信心就动摇，人就开始下沉。但当巨浪行将吞没他时，彼得就把视线从怒涛中转向耶稣，喊叫说：“主啊！救我！”耶稣赶紧拉着他伸出的手，说：“你这小信的人哪，为什么疑惑呢？”[16]{DA 381.5}
§35
Looking unto Jesus, Peter walks securely; but as in self-satisfaction he glances back toward his companions in the boat, his eyes are turned from the Saviour. The wind is boisterous. The waves roll high, and come directly between him and the Master; and he is afraid. For a moment Christ is hidden from his view, and his faith gives way. He begins to sink. But while the billows talk with death, Peter lifts his eyes from the angry waters, and fixing them upon Jesus, cries, Lord, save me. Immediately Jesus grasps the outstretched hand, saying, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? {DA 381.5}[16]
§36
耶稣和彼得肩并着肩，手拉手，一同上了船。彼得这时狼狈不语，没理由在同伴面前夸口。这次他因不信和自大，几乎丧命，由于一下不注视耶稣，他险些失足，沉没海浪之中。[17]{DA 381.6}
§37
Walking side by side, Peters hand in that of his Master, they stepped into the boat together. But Peter was now subdued and silent. He had no reason to boast over his fellows, for through unbelief and self-exaltation 3he had very nearly lost his life. When he turned his eyes from Jesus, his footing was lost, and he sank amid the waves. {DA 381.6}[17]
§38
我们遇到困难时，不也是常和彼得一样吗？我们的眼睛不注视救主，反而观看波浪。于是我们的脚步滑跌，骄横的大水便淹没了我们。耶稣叫彼得到他那里去，并不是要他灭亡。他决不叫我们跟从了他，然后丢弃我们。他说：“你不要害怕！因为我救赎了你。我曾提你的名召你，你是属我的。你从水中经过，我必与你同在；你越过江河，水必不漫过你；你从火中行过，必不被烧，火焰也不着在你身上，因为我是耶和华你的上帝，是以色列的圣者你的救主。”（赛43:1-3）[18]{DA 382.1}
§39
When trouble comes upon us, how often we are like Peter! We look upon the waves, instead of keeping our eyes fixed upon the Saviour. Our footsteps slide, and the proud waters go over our souls. Jesus did not bid Peter come to Him that he should perish; He does not call us to follow Him, and then forsake us. Fear not, He says; for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour. Isaiah 43:1-3. {DA 382.1}[18]
§40
耶稣洞悉门徒的性格，知道他们的信心将受何等严峻的考验。他要用海面上的意外遭遇，使彼得知道自己的软弱，指明他的安全在于不断地依靠上帝的能力。当他处在惊涛骇浪的试探之中时，唯有完全不自恃地倚靠救主，方能步履安详。彼得自以为强壮的地方，倒正是他的软弱之处。非到他认清自己的软弱，他就不会觉得有倚靠基督的必要。他若能学到耶稣借履海的经验要给他的教训，后来大试炼临到他时，就不至失败了。[19]{DA 382.2}
§41
Jesus read the character of His disciples. He knew how sorely their faith was to be tried. In this incident on the sea He desired to reveal to Peter his own weakness,--to show that his safety was in constant dependence upon divine power. Amid the storms of temptation he could walk safely only as in utter self-distrust he should rely upon the Saviour. It was on the point where he thought himself strong that Peter was weak; and not until he discerned his weakness could he realize his need of dependence upon Christ. Had he learned the lesson that Jesus sought to teach him in that experience on the sea, he would not have failed when the great test came upon him. {DA 382.2}[19]
§42
上帝天天都在教导他的儿女。他借日常生活的环境，培养他们在更宽广的舞台上担任他所派给他们的角色。日常生活中的考验，决定着人生重要关头中的胜负与成败。[20]{DA 382.3}
§43
Day by day God instructs His children. By the circumstances of the daily life He is preparing them to act their part upon that wider stage to which His providence has appointed them. It is the issue of the daily test that determines their victory or defeat in lifes great crisis. {DA 382.3}[20]
§44
凡不感觉自己必须时刻倚靠上帝的人，必被试探所胜。我们现在尽可以自以为站立得很稳，永不摇动。我们尽可自信地说：我知道所信的是谁，我对上帝和上帝的道所有的信仰是怎么也不会动摇的。但是撒但正在暗算，要利用我们品性上生就的和养成的弱点，蒙蔽我们，使我们看不出自己日常生活中的需要和缺乏。唯有认明自己的软弱，目不转睛地仰望耶稣，我们才能步履安详。[21]{DA 382.4}
§45
Those who fail to realize their constant dependence upon God will be overcome by temptation. We may now suppose that our feet stand secure, and that we shall never be moved. We may say with confidence, I know in whom I have believed; nothing can shake my faith in God and in His word. But Satan is planning to take advantage of our hereditary and cultivated traits of character, and to blind our eyes to our own necessities and defects. Only through realizing our own weakness and looking steadfastly unto Jesus can we walk securely. {DA 382.4}[21]
§46
耶稣一上船风就住了，“船立时到了他们所要去的地方。”恐怖之夜已过，迎来的是黎明的曙光。门徒和其他同船的人，满心感谢地俯伏在耶稣脚前。说：“你真是上帝的儿子了！”[22]{DA 382.5}
§47
No sooner had Jesus taken His place in the boat than the wind ceased, and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went. The night of horror was succeeded by the light of dawn. The disciples, and others who also were on board, bowed at the feet of Jesus with thankful hearts, saying, Of a truth Thou art the Son of God! {DA 382.5}[22]