第53章 蒙爱的约翰
§1
第53章 蒙爱的约翰
§2
Chap. 53 - John the Beloved
§3
约翰与其它使徒有别，他乃是“耶稣所爱的那门徒。”（约21:20）他似乎是享受了基督非常程度的友谊，也获得了救主信任与亲爱的多方面表示。他是蒙准许在变像的山上瞻仰基督的荣耀，并在客西马尼园目睹他的惨痛的三个门徒之一；又当我主在十字架上受苦的最后时辰中，那受托照顾他母亲的也就是他。[1]{AA 539.1 }
§4
John is distinguished above the other apostles as the disciple whom Jesus loved. John 21:20. He seems to have enjoyed to a pre-eminent degree the friendship of Christ, and he received many tokens of the Saviours confidence and love. He was one of the three permitted to witness Christs glory upon the mount of transfiguration and His agony in Gethsemane, and it was to his care that our Lord confided His mother in those last hours of anguish upon the cross. {AA 539.1 }[1]
§5
这位蒙爱的门徒以热诚献身的全副精力来报答救主对他的爱。约翰依恋于基督，正如葡萄树依附于雄伟的支柱一般。他为他夫子的缘故冒险到审判厅去，并流连于十字架下；又在听见基督已经复活的消息时，他就赶紧跑到坟墓那里去，而以他的兴奋热情竟追过了急性的彼得。[2]{AA 539.2 }
§6
The Saviours affection for the beloved disciple was returned with all the strength of ardent devotion. John clung to Christ as the vine clings to the stately pillar. For his Masters sake he braved the dangers of the judgment hall and lingered about the cross, and at the tidings that Christ had risen, he hastened to the sepulcher, in his zeal out-stripping even the impetuous Peter. {AA 539.2 }[2]
§7
约翰在品格和生活上所表现之信赖的爱心与无私的献身，对于基督教会提供了莫大价值的教训。约翰并非生来就赋有他晚年经验所表现的可爱性格。他天性上具有严重的缺点。他不但骄傲自逞、贪图虚荣，而且性情急躁，一受亏损就心存怨恨。他和他哥哥二人被称为“雷子”。恶劣的气质，报复的心理，论断人的习惯，这个蒙爱的门徒样样都有。但在这一切之下，那位神圣的教师看出了一颗热诚、真挚、仁爱的心。耶稣谴责了他的自私自利，挫折了他的野心奢望，并试验了他的信心。但他也向他启示了他心灵所渴慕的，就是那圣洁的荣美，爱的变化之能。[3]{AA 539.3 }
§8
The confiding love and unselfish devotion manifested in the life and character of John present lessons of untold value to the Christian church. John did not naturally possess the loveliness of character that his later experience revealed. By nature he had serious defects. He was not only proud, self-assertive, and ambitious for honor, but impetuous, and resentful under injury. He and his brother were called sons of thunder. Evil temper, the desire for revenge, the spirit of criticism, were all in the beloved disciple. But beneath all this the divine Teacher discerned the ardent, sincere, loving heart. Jesus rebuked this self-seeking, disappointed his ambitions, tested his faith. But He revealed to him that for which his soul longed--the beauty of holiness, the transforming power of love. {AA 539.3 }[3]
§9
约翰在亲自与救主接近交往时，曾经几次很强烈地显露了他品格上的缺点。有一次，基督差遣使者在他前面到撒玛利亚人的一个村庄去，要求那里的人为他和门徒预备饮食。但当救主走近那村庄时，他好像是要越过那里而直往耶路撒冷去。这事引起了撒玛利亚人的嫉妒，因此他们非但没有请他住下，而且连接待一个普通行路之人的殷勤也不肯表示。耶稣从来不勉强任何人款留他，撒玛利亚人倒因此丧失了请求他作为他们贵客所必定获致的福分了。[4]{AA 540.1 }
§10
The defects in Johns character came strongly to the front on several occasions during his personal association with the Saviour. At one time Christ sent messengers before Him into a village of the Samaritans, requesting the people to prepare refreshments for Him and His disciples. But when the Saviour approached the town, He appeared to be desirous of passing on toward Jerusalem. This aroused the envy of the Samaritans, and instead of inviting Him to tarry with them, they withheld the courtesies which they would have given to a common wayfarer. Jesus never urges His presence upon any, and the Samaritans lost the blessing which would have been granted them had they solicited Him to be their guest. {AA 540.1 }[4]
§11
门徒知道基督的目的原是要借着他的光临而使撒玛利亚人得福；但那对他们的夫子所表显的冷淡、嫉妒和不敬使他们大为惊奇，满心愤慨。雅各和约翰尤其感到激怒。他们所极其尊敬的主竟受到这样的待遇，这在他们看来似乎是一项太严重的过失，不容轻易放过而不予以立即惩罚。他们提到从前撒玛利亚的五十夫长、和他的同伴奉派捉拿先知以利亚时被烧灭的事，而本着热诚说：“主啊，你要我们吩咐火从天上降下来，烧灭他们，像以利亚所作的么？”他们惊异地看到耶稣因他们的话而痛心，及至他以下责备的话落到他们耳中时，他们就更为希奇了：“你们的心如何，你们并不知道。人子来不是要灭人的性命，是要救人的性命。”（路9:54-56）[5]{AA 540.2 }
§12
The disciples knew that it was the purpose of Christ to bless the Samaritans by His presence; and the coldness, jealousy, and disrespect shown to their Master filled them with surprise and indignation. James and John especially were aroused. That He whom they so highly reverenced should be thus treated, seemed to them a wrong too great to be passed over without immediate punishment. In their zeal they said, Lord, wilt Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? referring to the destruction of the Samaritan captains and their companies sent out to take the prophet Elijah. They were surprised to see that Jesus was pained by their words, and still more surprised as His rebuke fell upon their ears: Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy mens lives, but to save them. Luke 9:54-56. {AA 540.2 }[5]
§13
强迫人接待他决不是基督的使命。那想要强迫人良心的，乃是撒但和一般被撒但精神所鼓动的人。那与恶使者联合的人在为义而发热心的伪装之下，有时竟使自己的同胞受苦，以图改变他们对于宗教的信念；而基督则总是表现怜悯，总是显示慈爱，借以赢得人心。他固然不容许另有敌手在人心中，也不悦纳分心的侍奉；但他却悦纳自愿的侍奉，因爱的激励而甘愿归顺的心。[6]{AA 541.1 }
§14
It is no part of Christs mission to compel men to receive Him. It is Satan, and men actuated by his spirit, who seek to compel the conscience. Under a pretense of zeal for righteousness, men who are confederated with evil angels sometimes bring suffering upon their fellow men in order to convert them to their ideas of religion; but Christ is ever showing mercy, ever seeking to win by the revealing of His love. He can admit no rival in the soul, nor accept of partial service; but He desires only voluntary service, the willing surrender of the heart under the constraint of love. {AA 541.1 }[6]
§15
另有一次，雅各和约翰托他们的母亲提出请求，希望得蒙允准在基督的国里身居最高的地位。这两个年轻的门徒不顾基督所一再发挥的有关他国度之性质的教训，仍然怀着弥赛亚要按照人的愿望取得王位和王权的希望。母亲既像她儿子们一样，希望他们在这国中身居尊贵地位，就央求说：“愿你叫我这两个儿子在你国里，一个坐在你右边，一个坐在你的左边。”[7]{AA 541.2 }
§16
On another occasion James and John presented through their mother a petition requesting that they might be permitted to occupy the highest positions of honor in Christs kingdom. Notwithstanding Christs repeated instruction concerning the nature of His kingdom, these young disciples still cherished the hope for a Messiah who would take His throne and kingly power in accordance with the desires of men. The mother, coveting with them the place of honor in this kingdom for her sons, asked, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on Thy right hand, and the other on the left, in Thy kingdom. {AA 541.2 }[7]
§17
但是救主却回答说：“你们不知道所求的是什么。我所喝的杯，你们能喝么？我所受的洗，你们能受么？”他们虽然想起了他指着自己受审受苦所说的，那些不可思议的话，但他们仍然有把握地回答说：“我们能。”他们认为：如能借着分担那一切落在他们的主身上的患难来证明自己的忠心，那真是无上的光荣。[8]{AA 542.1 }
§18
But the Saviour answered, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They recalled His mysterious words pointing to trial and suffering, yet answered confidently, We are able. They would count it highest honor to prove their loyalty by sharing all that was to befall their Lord. {AA 542.1 }[8]
§19
基督说：“我所喝的杯，你们也要喝；我所受的洗，你们也要受，”那摆在他面前的乃是十字架，而不是宝座，那在他左右与他作伴的乃是两个罪犯。雅各和约翰是要与他们的夫子同受苦难的，一个最先被刀所杀；另一个则是十二门徒中在劳苦，侮辱和逼迫之下跟从夫子历时最久的。他继续说：“只是坐在我的左右，不是我可以赐的；乃是我父为谁预备的，就赐给谁。”（太20:21-23；可10:35-40）[9]{AA 542.2 }
§20
Ye shall drink indeed of My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with, Christ declared--before Him a cross instead of a throne, two malefactors His companions at His right hand and at His left. James and John were to be sharers with their Master in suffering--the one, destined to swift-coming death by the sword; the other, longest of all the disciples to follow his Master in labor and reproach and persecution. But to sit on My right hand, and on My left, He continued, is not Mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of My Father. Matthew 20:21-23. {AA 542.2 }[9]
§21
耶稣既洞悉引起这个请求的动机，所以就如此责备这两个门徒的骄傲和野心说：“外邦人有君王为主治理他们，有大臣操权管束他们。只是在你们中间不可这样：你们中间谁愿为大，就必作你们的用人；谁愿为首，就必作你们的仆人。正如人子来不是要受人的服侍，乃是要服侍人，并且要舍命，作多人的赎价。”（太20:25-28）[10]{AA 542.3 }
§22
Jesus understood the motive that prompted the request and thus reproved the pride and ambition of the two disciples: The princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:25-28. {AA 542.3 }[10]
§23
在上帝的国里，地位并不是靠偏爱得来的。它既不是赚来的，也不是由于任意赠与而获得的，它乃是品格的成果。冠冕与宝座乃是达到某种程度的标志，是借着我们的主耶稣基督的恩典而攻克己身的记号。[11]{AA 543.1 }
§24
In the kingdom of God, position is not gained through favoritism. It is not earned, nor is it received through an arbitrary bestowal. It is the result of character. The crown and the throne are the tokens of a condition attained--tokens of self-conquest through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. {AA 543.1 }[11]
§25
很久以后，当约翰借着与基督同受苦难而与他深表同情的时候，主耶稣就向他指明那接近他国度的条件。基督说：“得胜的，我要赐他在我宝座上与我同坐，就如我得了胜，在我父的宝座上与他同坐一般。”（启3:21）那最靠近基督的人必是在世上受他自我牺牲之爱，就是“不自夸，不张狂，……不求自己的益处，不轻易发怒，不计算人的恶”之爱的精神感染最深的人（林前13:4-5），这爱正如感动我们的主一样感动门徒，使他们为拯救人类而舍弃一切，而生活、工作、牺牲，以至于死。[12]{AA 543.2 }
§26
Long afterward, when John had been brought into sympathy with Christ through the fellowship of His sufferings, the Lord Jesus revealed to him what is the condition of nearness to His kingdom. To him that overcometh, Christ said, will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne. Revelation 3:21. The one who stands nearest to Christ will be he who has drunk most deeply of His spirit of self-sacrificing love,--love that vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, . . . seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5),--love that moves the disciple, as it moved our Lord, to give all, to live and labor and sacrifice even unto death, for the saving of humanity. {AA 543.2 }[12]
§27
还有一次，当雅各、约翰早年从事布道工作时，他们遇见一个并未公开跟从基督的人奉他的名赶鬼。门徒禁止那人工作，并以为自己这样作是合理的。但当他们将这事禀告基督时，他却责备他们，说：“不要禁止他，因为没有人奉我名行异能，反倒轻易毁谤我。”（可9:39）凡以任何方式向基督表示友善的人都不至被拒绝。门徒决不可怀有狭窄、排外的精神，而必须表现他们从夫子身上所看到的同样广泛的同情。雅各、约翰原以为禁止这人作工乃是维护主的荣誉；但这时才看出他们实在是顾虑自己的荣誉。于是他们承认自己的错误，并接受了救主的责备。[13]{AA 543.3 }
§28
At another time during their early evangelistic labors, James and John met one who, while not an acknowledged follower of Christ, was casting out devils in His name. The disciples forbade the man to work and thought they were right in doing this. But when they laid the matter before Christ, He reproved them, saying, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in My name, that can lightly speak evil of Me. Mark 9:39. None who showed themselves in any way friendly to Christ were to be repulsed. The disciples must not indulge a narrow, exclusive spirit, but must manifest the same far-reaching sympathy which they had seen in their Master. James and John had thought that in checking this man they had in view the Lords honor; but they began to see that they were jealous for their own. They acknowledged their error and accepted the reproof. {AA 543.3 }[13]
§29
基督的教训说明柔和、谦卑与慈爱，对于在恩典上有长进以及适合为他工作，都是不可缺少的；这教训对于约翰具有非常的价值。他已将每一个教训都珍藏在心，并经常地尽力使自己的生活符合那神圣的模范。约翰已经开始辨识基督的荣耀，并不是他曾经习惯盼望的属世荣华与权力，而“是父独生子的荣光，”“充充满满的有恩典有真理。”（约1:14）[14]{AA 544.1 }
§30
The lessons of Christ, setting forth meekness and humility and love as essential to growth in grace and a fitness for His work, were of the highest value to John. He treasured every lesson and constantly sought to bring his life into harmony with the divine pattern. John had begun to discern the glory of Christ--not the worldly pomp and power for which he had been taught to hope, but the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14. {AA 544.1 }[14]
§31
约翰对他夫子情意的深厚与热烈并不是基督爱他的原因，而是基督爱他的结果。约翰渴望与耶稣相似；他在基督慈爱品质的感化力之下，果然成了一个柔和谦卑的人。自我已经隐藏在耶稣里面了。约翰较比他所有的同伴更为顺服那奇妙生命的大能。他说：“这生命已经显现出来，我们也看见过。”“从他丰满的恩典里我们都领受了，而且恩上加恩。”（约一1:2；约1:16）约翰是凭着实验的知识认识救主的。他已将夫子的教训铭刻在心。当他为救主的恩典作见证时，他那简单的言语，却是带有充满着他整个身心的爱而颇为动人的。[15]{AA 544.2 }
§32
The depth and fervor of Johns affection for his Master was not the cause of Christs love for him, but the effect of that love. John desired to become like Jesus, and under the transforming influence of the love of Christ he did become meek and lowly. Self was hid in Jesus. Above all his companions, John yielded himself to the power of that wondrous life. He says, The life was manifested, and we have seen it. And of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. 1 John 1:2; John 1:16. John knew the Saviour by an experimental knowledge. His Masters lessons were graven on his soul. When he testified of the Saviours grace, his simple language was eloquent with the love that pervaded his whole being. {AA 544.2 }[15]
§33
约翰之所以时常渴愿贴近基督身旁，乃是因为他深切地爱基督所致。救主对于十二个门徒一律爱护，但约翰却是最具有感受精神的。约翰较比其它门徒年轻，所以他更能以赤子般的信靠，向耶稣敞开他的心门。这样，他就更能同情基督，而救主最深奥的属灵教训也就借着他传给众人了。[16]{AA 545.1 }
§34
It was Johns deep love for Christ which led him always to desire to be close by His side. The Saviour loved all the Twelve, but Johns was the most receptive spirit. He was younger than the others, and with more of the childs confiding trust he opened his heart to Jesus. Thus he came more into sympathy with Christ, and through him the Saviours deepest spiritual teaching was communicated to the people. {AA 545.1 }[16]
§35
耶稣爱那些表述天父的人，而约翰则最能讲论天父的爱，是其它门徒力所不及的。他将自己心灵中所感觉到的爱显示给他的同胞，并在他的品格上代表上帝的特性。他的脸上表现着主的荣光。那使他发生改变的圣洁荣美，以一种基督化的光辉从他的面容上显耀出来。他以崇拜和敬爱的心瞻仰救主，直至与基督相似并与基督相交成了他唯一的愿望，于是他的品格就反映他夫子的圣德了。[17]{AA 545.2 }
§36
Jesus loves those who represent the Father, and John could talk of the Fathers love as no other of the disciples could. He revealed to his fellow men that which he felt in his own soul, representing in his character the attributes of God. The glory of the Lord was expressed in his face. The beauty of holiness which had transformed him shone with a Christlike radiance from his countenance. In adoration and love he beheld the Saviour until likeness to Christ and fellowship with Him became his one desire, and in his character was reflected the character of his Master. {AA 545.2 }[17]
§37
他说：“你看父赐给我们是何等的慈爱，使我们得称为上帝的儿女。……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。”（约一3:1-2）[18]{AA 545.3 }
§38
Behold, he said, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. . . . 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 3:1, 2. {AA 545.3 }[18]