第04章 基督的使命
§1
第04章 基督的使命
§2
Chapter 4. - The Mission of Christ.
§3
基督隐居在拿撒勒，约翰自己并不认识祂，也不肯定祂就是弥赛亚。他虽然了解祂降生的详情，也相信祂要成为所应许的那一位，但祂在拿撒勒三十年隐退的生活并没有显出祂弥赛亚身份的任何特别证据，这使约翰怀疑祂是否真的是他要为其来临预备道路的那一位。然而约翰把这事放在了信心里，完全相信上帝会在适当的时间显明这事。主曾指示他，祂会用一个明显的记号向他指出弥赛亚；当这事成就时，约翰就能向世人介绍祂就是期待已久的弥赛亚，上帝的羔羊，除去世人罪孽的。{2SP 58.1}[1]
§4
Christs life had been so retired and secluded at Nazareth that John had not a personal acquaintance with him, and he did not positively know that he was the Messiah. He was acquainted with the circumstances of his birth, and he believed him to be the promised One. The secluded life of Christ for thirty years at Nazareth, in which he gave no special evidence of his Messiahship, suggested doubts to John whether he was indeed the One for whose coming he was to prepare the way. John, however, rested the matter in faith, fully believing that God would in due time make it plain. The Lord had shown him that the Messiah would be pointed out to him by a distinct sign; when this should be done, then John could present him to the world as the long-expected Messiah, the Lamb of God, that was to take away the sin of the world. {2SP 58.1}[1]
§5
约翰听说过基督无罪的品格和无瑕的纯正。祂的生活说明祂就是主向他启示在他们中间生活没有罪污的那一位。约翰还看见祂应该成为每一个悔改罪人的榜样。当基督现身要接受洗礼时，约翰立刻就认出祂是所启示给他的出众的那一位。他在耶稣的仪态和举止上看出一种超过他曾见过的所有其他人的品格。祂临格的气氛是圣洁而使人敬畏的。约翰原来虽不知道祂就是弥赛亚，但他从未在任何人身上体验到他在基督面前时的这种圣洁的感化力。他立刻感觉到基督的高尚，不敢给他明知无罪的一位施洗。许多人曾到他面前来接受悔改的洗礼，承认他们的罪恶和过犯；但约翰不明白为何地上惟一无罪的一位也要求进行这暗示有罪的礼节，实际上是藉着洗礼的记号承认受了污染要洗净。约翰既意识到基督的高尚，便劝阻祂，不肯为祂施洗，说：“我当受祢的洗，祢反倒上我这里来吗”（太3:14）？耶稣用坚定而温和的权威否决了约翰的拒绝和他所说的不配。祂说：“你暂且许我，因为我们理当这样尽诸般的义”（太3:15）！{2SP 58.2}[2]
§6
John had heard of the sinless character and spotless purity of Christ. His life was in harmony with what the Lord had revealed to him respecting one that was among them whose life was without the taint of sin. John had also seen that he should be the example for every repenting sinner. When Christ presented himself for baptism, John recognized him at once as the superior one revealed to him. He discerned, in the person and deportment of Christ, a character above every other man he had ever seen. The very atmosphere of his presence was holy and awe-inspiring. Although he knew him not as the Messiah, yet never had such a holy influence been realized by John from any one as when in the presence of Christ. He felt the superiority of Christ at once, and shrank from performing the rite of baptism to one whom he knew to be sinless. Many had come to him to receive the baptism of repentance, confessing their sins and crimes; but John could not understand why the only sinless one upon the earth should ask for an ordinance implying guilt, virtually confessing, by the symbol of baptism, pollution to be washed away. He remonstrated with Christ, acknowledging his superiority, and refused to administer the ordinance, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? With firm and gentle authority Jesus waives the refusal of John and his plea of unworthiness, saying, Suffer it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. {2SP 58.2}[2]
§7
基督不是来认祂自己的罪，而是认祂作为罪人的替身所归给祂的罪。祂不是来为自身的利益悔改，而是为了罪人的利益。人既违背了上帝的律法，基督就要履行那律法的每一个要求，从而显出完全的顺从。“上帝啊，我来了，为要照祢的旨意行”（来10:7）！基督藉着受洗尊重了洗礼。祂以这个举动将自己与祂的百姓视为一体，作他们的代表和元首。祂作为他们的替身，承担了他们的罪，将自己列在罪犯之中，采取罪人必需采取的步骤，做罪人必须做的事。祂受洗后痛苦忍耐的生活乃是悔改罪人的榜样，说明他们因自己的过犯和罪恶所应该耐心忍受的。约翰终于接受了基督的要求，尽管觉得自己不配给祂施洗，还是给祂施了洗。他当着一大群百姓的面把救世主领进约旦河里，把祂浸在水里。{2SP 59.1}[3]
§8
Christ came not confessing his own sins; but guilt was imputed to him as the sinners substitute. He came not to repent on his own account; but in behalf of the sinner. As man had transgressed the law of God, Christ was to fulfill every requirement of that law, and thus show perfect obedience. Lo, I come to do thy will, O God! Christ honored the ordinance of baptism by submitting to this rite. In this act he identified himself with his people as their representative and head. As their substitute, he takes upon him their sins, numbering himself with the transgressors, taking the steps the sinner is required to take, and doing the work the sinner must do. His life of suffering and patient endurance after his baptism were an example to converted sinners of what they should endure and patiently suffer in consequence of their transgressions and sins. John finally yielded to the request of Christ, notwithstanding his feelings of unworthiness to baptize him, and performed the service. He led the Saviour of the world down into the river Jordan in the presence of a large concourse of people, and buried him in the water. {2SP 59.1}[3]
§9
基督从水里上来，从约翰手里出来之后，走到约旦河岸上，跪下祈祷。约翰的双眸以最深的兴趣惊愕地注视着基督。当他看到祂作为一个恳求者这样跪下时，他心中激动万分。基督双手举向上天，祂凝视的目光似乎穿透了天空。作为信徒的榜样，祂无罪的人性恳求从祂的天父得到扶持和力量，因为祂即将开始作为弥赛亚进行公开服务。耶稣在恳切的祈祷中倾心吐意。一个重要的新纪元展开在祂面前。祂从前平静安宁的生活到此为止了。祂在勤奋辛劳的生活中一直是快乐的，尽了儿子的本分。祂是儿童、青少年和成年人的榜样。祂的举止表明目前的重要性和严肃性。祂感到了自己必须负起之责任的分量。祂即将从事艰巨的新责任。人们的罪恶和心肠刚硬使他们与上帝隔绝，祂对这一切的认识使祂确信只有很少的人会看出祂满有怜悯的使命，接受祂从天上来要带给他们的救恩。{2SP 60.1}[4]
§10
After Christ rose up from the water and from the hand of John, he walked out to the bank of Jordan, and bowed in the attitude of prayer. The eyes of John were fastened upon Christ with the deepest interest and amazement. His heart was stirred with emotion as he looked upon him thus bowed as a suppliant. Christs hands were raised upward, and his gaze seemed to penetrate Heaven. As the believers example, his sinless humanity supplicated support and strength from his Heavenly Father, as he was about to commence his public labors as the Messiah. Jesus poured out his soul in earnest prayer. A new and important era was opening before him. His former peaceful, quiet life is to here end. He had been happy in a life of industry and toil, while fulfilling the duties devolving on a son. He was an example to those in childhood, youth, and manhood. His deportment showed that he felt the importance and solemnity of the hour. He knew that trials, toils, conflicts, sufferings, and death, were in the path his feet had entered. He felt the weight of the responsibilities he must bear. He was about to engage in new and arduous duties. A sense of the sinfulness of men, and the hardness of their hearts, which separated them from God, convinced him that but few would discern his merciful mission, and accept the salvation he came from Heaven to bring them. {2SP 60.1}[4]
§11
众天使之前从未听过基督在受洗时献上的这样的祈祷，他们便热切期望作传信的使者，把天父的信息传给圣子。然而，不用；天父直接发出了祂的荣光。天开了，荣光照在上帝的儿子身上，呈鸽子的形状，看起来象闪闪发光的金子。那鸽子般的形状象征基督的柔和谦卑。民众站在那里，心夺神移，惊讶不已。他们注目于基督的时候，从开了的天上有声音说：“这是我的爱子，我所喜悦的”（太3:17）。确认基督是上帝儿子的这句话赐下来是要使在场目睹的人产生信心，并在上帝儿子的艰巨工作中支持祂。尽管上帝的儿子披上了人性，但耶和华仍用祂自己的声音郑重地宣告祂永生上帝儿子的身份。上帝在向祂儿子的这次显现中，接纳了因祂爱子的美德而得到高举的人性。{2SP 60.2}[5]
§12
Never before had angels listened to such a prayer as Christ offered at his baptism, and they were solicitous to be the bearers of the message from the Father to his Son. But, no; direct from the Father issues the light of his glory. The heavens were opened, and beams of glory rested upon the Son of God, and assumed the form of a dove, in appearance like burnished gold. The dove-like form was emblematical of the meekness and gentleness of Christ. While the people stood spell-bound with amazement, their eyes fastened upon Christ, from the opening heavens came these words: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. The words of confirmation that Christ is the Son of God was given to inspire faith in those who witnessed the scene, and to sustain the Son of God in his arduous work. Notwithstanding the Son of God was clothed with humanity, yet Jehovah, with his own voice, assures him of his sonship with the Eternal. In this manifestation to his Son, God accepts humanity as exalted through the excellence of his beloved Son. {2SP 60.2}[5]
§13
约翰既目睹天上的鸽子落在耶稣身上，就是所应许弥赛亚的记号，便伸出手，在众人面前满有把握地宣告说：“看哪，上帝的羔羊，除去世人罪孽的”（约1:29）！从这时起，约翰就对耶稣真是弥赛亚毫无疑问了。{2SP 61.1}[6]
§14
As John had now witnessed the heavenly dove resting upon Jesus, which was the promised token of the Messiah, he stretched forth his hand, and with assurance proclaimed before the multitude, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! From this time John had no doubt in regard to Jesus being the true Messiah. {2SP 61.1}[6]
§15
此后耶稣退到旷野里去，四十天受魔鬼的试探。祂长久的禁食结束，取得了胜利，便回到了约旦河边，再次混杂在约翰的门徒中，没有表现出祂特殊使命的外在证据，也没有设法引人注意。{2SP 61.2}[7]
§16
After this, Jesus withdrew into the wilderness, to be tempted of the devil forty days. His long fast ended, the victory won, he returns to the banks of the Jordan, mingling again with the disciples of John, yet giving no outward evidence of his special work, and taking no measures to bring himself to notice. {2SP 61.2}[7]
§17
耶路撒冷的最高当局打发人来调查约翰引起大轰动的事。他正在呼召各城各镇的人都来听他警告的声音。他们想知道先知如此吸引民众、使世人神魂颠倒的权柄何在。这些使者要求约翰明确地告诉他们他是不是弥赛亚。约翰坦率地说：“我不是基督。”他们又问他：“这样，你是谁呢？是以利亚吗？”他说：“我不是。”“是那先知吗？”他回答说：“不是。”于是他们说：“你到底是谁，叫我们好回复差我们来的人。你自己说，你是谁？”他说：“我就是那在旷野有人声喊着说：‘修直主的道路’，正如先知以赛亚所说的”（约1:20-23）。他们就质疑他施洗的权柄说：“你既不是基督，不是以利亚，也不是那先知，为什么施洗呢？”他们所说的“那先知”指的是摩西。犹太人一直相信摩西会从死里复活，并被接到天上。他们不知道摩西早就复活了。{2SP 62.1}[8]
§18
Men were sent from the highest authority in Jerusalem to inquire in regard to the great agitation John was creating. He was calling whole cities and towns to listen to his voice of warning; and they would know the prophets authority for thus claiming the attention of the people, and turning the world upside down. These messengers challenged John to tell them certainly if he was the Messiah. John confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness. Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. John is then questioned as to his authority for baptizing, and thus agitating the people, when he does not claim to be Christ, or Elias, neither that prophet. The words, That prophet, has reference to Moses. The Jews had been inclined to the belief that Moses would be raised from the dead, and taken to Heaven. They did not know that Moses had already been resurrected. {2SP 62.1}[8]
§19
当约翰来用水给人施洗的时候，犹太人就以为他可能就是先知摩西从死里复活了；因为他似乎通晓预言，了解希伯来人的历史和他们因错误的怨言和持续的反叛而在旷野漂流的事。他们还想起约翰出生时的奇特境况，以及上帝向他父亲撒迦利亚奇妙显现，在圣殿中有从上帝面前来的天使光顾他，撒迦利亚因不信天使的话而成了哑巴，又在约翰出生的时候舌头开了。这些重要的事实在过去的三十年显然被遗忘了。但是当约翰作为一位先知出现时，人们就又想起了他出生时上帝之灵的显现。{2SP 62.2}[9]
§20
When John came, baptizing with water, the Jews thought that he might be the prophet Moses risen from the dead; for he seemed to have a thorough knowledge of the prophecies, and to understand the history of the Hebrews and their wanderings in the wilderness in consequence of their unjust murmurings and continual rebellion. They also called to mind the peculiar circumstances of Johns birth, and wonderful manifestation of God to Zacharias, his father, in the temple, by the visitation of the angel from the presence of God, and the power of speech, being taken from Zacharias, because he did not believe the words of the angel, and the unloosing of his tongue at the birth of John. These important facts had in the past thirty years been measurably forgotten. But when John appeared as a prophet, the manifestation of the Spirit of God at his birth was called to mind. {2SP 62.2}[9]
§21
当耶路撒冷派来的使者与约翰谈论他的使命和工作时，要是他愿意的话，他原可尊荣自己。但他不愿僭取不属于自己的尊荣。在与使者们交谈时，他的眼睛突然亮了起来，容光焕发，全身似乎深情澎湃，因为他发现耶稣就在人群之中。他便举起手，指向基督，说：有一位站在你们中间，是你们不认识的。我来要在现在你们所看见的祂前面预备道路。祂就是弥赛亚。祂就是那在我以后来的，祂本来在我以前，我给祂解鞋带也不配。{2SP 63.1}[10]
§22
When the messengers from the highest authority in Jerusalem were communing with John in reference to his mission and work, he could have taken honor to himself, had he been so disposed. But he would not assume honors that did not belong to him. While conversing with the messengers, suddenly his eye kindled, his countenance lighted up, and his whole being seemed stirred with deep emotion, as he discovered the person of Jesus in the concourse of people. He raised his hand, pointing to Christ, saying, There standeth One among you whom ye know not. I have come to prepare the way before him whom ye now see. He is the Messiah. He it is who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoes latchet I am not worthy to unloose. {2SP 63.1}[10]
§23
次日，约翰看见耶稣来到他那里，就说：“看哪，上帝的羔羊，除去世人罪孽的！这就是我曾说：‘有一位在我以后来、反成了在我以前的，因祂本来在我以前。’我先前不认识祂，如今我来用水施洗，为要叫祂显明给以色列人。”约翰又作见证说：“我曾看见圣灵，仿佛鸽子从天降下，住在祂的身上。我先前不认识祂，只是那差我来用水施洗的、对我说：‘你看见圣灵降下来，住在谁的身上，谁就是用圣灵施洗的。’我看见了，就证明这是上帝的儿子。”再次日，约翰同两个门徒站在那里。他见耶稣行走，就说：“看哪！这是上帝的羔羊！”两个门徒听见他的话，就跟从了耶稣。耶稣转过身来，看见他们跟着，就问他们说：“你们要什么？”两个门徒便承认他们正在寻找基督，并且渴望与祂熟识，在祂家里受祂指教。这两个门徒陶醉于基督非常感人却简单实际的教训。他们的心以前从未受过这样的感动。西门彼得的兄弟安德烈是这两个门徒中的一个。他很关心自己的亲友，急于让他们也见到基督，亲自听祂宝贵的教训。安德烈去找着自己的哥哥西门，很有把握地说已经发现了基督，弥赛亚，救世主。他把哥哥带到耶稣面前，耶稣一见到西门，就说：你是约拿的儿子西门，你要称为矶法，矶法翻出来就是石头。第二天基督拣选了另一个门徒腓力，吩咐他来跟从祂。腓力完全相信基督就是弥赛亚，并且开始去找别人，要把他们带来听基督的教训，那是他很着迷的。于是腓力找着了拿但业。拿但业是曾听到约翰宣布“看哪，上帝的羔羊，除去世人罪孽的”人中的一个。他深感有罪，便退到一个树林中，避开人的眼目，在那里默想约翰的宣告，回想关于弥赛亚的降临及其使命的预言。他这样疑问：这确实是他们久已等候渴望见到的弥赛亚吗？拿但业心中涌现了希望，这可能就是要拯救以色列的那位。他俯伏在上帝面前祈求，要是约翰所宣称要作世界的救赎主的这个人确实是所应许的拯救者，就求主让他可以知道。上帝的灵以一种特别的方式停留在拿但业身上，使他深信基督就是弥赛亚。拿但业正在祈祷时，听到了腓力叫他的声音说：“摩西在律法上所写的和众先知所记的那一位，我们遇见了，就是约瑟的儿子拿撒勒人耶稣。”拿但业对他说：“拿撒勒还能出什么好的吗？”腓力说：“你来看！”耶稣看见拿但业来，就指着他说：“看哪，这是个真以色列人，他心里是没有诡诈的。”拿但业对耶稣说：“祢从哪里知道我呢？”耶稣回答说：“腓力还没有招呼你，你在无花果树底下，我就看见你了。”{2SP 63.2}[11]
§24
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me; for he was before me. And I knew him not; but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from Heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not. But he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw and bare record, that this is the Son of God. Again, the next day after, John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? The disciples confessed that they were seeking Christ, and that they desired to become acquainted with him, and to be instructed by him at his home. These two disciples were charmed with the deeply impressive, yet simple and practical, lessons of Christ. Their hearts had never been so moved before. Andrew, Simon Peters brother, was one of these disciples. He was interested for his friends and relatives, and was anxious that they also should see Christ, and hear for themselves his precious lessons. Andrew went in search of his brother Simon, and with assurance claimed to have found Christ, the Messiah, the Saviour of the world. He brought his brother to Jesus, and as soon as Jesus looked upon him, he said, Thou art Simon, the son of Jona; thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation a stone. The next day Christ selected another disciple, Philip, and bade him follow him. Philip fully believed that Christ was the Messiah, and began to search for others to bring them to listen to the teachings of Christ, which had so charmed him. Then Philip found Nathanael. He was one of the number who heard John proclaim, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. He felt deeply convicted, and retired to a grove, concealed from every human eye, and there meditated upon the announcement of John, calling to his mind the prophecies relating to the coming of the Messiah and his mission. He queried thus: Could this indeed be the Messiah for whom they had so long waited, and were so desirous to see? Hope sprang up in the heart of Nathanael that this might be the one that would save Israel. He bowed before God and prayed that if the person whom John had declared to be the Redeemer of the world was indeed the promised deliverer, that it might be made known to him. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon Nathanael in such a special manner that he was convinced that Christ was the Messiah. While Nathanael was praying, he heard the voice of Philip calling him, saying, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. {2SP 63.2}[11]
§25
拿但业摇摆的信心如今坚定了，他便回答说：“拉比，祢是上帝的儿子，祢是以色列的王。耶稣对他说：因为我说在无花果树底下看见你，你就信吗？你将要看见比这更大的事。我实实在在的告诉你们，你们将要看见天开了，上帝的使者上去下来在人子身上。”见约1:29-51。{2SP 65.1}[12]
§26
Nathanaels wavering faith was now strengthened, and he answered and said, Rabbi, thou art the son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see Heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man. {2SP 65.1}[12]
§27
最初的这几个门徒，是藉着个人之工所奠定基督教会的基础。约翰先是把自己的两个门徒指向基督。然后这两个门徒中的一个找到了自己的哥哥，并把他带到基督面前。基督又呼召了腓力来跟从祂，腓力又去找拿但业。这是给所有跟从基督之人的一个教训，教他们知道个人之工的重要性，直接向亲友和熟人发出呼吁。有些自称认识基督的人，一生从未做过个人之工，劝导一人来到救主面前。他们把工作都留给了传道人。传道人或许很胜任自己的工作，但他无法做上帝交给教会成员们的工作。许多人为自己开脱，不关心基督之外的人得救，却满足于自私地享受上帝恩典的益处，不做任何直接的努力使他人来到基督面前。在主的葡萄园中有一项工作要人人都去做，而无私、热心、忠诚的工人会在这里大享祂的恩典，和祂以后要赐的奖赏。好行为叫人运用信心，而勇气和盼望则与有功效的信心一致。许多自称跟从基督的人之所以没有光明活泼的经验，是因为他们没有做什么去获得它。他们若是从事上帝要他们从事的工作，他们的信心就会增加，他们就会在属灵的生活上进步。{2SP 66.1}[13]
§28
In these first few disciples the foundation of the Christian church was being laid by individual effort. John first directed two of his disciples to Christ. Then one of these finds a brother, and brings him to Christ. He then calls Philip to follow him, and he went in search of Nathanael. Here is an instructive lesson for all the followers of Christ. It teaches them the importance of personal effort, making direct appeals to relatives, friends, and acquaintances. There are those who profess to be acquainted with Christ for a life time who never make personal effort to induce one soul to come to the Saviour. They have left all the work with the minister. He may be well qualified for his work; but he cannot do the work which God has left upon the members of the church. Very many excuse themselves from being interested in the salvation of those who are out of Christ, and are content to selfishly enjoy the benefits of the grace of God themselves, while they make no direct effort to bring others to Christ. In the vineyard of the Lord there is a work for all to do, and unselfish, interested, faithful workers will share largely of his grace here, and of the reward he will bestow hereafter. Faith is called into exercise by good works, and courage and hope are in accordance with working faith. The reason many professed followers of Christ have not a bright and living experience, is because they do nothing to gain it. If they would engage in the work which God would have them do, their faith would increase, and they would advance in the divine life. {2SP 66.1}[13]
§29
耶稣喜欢拿但业真挚的信心，因为他在祂所说的几句话之外没有要求更大的证据。祂愉快地展望到祂要做的工作，解救受欺压的人，医治病人，打破撒但的捆绑。基督想到祂来要赐给人的福气，便当着其他门徒的面对拿但业说：“你们将要看见天开了，上帝的使者上去下来在人子身上。”{2SP 66.2}[14]
§30
Jesus was pleased with the earnest faith of Nathanael that asked for no greater evidence than the few words he had spoken. And he looked forward with pleasure to the work he was to do in relieving the oppressed, healing the sick, and in breaking the bands of Satan. In view of these blessings which Christ came to bestow, he says to Nathanael, in the presence of the other disciples, Hereafter ye shall see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man. {2SP 66.2}[14]
§31
基督实际上是说：在约旦河边，天曾在我面前开了，圣灵象鸽子一样降在我身上。在约旦河边的那个场景不过是一个记号，证明我是上帝的儿子。你们若这样相信我，你们的信心就会得到鼓舞，你们就会见到天开了，而且永远不会关上。我已经为你们把天开了。上帝的众使者与我联合促进地与天的和好，将地上的信徒与天父联在一起。他们会上去，把困苦患难之人的祈祷从地上带到天父那里去，也会下来，把盼望、勇气、健康和生命之福带给人。{2SP 67.1}[15]
§32
Christ virtually says, On the bank of Jordan the heavens were opened before me, and the Spirit descended like a dove upon me. That scene at Jordan was but a token to evidence that I was the Son of God. If you believe in me as such, your faith shall be quickened, and you shall see that the heavens will be opened, and shall never be closed. I have opened them for you, and the angels of God, that are united with me in the reconciliation between earth and Heaven, uniting the believers on the earth with the Father above, will be ascending, bearing the prayers of the needy and distressed from the earth to the Father above, and descending, bringing blessings of hope, courage, health, and life, for the children of men. {2SP 67.1}[15]
§33
上帝的天使时常往来于天地之间。基督为受苦受难之人所行的神迹，都是凭着上帝的能力并藉着天使的服务作成的。基督屈尊取了人性，便与亚当堕落的儿女利害相关，同时祂又藉着祂的神性握住上帝的宝座。基督就这样开通了世人与上帝、上帝与世人之间的交流。上帝所赐给人类的每一样福惠，都是藉着圣天使的服役而带来的。{2SP 67.2}[16]
§34
The angels of God are ever moving up and down from earth to Heaven, and from Heaven to earth. All the miracles of Christ performed for the afflicted and suffering were, by the power of God, through the ministration of angels. Christ condescended to take humanity, and thus he unites his interests with the fallen sons and daughters of Adam here below, while his divinity grasps the throne of God. And thus Christ opens the communication of man with God, and God with man. All the blessings from God to man are through the ministration of holy angels. {2SP 67.2}[16]
§35
基督的门徒天天在增加，人们从各城镇和乡村云集来听祂。许多人来受祂的洗；但基督并没有给任何人施洗。祂的门徒给人施洗。而当基督的门徒给大批的人施洗时，犹太人和约翰的门徒便起了疑问：受洗的行为是否洁净罪人脱离罪恶。约翰的门徒回答说约翰的洗礼只是叫人悔改，而基督的门徒则叫人得到新生命。约翰的门徒嫉妒基督受人欢迎，便对约翰提到基督说：“拉比，从前同你在约旦河外、你所见证的那位，现在施洗，众人都往祂那里去了。约翰说：若不是从天上赐的，人就不能得什么”（约3:26，27）。{2SP 68.1}[17]
§36
Disciples were being daily added to Christ, and people flocked from cities and villages to hear him. Many came to him for baptism; but Christ baptized none. His disciples performed this ordinance. And while Christs disciples were baptizing large numbers, there arose a question among the Jews and the disciples of John, whether the act of baptism purified the sinner from the guilt of sin. The disciples of John answered that John baptized only unto repentance, but Christs disciples unto a new life. Johns disciples were jealous of the popularity of Christ, and said to John, referring to Christ, He that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou bearest witness, behold the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing except it be given him from Heaven. {2SP 68.1}[17]
§37
约翰的回答实际上是说：你们因何为我嫉妒人呢？“我曾说：‘我不是基督，是奉差遣在祂前面的’，你们自己可以给我作见证。娶新妇的就是新郎；新郎的朋友站着，听见新郎的声音就甚喜乐。故此，我这喜乐满足了”（约3:28,29）。{2SP 68.2}[18]
§38
In this answer John virtually says, Why should you be jealous on my account? Ye yourselves bear me witness that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegrooms voice. This my joy therefore is fulfilled. {2SP 68.2}[18]
§39
约翰非但不因基督使命的成就而心生嫉妒，反而因见到他来要做的工作成功而欢喜快乐。他使门徒确信，他的特别使命就是把民众的注意力指向基督。“祂必兴旺，我必衰微。从天上来的是在万有之上；从地上来的是属乎地，他所说的也是属乎地。从天上来的是在万有之上。祂将所见所闻的见证出来，只是没有人领受祂的见证”（约3:30-32）。{2SP 68.3}[19]
§40
John, so far from being jealous of the prosperity of Christs mission, rejoices as he witnesses the success of the work he came to do. He assures his disciples that his special mission was to direct the attention of the people to Christ. He must increase; but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all. He that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth. He that cometh from Heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. {2SP 68.3}[19]
§41
约翰让门徒确信耶稣就是所应许的弥赛亚，世界的救主。当他的工作结束时，他教导自己的门徒要关注耶稣并且跟从祂，以祂为大教师。约翰的一生除了曾因目睹自己使命的成功而体验的喜乐之外，是没有快乐的。他的一生是悲伤舍己的一生。他宣报了基督的第一次降临，却未蒙允亲耳听到亲眼见到祂能力的显现。除了在旷野中，很少听到约翰的声音。他的生活是孤独的。群众曾云集到旷野去听这位奇妙先知的话语。他曾把斧头放在树根上。他斥责了罪恶，不怕结果如何。他为基督的服务预备了道路。{2SP 69.1}[20]
§42
John assured his disciples that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the Saviour of the world. As his work was closing, he taught his disciples to look to Jesus, and follow him as the great teacher. Johns life, with the exception of the joy he experienced in witnessing the success of his mission, was without pleasure. It was one of sorrow and self-denial. He who heralded the first advent of Christ, was not permitted to personally hear, nor to witness the power manifested by him. Johns voice was seldom heard, except in the wilderness. His life was lonely. Multitudes had flocked to the wilderness to hear the words of the wonderful prophet. He had laid the ax at the root of the tree. He had reproved sin, fearless of the consequences, and prepared the way for the ministry of Christ. {2SP 69.1}[20]
§43
希律听到约翰中肯的证言时受了感动。他以深刻的兴趣询问必须做什么才能成为约翰的门徒。他因约翰所说清楚明白的真理而知罪。他的良心谴责了他，因为一个女人邪恶的情欲曾博得了他的爱情并控制了他的心思。这个没有原则的女人野心勃勃地要得能力和权柄，以为她若成为希律的妻子便可达到目的。希律听到约翰所讲实际的真理，责备人违反上帝律法的罪，说明罪人将来必受的惩罚时，便感到战兢，很想打破情欲捆绑他的锁链。他向约翰敞开心扉，约翰面对面把上帝的律法摆在希律面前，并且告诉他，他若不断绝与他兄弟妻子的非法结合，并且全心顺从上帝的诫命，就不可能与弥赛亚的国有份。{2SP 69.2}[21]
§44
Herod was affected as he listened to the pointed testimony of John, and, with deep interest, he inquired what he must do to become his disciple. He was convicted by the plain truths uttered by John. His conscience condemned him, for a woman of vile passions had gained his affections and controlled his mind. This unprincipled woman was ambitious for power and authority, and thought if she became the wife of Herod her object would be gained. As Herod listened to the practical truths proclaimed by John, reproving the transgression of the law of God, and setting forth the future punishment which the guilty must suffer, he trembled, and greatly desired to break the chain of lust which held him. He opened his mind to John, who brought Herod to the law of God, face to face, and told him it would be impossible for him to have part in the kingdom of the Messiah unless he should break away from the unlawful connections with his brothers wife, and, with his whole heart, obey the commandments of God. {2SP 69.2}[21]
§45
希律想要遵照约翰的忠告而行，并对希罗底说他不能娶她而无视上帝的律法。但这个铁了心的女人不愿她的计划受阻。她心中对约翰起了强烈的仇恨。希律在原则上是软弱无力的，在心智上是优柔寡断的，希罗底没怎么费劲就重新得到了他的宠爱，并且对他施加了影响。希律便屈服于罪中之乐，而不是顺从上帝律法的约束了。{2SP 70.1}[22]
§46
Herod was inclined to act upon the advice of John, and stated to Herodias that he could not marry her in defiance of the law of God. But this determined woman would not be thwarted in her designs. Intense hatred was awakened in her heart toward John. Herod was weak in principle, vacillating in mind, and Herodias had no great difficulty in re-establishing herself in his favor, and holding her influence over him. Herod yielded to the pleasures of sin, rather than submit to the restrictions of the law of God. {2SP 70.1}[22]
§47
希罗底一旦对希律有了影响，便决心报复先知，因为他竟胆敢斥责他们的罪恶行为。她唆使希律囚禁了约翰。但希律想要释放约翰。约翰在监里时通过自己的门徒听说了耶稣大能的作为。他虽不能亲自听到祂宝贵的话语，但门徒把祂的话告诉了他，并且向他讲述了他们所见所闻的，使他得了安慰。{2SP 70.2}[23]
§48
When Herodias had gained influence over Herod, she determined to be revenged upon the prophet for his daring to reprove their course of crime. And she influenced him to imprison John. But Herod intended to release him. While confined in prison, John heard, through his disciples, of the mighty works of Jesus. He could not personally listen to his gracious words; but the disciples informed him, and comforted him with a relation of what they had seen and heard. {2SP 70.2}[23]
§49
约翰的一生原是在大自然中度过的，积极而坚持不懈地劳作，忍受艰难困苦和辛劳，以前从未经历过被监禁这种生活的考验。他因此变得意志消沉了，甚至怀疑基督是不是确实是弥赛亚。他的门徒给他带来了他们在基督的服务中所目睹的奇妙的事。但他却推断说，要是基督确实是弥赛亚，祂就会公开宣布自己是救世主。{2SP 70.3}[24]
§50
John having spent his life in the open air, in active, persevering labor, enduring privations, hardship, and toil, he had never before experienced the trials of confined living. He therefore became desponding, and even doubts troubled him whether Christ was indeed the Messiah. His disciples had brought to him accounts of the wonderful things they had witnessed in the ministry of Christ. But he concluded that if Christ was indeed the Messiah, he would publicly proclaim himself as the Saviour of the world. {2SP 70.3}[24]
§51
约翰对基督来要建立的国认识比较模糊，基督的门徒也是这样。他们以为基督要建立一个现世的国度，在耶路撒冷大卫的宝座上作王。约翰变得没有耐心了，因为基督没有立刻公开自己的身份，没有执掌君王的权柄，征服罗马人。他希望要是基督建立祂的国度，就能使他出监。他断定要是耶稣真是上帝的儿子，能做一切的事，祂就会运用祂的能力使他得自由。{2SP 71.1}[25]
§52
John had indistinct ideas of the kingdom Christ came to establish, as also had the disciples of Christ. They thought Christ would establish a temporal kingdom, and reign upon the throne of David in Jerusalem. He became impatient because Christ did not immediately make himself known, assume kingly authority, and subdue the Romans. He hoped that if Christ established his kingdom, he would be brought out of prison. He decided that if Jesus was really the Son of God, and could do all things, he would exercise his power and set him at liberty. {2SP 71.1}[25]
§53
约翰派门徒来问耶稣：“那将要来的是祢吗，还是我们等侯别人呢”（太11:3）？门徒虽然见到基督的面，却不能立刻跟祂讲话，因为众人把病人抬来到耶稣面前。受苦的人、瞎子和瘸子都在穿过人群到祂那里去。约翰的门徒看到了基督的神迹，祂的话可使无生命的泥土成了有生命的，健康的气色取代了死亡的苍白。耶稣对约翰的门徒说：“你们去，把所听见，所看见的事告诉约翰。就是瞎子看见，瘸子行走，长大麻疯的洁净，聋子听见，死人复活，穷人有福音传给他们。凡不因我跌倒的就有福了”（太11:4-6）。{2SP 71.2}[26]
§54
John sent his disciples to inquire of Christ, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? The disciples sought the presence of Christ; but they could not communicate with him immediately, because of the crowd who were bearing the sick to Jesus. The afflicted, blind, and lame were passing through the throng. The disciples of John saw the miracles of Christ, and that at his word the lifeless clay became animate, and the glow of health took the place of the pallor of death. Jesus said to the disciples of John, Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see. The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. {2SP 71.2}[26]
§55
这些话温柔地责备了约翰的急躁。传给约翰的这个谨慎的责备没有在他身上失去效力。约翰更好地理解了基督使命的性质。他便以顺从和信心把自己交在上帝手中，或生或死都要最好地增进上帝的荣耀。{2SP 71.3}[27]
§56
In these words John is gently reproved for his impatience. The cautious reproof returned to John was not lost upon him. He then better understood the character of Christs mission. And with submission and faith, he yielded himself into the hands of God, to live, or to die, as should best advance his glory. {2SP 71.3}[27]
§57
约翰的门徒离去以后，耶稣便对众人讲论约翰说：“你们从前出去到旷野，是要看什么呢？要看风吹动的芦苇吗”（太11:7）？耶稣知道在风中摇摆的芦苇与约翰的品格是截然相反的。约翰不为谄媚所动，也不受流行的错谬欺骗。他也不会因奖赏或属世的尊荣而撇弃他来要做的工作。他会以生命的代价保持自己的纯正。上帝的先知坚立如磐石，忠心地斥责一切形式的罪孽和过犯，无论是君王和贵族犯的，还是无名小辈犯的。他不背离本分。他忠于他的上帝，本着道德品质的高贵尊严坚如磐石地站立，忠于原则。{2SP 72.1}[28]
§58
After the disciples of John had departed, Jesus addressed the multitude concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? Jesus knew that a reed trembling in the wind was the very opposite of Johns character. John could not be moved by flattery, nor be deceived by prevailing errors. Neither could he be turned aside from the work he came to do by rewards, or worldly honors. He would preserve his integrity at the expense of his life. Steadfast as a rock stood the prophet of God, faithful to rebuke sin and crime in all their forms, in kings and nobles, as readily as in the unhonored and unknown. He swerved not from duty. Loyal to his God, in noble dignity of moral character, he stood firm as a rock, faithful to principle. {2SP 72.1}[28]
§59
“你们出去到底是要看什么？要看穿细软衣服的人吗？那穿华丽衣服、宴乐度日的人是在王宫里。你们出去究竟是为什么？是要看先知吗？我告诉你们，是的，他比先知大多了。经上记着说：‘我要差遣我的使者在你前面，预备道路。’所说的就是这个人。我实在告诉你们，凡妇人所生的，没有一个兴起来大过施诜约翰的。然而天国里最小的，比他还大。从施洗约翰的时候到如今，天国是努力进入的，努力的人就得着了”（太11:8-12）。{2SP 72.2}[29]
§60
But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold they that wear soft clothing are in kings houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist; notwithstanding, he that is least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. {2SP 72.2}[29]
§61
听基督讲话的人很清楚，约翰所穿的衣服与宫廷里的人穿的是截然不同的。基督实际上是在问：是什么动机使你们云集到旷野去听约翰讲道呢？旷野不是能见到那些生活优雅奢侈衣服细软华丽之人的地方。基督希望他们注意约翰的衣服和犹太祭司们衣服之间的差异。先知穿的是朴素粗糙的衣服，虽然不美，却符合最初设计衣服的目的。与约翰的衣服形成鲜明对照的，是犹太祭司和长老们所穿华丽的衣服。{2SP 72.3}[30]
§62
The people whom Christ addressed well knew that the apparel worn by John was the opposite of that worn in royal palaces. Christ virtually asked; What motive induced you to flock to the wilderness to hear the preaching of John? The wilderness is not the place to find those who live delicately, and who clothe themselves in rich, soft apparel. Christ wished them to observe the contrast between the clothing of John and that of the Jewish priests. The prophet wore a plain, rough garment, possessing no beauty, but answering the purpose for which clothing was first designed. In marked contrast to the garments of John, was the gorgeous apparel of the Jewish priests and elders. {2SP 72.3}[30]
§63
这些官长以为他们会按照自己的外观受尊重，便穿着很华丽的衣服，多多炫耀昂贵的袍子和耀眼的胸牌。他们更加渴望博得人们的赞美而不是获得品格无瑕的纯正和生活的圣洁，以便得到上帝的嘉许。{2SP 73.1}[31]
§64
These officials, thinking that they would be reverenced in accordance with their external appearance, adopted great splendor of dress, making a rich display of costly robes and dazzling breastplates. They were more anxious to win the admiration of men than to obtain spotless purity of character and holiness of life, that would gain the approval of God. {2SP 73.1}[31]
§65
基督警告祂的门徒，也警告众人，要听从文士和法利赛人的教导中正确的内容，却不要效法他们错误的榜样，也不要被他们野心勃勃的主张所欺骗。{2SP 73.2}[32]
§66
Christ admonished his disciples, and also the multitude, to follow that which was good in the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees, but not to imitate their wrong examples, nor be deceived by their ambitious pretensions. {2SP 73.2}[32]
§67
祂说：“凡他们所吩咐你们的，你们都要谨守遵行；但不要效法他们的行为；因为他们能说，不能行。他们把难担的重担捆起来，搁在人的肩上，但自己一个指头也不肯动。他们一切所做的事都是要叫人看见，所以将佩戴的经文做宽了，衣裳的繸子做长了，喜爱筵席上的首座，会堂里的高位，又喜爱人在街市上问他安，称呼他拉比”（太23:3-7）。{2SP 73.3}[33]
§68
He says, All, therefore, whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens, and grievous to be borne, and lay them on mens shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to be seen of men; they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms of feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. {2SP 73.3}[33]
§69
约翰看到这些骄傲的犹太人在公众面前炫耀自己招摇卖弄的虔诚，高抬和荣耀自己。他们把部分经文系在额上和腰上，好让人人都看到并尊敬他们假装的圣洁。确实，上帝曾吩咐以色列人要在衣服的边上系一条蓝色带子，其上简单扼要地绣有十条诫命。这原是要不断提醒他们的本分要爱上帝为至上，并且爱人如己。但他们越是偏离起初的纯正和简朴，他们日常的生活越直接违反上帝的律法，他们就越发把佩戴的经文做得特别宽，并且加添上帝所指定要绣在蓝色带子上的话。他们的外表虽然表示最深切的献身，他们的行为却与他们所表白的信仰形成了鲜明的对照。{2SP 74.1}[34]
§70
John saw that these proud Jews were exalting and glorifying themselves by parading their ostentatious piety before the public. They bound portions of the law upon their foreheads and about their wrists, that all might recognize and pay deference to their assumed sanctity. True, God had commanded the children of Israel to place a ribbon of blue in the border of their garments, upon which the ten commandments, in brief, should be embroidered. This was to continually remind them of their duty to love God supremely, and their neighbor as themselves. But the farther they had departed from their primitive purity and simplicity, and the more directly their daily lives were opposed to the law of God, the more particular were they to make broad their phylacteries, and add to the words which God had specified should be traced on the ribbon of blue. Outwardly they were expressing the deepest devotion, while their acts were in strong contrast with their profession. {2SP 74.1}[34]