第11章 百夫长的儿子
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第11章 百夫长的儿子
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Chapter 11. - The Centurions Son.
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耶稣在撒玛利亚人中间工作两天之后，离开了他们，继续前往加利利。祂没有在拿撒勒逗留。祂的少年和成年的早期生活是在那里度过的。祂在拿撒勒的会堂里宣布自己是受膏者时，很不受欢迎，所以祂决定另寻更有成效的园地，向愿意听的耳和愿意接受的心传讲祂的信息。祂向自己的门徒宣布：先知在自己的本乡是不受人尊敬的。这句话说明许多人本能地不愿承认一个在他们中间朴素生活、他们从小就很熟悉的人有什么奇妙的令人钦佩的发展。同时，这些人却会对外人和冒险家的自负主张极感兴奋。{2SP 151.1}[1]
§4
After laboring two days with the Samaritans, Jesus left them to continue his journey to Galilee. He made no tarry at Nazareth, where he had spent his youth and early manhood. His reception in the synagogue there, when he announced himself as the Anointed One, was so unfavorable that he decided to seek more fruitful fields, to preach to ears that would listen, and to hearts that would receive his message. He declared to his disciples that a prophet hath no honor in his own country. This saying sets forth that natural reluctance which many people have to acknowledge any wonderfully admirable development in one who has unostentatiously lived in their midst, and whom they have intimately known from childhood. At the same time, these same persons might become wildly excited over the pretensions of a stranger and an adventurer. {2SP 151.1}[1]
§5
耶稣在迦拿所行的奇事为祂受到热诚的接待预备了道路。参加逾越节回来的人也带回消息，将祂洁净圣殿，接下来行了医治病人、使瞎子看见、使聋子听见的奇事传开了。圣殿的权贵对于耶稣行为的判断，为祂在加利利开了路；因为许多人看到圣殿被亵渎，以及祭司们极其傲慢的情形，都心中悲叹。他们希望这个能把这些官长们赶走的人，确实就是他们所渴望的救主。{2SP 151.2}[2]
§6
The miracle that Jesus had performed in Cana prepared the way for his cordial reception. The people who had returned from the passover had brought back the report of his marvelous cleansing of the desecrated temple, followed by his miracles of healing the sick and restoring sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf. The judgment passed upon his acts by the dignitaries of the temple, opened his way at Galilee; for many of the people lamented the abuse of the temple and the lofty arrogance of the priests, and hoped that this man, who had the power to put these rulers to flight, might indeed be the looked-for Deliverer. {2SP 151.2}[2]
§7
耶稣从犹太回到迦拿的消息，不久即传遍了加利利及周围的地区，也传到了迦百农一个大臣耳中。这个大臣是一个相当有名的犹太人。他对所听到的耶稣有能力医治病人的事很感兴趣，因为他有一个儿子患了病。这位父亲请教了犹太人中最有学问的医生，他们却说这病无药可治，还告诉他说他儿子不久必死。{2SP 152.1}[3]
§8
The news that Jesus had returned from Judea to Cana soon spread throughout Galilee and the region round about. It reached the ears of a nobleman in Capernaum, who was a Jew of some honor. He was much interested in what he had heard of the power of Jesus to heal the sick, for he had a son suffering with disease. The father had consulted the most learned physicians among the Jews, and they had pronounced the case incurable, and told him that his son must soon die. {2SP 152.1}[3]
§9
然而他一听说耶稣在加利利，心中就受了鼓励；因为他相信一个能不可思议地把水变成酒，并且把亵渎圣殿的人赶出去的人，必能叫他朝不保夕的儿子恢复健康。迦百农距迦拿相当远。这个大臣虽然担心他若离家去找耶稣并提出自己的请求，奄奄一息的儿子可能等不到他回来就死了。但他仍不敢把这事交给仆人去办；因为他希望一位慈父的祈求能引起那位大医师的恻隐之心，使祂能与自己一同来到垂死儿子的床边。{2SP 152.2}[4]
§10
But when he heard that Jesus was in Galilee his heart was encouraged; for he believed that one who could miraculously change water into wine, and drive out the desecrators of the temple, could raise his son to health even from the brink of the grave. Capernaum was quite a distance from Cana, and the centurion feared that, if he left his home to seek Jesus and present his plea to him, the child, who was very low, might die in his absence. Yet he dared not trust this errand to a servant; for he hoped that the prayers of a fond parent might touch the heart of the great Physician with pity, and induce him to accompany the father to the bedside of his dying son. {2SP 152.2}[4]
§11
他便去了迦拿，因惟恐太晚而匆匆赶路。他急切地挤过紧紧围着耶稣的人群，终于到了救主面前。但一看见救主不过是一个服装朴素的人，而且跋涉劳顿，征尘满面，他的信心就动摇起来，不知道这个人能否满足他的心愿；不过他决定试一试。他终于见了耶稣的面，把来意说明，并求救主同到他家里去，好医治他的儿子。但耶稣早已知道他的伤心事。在这大臣离家之前，慈怜的救主已看见这位父亲的忧伤，祂伟大的爱心已牵挂同情那受苦的孩子了。{2SP 153.1}[5]
§12
He went to Cana, hastening for fear of being too late. Forcing a passage through the crowd that surrounded Jesus, he at length stood before him. But 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 determined to make a trial. He secured a hearing from Jesus, told him his errand, and besought the Saviour to accompany him to his home for the purpose of healing his son. But Jesus already knew of his sorrow. Even before the centurion had left his home, the pitying Redeemer had read the fathers grief, and his great heart of love had gone out in sympathy for the suffering child. {2SP 153.1}[5]
§13
但是救主知道这位父亲信仰祂，心里是有条件的。除非耶稣答应他的恳求，他就不承认祂为弥赛亚。当这位父亲焦虑痛苦地等着耶稣回答时，耶稣说：“若不看见神迹奇事，你们总是不信”（约4:48）。祂此时显明了那大臣肤浅的信心，这种信心会使他按照基督是否按照他的要求做事来接受或拒绝基督。{2SP 153.2}[6]
§14
But he was also aware that the father had made conditions in his mind concerning his belief in the Saviour. Unless his petition should be granted he would not have faith in him as the Messiah. While the father waited in an agony of suspense, Jesus addressed him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. He here revealed the superficial faith of the centurion, that would lead him to accept or reject Christ according as he did or did not perform the work required of him. {2SP 153.2}[6]
§15
耶稣本意不仅要医治孩子，也要光照孩子父亲暗昧的心。祂看到不信在与他的信心角斗。祂知道这个人寻求祂的帮助已是最后的和惟一的指望。祂看到这个大臣代表祂本国许多人的状况。他们都是由于自私的动机而对耶稣感兴趣的；他们希望靠着祂的权能，可以得到一点特别的利益，所以他们的信心，也就以耶稣之肯否应承他们眼前的请求为进退。至于自己灵性上的疾病，他们一概不知；自己需要神恩的帮助，他们也不觉察。救主就把他怀着疑问的不信，同撒玛利亚人的信心作了一个对比，后者欣然接受祂为上帝所差来的教师，接受祂为所应许的弥赛亚，并不求一个神迹或奇事才接受祂的神性。{2SP 153.3}[7]
§16
Jesus designed, not only to heal the child, but to illuminate the darkened mind of the father. He saw unbelief struggling with his faith. He knew that this man had sought his help as a last and only hope. In this centurion he saw represented the condition of many of his nation. They were interested in Jesus from selfish motives; they desired some special benefit that they hoped to receive through his power, but they were ignorant as to their spiritual disease, and saw not their terrible need of divine grace, but staked their faith on the granting of some temporal favor. Jesus met this case as illustrating the position of many of the Jewish people. He contrasted this questioning unbelief with the faith of the Samaritans, who were ready to receive him as a teacher sent by God, and to accept him as the promised Messiah without a sign or miracle to establish his divinity. {2SP 153.3}[7]
§17
这位父亲极其愁苦地觉得自己的疑惑也许会使儿子丧命。耶稣的话达到了想要的效果；大臣看到自己寻求救主的动机纯粹是自私的；他那飘摇不定的信心，在耶稣面前完全显露了。他意识到自己确实是在一位洞察人心、无所不能的主面前。这种想法使他患病的孩子重新形象地出现在他脑海中。于是他就苦苦地哀求道：“先生！求祢趁着我的孩子还没有死，就下去”（约4:49）。{2SP 154.1}[8]
§18
The fathers soul was stirred to its depths with the thought that his doubts might cost him the life of his son. The words of Jesus had the desired effect; the centurion saw that his motives in seeking the Saviour were purely selfish; his vacillating faith appeared before him in its true light; he realized that he was indeed in the presence of One who could read the hearts of men, and to whom all things were possible. This thought brings his suffering child to his mind with new vividness, and he cries out in an agony of supplication, Sir, come down ere my child die! {2SP 154.1}[8]
§19
他担心自己在疑惑不信的时候，死亡已成定局。这就够了。这位父亲在自己的需要中抓住耶稣的功劳作为自己的救主。他要求祂趁着他的孩子还没有死就下去，是惟独依靠耶稣的能力作为自己惟一的指望。他的信心象雅各的信心一样迫切。雅各与天使角力时喊着说：“你若不给我祝福，我就不容你去”（创32:26）。{2SP 154.2}[9]
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He fears that while he has been doubting and questioning, death may have closed the scene. This was enough. The father in his need seizes the merits of Jesus as his Saviour. In demanding him to come down ere his child dies, he clings alone to the strength of Jesus as his only hope. His faith is as imperative as was that of Jacob, when, wrestling with the mighty angel, he cried, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me! {2SP 154.2}[9]
§21
耶稣回应了大臣的要求，吩咐他说：“回去吧！你的儿子活了。”这句简短的话穿过了那位父亲的心；他在语气中感受到了讲话者的神圣能力。耶稣并没有去迦百农，而是用一道神圣的电流把医治的信息送到了那患病儿子的床边。祂打发来求助的父亲回去，那位父亲就以说不出来的感激和对救主话语的信心转步回去，心中怀着从未有过的安宁和快乐。{2SP 154.3}[10]
§22
Jesus responds to the demands of the centurion by commanding him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. These brief and simple words thrill through the heart of the father; he feels the holy power of the speaker in every tone. Instead of going to Capernaum, Jesus, by a flash of divine telegraphy, sends the message of healing to the bedside of the suffering son. He dismisses the suppliant, who, with unspeakable gratitude, and perfect faith in the words of the Saviour, turns his steps homeward with a peace and joy he has never felt before. {2SP 154.3}[10]
§23
同一时辰，远在迦百农家中，人们在将死孩子的床边守候。正值青春妙龄的孩子原本强壮匀称的身体如今憔悴枯槁了。凹陷的面颊被热病的烈焰焦灼。那热病突然离开了他，他的双眼现出了清醒的精神，心智也清晰了，身体恢复了健康和力量。热病正在日中炎热之时退去。守候的人惊愕地看着这场变化。全家的人都被叫来，并且惊喜不己。孩子患病的迹象完全消失了，他那焦灼的肌肤，变得柔软光润；他就安然沉睡了。{2SP 155.1}[11]
§24
At the same hour the watchers stood around the dying child, in the distant home of the centurion. The form that had been so strong and symmetrical in its youthful grace, was now worn and emaciated. The hollow cheeks burned with a hectic fire. Suddenly the fever leaves him, intelligence beams from his eyes, his mind becomes clear, and health and strength return to his body. The fever has left him in the very heat of the day. The attendants behold the change with amazement; the family is summoned, and great is the rejoicing. No signs of his malady linger about the child, his burning flesh has become soft and moist, and he sinks into the peaceful slumber of childhood. {2SP 155.1}[11]
§25
同时，孩子的父亲满怀希望地匆匆赶路。他原是满心忧伤胆战心惊地来见耶稣的，离开的时候却满有喜乐和信心。他感到严肃的确信，他已同能力无限的一位交谈。他心中毫无疑惑，耶稣已经医好了他在迦百农的儿子。当他离家还有一段路程之时，仆人们就前来迎接他，带着他儿子已经复原的好消息。他心情愉快地赶路，在接近家门时见到了自己的孩子蹦跳着出来迎接他，焕发着健康与美好。他把他抱在怀中，好像是从死里活过来的，并且口口声声地赞美上帝，感谢祂用这种神奇的手段使他儿子复原。{2SP 155.2}[12]
§26
Meanwhile the father hastens on his way with a hopeful heart. He went to Jesus with grief and trembling. He leaves him in joy and confidence. He feels the solemn assurance that he has talked with One whose power is unlimited. No doubt crosses his mind that Jesus has really healed his son at Capernaum. While still some distance from home, his servants meet him with the glad tidings that his son has recovered. With a light heart he hurries on, and, as he approaches his house, is met by the child, bounding out to receive him, radiant in health and beauty. He clasps him to his heart as one restored from the dead, and thanks God again and again for this miraculous restoration. {2SP 155.2}[12]
§27
大臣和他全家都成了耶稣的门徒。上帝用这一次的苦难使他们全家悔改。这神迹的消息传遍了迦百农，从而为基督后来在那里的工作开辟了门路。祂许多最伟大的奇迹就是在那里施行的。{2SP 156.1}[13]
§28
The centurion and all his household become disciples of Jesus. Thus their affliction was sanctified to the conversion of the entire family. They published this miracle through all Capernaum, and thus opened the way for Christs further labors there. Many of his most wonderful works were done at that place. {2SP 156.1}[13]
§29
这个大臣的情况应当成为凡跟从基督之人的一个教训。祂原希望他们绝对信靠祂为他们的救赎主，甘心乐意拯救凡到祂面前来的人。但祂有时会推迟赐下祂宝贵的恩赐，为的是让我们的心深感我们需要那种能使我们有资格向祂祈求凡我们所想要之事的真虔诚。我们应该撇弃那种常常是我们寻求祂的惟一原因的自私自利，承认我们的无助和强烈的需要，倚靠祂的应许。祂邀请凡劳苦担重担的人都到祂面前来，祂就使他们得安息。{2SP 156.2}[14]
§30
This case of the centurion should be a lesson to all the followers of Christ. He would have them place implicit faith in him as their Redeemer, ready and willing to save all who come unto him. But he sometimes delays bestowing his precious gifts, in order to impress our hearts with a sense of our deep need of that true piety which entitles us to ask of him what we will. We are to lay by the selfishness that is frequently the sole cause of seeking him, and, confessing our helplessness and bitter need, trust in his promises. He invites all to come unto him who are weary and heavy-laden, and he will give them rest. {2SP 156.2}[14]