第14章 拣选门徒
§1
第14章 拣选门徒
§2
Chapter 14 - Choosing the Disciples.
§3
门徒们还没有完全与耶稣联合同工。他们见过祂所行的许多神迹，他们的思想也因听祂讲道而得到了启迪，但他们还没有完全放弃打鱼的职业。约翰的殉难令他们满心忧伤，使他们产生了思想斗争，很是不安。主既然允许约翰死得这么不体面，他们夫子的命运又会如何呢？文士和法利赛人十分痛恨祂！他们在疑惑和恐惧之中，便寻求解脱，又回去打鱼了，暂时在他们以前的工作中解解闷。{2SP 182.3}[1]
§4
The disciples had not yet fully joined themselves to Jesus to be co-laborers with him. They had witnessed many of his miracles, and their minds had been enlightened by the discourses they had heard from his lips; but they had not entirely left their employment as fishermen. Their hearts were filled with grief by the death of John, and they were troubled with conflicting thoughts. If the life of John had been permitted to end so ingloriously, what would be the fate of their Master, when the scribes and Pharisees were so bitter against him? Amid their doubt and fear, it was a relief for them to return once more to their fishing, and, for a brief space, find in their old employment a diversion from their anxiety. {2SP 182.3}[1]
§5
耶稣经常打发他们回去探亲和休息；但却温和而坚定地拒绝他们要祂休息的一切恳劝。他在夜间得到白天得不到的祷告时辰。当祂来拯救的世人已入睡时，救赎主却在山间的圣所为人向天父代求。祂常常彻夜祷告默想，早晨又回去积极工作。{2SP 183.1}[2]
§6
Jesus frequently dismissed them to visit their homes and rest; but he gently though firmly resisted all their entreaties that he should himself rest. At night he found the seasons of prayer for which he could not claim time during the day. While the world he had come to save was wrapped in slumber, the Redeemer, in the sanctuary of the mountains, would intercede for man with the Father. Often he spent entire nights in prayer and meditation, going back in the morning to his active work. {2SP 183.1}[2]
§7
加利利湖边的早上，渔夫们在自己的船上，因一夜的徒劳而身心疲倦。黎明的时候，彼得发现耶稣在岸边行走。祂叫门徒注意他们所爱的教师，他们就都向岸边驶来。救主似乎不可能得到退休的机会。祂在岸边行走的时候，众人已云集在祂周围。病人和受苦的人被带到祂面前求救助。人们挤得祂几乎没有可以舒适站立的地方。就在那时，渔夫们靠近了岸边。耶稣便请彼得接祂上船。祂一上船，便吩咐彼得把船划到离岸稍远一点的地方，好使人们更容易看到和听到祂。祂便在船上向人们传讲上帝国的奥秘。祂的话语简明恳切，令人信服。{2SP 183.2}[3]
§8
It was morning on the Lake of Galilee, and the fishermen were in their boats, weary with a long night of fruitless toil. But, with the dawn, Simon discovered the form of Jesus walking upon the beach. He directed the attention of his disciples to their beloved Teacher, and they all pulled for the shore. It seemed impossible for the Saviour to obtain any retirement. Already the crowd had gathered thickly about him as he walked on the shore. The sick and afflicted were brought for him to relieve. At length the people had pressed so closely about him that they scarcely left him comfortable standing-room. It was just at this time that the fishermen were nearing the shore. Jesus requested Peter to take him in his boat, and, immediately, upon entering it, directed the disciple to pull out a little from the land. Then, being removed a short distance from the people, he was in a better position to be seen and heard by them, and from the boat upon the lake he preached in regard to the mysteries of the kingdom of God. His language was simple and earnest, appealing to the minds of the people with convincing power. {2SP 183.2}[3]
§9
讲完了道，耶稣就转过身来，吩咐彼得把船开到水深之处，下网打鱼。但彼得已经彻底灰心了。他不仅因施洗约翰的死而满心忧伤，还对自己属世的前途感到灰心。约翰的死导致的疑惑使他的心饱受折磨，如今连打鱼也失败了，昨天一夜的劳动一无所获。所以他就沮丧地回复耶稣的吩咐说：“夫子！我们整夜劳力，并没有打着什么，但依从祢的话，我就下网”（路5:5）。{2SP 184.1}[4]
§10
The discourse ended, Jesus turned to Peter and bade him launch out into the deep, and let down his net for a draught. But Peter was thoroughly disheartened; not only was he sorrowful because of the death of John the Baptist, and his mind tortured with unbelief in consequence of that event, but he was discouraged in regard to his temporal prospects. He had been unsuccessful in his fishing, and the past night had been spent in unavailing labor. It was therefore in a desponding tone that he replied to the command of Jesus: Master, we have toiled all night, and have taken nothing; nevertheless, at thy word I will let down the net. {2SP 184.1}[4]
§11
他叫自己的兄弟来帮忙，他们就照耶稣的指示一起把网下到深水里。拉网的时候，竟然拉不动了，因为网里的鱼太多了，他们不得不叫雅各和约翰过来帮忙，这才把那一网鱼拉上来，装在船里。装好后，船重得几乎要沉下去。{2SP 184.2}[5]
§12
He called his brother to his aid, and together they let down the net into the deep water, as Jesus had directed. When they came to draw in the net they were unable to do so because of the great quantity of fish it contained, and they were obliged to summon James and John to their aid before they could draw in the net and unload it. When this was done the boat was so heavily laden that there was danger of its sinking. {2SP 184.2}[5]
§13
彼得曾见过耶稣行许多奇事，但哪一次都不如他在一夜徒劳之后，这一网鱼给他留下的印象那么强烈。在那个疲倦的长夜里，不信和灰心曾始终压迫着门徒们，如今被敬畏和惊奇取代了。彼得因意识到他夫子的神能而颤抖。他对自己有罪的不信感到羞耻。他知道自己是在上帝的儿子面前，并且感到不配这样与祂作伴。他情不自禁地仆倒在救主脚前，喊着说：“主啊！离开我，我是个罪人”（路5:8）！但他在说话的时候紧紧抱着耶稣的双脚，他本不愿救主照他的话待他，即使他曾想这么做。{2SP 184.3}[6]
§14
Peter had seen Jesus perform wonderful miracles, but none made so strong an impression upon his mind as this miraculous draught of fish, after a night of disappointment. The unbelief and discouragement that had been oppressing the disciples through the long, weary night, now gave way to awe and amazement. Peter was thrilled with a sense of the divine power of his Master. He felt ashamed of his sinful unbelief. He knew that he was in the presence of the Son of God, and felt unworthy to be in such companionship. He impulsively flung himself at the feet of Jesus, crying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord! But even as he spoke, he was clinging to the feet of Jesus, and would not have been willing for the Saviour to take him at his word, even if he had attempted to do so. {2SP 184.3}[6]
§15
耶稣了解这个性情冲动的门徒所有的思想斗争，就对他说：“不要怕，从今以后，你要得人了”（路5:10）。后来，他们都上了岸，耶稣又对其余三个渔夫说了同样的话。网被那么多的鱼撑破了，他们正忙着补网的时候，耶稣对他们说：“来跟从我，我要叫你们得人如得鱼一样。”此后他们就立刻舍了网和船，跟从了救主。这些卑微的渔夫认出了耶稣的神圣权威，便毫不犹豫地遵照主的命令放弃了他们正规的职业，撇下了他们属世的财产。{2SP 185.1}[7]
§16
But Jesus understood the conflicting emotions of the impetuous disciple, and said to him, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. Similar words were afterward addressed to the three other fishermen, when they were all upon the shore. As they were busily employed in mending their nets, which had been broken by the great weight of the fish they had taken, Jesus said to them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Immediately after this they left their nets and boats and followed the Saviour. These humble fishermen recognized the divine authority of Jesus, and forthwith gave up their regular occupation and left their worldly possessions in obedience to the command of their Lord. {2SP 185.1}[7]
§17
耶稣在地上生活时，这四个门徒与祂交往比其他门徒更密切。基督是世界的光，祂足能使这些没学问的加利利渔夫胜任祂所为他们选择的崇高使命。祂对这些卑微的人所说的话意义非常；他们要一直对世人发挥影响。耶稣呼召那些贫穷灰心的人跟从祂，这事看似简单，却是一件产生巨大后果的事；要震动世界。上帝使人复生的能力启迪了那些文盲渔夫的心智，使他们能把基督的道理传得又远又广，其他人也要开始从事这个任务，直到将它传到各地，教导各时代的人，使多人得着救恩。这样，贫穷的加利利渔夫们确实会“得人如得鱼”（太4:19）。{2SP 185.2}[8]
§18
These four disciples were more closely associated with Jesus in his earthly life than any of the others. Christ, the light of the world, was abundantly able to qualify these unlearned fishermen of Galilee for the high commission he had chosen for them. The words spoken to these lowly men were of mighty signification; they were to influence the world through all time. It seemed a simple thing for Jesus to call those poor, discouraged men to follow him; but it was an event productive of tremendous results; it was to shake the world. The quickening power of God, enlightening the minds of those illiterate fishermen, was to enable them to spread the doctrines of Christ far and wide, and others were to take up the task, until it would reach all lands, and be taught in all ages, winning many to salvation. Thus would the poor fishermen of Galilee be, indeed, fishers of men. {2SP 185.2}[8]
§19
耶稣并不反对教育。最高的文化，若被敬爱上帝的心所圣化，就会得蒙祂的嘉许。有时人会对教育提出异议，因为耶稣拣选了无知的渔夫作祂的门徒。但这些人三年之久受祂的陶冶感化，而救主是有史以来最完美的教育家。生命之君并没有选择饱学的律法师、文士和长老作祂的门徒，因为他们不愿跟从祂。所以祂才选择卑微的乡下人作祂的助手。犹太人中的富人和受过教育的人因自己属世的智慧而自高，自以为义，自满自足，并不觉得特别需要一位救赎主。他们的品格已定型，他们不愿接受基督的教导。但卑微的渔夫们却喜欢与救主联络，与祂同工。{2SP 186.1}[9]
§20
Jesus did not oppose education. The highest culture, if sanctified by the love and fear of God, receives his approbation. An objection is sometimes brought against education because Jesus chose ignorant fishermen for his disciples. But these men were subject to his refining influence for three years, and the Saviour was the most perfect educator the world has ever known. The Prince of Life did not choose the learned lawyers, the scribes and elders, for his disciples, because they would not follow him. Therefore he chose the humble peasants for his helpers. The rich and educated among the Jews were exalted by their own worldly wisdom and self-righteousness, and felt all-sufficient in themselves, realizing no special need of a Redeemer. Their characters were fixed, and they would not receive the teachings of Christ. But the humble fishermen were rejoiced to be connected with the Saviour, and become co-laborers with him. {2SP 186.1}[9]
§21
耶稣行路去耶路撒冷时，看见马太正在收税。马太原是一个犹太人，但他既作了税吏，就为同胞所轻视。犹太人因罗马人的轭而不断恼火。一个受轻视的外邦国家竟收他们的税，这不断使他们想到自己已经失去了一个独立国家的权柄和荣耀。当他们自己的人中间有人竟忘了本族的尊荣，去接受税吏这种公职时，他们的愤恨就无以复加了。{2SP 186.2}[10]
§22
As Jesus passed on his way to Jerusalem, he saw Matthew engaged in his business of tax-gathering. He was a Jew, but when he became a publican his brethren despised him. The Jewish people were continually irritated on account of the Roman yoke. That a despised and heathen nation should collect tribute of them was a constant reminder that their power and glory as an independent nation had departed. Their indignation knew no bounds when one of their own people so far forgot the honor of his exalted race as to accept the office of tax-gatherer. {2SP 186.2}[10]
§23
那些如此帮助维持罗马当局的被认为是离道反教的人。犹太人认为以任何方式与税吏结交都是可耻的。他们视这个公职无异于欺压和勒索。但耶稣的心却没有依照法利赛人的偏见受塑造。祂是看透表面读懂人心的。祂的圣目在马太身上看到这是一个祂可以用来建立教会的人。这人曾听过基督的教导，也一直为祂所吸引。他的心对救主充满了敬畏，但马太却从未想过这位大教师竟会屈尊来注意他，更没想过祂会拣选他作门徒。所以当耶稣对他说：“你跟从我来”时，他非常惊讶。{2SP 187.1}[11]
§24
Those who thus assisted to sustain the Roman authority were considered apostate. The Jews regarded it as degrading to associate in any way with a publican. They considered the office identical with oppression and extortion. But the mind of Jesus was not molded after the prejudices of the Pharisees. He looked below the surface and read the heart. His divine eye saw in Matthew one whom he could use for the establishment of his church. This man had listened to the teachings of Christ, and had been attracted to him. His heart was full of reverence for the Saviour, but the thought had never entered the mind of Matthew that this great Teacher would condescend to notice him, much less choose him as a disciple. Therefore his astonishment was great when Jesus addressed him with the words, Follow me. {2SP 187.1}[11]
§25
马太毫无疑惑，没有怨言，不问自己要遭受的金钱上的损失。他起身跟从了他的夫子，并与耶稣的几个门徒利益与共。这个受藐视的税吏感到救主给了他一种他不配得到的尊荣。他一点不考虑自己那份待遇好能赚钱的差事，他已将之换成了贫穷和劳累。他能在基督面前，能从祂口中学习智慧和良善，观看祂奇妙的作为，并在祂的辛苦操劳中与祂同工，这就够了！{2SP 187.2}[12]
§26
Without a doubtful murmur, or question as to his consequent pecuniary loss, Matthew rose up and followed his Master, and united his interest with the few disciples of Jesus. The despised publican felt that the Saviour had bestowed upon him an honor which he did not deserve. He gave no thought to the lucrative business he had exchanged for poverty and fatigue. It was enough that he would be in the presence of Christ, that he could learn wisdom and goodness from his lips, behold his marvelous works, and be a co-laborer with him in his arduous toil. {2SP 187.2}[12]
§27
马太原是富有的，但他甘愿为他的夫子牺牲一切。他有许多朋友和熟人，他渴望他们也来跟从耶稣，渴望让他们也有机会与祂见面。他认为他们一定会醉心于祂纯洁简明的道理，毫无卖弄或炫耀的作风。{2SP 188.1}[13]
§28
Matthew was wealthy, but he was willing to sacrifice all for his Master. He had many friends and acquaintances whom he was anxious should become followers of Jesus, and he was desirous that they should have an opportunity to meet him. He felt certain that they would be charmed with his pure and simple doctrine, taught without ostentation or display. {2SP 188.1}[13]
§29
因此他就在自己家中设筵，把亲友们叫到一起，其中有许多税吏。耶稣为特邀贵宾，筵席就是为了尊荣祂而预备的。祂和门徒们接受了马太谦恭的邀请，以祂的临格使宴会蒙恩。满心嫉妒的文士和法利赛人一直在跟踪监视耶稣的行动，他们并不错过这个可以设法谴责基督圣工的机会。{2SP 188.2}[14]
§30
He accordingly made a feast at his own house and called together his friends and relatives, among whom were a number of publicans. Jesus was invited as a guest, in whose honor the feast was prepared. He, with his disciples, accepted the courteous invitation, and graced the banquet with his presence. The envious scribes and Pharisees, who were ever watching and following the movements of Jesus, did not lose this opportunity of seeking to condemn the cause of Christ. {2SP 188.2}[14]
§31
他们非常愤慨，一个自称犹太人的人竟与税吏们混在一起。他们虽然不肯承认祂为弥赛亚，也不愿接受祂的任何教导，但他们却不能闭眼不看祂对百姓影响很大的事实。令他们懊恼的是，祂竟用祂的榜样无视他们的偏见和遗传。当耶稣呼召马太跟从祂时，他们的愤恨无以复加，祂竟如此尊重一个可恨的税吏！他们便在这个问题上公然抨击门徒，控告他们与税吏和罪人一同吃饭。{2SP 188.3}[15]
§32
They were highly indignant that one who called himself a Jew should mingle with publicans. Though they refused to acknowledge him the Messiah, and would accept none of his teachings, yet they could not shut their eyes to the fact that he had great influence over the people; this being the case they were chagrined that he should, by his example, ignore their prejudices and traditions. When Jesus called Matthew to follow him their anger knew no bounds that he should thus honor a hated publican. They openly attacked the disciples on the subject, and accused them of eating with publicans and sinners. {2SP 188.3}[15]
§33
“耶稣在屋里坐席的时候，有好些税吏和罪人来，与耶稣和他的门徒一同坐席。法利赛人看见，就对耶稣的门徒说：‘你们的先生为什么和税吏并罪人一同吃饭呢？’”他们是带着苦毒的藐视问这个问题的。耶稣没有等门徒们去回答这个轻蔑的控告，而是亲自回答说：“康健的人用不着医生，有病的人才用得着。经上说：‘我喜爱怜恤，不喜爱祭祀。’这句话的意思，你们且去揣摩。我来本不是召义人，乃是召罪人”（太9:10-13）。祂在这里用医生的情况说明了祂的做法。医生不是在健康的人中间工作，而是在患病的人中间工作。祂是来拯救患罪病之人的，必须到那些最需要祂的慈悲怜悯和同情之爱的人中间去。{2SP 189.1}[16]
§34
And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? It was with bitter contempt that they asked this question. Jesus did not wait for his disciples to answer this scornful charge, but himself replied, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice; for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. He here explained his course by taking the case of a physician, whose work is not among the well, but among those who are diseased. He who came to save the sin-sick soul must go among those who most need his forgiving mercy and pitying love. {2SP 189.1}[16]
§35
那些可怜的税吏和罪人，虽然被罪玷污，却感到自己需要悔改和赦免。上天的使命就是要解救象他们这样有这种需要的人。这些人虽然在表面上漠视宗教的仪式和惯例，但是他们的内心和生活却比藐视他们的法利赛人和祭司更适合成为真诚的基督徒。他们中的许多人具有高贵的正直，不愿昧良心，拒绝他们的理智明知是对的道理。{2SP 189.2}[17]
§36
Those poor publicans and sinners, although stained with guilt, felt their need of repentance and pardon. It was the mission of Heaven to relieve just such want as theirs. Although these persons apparently disregarded religious rites and observances, yet in heart and life they were better fitted to become sincere Christians than the Pharisees and priests who scorned them. Many of them were possessed of noble integrity, and would not wrong their conscience by rejecting a doctrine which their reason declared to be true. {2SP 189.2}[17]
§37
耶稣来到祂本国的民中医治罪的创伤，但他们却拒绝祂所提供的帮助；他们践踏祂的教训，轻视祂大能的作为。因此，主就转向那些愿意听祂话语的人。马太和他的同事们顺从了夫子的召唤并跟从了祂。这个被人藐视的税吏成了一个最虔诚献身的福音布道士。他无私的心牵挂着需要亮光的人们。他并不用自表的虔诚排斥罪人，将之与他们的罪恶相对照；而是通过仁慈怜悯使他们与自己相连，把基督宝贵的福音传给他们。他的工作伴随着显著的成功。许多在那次筵席就座，并且听了耶稣神圣教导的人，也成了教化百姓的工具。{2SP 189.3}[18]
§38
Jesus had come to heal the wounds of sin among his own nation, but they refused his proffered aid; they trampled upon his teachings and made light of his mighty works. The Lord turned, therefore, to those who would hear his words. Matthew and his associates obeyed the summons of the Master and followed him. The despised publican became one of the most devoted evangelists. His unselfish heart was drawn out for souls that needed the light. He did not repulse sinners by magnifying his own piety, and contrasting it with their sinfulness; but linked them to himself through kindly sympathy, as he presented to them the precious gospel of Christ. His labors were attended with marked success. Many of those who sat at that feast, and listened to the divine instruction of Jesus, became instruments of enlightenment to the people. {2SP 189.3}[18]
§39
耶稣在这次的筵席上对法利赛人所讲的率直话语令他们默默无言，但并没有消除他们的偏见，也没有软化他们的心。他们走开并向约翰的门徒抱怨耶稣和跟从祂之人的做法。他们详述了耶稣对百姓发挥的危险影响，祂竟蔑视他们古人的遗传，向世人传讲怜悯和仁爱的道理。他们设法在约翰门徒的心中引起不满，将约翰门徒简朴的虔诚和严格的禁食与耶稣跟税吏和罪人一同吃喝的榜样作对比。{2SP 190.1}[19]
§40
The pointed words addressed by Jesus to the Pharisees on the occasion of this feast silenced them, but did not remove their prejudice nor soften their hearts. They went away and complained to the disciples of John concerning the practices of Jesus and his followers. They dilated upon the dangerous influence that he exerted over the people, setting at naught their ancient traditions, and preaching a doctrine of mercy and love to the world. They sought to arouse dissatisfaction in the minds of Johns disciples by contrasting their austere piety and rigorous fasting with the example of Jesus in feasting with publicans and sinners. {2SP 190.1}[19]
§41
约翰门徒们的情绪受了刺激，就向耶稣的门徒抱怨其夫子的行为竟与约翰的教导那么相反。约翰若是上帝所差来的，并且按照上帝的灵施教，耶稣的做法又怎么能是对的呢？跟从救主的人回答不了这些问题，就把这事带到主面前。“他们来问耶稣说：‘约翰的门徒和法利赛人的门徒禁食，祢的门徒倒不禁食，这是为什么呢？’耶稣对他们说：‘新郎和陪伴之人同在的时候，陪伴之人岂能禁食呢？新郎还同在，他们不能禁食。但日子将到，新郎要离开他们，那日他们就要禁食’”（可2:18-20）。{2SP 190.2}[20]
§42
The feelings of Johns disciples were stirred, and they complained to the disciples of Jesus concerning the course of their Master, which was so contrary to the teachings of John. If John was sent of God, and taught according to his Spirit, how could the practices of Jesus be right? The followers of the Saviour, being unable to answer these questions, brought the matter to their Master. And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. {2SP 190.2}[20]
§43
耶稣已来到世界，带来了天国的亮光。祂作为人类的救赎主而来，要限制撒但的权势，释放被掳的人。祂降生的时候，天上的使者曾将大喜的消息带给伯利恒平原卑微的牧羊人：“在至高之处荣耀归与上帝！在地上平安喜悦归与人”（路2:14）！{2SP 191.1}[21]
§44
Jesus had come to the world, bringing the light of Heaven. He came as the Redeemer of mankind, to limit the power of Satan and set the captive free. At his birth the heavenly messengers had borne the glad tidings of great joy to the humble shepherds upon the plains of Bethlehem, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men! {2SP 191.1}[21]
§45
天国最大的恩赐已经赐给世人。穷人要喜乐，因为基督来要使他们成为祂国度的继承人！富人要喜乐，因为祂会教导他们如何使用他们地上的财产，以便他们获得天上永恒的财富！无知的人要喜乐，因为祂来要使他们有得救的智慧！有学问的人要喜乐，因为祂会向他们的悟性展开更深刻的奥秘，过于以前所测度的！{2SP 191.2}[22]
§46
The greatest gift of Heaven had been given to the world. Joy to the poor, for Christ has come to make them heirs of his kingdom! Joy to the rich, for he will teach them how to apply their earthly treasure that it may secure for them eternal riches in Heaven! Joy to the ignorant, for he has come to give them wisdom unto salvation! Joy to the learned, for he will open to their understanding deeper mysteries than they have ever before fathomed! {2SP 191.2}[22]
§47
救主说：“你们的眼睛是有福的，因为看见了；你们的耳朵也是有福的，因为听见了。我实在告诉你们，从前有许多先知和义人要看你们所看的，却没有看见，要听你们所听的，却没有听见”（太13:16,17）。基督的使命向人们的心智展开了从创世以来就一直隐藏的真理。{2SP 191.3}[23]
§48
Said the Saviour, Blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see these things which ye see, and have not seen them, and to hear these things which ye hear, and have not heard them. The mission of Christ opened to the minds of men truths that had been hidden from the foundation of the world. {2SP 191.3}[23]
§49
人的一切事业若与基督降世相比就微不足道了。门徒们竟蒙允许与天上的至尊同行共话，这是何等喜乐的机会啊！有和平之君在他们中间的人有福了，祂天天赐给他们新的恩典和福气。他们为何要悲哀禁食呢？那些拒绝救主，闭眼不看塞耳不听祂神圣教导、转离无限仁爱与真理之平安与喜乐的人，才更适合悲哀禁食。天国的财宝暂时托付给他们，他们却不注意那恩赐，宁可拣选束缚和黑暗，不愿藉着基督得到自由和亮光。{2SP 191.4}[24]
§50
Every human enterprise sinks into insignificance when compared with the advent of Christ upon the earth. What occasion for joy had the disciples who were permitted to walk and talk with the Majesty of Heaven! Happy were they who had the Prince of Peace in their very midst, bestowing upon them daily new mercies and blessings. Why should they mourn and fast? It was more fitting for them to mourn who rejected the Saviour and closed their eyes and ears to his divine teachings, who turned from the peace and joy of infinite love and truth. The treasure of Heaven was entrusted to them for a time, and they, heedless of the gift, chose bondage and darkness rather than freedom and light through Christ. {2SP 191.4}[24]
§51
在拿撒勒的会堂里，耶稣已宣布自己为人类的救赎主。祂说：“主的灵在我身上，因为祂用膏膏我，叫我传福音给贫穷的人；差遣我报告：被掳的得释放，瞎眼的得看见，叫那受压制的得自由，报告上帝悦纳人的禧年”（路4:18,19）。{2SP 192.1}[25]
§52
In the synagogue at Nazareth Jesus had announced himself the Redeemer of mankind. Said he, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised; to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. {2SP 192.1}[25]
§53
新郎还在的时候，陪伴之人怎能禁食呢？然而当祂回到天国，留下祂的门徒独自去对付世人的不信和黑暗时，那时教会禁食悲哀就合宜了，直到她的主再回来。{2SP 192.2}[26]
§54
How could the children of the bridechamber fast when the bridegroom was yet with them? But when he should go back to Heaven, leaving his disciples to meet alone the unbelief and darkness of the world, then it would be fitting for the church to fast and mourn, until her absent Lord should return the second time. {2SP 192.2}[26]
§55
好猜忌的法利赛人曲解了我们主的一切行动。本应融化他们的心并赢得他们钦佩的事，却只能使他们有借口控告祂不道德。这些自以为义的人常常因他们的罪孽而受耶稣责备，揭露他们罪恶的目的和邪恶的本性，所以他们不敢直接向祂抱怨，而是向他们最有可能引起偏见和不信的人抱怨。要是耶稣的门徒听了这些暗示，就会不再跟从他们的夫子了。但他们并不留意这些不虔诚的卑鄙控告和那些自身充满恶意和仇恨之人针对祂的邪恶联想。{2SP 192.3}[27]
§56
The jealous Pharisees misinterpreted all the actions of our Lord. The very deeds that should have melted their hearts and won their admiration, only served as an excuse to charge him with immorality. These self-righteous men had so often been rebuked by Jesus for their iniquity, and exposed in their evil purposes and wicked natures, that they did not dare to bring their complaints to him, but carry them where they will be most likely to create prejudice and unbelief. Had the disciples of Jesus listened to these insinuations, they would have ceased from following their Master. But they heeded not the base charges of impiety and evil associations against him by those who were themselves filled with malice and hatred. {2SP 192.3}[27]
§57
救主与罪人一同吃饭，对他们讲生命之道，许多人接受祂为他们的救赎主。基督的宴会是圣洁的；但当基督以祂的荣耀降临时，禁食的法利赛人将与伪善者及不信的人共命运，而他们所藐视的人却会被收到主的国里。{2SP 193.1}[28]
§58
The Saviour ate with sinners, he spoke to them the words of life, and many accepted him as their Redeemer. The feast of Christ was holy; but the fasting Pharisees will have their portion with the hypocrites and unbelievers, when Christ shall come in his glory, and those whom they scorned will be gathered into his kingdom. {2SP 193.1}[28]