第22章 基督在会堂里
§1
第22章 基督在会堂里
§2
Chapter 22. - Christ in the Synagogue.
§3
耶稣与门徒的这次交谈使门徒得到了许多宝贵的教训，却被那些一直在寻找耶稣的人打断了。人们开始蜂拥到祂周围，把他们的病人和受苦的人也带来了，祂就到会堂去。祂在会堂教训人的时候，曾在湖对面离开祂的其他许多人也来到会堂，看到耶稣和祂的门徒比他们先到那里就很惊讶，因为知道祂没有船可以渡到这边来。他们就开始询问祂是怎么渡海的，惊讶地听到门徒向他们讲述前一夜发生的事。海上的暴风和许多小时徒劳地逆风而行，基督显现在水面上行走，从而引起的恐惧，祂令人心安的话语，彼得的冒险及其结果，暴风雨的突然停止和行船的立即着陆，他们都如实地向感到惊讶的众人讲述了，期间常被打断，人们发出惊愕的感叹声。{2SP 274.2}[1]
§4
This interview of Jesus with his disciples, in which they had received much precious instruction, was interrupted by those who had been searching for him. As the people began to flock about him, bringing their sick and afflicted, he repaired to the synagogue. While he was teaching there, many others of those who had left him on the other side of the lake came to the synagogue, and were surprised to see Jesus and his disciples there before them, knowing that there was no boat by which he could pass to the other side. They began to inquire how and when he had crossed the sea. They were astonished when the disciples related to them the events of the preceding night. The fury of the storm and the many hours of fruitless rowing against the fury of adverse winds, the appearance of Christ walking upon the water, the fears thus aroused, his reassuring words, the adventure of Peter and its result, with the sudden stilling of the tempest and landing of the boat, were all faithfully recounted to the wondering crowd, amid frequent interruptions and exclamations of amazement. {2SP 274.2}[1]
§5
但他们的注意力马上就被引到了基督的教训上，充满了严肃的关切。许多人深受感动；但有些人却好奇地全神贯注于他们所听到的奇事。讲道一结束，他们就聚集到救主周围，询问祂，希望更详细地听祂亲口讲述前一夜的大能作为。但耶稣并没有满足他们无聊的好奇心。祂也遭到法利赛人的纠缠，要祂从天上显一个神迹给他们看，证明祂是上帝的儿子。他们要一个祂奇能的证据，就象祂在海对面显出的那种奇能。他们强求祂在他们面前重演祂奇妙的作为。{2SP 275.1}[2]
§6
But their attention was now directed to the lessons of Jesus, so full of solemn interest. Many were deeply affected; but the minds of some were entirely engrossed with curiosity regarding the wonderful relation they had heard. As soon as the discourse was ended, they gathered around the Saviour, questioning him, hoping to receive from his own lips a fuller account of his mighty work of the previous night. But Jesus did not gratify their idle curiosity. He was also beset by the Pharisees, to show them a sign from Heaven that he was the Son of God. They asked an evidence of his miraculous power, such as had been given on the other side of the sea. They importuned him to repeat his wonderful works before them. {2SP 275.1}[2]
§7
耶稣对他们说，他们找祂并不是出于什么高尚的动机；他们并不渴望学习如何在自己日常的生活中取悦上帝；反而要祂行奇事，有时是本着一种不信的精神，有时是因为他们希望受益于祂能这样赐给他们的现世的恩惠。祂劝他们不要为必坏的食物劳力，而要追求属灵的食物，就是那种能持久直到永生的智慧。这是惟有上帝的儿子才能赐予的，因为祂有天父的印证。祂严肃认真地设法使他们铭记：现世的恩惠若与上帝的儿子所提供的属天的恩典相比较，就无足轻重了。{2SP 275.2}[3]
§8
Jesus declared to them that they did not seek him from any worthy motive; that they did not desire to learn how to please God in their daily lives; but they asked him to work miracles, sometimes in a spirit of unbelief, and sometimes because they hoped to be benefited by temporal favors which he might thus bestow upon them. He bade them not to labor for the meat which perishes, but to seek for spiritual food, that wisdom which endures unto everlasting life. This the Son of God alone could give, for he has the seal of the Father. With solemn earnestness he sought to impress upon them that temporal favors are of little consequence compared with the heavenly grace offered by the Son of God. {2SP 275.2}[3]
§9
众人问祂说：“我们当行什么，才算做上帝的工呢？”耶稣回答说：“信上帝所差来的，这就是做上帝的工。”他们又说：“祢行什么神迹，叫我们看见就信祢；祢到底做什么事呢？我们的祖宗在旷野吃过吗哪，如经上写着说：‘祂从天上赐下粮来给他们吃’”（约6:28-31）。那引导希伯来人行经旷野旅程的，原是基督自己。是祂天天从天上降吗哪供养他们；可是他们却以一种挑剔不信的精神盲目向祂提到这个为他们的祖宗而行的奇迹。耶稣向他们宣布，上帝怎样曾赐给他们吗哪以保持他们的生命，也照样赐给他们祂儿子这个恩赐，好使他们藉着祂可以吃生命的粮，成为不朽坏的。{2SP 276.1}[4]
§10
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom he hath sent. They said therefore unto him, What sign showest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. It was Christ himself who conducted the Hebrews in their travels through the wilderness. It was he who had daily fed them manna from heaven; yet they blindly referred him to this miracle, wrought for their fathers, in a spirit of caviling unbelief. Jesus declared to them that as God had given them manna to preserve their lives, so he had sent to them this gift of his Son, that through him they might eat of the bread of life and become immortal. {2SP 276.1}[4]
§11
耶稣说：“我实实在在的告诉你们，那从天上来的粮不是摩西赐给你们的，乃是我父将天上来的真粮赐给你们。因为上帝的粮就是那从天上降下来、赐生命给世界的。”他们说：“主啊，常将这粮赐给我们”（约6:32-34）。耶稣用粮作比喻，来说明祂的灵赐人生命的能力。一个是维持肉身生命的，另一个则是满足人心的，加强人的道德能力。祂说：“我就是生命的粮。到我这里来的，必定不饿；信我的，永远不渴。只是我对你们说过，你们已经看见我，还是不信”（约6:35,36）。那些体验与基督的属灵联合的人，决不会渴求更高的快乐。一切的动荡都消逝了，疲乏的心灵在救主里得到了持续的复苏。追求财富和尊荣的热望消失了。祂在他们里面成了活水的泉源，直涌到永生。{2SP 276.2}[5]
§12
Then said Jesus unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from Heaven. For the bread of God is He which cometh down from Heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. Jesus used bread as a figure to illustrate the vitalizing power of his Spirit. The one sustains physical life, while the other satisfies the heart, and strengthens the moral powers. Said he, I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. Those who experience the spiritual union with Christ never hunger for higher enjoyment. All uncertainty is gone, the weary soul finds continual refreshment in the Saviour. The feverish thirst for wealth and honor is gone. He is in them a well of water springing up into everlasting life. {2SP 276.2}[5]
§13
耶稣向犹太人郑重地宣告：他们已经看见祂和祂的作为，却不相信。祂并不是说他们用肉眼看见祂；而是说他们的悟性已经信服，但他们骄傲顽梗的心却不肯承认祂为弥赛亚。救主一直在他们中间做从来没有人做过的事。祂神能的活泼证据日复一日显在他们面前；可是他们刚硬挑剔的心却要求再显一个关于祂神性的神迹他们才肯相信。要是给了他们这种证据，他们还会和从前一样，仍旧不信。他们既然不因已经看见和听见的事而相信祂是弥赛亚，再向他们显出更多的奇妙作为也是无用。上帝圣子的尊严不会妥协，去满足一班爱质问的群众。{2SP 277.1}[6]
§14
Jesus assured the Jews that they had seen him and his works yet believed not. He did not refer to their seeing him with their natural eyes; but he meant that their understanding had been convinced, while their proud and stubborn hearts refused to acknowledge him as the Messiah. The Saviour had been doing in their midst works that no man had ever done. The living evidences of his divine power had been before them day after day; yet their hard and caviling hearts asked for still another sign of his divinity before they would believe. Had this been given them they would still have remained as unbelieving as before. If they were not already convinced of his Messiahship by what they had seen and heard, it was useless to show them more marvelous works. The dignity of Gods holy Son was not to be compromised to gratify a questioning crowd. {2SP 277.1}[6]
§15
耶稣说：“因为这百姓油蒙了心，耳朵发沉，眼睛闭着，恐怕眼睛看见，耳朵听见，心里明白，回转过来，我就医治他们”（太13:15）。不信的心总是会找到理由去怀疑和理论掉最明确的证据。犹太人总是小心戒备，惟恐压倒性的证据会迫使他们放弃自己的偏见和不信。他们的悟性虽然信服了，但他们却不肯放弃他们的骄傲和自以为义，承认他们这班自夸比世上其余的人更有智慧的人也需要一位教师。{2SP 277.2}[7]
§16
Said Jesus, For this peoples heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Unbelief will ever find cause to doubt and reason away the most positive proof. The Jews stood constantly upon guard, lest they should be forced by overwhelming evidence to yield their prejudice and unbelief. Though their understanding was convinced, they refused to surrender their pride and self-righteousness, admitting that they, who had boasted of their wisdom over all the rest of the world, themselves needed a teacher. {2SP 277.2}[7]
§17
犹太人来聚集庆祝逾越节。他们在吃羔羊的肉时，要想起它是代表上帝的羔羊，以及他们在埃及当他们敌人的长子被击杀的时候他们却蒙保护的事。希伯来人奉命涂在自家门框上的血，对他们来说乃是安全的记号，也代表基督的血，要为世人的罪流出来。救主有能力最终使凡凭着信心吃祂的肉喝祂的血的人从死里复活。这种属灵的食物使信徒有一种有根据的盼望，就是复活以至在上帝的国中享受不朽的来生。{2SP 278.1}[8]
§18
The Jews had assembled to celebrate the passover. In eating the flesh of the lamb, they were to remember that it represented the Lamb of God, and their protection when the first-born of their enemies were slain in Egypt. The blood that the Hebrews were commanded to have upon their door-posts, and which was a sign of safety to them, also represented the blood of Christ, which was to be shed for the sins of the world. The Saviour has power to finally raise from the dead all those who, by faith, eat of his flesh and drink of his blood. This spiritual food gives to the believers a well-founded hope of the resurrection to immortal life in the kingdom of God. {2SP 278.1}[8]
§19
耶稣向心存疑虑的群众宣讲这些宝贵的真理：“凡父所赐给我的人必到我这里来；到我这里来的，我总不丢弃他。因为我从天上降下来，不是要按自己的意思行，乃是要按那差我来者的意思行。差我来者的意思就是：祂所赐给我的，叫我一个也不失落，在末日却叫他复活。因为我父的意思是叫一切见子而信的人得永生，并且在末日我要叫他复活”（约6:37-40）。{2SP 278.2}[9]
§20
These precious truths Jesus declared to the incredulous multitude, saying, All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from Heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Fathers will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of Him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day. {2SP 278.2}[9]
§21
祂在这些话里说到自己将来的牺牲：“我所要赐的粮就是我的肉，为世人之生命所赐的”（约6:51）。祂既有权接近天父，蒙祂授予神圣的权威，就把祂的救恩提供给凡愿意接受取了人性的祂为他们的救赎主的人。{2SP 279.1}[10]
§22
He spoke of his future sacrifice in these words: And the bread which I will give you, is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. He offered his salvation to all who would accept him, clothed in humanity, as their Redeemer, having access to the Father, and being invested by him with divine authority. {2SP 279.1}[10]
§23
但犹太人不喜悦耶稣自称是从天上降下来生命的粮。他们就说：“这不是约瑟的儿子耶稣吗？他的父母我们岂不认得吗？他如今怎么说‘我是从天上降下来的’呢”（约6:42）？他们已那么久坚持他们的偏执和骄傲，以致如今似乎不可能相信那如日中天一样清楚明白的证据了。他们起了嫉妒的心，这个出身卑微的人竟能行他们解释不掉的奇事，教导他们不能反驳的真理。所以他们就竭力引起人们的偏见和不信，轻蔑地提到耶稣卑微的出身，且因祂神秘的出生而暗示祂的出身很可疑。他们轻蔑地提到祂在加利利作工人的生活，还说到祂的家庭是贫穷卑贱的。他们宣称，这个没有受过教育的木匠的高言大论应当立刻予以驳斥。{2SP 279.2}[11]
§24
But the Jews were displeased that Jesus should claim to be the bread of life come down from Heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it, then, that he saith, I came down from Heaven? They so clung to their bigotry and pride that it now seemed impossible for them to believe evidence that was plain as the noonday sun. Their jealousy was aroused that this man of humble birth was able to work wonders that they could not explain away, and teach truths that could not be contradicted. So they endeavored to awaken the prejudice and unbelief of the people by referring scornfully to the lowly origin of Jesus, and by reason of his mysterious birth, insinuating that he was of doubtful parentage. They contemptuously alluded to his life as a Galilean laborer, and to his family as being poor and lowly. They declared that the lofty claims of this uneducated carpenter should be at once repudiated. {2SP 279.2}[11]
§25
但耶稣却听到他们的抱怨并且责备了他们。祂再次以更加有说服力的语言宣布祂与父的关系，以及人心必须先受上帝之灵的启迪才能感到需要一位救主。“若不是差我来的父吸引人，就没有能到我这里来的；到我这里来的，在末日我要叫他复活。在先知书上写着说：‘他们都要蒙上帝的教训。’凡听见父之教训又学习的，就到我这里来”（约6:44,45）。祂在这里提到以赛亚的预言说：“你的儿女都要受耶和华的教训；你的儿女必大享平安”（赛54:13）。{2SP 279.3}[12]
§26
But Jesus heard their murmurings and reproved them. He again, in more forcible language, declared his connection with the Father, and the necessity for the heart to be enlightened by the Spirit of God before it can feel the need of a Saviour. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man, therefore, that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. He here refers to the prophecy of Isaiah: And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy children. {2SP 279.3}[12]
§27
这并不是耶稣所教导的一个新道理，而是预言的应验。祭司和长老们作为圣道的解释者，原应彻底明白这一点。救主宣布若不是天父吸引人，就没有人能到祂这里来，是希望他们明白：上帝决不会亲自显现去教导他们生命之道。人性不能片刻忍受祂荣耀的显现；只有藉着圣子，他们才能来到祂面前。他们看到和听到子，就看到和听到了父。祂是上帝和祂悖逆儿女之间的中保。犹太人声称上帝是他们的教师，但基督却宣布这种自称是徒然的，因为，祂说：“凡听见父之教训又学习的，就到我这里来”（约6:45）。{2SP 280.1}[13]
§28
This was not a new doctrine which Jesus taught. It was the fulfillment of prophecy, which, as expounders of the word, the priests and elders should have thoroughly understood. In declaring that none come to him unless the Father draws them, the Saviour wished them to understand that God would never appear in person to teach them concerning the way of life. Humanity could not endure the vision of his glory for a moment; only through the Son could they come to him. In seeing and hearing the Son, they saw and heard the Father. He is Mediator between God and his disobedient children. The Jews claimed God as their teacher, but Christ declared such profession vain, for, said he, Every man, therefore, that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. {2SP 280.1}[13]
§29
基督无意回答关于祂出生的问题，就象无意回答祂是怎样渡海来的一样。祂并不想推崇自己，也不想推崇祂生活中显著的奇迹。法利赛人的偏见比他们的提问所暗示的更深，已在他们苦毒刚愎的罪恶心肠中扎根。祂的言行并没有制造这样的情绪，只是引发了它们，因为祂纯洁高尚的道理不符合他们自私的心理。祂说：“我实实在在的告诉你们，信的人有永生。我就是生命的粮”（约6:47,48）。犹太人在死人复活的观点上多有冲突和疑惑。不仅撒都该人和法利赛人之间有意见分歧，犹太人对来生和身体的复活也十分暗昧不明。耶稣可怜他们愚昧的状况，劝他们接受祂，祂原是他们惟一的希望，是伟大的赐生命之主，是“生命的粮。”{2SP 280.2}[14]
§30
Jesus did not attempt to answer the questions raised regarding his birth any more than he had answered those concerning his crossing the sea. He did not desire to magnify himself, nor the miracles that marked his life. The prejudice of the Pharisees lay deeper than their questions would indicate, and had taken root in the bitter perversity of their sinful hearts. His sayings and doings had not created such feelings, but only called them into action, because his pure and elevated doctrine was not in harmony with their selfish hearts. Said he, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. There were conflicting views and much uncertainty in regard to the resurrection of the dead. Aside from the dissension between the Sadducees and Pharisees, the Jews were in great darkness concerning the future life and the resurrection of the body. Jesus pitied them in their benighted condition, and bade them accept him, who was their only hope, the great Life-giver, even the bread of life. {2SP 280.2}[14]
§31
他们向祂提到他们的祖宗在旷野吃过的吗哪，好像提供那种食物的神迹比耶稣所行的更大似的。但此时祂却向他们宣布：那时从天上赐给他们的暂时的食物若与祂如今要提供给他们的永生之福相比，就是极小的恩赐了。当时所吃的食物维持了体力，却没有阻止死亡的临近，也没有确保不朽的永生。上帝的儿子提供给人的粮却是消灭死亡的，最终使人的身体也得到不朽坏的生命。祂说：“你们的祖宗在旷野吃过吗哪，还是死了。这是从天上降下来的粮，叫人吃了就不死。我是从天上降下来生命的粮；人若吃这粮，就必永远活着。我所要赐的粮就是我的肉，为世人之生命所赐的”（约6:49-51）。{2SP 281.1}[15]
§32
They had referred him to the manna which their fathers ate in the wilderness, as if the furnishing of that food was a greater miracle than Jesus had wrought; but he now declared unto them that the temporal food then given from Heaven was but a meager gift compared with the blessing of eternal life which he now offered them. The food eaten then sustained the strength, but did not prevent the approach of death, nor insure immortal life. The bread that the Son of God offered to man was death-destroying, giving in the end immortal life to the body. Said he, Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from Heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from Heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. {2SP 281.1}[15]
§33
我们的主在此预指祂将要面对的死亡，就是为人类罪恶所献惟一真正的挽回祭。犹太人即将大事炫耀地庆祝逾越节。逾越节要吃的羔羊，原是基督身体的一个象征；可是逾越节的羔羊所预表的那一位就站在他们中间，表明自己是他们的救主，祂的血要保护他们脱离恨恶罪恶之上帝的忿怒，他们却拒绝了祂所提供的恩惠。{2SP 281.2}[16]
§34
Our Lord here points forward to his approaching death, the only true propitiation for the sins of humanity. The Jews were about to celebrate with great display the feast of the passover. The lamb to be eaten there, was a symbol of Christs body; yet the very person that it represented stood in their midst, presenting himself as their Saviour, whose blood would preserve them from the wrath of a sin-hating God, and they refuse his offers of mercy. {2SP 281.2}[16]
§35
耶稣所行使众人吃饱的奇迹，给祂提供了一个有说服力的例证，用来说明祂在地上的工作。祂宣布：现世的食物怎样给身体提供健康和力量，对基督的信心和顺从祂的教导也照样给人的心灵提供属灵的活力和永生。但犹太人既决心曲解祂的话，便开始生气地争论说：“这个人怎能把他的肉给我们吃呢”（约6:52）？他们假装按字面意思理解祂的话，就象尼哥底母问“人已经老了，如何能重生呢”的时候一样。他们虽然领会了耶稣的意思，却不愿意承认。他们以为这是一个良机，可以引起百姓对祂的偏见，使祂的话在他们看来很不利。耶稣说：“我实实在在的告诉你们，你们若不吃人子的肉，不喝人子的血，就没有生命在你们里面。吃我肉、喝我血的人就有永生，在末日我要叫他复活。我的肉真是可吃的，我的血真是可喝的。吃我肉、喝我血的人常在我里面，我也常在他里面。永活的父怎样差我来，我又因父活着；照样，吃我肉的人也要因我活着。这就是从天上降下来的粮。吃这粮的人就永远活着，不象你们的祖宗吃过吗哪还是死了”（约6:53-58）。{2SP 282.1}[17]
§36
The miracle Jesus had performed in feeding the multitude, furnished him a forcible figure by which to illustrate his work upon earth. He declared that, as temporal bread imparts health and strength to the body, so will faith in Christ, and obedience to his teachings, give spiritual vigor to the soul, and life everlasting. But the Jews, determined to misinterpret his words, now engaged in angry contention, asking, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? They affected to understand his words in the same literal sense as did Nicodemus, when he asked, How can a man be born when he is old? They comprehended the meaning of Jesus, but were not willing to acknowledge it. They thought it a favorable opportunity to prejudice the people against him, by presenting his words to them in the most unfavorable light. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father, so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from Heaven; not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead; he that eateth of this bread shall live forever. {2SP 282.1}[17]
§37
犹太人似乎被基督的这些话吓着了。他们的律法严禁他们吃血，他们便认为祂的话是该受天谴的言论，于是就祂的话彼此争论起来。耶稣给祂的门徒和百姓讲了他们当时不能充分领会的教训，因为他们的道德黑暗。有许多事跟从祂的人听祂讲的时候都不明白，但随着后续发生的事件就明白了。当祂不再与他们一同行走时，祂的话乃是他们的心灵的保障。{2SP 283.1}[18]
§38
The Jews appeared to be horrified at these sayings of Christ. Their law strictly forbade them to taste blood, and they construed his language into a sacrilegious speech, and contended and disputed over his words among themselves. Jesus gave his disciples, and the people, lessons which they could not at the time fully comprehend, because of their moral darkness. Many things which his followers did not fully understand when he uttered them, were made plain by subsequent events. His words were a stay to their hearts when he walked no more with them. {2SP 283.1}[18]
§39
连门徒也抱怨耶稣最后的话。他们说：“这话甚难，谁能听呢”（约6:60）？救主听到了他们的抱怨，就回答他们：“这话是叫你们跌倒吗？倘或你们看见人子升到祂原来所在之处，怎么样呢？叫人活着的乃是灵，肉体是无益的。我对你们所说的话就是灵，就是生命”（约6:61-63）。祂就这样指教他们：那使人得到永生的，并不是祂的肉身，而是人对祂的话和祂要为世人所做牺牲之功效的信心。祂的教训与榜样，祂的生和死，乃是天上的粮，要使他们得到属灵的生命和活力。祂责备了他们，因为他们竟抱怨祂说祂是从天上降下来的粮。他们若是不能领受这个真理，当祂在他们眼前升到祂由之而来的天上时，那会怎么样呢？{2SP 283.2}[19]
§40
Even the disciples murmured at these last words of Jesus. They said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it? The Saviour heard their complaints and answered them: Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of Man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. Thus he instructed them that it was not his human flesh that would give life eternal, but faith in his words and in the efficacy of the sacrifice he was to make for the world. His teaching and example, his life and death, were the heavenly food that was to give them spiritual life and vigor. He reproved them because they had murmured when he said that he had come down from Heaven. If they were not able to receive this truth, how would it be when he ascended before their eyes to that Heaven from whence he came? {2SP 283.2}[19]
§41
耶稣知道许多跟从祂的人指望得到现世的恩惠。他们指望祂行件奇事使他们受益；但他们特别盼望祂最终会将他们从罗马人的轭下释放出来。祂也知道眼前有一个人会出卖祂。祂告诉他们，他们中间有人不信。耶稣又说：“所以我对你们说过，若不是蒙我父的恩赐，没有人能到我这里来”（约6:65）。{2SP 283.3}[20]
§42
Jesus knew that many followed him who hoped to receive temporal favors thereby. They looked for him to work some miracle that would benefit them; but especially did they hope that he would eventually free them from the Roman yoke. He also knew that there was one near who would betray him. He told them that there were some among them who believed not. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. {2SP 283.3}[20]
§43
祂希望他们明白，他们的心必须向上帝的灵敞开，之后才能因信被吸引归向祂。他们必须乐于责备自己的错误，远避罪恶，过圣洁的生活。存在于祭司和官长中间的不信影响了民众，使他们犹豫疑虑。耶稣已经给了他们关于祂神性的充分证据，但他们充满疑问的心思却总是设法把祂奇妙的作为另作解释。他们推断，门徒看见祂在水面上行走可能是痴心妄想。
§44
He wished them to understand that their hearts must be open to the Spirit of God before they could be drawn to him by faith. They must be willing to have their errors reproved, to eschew evil, and lead holy lives. The unbelief existing among the priests and rulers influenced the people to be hesitating and doubtful. Jesus had given them sufficient proof of his divinity; but their incredulous minds were ever seeking to explain away his wonderful works. They reasoned that the disciples might have been under a delusion when they saw him walking upon the water. {2SP 284.1}[21]
§45
固然，他们不能不承认祂行了许多奇妙的医治，也用五个饼两条小鱼使大众吃饱了；但他们心中不满地质问：祂既能行这些奇事，为何不使祂所有的百姓都得到健康、力量和财富，摆脱他们的压迫者，高举他们得到权柄和尊荣呢？那时他们就会相信祂并荣耀祂的名了。他们就这样让自己被不信和不满捆绑住了。他们罪恶的心不肯领会祂这句话的意思：“我是从天上降下来的粮。”祂的道理太纯洁太高尚了，不能吸引他们属肉体的心。{2SP 284.2}[22]
§46
True, they could not but admit that he had performed many miraculous cures, and plentifully fed a vast multitude from five loaves and two small fishes; but their dissatisfied hearts queried, if he could do these wonders, why might he not give health, strength, and riches to all his people, free them from their oppressors, and exalt them to power and honor? Then they would believe on him and glorify his name. Thus they allowed themselves to be bound by unbelief and discontent. Their gross minds refused to comprehend the meaning of his words, I am the bread which came down from Heaven. His doctrine was too pure and exalted to attract their carnal hearts. {2SP 284.2}[22]
§47
耶稣的这次讲道冷却了百姓的热心。要是成为祂的门徒，他们必须过公义的生活，舍己，遭受羞辱，他们就不愿集结在祂的旗下了。哀哉以色列！他们不知道眷顾他们的时候！他们拒绝了他们的救主，因为他们渴望一位会赐给他们世俗权柄的征服者。他们想要必朽坏的食物，不想要那能持续到永生的食物。他们的野心是要得到属世的财富和荣耀，他们对基督的话不感兴趣，因为祂教导他们个人的纯正，要彻底改变生活。{2SP 285.1}[23]
§48
This discourse of Jesus cooled the enthusiasm of the people. If, by becoming his disciples, they must live righteous lives, deny self, and suffer humiliation, they had no desire to rally under his banner. Alas for Israel! They knew not the time of their visitation! They refused their Saviour, because they longed for a conqueror who would give them temporal power. They wanted the meat which perishes, and not that which endures unto everlasting life. Their ambition was for earthly riches and glory, and they had no relish for the words of Christ that taught personal purity, and a thorough reformation of life. {2SP 285.1}[23]
§49
耶稣的许多言行在有限的人看来似乎很神秘；但祂神圣的悟性明了自己的一切目的。祂的整个计划都展开在祂面前，每一个细节都很完美。祂的一举一动都要产生各自的结果。从创世到世界末了的整部世界史基督是完全明了的。要是人心能够明白祂的作为，祂在世上生活的每一个行动就会显得重要、完全，且与祂的神圣使命和谐一致。{2SP 285.2}[24]
§50
Many of the words and dealings of Jesus appear mysterious to finite minds; but all his purposes were clear to his divine understanding. His whole plan was mapped before him, perfect in all its details. Every act was calculated to produce its individual results. The history of the world from its creation to the end of time was fully known to Christ. Were the mind of man capable of understanding his dealings, every act of his earthly life would stand forth important, complete, and in harmony with his divine mission. {2SP 285.2}[24]
§51
信徒的抱怨使救主的心很忧伤。祂既当众责备了他们的不信，他们就更不满了。他们中的许多人便退去，不再与耶稣同行了。祂慈怜地目送这些犯错的人离去。他们大受冒犯，想要伤害耶稣，满足法利赛人的恶意，便转背，轻蔑地弃祂而去。他们这样做就犯了致命的错误，拒绝了上帝对他们的忠告。正是这种事态的发展使救主成了一个多受痛苦常经忧患的人。祂仁慈怜悯的意识不受赏识，祂的爱得不到报答，祂的恩慈受人轻视，祂的救恩被人拒绝，使祂神圣的心灵充满了难以形容的忧伤。要是这些忘恩负义的门徒能看出上帝如何看待他们对待祂爱子的行为，他们就不会那么骄傲反叛地离开祂了。他们宁要黑暗不要光明，因为他们太虚荣，太自以为义了，不肯接受应得的责备，太属世了，不肯接受谦卑的生活以便得救。面对祂一切奇妙的作为，他们竟转身离开了祂。祂用祂美好的道理和祂的仁心善举曾呼召数千人到祂身边；祂解救了受苦的人，以致整个城市和乡村的人都脱离了疾病，不需要医生在他们中间工作了。{2SP 285.3}[25]
§52
The murmuring of his followers grieved the heart of the Saviour. In openly rebuking their unbelief before the multitude, he had increased their disaffection, and many of them went back and walked no more with Jesus. He looked after these erring ones with eyes of pitying tenderness. They were greatly displeased, and, wishing to wound Jesus and gratify the malice of the Pharisees, they turned their backs upon him and left him with disdain. In doing this they made the fatal mistake of rejecting Gods counsel to them. It was such developments as these that made the Saviour a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. The consciousness that his kindness and compassion were unappreciated, his love unrequited, his mercy slighted, his salvation rejected, filled his divine soul with a grief that was inexpressible. Could these ungrateful disciples have discerned how God viewed their behavior to his dear Son, they would hardly have walked away so proudly and defiantly. They were choosing darkness rather than light, because they were too vain and self-righteous to receive a merited rebuke, and too worldly to accept a life of humility in order to secure salvation. In the face of all his wonderful works they turned away from Him, who, by the beauty of his doctrine and his mercy and benevolence, had called thousands to his side; who had relieved suffering humanity, so that entire cities and villages were freed from disease, and there was no work for a physician among them. {2SP 285.3}[25]
§53
我们看到基督慷慨地对待贫穷受苦的人，耐心地对待粗鲁无知的人，看到祂的舍己和牺牲时，我们就赞叹不己，满心崇敬。人因罪恶与悖逆而与上帝疏远，上帝却厚赐人何等大的恩赐啊！在默想这种无法言喻的爱的时候，十足令人肝肠寸断，泪如泉涌！基督降卑自己取了人性，以便接受沦陷在祸患与堕落深渊中的人类，提拔人过一种高尚的生活，使人有道德的力量去抵挡撒但的权势，并且奉祂的名胜过罪恶。祂如此屈尊所得到的回报实在可悲。{2SP 286.1}[26]
§54
When we view the generosity of Christ to the poor and suffering, his patience with the rude and ignorant, his self-denial and sacrifice, we are lost in admiration and reverence. What a gift has God lavished upon man, alienated from him by sin and disobedience! Well may the heart break and the tears flow in contemplation of such inexpressible love! Christ abased himself to humanity that he might reach man sunken into the depths of woe and degradation, and lift him into a nobler life, give him moral strength to resist the power of Satan and overcome sin in his name. Sad was the recompense he met for his marvelous condescension. {2SP 286.1}[26]
§55
耶稣的话被人嘲笑，因为祂宣布外在的信仰表白和外表遵守各种仪式不会有用；工夫必须下到内心，并且结出果子来与悔改的心相称。祂对门徒们说的话也是对今日跟从基督之人说的。有一颗清洁的心和过纯洁的生活是同样必要的。可是许多人却拒绝上帝藉着祂的仆人们发出的警告，不肯让切身实际的真理深入自己的内心，因为他们的生活不符合上帝的旨意，因为他们看出必须实行全面改革，他们不愿开始从事舍己的工作，所以他们的罪恶一被发现，他们就感到恼火。他们走掉了，感到受了冒犯，正如耶稣的门徒离开祂一样，抱怨说：“这话甚难，谁能听呢”（约6:60）？{2SP 287.1}[27]
§56
The words of Jesus were scorned because he declared that outward professions and observances of forms would not avail; the work must reach the heart and bring forth fruit meet for repentance. The words that he addressed to his disciples are also spoken to the followers of Christ today. The same necessity exists for a clean heart and a pure life. Yet how many reject the warning of God, spoken by his servants, and the close, practical truths pressed home to their hearts, because their lives are not in accordance with the will of God, because they perceive that an entire reformation is necessary, and are unwilling to take up the self-denying work, and are therefore angry because their sins have been discovered. They go away offended, even as the disciples left Jesus, murmuring, This is a hard saying; who can hear it? {2SP 287.1}[27]
§57
那些自称敬虔却不听从主的警告，也不调整自己的生活符合祂神圣旨意的人，会用黑暗的链条把自己捆得越来越紧。许多现在自称相信基督的真理的人，并不比当时弃祂而去的那些门徒更能经受住考验。许多人虽然自称有信仰，却因不信的心而与基督相隔那么远，以致拒绝上帝藉着祂的仆人们所发出的言语和行为。如果神圣的启示不符合他们的观点，他们就觉得有自由转离它的教导。如果它斥责他们的罪恶，他们就觉得受了冒犯。赞美和奉承的话在他们听来很顺耳，真理却很逆耳，他们听不了。当众人都跟从主，并且吃饼得饱，胜利的欢呼声响彻云霄时，他们也高声赞美；但是当上帝鉴察人心的灵向他们显明他们的罪并且吩咐他们离弃罪恶时，他们就转身离开真理，“不再和祂同行”（约6:66）。{2SP 287.2}[28]
§58
Those who profess godliness, yet do not heed the admonitions of the Lord, nor regulate their lives in harmony with his holy will, fasten themselves more and more firmly by chains of darkness. Many who now profess to believe the truth of Christ, endure the test no better than those who turned away from following him. Many, while professing the faith, are so separated from Christ by hearts of unbelief, that they reject the words and works of God shown through his servants. If the divine revelation does not harmonize with their views, they feel at liberty to turn from its teachings. If it rebukes their sins they are offended. Praise and flattery would be grateful to their ears, but the truth is disagreeable, they cannot hear it. When the crowds follow, and the multitudes are fed, and the cries of triumph go up, their voices are loud in praise; but when the searching of Gods Spirit reveals to them their sin and bids them leave it, they turn their backs upon the truth, and walk no more with Jesus. {2SP 287.2}[28]
§59
上帝并不愿意被追问而解释祂的道路和作为。隐藏目前的旨意原是祂的荣耀；但不久以后祂的旨意就会显出其确实的重要性。然而祂并没有隐藏祂的大爱，那是祂对待祂儿女的一切行为的基础。祂在赐下祂的儿子和藉以显明祂自己的许多天意的安排上，已经显明了祂的爱。凡在生活上与耶稣接近的人都会明白许多敬虔的奥秘，领会那种给人所应受的责备的爱。人类既与上帝疏远，就只能藉着在属灵上吃祂爱子的肉喝祂爱子的血来与祂和好。{2SP 288.1}[29]
§60
God does not propose to be called to account for his ways and works. It is for his glory to conceal his purposes now; but by and by they will be revealed in their true importance. But he has not concealed his great love, which lies at the foundation of all his dealings with his children. He has revealed his love in the gift of his Son, and in the many providences by which he manifests himself. He who lives near to Jesus may understand much of the mystery of godliness, and comprehend the love that administers merited reproof. Humanity, alienated from God, can only be reconciled to him by partaking spiritually of the flesh and blood of his dear Son. {2SP 288.1}[29]
§61
救主不想阻止那些心中不满、离祂而去的门徒，而是转向那十二个蒙拣选的人，忧伤地说：“你们也要去吗？”彼得迅速作答，回问说：“主啊，祢有永生之道，我们还归从谁呢？我们已经信了，又知道祢是上帝的圣者”（约6:67-69）。这句话充满了意义——“我们还归从谁呢？”以色列的教师们是冷淡的形式主义的奴隶。法利赛人和撒都该人不断在争论复活的道理和其它不同的要点。离开基督就会落在那些拘泥于各种仪式和礼节的人，以及追求自己荣耀的野心勃勃的人中间。门徒们自从接受基督以来，感到了比他们以前一切的生活中更多的平安和喜乐。他们曾极其厌恶地回顾自己从前粗心大意的罪恶行径。他们的眼睛既已睁开，看清犹太人的恶意和偏执，又怎么能回到他们中间呢？犹太人已嘲笑和迫害了罪人的良友。门徒们的信心在他们期待弥赛亚时已支撑了他们很久，如今祂既来了，他们又怎么能转身离开祂面前，到那些正寻索祂性命并因他们顺从祂而逼迫过他们的人那里去呢？{2SP 288.2}[30]
§62
The Saviour did not attempt to prevent the disaffected disciples from leaving him, but, turning to the twelve chosen ones, said sorrowfully, Will ye also go away? Peter promptly replied by asking in turn Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life, and we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. How full of meaning are these words, To whom shall we go? The teachers of Israel were slaves to cold formality. The Pharisees and Sadducees were in constant contention concerning the doctrine of the resurrection and other points of difference. To leave Jesus was to fall among sticklers for rites and ceremonies, and ambitious men who sought their own glory. The disciples had felt more peace and joy since they had accepted Christ than in all their previous lives. They had looked back with horror upon their former course of carelessness and iniquity. How could they, whose eyes had been opened to discern the malice and bigotry of the Jews, go back to them who had scorned and persecuted the Friend of sinners? Long had their faith sustained them in looking for the Messiah, and now that he had come, they could not turn from his presence to those who were hunting his life and had persecuted them for obeying him. {2SP 288.2}[30]
§63
“我们还归从谁呢？”不能离开基督的道理和祂的爱与慈善，到不信的黑暗和世人的邪恶中去。虽然许多曾目睹救主奇妙的作为，见过祂医治病人、安慰哀伤的人，且曾因祂属天威严的仪态而激动万分的人在转身离开祂，但彼得却表达了门徒们的信心：“祢是基督。”他们决不会否认祂是世界的救赎主，上帝的儿子。他们一想到失去灵魂的这个锚，内心就因痛苦而战栗。再次失去救主，再去遭受惧怕，服从迷信，就会象在黑暗狂暴的大海上漂流一般。{2SP 289.1}[31]
§64
To whom shall we go? Not from the doctrine of Christ, his lessons of love and charity, to the darkness of unbelief, the wickedness of the world. While many were turning from the Saviour who had witnessed his miraculous works, who had seen him heal the sick and comfort the distressed, who had been electrified by the heavenly majesty of his bearing, Peter expresses the faith of the disciples, Thou art that Christ. Never will they deny that he is the worlds Redeemer, the Son of God. The very thought of losing this anchor of their souls thrilled their hearts with anguish. To be again destitute of a Saviour, subject to fear and superstition, would be to be adrift upon a dark and stormy sea. {2SP 289.1}[31]
§65
有些人可能会质疑耶稣的智慧，竟然提出这么容易让人误解的问题，使那么多的人在这个场合弃祂而去。但祂这样做是有用意的。祂看到在祂被出卖、祂在客尼马尼园受痛苦和祂被钉死在十字架上时，门徒要受到一场极其严酷的考验。祂知道在祂的门徒中间谁是不信的人，谁是信心软弱的人。若不试验他们，耶稣就会有许多品格软弱犹豫不决的门徒。当大考验来到，他们的主被出卖且在审判厅被定罪时；当祂受羞辱，曾欢呼祂为王的群众对祂发嘘声并且辱骂祂时；当残忍嘲笑的众人喊叫说“钉祂十字架”时，——那时这些胆怯的人就会因恐惧和失望而沉沦了。{2SP 289.2}[32]
§66
Some may question the wisdom of Jesus in introducing a subject so easily misunderstood as that which had turned so many from him on this occasion. But he had a purpose in view. He saw that a most trying ordeal awaited his disciples in his betrayal, his agony in Gethsemane, and his crucifixion. He knew who among his followers were unbelieving and who were of weak faith. Had no test been given them, Jesus would have had many among his followers who were weak in character, and undecided. When the great trial came, and their Lord was betrayed and condemned in the Judgment Hall; when he was humiliated, and the multitude, who had hailed him as their king, hissed at him and reviled him; when the cruel, jeering crowd cried, Crucify him!--then these faint-hearted ones would have sunk beneath their fear and disappointment. {2SP 289.2}[32]
§67
这些自称跟从基督的人若在那时背道，十二使徒就会在他们的大忧伤和最心爱的盼望遭到可怕的破灭之时难以承受。那些离祂而去之人的榜样会在那个可怕的时辰使所有其余的人都随他们而去。但耶稣趁祂仍在的时候便促成这场危机，好安慰和加强祂所拣选的人，预备他们承受接下来要发生的事。当大声叫嚣的乌合之众嘲笑注定要钉十字架的主时，门徒们不会因惊讶于对他们夫子的这种侮辱而被压倒，因为他们已见过那些曾跟从主之人的变化无常。当那些自称爱主的人在祂遭难的时候离弃祂时，门徒们便想起以前因较轻的理由曾发生过同样的事。他们已试验过世人变化无常的欢心，所以不将自己的信心寄托在别人的意见上。耶稣为祂被卖和受死的大考验聪明地预备了少数忠于祂之人的心。{2SP 290.1}[33]
§68
The apostasy of these professed followers of Christ at such a time, would have been more than the twelve could have endured in addition to their great grief and the terrible ruin of their fondest hopes. The example of those who turned from him, might, in that hour of horror, have carried all the rest with them. But Jesus brought about this crisis while he was still present to comfort and strengthen his chosen, and prepare them for what was to follow. When the hooting rabble scorned Him who was doomed to the cross, the disciples were not overwhelmed with surprise at this insult to their Master, for they had seen the fickleness of those who had once followed him. When those who had professed to love the Master turned from him in the time of his trouble, the disciples remembered that the same thing had occurred before, for less reason. They had tested the inconstant favor of the world, and hung not their faith upon the opinions of others. Jesus wisely prepared the minds of his faithful few for the great trial of his betrayal and death. {2SP 290.1}[33]
§69
彼得对耶稣大有信心。他从最初就相信祂是弥赛亚。他曾见过也听过基督的先锋约翰宣布祂是上帝的羔羊，除去世人罪孽的。他一直与基督密切联络，目睹了祂的奇事，聆听了祂的教导，并且深信祂就是上帝的儿子。许多因约翰的讲道而知罪并接受基督的人，当约翰被囚并被处死时，便开始怀疑约翰的使命。他们还怀疑耶稣是否真的是他们已渴望了那么久的弥赛亚。{2SP 290.2}[34]
§70
Peter had great faith in Jesus. From the first he had believed that he was the Messiah. He had seen and heard John, who was the forerunner of Christ, proclaim him to be the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. He had been closely connected with Jesus, had witnessed his miracles, listened to his teachings, and was convinced that he was the Son of God Many who had been convicted by the preaching of John, and had accepted Christ, began to doubt as to the mission of John, when he was imprisoned and put to death. They also doubted if Jesus was really the Messiah, whom they had looked for so long. {2SP 290.2}[34]
§71
但彼得的信心却没有衰退；他以坚定的献身跟从祂的夫子。当那些期盼耶稣大显神能，接受大卫宝座地位的门徒因看出祂毫无意向这么做而离开祂时，彼得和他同伴们却毫不动摇地效忠于祂。那些昨天还赞美祂今天就定祂罪之人的行径并没有影响真正跟从救主之人的信心。彼得说：“祢是永生上帝的儿子。”他并不等待将王的尊荣加给主的时候，而是在主的屈辱中接受了祂。彼得在承认基督时表达了门徒们的信心。但尽管这样，耶稣却知道，信祂并跟从祂的人和犹太人，对于与他们的弥赛亚同受屈辱、苦难和死亡毫无概念。慈怜的救赎主既完全明了那等候着祂的厄运，就温柔地为祂的门徒铺平道路，预备他们承受他们最大的考验，并坚固他们承受最后的试验！{2SP 291.1}[35]
§72
But the faith of Peter never flagged; he followed his Master with unwavering devotion. When those of the disciples who had ardently expected Jesus to make a great display of power, and take his place on Davids throne, left him because they perceived that he had no such intention, Peter and his companions faltered not in their allegiance. The vacillating course of those who praised yesterday, and condemned today, did not affect the faith of the true follower of the Saviour. Peter declares, Thou art the Son of the living God. He waited not for kingly honors to crown his Lord, but accepted him in his humiliation. Peter, in his confession of Christ, expressed the faith of the disciples. But notwithstanding this, Jesus knew that neither his believing followers nor any of the Jews had any idea of associating humiliation, suffering and death, with their Messiah. Compassionate Redeemer, who, in the full knowledge of the doom that awaited him, tenderly smoothed the way for his disciples, prepared them for their crowning trial, and strengthened them for the final test! {2SP 291.1}[35]