我们多年前在 8月30日2020年时，就谈到了撒但的一些本质，就是从约伯记一开始就可看到，只要神容许，牠就会坏到无所不用其极。虽然圣经没有明说神的空间是什么，但在那里，我们可以看到牠能到神一样的空间里，但牠是受造物，时间只能往前，而神是可以控制时间，在时间中行走的。也看到了撒但能行一些超自然的事，包括一些物质界和灵界的事情，但牠的所行的绝不能越过神所允许的一步。牠能如天气预报的预测，绝对不能预知未来，所以当我们遇见超自然的事而难以分辩的时候，如果有预知介入，就知道一定是神的作为。我们一定要以圣经的话语作为绝对的标准来分辩，所以正确的了解圣经中神的旨意，不强解圣经，是非常重要的。详情请看油管(YouTube)上的「200830 撒但的一些本质」。          

    在这短文中，我们首先将神的一些特质和撒但的作为对比，就是神是无所不在的，全知的，和全能的，也提到为什么经文说撒但不是这样。第二我们看到试探的本质，就是撒但用尽手段的想要我们在神面前跌倒。我们简略的讨论了耶稣在受洗后所受的试探，只是祂没有犯罪。又把约伯受的试探作为另一个例子，说明了我们为什么说，撒但在他身上用了所有可能的的试探。也看到了在受试探的时候，总会给我们开一条出路，叫我们能忍受得住。第三，  有人说祷告是要了解神的旨意，一但清楚的了解神的旨意后，就要完全照著神的旨意做。我们举圣经的例子说明不完全是这样的，祂渴望人代求，只要是不损害祂的根基的事，祂是有可能改变主意的，因为祂所用的是回授策略。所以祷告的目的是要用圣经作为绝对的标准来分辩，确定神的旨意，也要看看是否是属于神可能会改变主意的事。如果是，要代求。如果不是，即使是和自己所想的不同，也要顺服。

1. 神和撒但的一些特质          

    我们从三方面来看看一些神的所是，和撒但不是什么。第一，神是无所不在的，而撒但不能这样。虽然圣经没有明说神是无所不在的，但说了『因为无论在哪里，有两三个人奉我的名聚会，那里就有我在他们中间。』(马太福音 18:20) 如果三位一体神不是无所不在的，焉能如此？          

    撒但是被造物，牠不能像神一样的无所不在，事实上，祂会有固定的住所。我们不知道牠现在住在何处，但圣经明说了，『你要写信给别迦摩教会的使者说︰『那有两刃利剑的说：我知道你的居所，就是有撒但座位之处。当我忠心的见证人安提帕在你们中间、撒但所住的地方被杀之时，你还坚守我的名，没有弃绝我的道。』』(启示录 2:12-13) 所以我们知道那时牠是住在别迦摩的。我们也从这些经文中看到跟随耶稣是要付代价的，有时甚至要付出生命的代价。          

    第二，神是全知的，而撒但不是。也是和现前一样，圣经没有明说神是全知的，但绝对有这概念。举个例子来说，耶稣基督是三位一体中的一位，当祂在道成肉身治疗一个瘫子时，『有人用褥子抬著一个瘫子到耶稣跟前来。耶稣见他们的信心，就对瘫子说：「小子，放心吧！你的罪赦了。」有几个文士心里说：「这个人说僭妄的话了。」耶稣知道他们的心意，就说：「你们为甚么心里怀著恶念呢？」』(马太福音 9:2-4) 这不就是说祂是全知的吗？当然还有其他的例子，如『耶稣看见拿但业来，就指著他说：「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：「你从哪里知道我呢？」 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。」』(约翰福音 1:47-48) 其他的例子我们就不多说了。          

    我们已经说过撒但是不能预知的，也就说明了牠不是全知的。我们现在从另外一个角度来说明这点，圣经在旧约中说，『有一天，神的众子来侍立在耶和华面前，撒但也来在其中。耶和华问撒但说：「你从哪里来？」 撒但回答说：「我从地上走来走去，往返而来。」』(约伯记 1:6-7) 的确，撒但是可以到神的空间的。圣经在新约中也说，『务要谨守、警醒，因为你们的仇敌魔鬼，如同吼叫的狮子，遍地游行，寻找可吞吃的人。』(彼得前书 5:8) 如果撒但是全知的，祂需要走来走去，遍地游行吗？在这里又可看到圣经的一致性，就是神借著圣经告诉我们的是一致的，而不是文字上的。文字上会有明显的矛盾，这时我们该问的是、神借著这看起来好像是明显的矛盾，到底要告诉我们那一致的事情在那里！          

    第三，神是神是全能的，而撒但不是。撒但所行，不能越过神所许可的一步，祂怎么会是全能的呢？圣经直接说神是全能的神，譬如在这经文，『亚伯兰年九十九岁的时候，耶和华向他显现，对他说：「我是全能的神，你当在我面前作完全人。』(创世记 17:1)          

    在这里我们需要定义全能一下，因为许多人认为全能就是无所不能，不是这样的！以说谎为例，我们知道，『…魔鬼(撒但)…从起初是杀人的，不守真理，因他心里没有真理；他说谎是出于自己，因他本来是说谎的，也是说谎之人的父。』(约翰福音 8:44) 所以谎言是从撒但(父)而来的，不是神所创造的。神是信实的，祂不能说谎，因谎言不在祂里面，要祂怎能说谎呢？可见祂不是无所不能的。那么全能究竟是什么呢？有一些对我们不存在的事情对祂是存在的，以行神迹为例，祂有绝对的主权，可以在祂认为需要时行神迹，而我们不能这样，最多是行神迹的一个管道，源头仍在于祂。譬如圣经记载保罗能作行神迹，只是因为他是一个管道，而源头在于三位一体的神。我们看到这，是因为后面第三段「祷告的真谛和目的」中我们会提到，保罗不能行神迹让他肉体上的一根刺拿走。所以「全能」是指对祂存在的事情，祂都能做。因此我们不能说，要祂「在三维空间中，造出一个祂都不能搬动的石头」，这是不合逻辑的，不存在的。    

    圣经说，『神能照著运行在我们心里的大力，充充足足地成就一切，超过我们所求所想的。』(以弗所书 3:20) 如果举一个例子是现在的，那例子就是我们现在可想的事，那例子就一定是错的，因为那不是超过我们所想的事，在「2048 耶稣的权柄和超过所求所想的事  – 耶稣的形像(3)」中，我们举例说明了什么事是叫做超过所想的事，这些例子是说对那时的人而言，是超过他们那时所想的事，在这里就不多说了。

2. 试探的本质和例子         

    试探的本质就是撒但用尽手段的想要我们在神面前跌倒，可以控告我们。最有名的例子大概是耶稣在受洗后所受的试探，那时『耶稣被圣灵充满，从约旦河回来，圣灵将他引到旷野，四十天受魔鬼的试探。』(路加福音 4:1) 这并不说圣灵和魔鬼合作，圣灵知道耶稣一生会受到许多的试探，既然受洗后被圣灵充满，不如那时就开始这一生剩下的时间要受的试探，因此会将祂引到旷野。我们看到了『魔鬼用完了各样的试探，就暂时离开耶稣。』(路加福音 4:13) 这次受试探的事被记录下来的只有三件(参路加福音 4:2-12)，就是第一要使石头变成食物，而耶稣回答说：『人活著不是单靠食物，乃是靠神口里所出的一切话。』我们是要食物才能活著没错，但基督徒感谢主时不只是因为有地上食物的供应，也有属灵的粮食。第二是要耶稣在牠面前下拜，而耶稣说：『当拜主你的神，单要事奉他。』第三是要祂从殿顶上跳下去，而耶稣对牠说：『不可试探主你的神。』    

    如果看马太福音 4:1-11，就知道这三件记录的受试探的事情是次序不一样的，所以看起来似乎有明显的矛盾！但试探这件事在对观福音中都说是在耶稣受洗后，所以在这里所讲的整个事件的发生是在确定的时间，当路加福音 1:3 说，『这些事我既从起头都详细考察了，就定意要按著次序写给你。』看这些经文就知道，神借著圣经告诉我们的是、这里的次序是指整个事件的次序，圣经是一致的。    

    我们也知道在耶稣的一生中受过许多的试探，圣经明说，『因我们的大祭司(耶稣基督)并非不能体恤我们的软弱，他也曾凡事受过试探，与我们一样，只是他没有犯罪。』(希伯来书 4:15) 祂在道成肉身是叫耶稣，在天上时是基督。祂道成肉身时『…虚己，取了奴仆的形像，成为人的样式。』(腓立比书 2:7) 祂由圣灵感孕而生(参马太福音 1:18-21) 一生和罪无关，所以祂会说这世界的王在我里面是毫无所有。(参约翰福音 14:30) 『并且因为他是人子，就赐给他行审判的权柄。』(约翰福音 5:27) 在这里我们看到受试探是可以不犯罪的，其中一项是圣经明讲的，『生气却不要犯罪，不可含怒到日落；也不可给魔鬼留地步。』(以弗所书 4:26-27) 我们是可以做到不可含怒到日落的。在新约的时代，我们是要顺服圣灵的带领，当我们确定是圣灵的带领而顺服时，就是不给魔鬼留地步。          

    另一个我们可能会想到的是约伯受的试探，他真是受了撒但能用的所有的试探。先看第一次的攻击(参约伯记 1:6-19)，『耶和华对撒但说：「凡他所有的都在你手中，只是不可伸手加害于他。」』 于是撒但不等马上就做了，使他失去了大部份的财产，有的从人间来的祸患，也有的是超自然的而来的，也使他的七个儿女同时遭难而去世。但撒但留下他妻子是好意吗？约伯显然是通过了第一次的攻击，因为『在这一切的事上，约伯并不犯罪，也不以神为愚妄。』(约伯记 1:22) 于是有了第二次的攻击，在其中，『耶和华对撒但说：「他在你手中，只要存留他的性命。」于是撒但从耶和华面前退去，击打约伯，使他从脚掌到头顶长毒疮。』(约伯记 2:6-7) 又是立刻的攻击，有人身的攻击，且『他的妻子对他说：「你仍然持守你的纯正吗？你弃掉神，死了吧！」』(约伯记 2:9) 我们看见了撒但留下他的妻子是为了使他被最亲密的人攻击他，所以我们可以看到撒但真是太坏了！     #####当然不止如此，还有他的朋友们的攻击。在结局中我们看到了，『约伯为他的朋友祈祷，耶和华就使约伯从苦境转回，并且耶和华赐给他的比他从前所有的加倍。…他也有七个儿子，三个女儿。』(约伯记 42:10-13) 虽然他的朋友攻击他，他仍然要先为他的朋友祈祷，这是和神的爱一致的，『我们爱，因为神先爱我们。』(约翰一书 4:19) 也正因为撒但太坏而留下了他的妻子，就成就了他们能在事后有了儿子女儿，这显然是撒但没有事先想到的，而神是全知的，祂事先就知道撒但会这样做。我们才看看，除了儿子女儿没有加倍外，其余的都加倍，怎么会这样呢？不是明说所有的都加倍吗？那是因为人和牲畜不同，人死后可到祂那里去，『神原不是死人的神，乃是活人的神；因为在他那里，人都是活的。』(路加福音 20:38) 从圣经的一致性看，我们相信那死去的儿女已到祂那里而活著，所以儿女也是加倍的。          

    我们再来看他的朋友们在第二次的攻击中的角色，『他们(三个朋友)就同他七天七夜坐在地上，…』(约伯记 2:13) 他们是多么好的朋友啊！而从他们的对话中就可以知道，他们也并不真正的了解约伯，他们的安慰反而变成了攻击，其中还借著提幔人以利法的话做了灵界的攻击。因以利法说，『我暗暗地得了默示，我耳朵也听其细微的声音。在思念夜中异象之间，世人沉睡的时候，恐惧、战兢临到我身，使我百骨打战。』(约伯记 4:12-14) 我们看看他因此讲的话是对错相杂的，犹如当时夏娃被引诱般，而且圣灵是不会使人觉得恐惧的等等，很清楚的知道这是撒但的作为。从这里我们也看到撒但这时不是立到有灵界的攻击，牠是可以等的，牠会选择牠认为最好的时候攻击，这也包括了属世的攻击，牠不是第一次攻击中留下了约伯的妻子吗？          

    最后是『…耶和华从旋风中回答约伯…』(约伯记 38:1) 祂并没直接的回答了约伯所提的问题，但告诉约伯一些事实作为回答。约伯意识到他是不可能做这些的，听后就悔改说，『我从前风闻有你，现在亲眼看见你。因此我厌恶自己，在尘土和炉灰中懊悔。』(约伯记 42:5-6) 所以说，『…约伯…完全正直(perfect H8535 and upright, H3477)，…』(约伯记 1:1) 是从人的角度看。很显然的，他『…敬畏神，远离恶事。』(约伯记 1:1) 从神的角度看他仍要悔改而得到祝福，只是在这祝福前要先经过试探，确定约伯知道了自己以行为产生的自义，『此后，约伯又活了一百四十年，得见他的儿孙，直到四代。这样，约伯年纪老迈，日子满足而死。』(约伯记 42:16-17)    

    这不就是经文所说，『你们所遇见的试探，无非是人所能受的。神是信实的，必不叫你们受试探过于所能受的。在受试探的时候，总要给你们开一条出路，叫你们能忍受得住。』(哥林多前书 10:13) 如果不是借著别人，在需要的时候，祂会自己有所作为的，祂不是在旋风中用祂自己的方法回答约伯吗？。所以只要不是自找苦吃，不要因受试探而产生的苦难在信心中而忧虑，要知道神已经应许，祂会有祂的计划的。但要知道，『凡事都有定期，天下万务都有定时。』(传道书 3:1) 在定时的时候祂会工作的。

3. 祷告的真谛和目的          

    有人说祷告是要了解神的旨意，尤有甚者，有教导说，只有从超自然的意念中得到的，才是神的旨意，这和圣经的教导不同。在保罗见到大光后，神是要亚拿尼亚(人)去告诉保罗一些该做的事情(参使徒行传 9:10-18)。又有教导说，只说神要你说的话，听起来好像是对的，但是先决的条件是这个人能完全分辩是否是神的话，『…因为连撒但也装作光明的天使。』(哥林多后书 11:14) 以前有人教导我这样，结果是有相当多年我在团契查经时一句话都没有讲，因为没有神要我讲的话。到目前为止我没有碰过这样的人，只见过自以为是这样的人，可以不遵守圣经的教导，尤其是启示录说得很清楚，『我向一切听见这书上预言的作见证，若有人在这预言上加添甚么，神必将写在这书上的灾祸加在他身上；这书上的预言，若有人删去甚么，神必从这书上所写的生命树和圣城删去他的分。』(启示录 22:18-19) 启示录是不可以加减的。就像我们之前所讲的，当我们能以圣经作为我们绝对的标准，对于有些异端的教派是相当容易分辩的，例如摩门教有另外的摩门经，而耶和华见证会不相信耶稣是三位一体的神中的一位，真是『…连买他们的主他们也不承认，自取速速的灭亡。』(彼得后书 2:1)  即使撒但的差役会装作光明的天使使分辩不容易，只要我们能非常小心的确定是圣灵的带领而依靠圣灵，仍是可以分辩的。       

    接著有人就会说，一但我们清楚的了解神的旨意后，就算是和我们所想的不同，就要完全照著神的旨意做，亚伯拉罕献以撤不就这样吗？我们再看一个保罗的例子，他说，『又恐怕我因所得的启示甚大，就过于自高，所以有一根刺加在我肉体上，就是撒但的差役要攻击我，免得我过于自高。为这事，我三次求过主，叫这刺离开我。他对我说：「我的恩典够你用的，因为我的能力是在人的软弱上显得完全。」所以，我更喜欢夸自己的软弱，好叫基督的能力覆庇我。』(哥林多后书 12:7-9) 他不是祷告三次以后确定了是神的旨意就不再祷告了吗？       

    所以应该不要去试著改变神的旨意，是这样吗？大部份时候都是对的，但按照圣经，不是全部如此。我们来看在阿摩司书的例子。『主耶和华指示我一件事：为王割菜之后，菜又发生，刚发生的时候，主造蝗虫。蝗虫吃尽那地的青物，我就说：「主耶和华啊，求你赦免！因为雅各微弱，他怎能站立得住呢？」耶和华就后悔说：「这灾可以免了。」主耶和华又指示我一件事：他命火来惩罚以色列，火就吞灭深渊，险些将地烧灭。我就说：「主耶和华啊，求你止息！因为雅各微弱，他怎能站立得住呢？」耶和华就后悔说：「这灾也可免了。」』(阿摩司书 7:1-6) 神原先是预备要降灾给以色列人的，因阿摩司的代求，神就改变了主意。如果只是不分辩而一昧的遵行神的旨意，就不会有祂的赦免了

    但有些和准绳有关的事情，神是不会改变的，因阿摩司又说，『他又指示我一件事：有一道墙是按准绳建筑的，主手拿准绳站在其上。耶和华对我说：「阿摩司啊，你看见甚么？」 我说：「看见准绳。」 主说：「我要吊起准绳在我民以色列中，我必不再宽恕他们。以撒的邱坛必然凄凉，以色列的圣所必然荒废。我必兴起，用刀攻击耶罗波安的家。」』(阿摩司书 7:7-9)          

    我们再看看，『…那时，耶和华看见没有公平，甚不喜悦。他见无人拯救，无人代求，甚为诧异，…』(以赛亚书 59:15-16) 所以我们看见祂是希望有人代求的，当代求如阿摩司般对的时候，祂的怜悯和和恩典会使祂改变主意的，因『…慈爱和诚实，行在你前面。』(诗篇 89:14) 只是祂不只一次提到，『…公义和公平是他宝座的根基。』(诗篇 97:2) 祂渴望人代求，只要是不损害祂的根基的事，祂是有可能改变主意的，因为祂所用的是回授策略。就如以西结书所说，『义人转离他的义而作罪孽，就必因此死亡。恶人转离他的恶，行正直与合理的事，就必因此存活。』(以西结书 33:18-19) 看人的反应如何，祂会做相应的事。所以祷告的目的不只是要知道神的旨意，并要用圣经作为绝对的标准来分辩，看看是否是属于神可能会改变主意的事。    

    当然也有神不会改变的事，再举一个祂不会改变的例子，当亚伯拉罕和耶和华讨价还价要祂饶恕所多玛时，『耶和华说：「我若在所多玛城里见有五十个义人，我就为他们的缘故饶恕那地方的众人。」』(创世记 18:26) 最后是『亚伯拉罕说：「求主不要动怒，我再说这一次，假若在那里见有十个呢？」 他说：「为这十个的缘故，我也不毁灭那城。」』(创世记 18:26)  而『耶和华与亚伯拉罕说完了话就走了；…』(创世记 18:33) 没有再给亚伯拉罕机会继续下去，这是因为『所多玛人在耶和华面前罪大恶极。』(创世记 13:13) 同时亚伯拉罕应该很满意，从五十个义人降到只要十个义人就可以了，只是他没想到只有罗得一个义人(参彼得后书 2:7-8)    

    结论很简单，祷告的真谛和目的是：了解神的旨意，如果是属于神可能会改变主意的事，要代求，神有绝对的主权，代求会不会被允许在祂，但我们要代求。如果不是，即使是和自己所想的不同，也要顺服。

(你可以在『 https://a-christian-voice.com/ 』看到所有的文章，到这网站后要按『对属灵生命的了解』。) 

          我們多年前在 8月30日2020年時，就談到了撒但的一些本質，就是從約伯記一開始就可看到，只要神容許，牠就會壞到無所不用其極。雖然聖經沒有明說神的空間是什麼，但在那裏，我們可以看到牠能到神一樣的空間裏，但牠是受造物，時間只能往前，而神是可以控制時間，在時間中行走的。也看到了撒但能行一些超自然的事，包括一些物質界和靈界的事情，但牠的所行的絕不能越過神所允許的一步。牠能如天氣預報的預測，絕對不能預知未來，所以當我們遇見超自然的事而難以分辨的時候，如果有預知介入，就知道一定是神的作為。我們一定要以聖經的話語作為絕對的標準來分辨，所以正確的瞭解聖經中神的旨意，不強解聖經，是非常重要的。詳情請看油管(YouTube)上的「200830 撒但的一些本質」。

          在這短文中，我們首先將神的一些特質和撒但的作為對比，就是神是無所不在的，全知的，和全能的，也提到為什麼經文說撒但不是這樣。第二我們看到試探的本質，就是撒但用盡手段的想要我們在神面前跌倒。我們簡略的討論了耶穌在受洗後所受的試探，只是祂沒有犯罪。又把約伯受的試探作為另一個例子，說明了我們為什麼說，撒但在他身上用了所有可能的的試探。也看到了在受試探的時候，總會給我們開一條出路，叫我們能忍受得住。第三，  有人說禱告是要瞭解神的旨意，一但清楚的瞭解神的旨意後，就要完全照著神的旨意做。我們舉聖經的例子說明不完全是這樣的，祂渴望人代求，只要是不損害祂的根基的事，祂是有可能改變主意的，因為祂所用的是回授策略。所以禱告的目的是要用聖經作為絕對的標準來分辨，確定神的旨意，也要看看是否是屬於神可能會改變主意的事。如果是，要代求。如果不是，即使是和自己所想的不同，也要順服。

1. 神和撒但的一些特質

          我們從三方面來看看一些神的所是，和撒但不是什麼。第一，神是無所不在的，而撒但不能這樣。雖然聖經沒有明說神是無所不在的，但說了『因為無論在哪裏，有兩三個人奉我的名聚會，那裏就有我在他們中間。』(馬太福音 18:20) 如果三位一體神不是無所不在的，焉能如此？

          撒但是被造物，牠不能像神一樣的無所不在，事實上，祂會有固定的住所。我們不知道牠現在住在何處，但聖經明說了，『你要寫信給別迦摩教會的使者說︰『那有兩刃利劍的說：我知道你的居所，就是有撒但座位之處。當我忠心的見證人安提帕在你們中間、撒但所住的地方被殺之時，你還堅守我的名，沒有棄絕我的道。』』(啓示錄 2:12-13) 所以我們知道那時牠是住在別迦摩的。我們也從這些經文中看到跟隨耶穌是要付代價的，有時甚至要付出生命的代價。

          第二，神是全知的，而撒但不是。也是和現前一樣，聖經沒有明說神是全知的，但絕對有這概念。舉個例子來說，耶穌基督是三位一體中的一位，當祂在道成肉身治療一個癱子時，『有人用褥子抬着一個癱子到耶穌跟前來。耶穌見他們的信心，就對癱子說：「小子，放心吧！你的罪赦了。」有幾個文士心裏說：「這個人說僭妄的話了。」耶穌知道他們的心意，就說：「你們為甚麼心裏懷着惡念呢？」』(馬太福音 9:2-4) 這不就是說祂是全知的嗎？當然還有其他的例子，如『耶穌看見拿但業來，就指着他說：「看哪，這是個真以色列人，他心裏是沒有詭詐的。」拿但業對耶穌說：「你從哪裏知道我呢？」 耶穌回答說：「腓力還沒有招呼你，你在無花果樹底下，我就看見你了。」』(約翰福音 1:47-48) 其他的例子我們就不多說了。

          我們已經說過撒但是不能預知的，也就說明了牠不是全知的。我們現在從另外一個角度來說明這點，聖經在舊約中說，『有一天，神的眾子來侍立在耶和華面前，撒但也來在其中。耶和華問撒但說：「你從哪裏來？」 撒但回答說：「我從地上走來走去，往返而來。」』(約伯記 1:6-7) 的確，撒但是可以到神的空間的。聖經在新約中也說，『務要謹守、警醒，因為你們的仇敵魔鬼，如同吼叫的獅子，遍地遊行，尋找可吞吃的人。』(彼得前書 5:8) 如果撒但是全知的，祂需要走來走去，遍地遊行嗎？在這裡又可看到聖經的一致性，就是神藉著聖經告訴我們的是一致的，而不是文字上的。文字上會有明顯的矛盾，這時我們該問的是、神藉著這看起來好像是明顯的矛盾，到底要告訴我們那一致的事情在那裏！

          第三，神是神是全能的，而撒但不是。撒但所行，不能越過神所許可的一步，祂怎麼會是全能的呢？聖經直接說神是全能的神，譬如在這經文，『亞伯蘭年九十九歲的時候，耶和華向他顯現，對他說：「我是全能的神，你當在我面前作完全人。』(創世記 17:1) 

          在這裏我們需要定義全能一下，因為許多人認為全能就是無所不能，不是這樣的！以說謊為例，我們知道，『…魔鬼(撒但)…從起初是殺人的，不守真理，因他心裏沒有真理；他說謊是出於自己，因他本來是說謊的，也是說謊之人的父。』(約翰福音 8:44) 所以謊言是從撒但(父)而來的，不是神所創造的。神是信實的，祂不能說謊，因謊言不在祂裏面，要祂怎能說謊呢？可見祂不是無所不能的。那麼全能究竟是什麼呢？有一些對我們不存在的事情對祂是存在的，以行神蹟為例，祂有絕對的主權，可以在祂認為需要時行神蹟，而我們不能這樣，最多是行神蹟的一個管道，源頭仍在於祂。譬如聖經記載保羅能作行神蹟，只是因為他是一個管道，而源頭在於三位一體的神。我們看到這，是因為後面第三段「禱告的真諦和目的」中我們會提到，保羅不能行神蹟讓他肉體上的一根刺拿走。所以「全能」是指對祂存在的事情，祂都能做。因此我們不能說，要祂「在三維空間中，造出一個祂都不能搬動的石頭」，這是不合邏輯的，不存在的。

    聖經說，『神能照着運行在我們心裏的大力，充充足足地成就一切，超過我們所求所想的。』(以弗所書 3:20) 如果舉一個例子是現在的，那例子就是我們現在可想的事，那例子就一定是錯的，因為那不是超過我們所想的事，在「2048 耶穌的權柄和超過所求所想的事  – 耶穌的形像(3)」中，我們舉例說明了什麼事是叫做超過所想的事，這些例子是說對那時的人而言，是超過他們那時所想的事，在這裏就不多說了。

2. 試探的本質和例子

          試探的本質就是撒但用盡手段的想要我們在神面前跌倒，可以控告我們。最有名的例子大概是耶穌在受洗後所受的試探，那時『耶穌被聖靈充滿，從約旦河回來，聖靈將他引到曠野，四十天受魔鬼的試探。』(路加福音 4:1) 這並不說聖靈和魔鬼合作，聖靈知道耶穌一生會受到許多的試探，既然受洗後被聖靈充滿，不如那時就開始這一生剩下的時間要受的試探，因此會將祂引到曠野。我們看到了『魔鬼用完了各樣的試探，就暫時離開耶穌。』(路加福音 4:13) 這次受試探的事被記錄下來的只有三件(參路加福音 4:2-12)，就是第一要使石頭變成食物，而耶穌回答說：『人活着不是單靠食物，乃是靠神口裏所出的一切話。』我們是要食物才能活著沒錯，但基督徒感謝主時不只是因為有地上食物的供應，也有屬靈的糧食。第二是要耶穌在牠面前下拜，而耶穌說：『當拜主你的神，單要事奉他。』第三是要祂從殿頂上跳下去，而耶穌對牠說：『不可試探主你的神。』

    如果看馬太福音 4:1-11，就知道這三件記錄的受試探的事情是次序不一樣的，所以看起來似乎有明顯的矛盾！但試探這件事在對觀福音中都說是在耶穌受洗後，所以在這裏所講的整個事件的發生是在確定的時間，當路加福音 1:3 說，『這些事我既從起頭都詳細考察了，就定意要按着次序寫給你。』看這些經文就知道，神藉著聖經告訴我們的是、這裏的次序是指整個事件的次序，聖經是一致的。

    我們也知道在耶穌的一生中受過許多的試探，聖經明說，『因我們的大祭司(耶穌基督)並非不能體恤我們的軟弱，他也曾凡事受過試探，與我們一樣，只是他沒有犯罪。』(希伯來書 4:15) 祂在道成肉身是叫耶穌，在天上時是基督。祂道成肉身時『…虛己，取了奴僕的形像，成為人的樣式。』(腓立比書 2:7) 祂由聖靈感孕而生(參馬太福音 1:18-21) 一生和罪無關，所以祂會說這世界的王在我裏面是毫無所有。(參約翰福音 14:30) 『並且因為他是人子，就賜給他行審判的權柄。』(約翰福音 5:27) 在這裏我們看到受試探是可以不犯罪的，其中一項是聖經明講的，『生氣卻不要犯罪，不可含怒到日落；也不可給魔鬼留地步。』(以弗所書 4:26-27) 我們是可以做到不可含怒到日落的。在新約的時代，我們是要順服聖靈的帶領，當我們確定是聖靈的帶領而順服時，就是不給魔鬼留地步。

          另一個我們可能會想到的是約伯受的試探，他真是受了撒但能用的所有的試探。先看第一次的攻擊(參約伯記 1:6-19)，『耶和華對撒但說：「凡他所有的都在你手中，只是不可伸手加害於他。」』 於是撒但不等馬上就做了，使他失去了大部份的財產，有的從人間來的禍患，也有的是超自然的而來的，也使他的七個兒女同時遭難而去世。但撒但留下他妻子是好意嗎？約伯顯然是通過了第一次的攻擊，因為『在這一切的事上，約伯並不犯罪，也不以神為愚妄。』(約伯記 1:22) 於是有了第二次的攻擊，在其中，『耶和華對撒但說：「他在你手中，只要存留他的性命。」於是撒但從耶和華面前退去，擊打約伯，使他從腳掌到頭頂長毒瘡。』(約伯記 2:6-7) 又是立刻的攻擊，有人身的攻擊，且『他的妻子對他說：「你仍然持守你的純正嗎？你棄掉神，死了吧！」』(約伯記 2:9) 我們看見了撒但留下他的妻子是為了使他被最親密的人攻擊他，所以我們可以看到撒但真是太壞了！

    當然不止如此，還有他的朋友們的攻擊。在結局中我們看到了，『約伯為他的朋友祈禱，耶和華就使約伯從苦境轉回，並且耶和華賜給他的比他從前所有的加倍。…他也有七個兒子，三個女兒。』(約伯記 42:10-13) 雖然他的朋友攻擊他，他仍然要先為他的朋友祈禱，這是和神的愛一致的，『我們愛，因為神先愛我們。』(約翰一書 4:19) 也正因為撒但太壞而留下了他的妻子，就成就了他們能在事後有了兒子女兒，這顯然是撒但沒有事先想到的，而神是全知的，祂事先就知道撒但會這樣做。我們才看看，除了兒子女兒沒有加倍外，其餘的都加倍，怎麼會這樣呢？不是明說所有的都加倍嗎？那是因為人和牲畜不同，人死後可到祂那裏去，『神原不是死人的神，乃是活人的神；因為在他那裏，人都是活的。』(路加福音 20:38) 從聖經的一致性看，我們相信那死去的兒女已到祂那裏而活著，所以兒女也是加倍的。

          我們再來看他的朋友們在第二次的攻擊中的角色，『他們(三個朋友)就同他七天七夜坐在地上，…』(約伯記 2:13) 他們是多麼好的朋友啊！而從他們的對話中就可以知道，他們也並不真正的瞭解約伯，他們的安慰反而變成了攻擊，其中還藉著提幔人以利法的話做了靈界的攻擊。因以利法說，『我暗暗地得了默示，我耳朵也聽其細微的聲音。在思念夜中異象之間，世人沉睡的時候，恐懼、戰兢臨到我身，使我百骨打戰。』(約伯記 4:12-14) 我們看看他因此講的話是對錯相雜的，猶如當時夏娃被引誘般，而且聖靈是不會使人覺得恐懼的等等，很清楚的知道這是撒但的作為。從這裏我們也看到撒但這時不是立到有靈界的攻擊，牠是可以等的，牠會選擇牠認為最好的時候攻擊，這也包括了屬世的攻擊，牠不是第一次攻擊中留下了約伯的妻子嗎？

          最後是『…耶和華從旋風中回答約伯…』(約伯記 38:1) 祂並沒直接的回答了約伯所提的問題，但告訴約伯一些事實作為回答。約伯意識到他是不可能做這些的，聽後就悔改說，『我從前風聞有你，現在親眼看見你。因此我厭惡自己，在塵土和爐灰中懊悔。』(約伯記 42:5-6) 所以說，『…約伯…完全正直(perfect H8535 and upright, H3477)，…』(約伯記 1:1) 是從人的角度看。很顯然的，他『…敬畏神，遠離惡事。』(約伯記 1:1) 從神的角度看他仍要悔改而得到祝福，只是在這祝福前要先經過試探，確定約伯知道了自己以行為產生的自義，『此後，約伯又活了一百四十年，得見他的兒孫，直到四代。這樣，約伯年紀老邁，日子滿足而死。』(約伯記 42:16-17)

    這不就是經文所說，『你們所遇見的試探，無非是人所能受的。神是信實的，必不叫你們受試探過於所能受的。在受試探的時候，總要給你們開一條出路，叫你們能忍受得住。』(哥林多前書 10:13) 如果不是藉著別人，在需要的時候，祂會自己有所作為的，祂不是在旋風中用祂自己的方法回答約伯嗎？。所以只要不是自找苦吃，不要因受試探而產生的苦難在信心中而憂慮，要知道神已經應許，祂會有祂的計劃的。但要知道，『凡事都有定期，天下萬務都有定時。』(傳道書 3:1) 在定時的時候祂會工作的。

3. 禱告的真諦和目的

          有人說禱告是要瞭解神的旨意，尤有甚者，有教導說，只有從超自然的意念中得到的，才是神的旨意，這和聖經的教導不同。在保羅見到大光後，神是要亞拿尼亞(人)去告訴保羅一些該做的事情(參使徒行傳 9:10-18)。又有教導說，只說神要你說的話，聽起來好像是對的，但是先決的條件是這個人能完全分辨是否是神的話，『…因為連撒但也裝作光明的天使。』(哥林多後書 11:14) 以前有人教導我這樣，結果是有相當多年我在團契查經時一句話都沒有講，因為沒有神要我講的話。到目前為止我沒有碰過這樣的人，只見過自以為是這樣的人，可以不遵守聖經的教導，尤其是啓示錄說得很清楚，『我向一切聽見這書上預言的作見證，若有人在這預言上加添甚麼，神必將寫在這書上的災禍加在他身上；這書上的預言，若有人刪去甚麼，神必從這書上所寫的生命樹和聖城刪去他的分。』(啓示錄 22:18-19) 啓示錄是不可以加減的。就像我們之前所講的，當我們能以聖經作為我們絕對的標準，對於有些異端的教派是相當容易分辨的，例如摩門教有另外的摩門經，而耶和華見証會不相信耶穌是三位一體的神中的一位，真是『…連買他們的主他們也不承認，自取速速的滅亡。』(彼得後書 2:1)  即使撒但的差役會裝作光明的天使使分辨不容易，只要我們能非常小心的確定是聖靈的帶領而依靠聖靈，仍是可以分辨的。

       接著有人就會說，一但我們清楚的瞭解神的旨意後，就算是和我們所想的不同，就要完全照著神的旨意做，亞伯拉罕獻以撤不就這樣嗎？我們再看一個保羅的例子，他說，『又恐怕我因所得的啓示甚大，就過於自高，所以有一根刺加在我肉體上，就是撒但的差役要攻擊我，免得我過於自高。為這事，我三次求過主，叫這刺離開我。他對我說：「我的恩典夠你用的，因為我的能力是在人的軟弱上顯得完全。」所以，我更喜歡誇自己的軟弱，好叫基督的能力覆庇我。』(哥林多後書 12:7-9) 他不是禱告三次以後確定了是神的旨意就不再禱告了嗎？

       所以應該不要去試著改變神的旨意，是這樣嗎？大部份時候都是對的，但按照聖經，不是全部如此。我們來看在阿摩司書的例子。『主耶和華指示我一件事：為王割菜之後，菜又發生，剛發生的時候，主造蝗蟲。蝗蟲吃盡那地的青物，我就說：「主耶和華啊，求你赦免！因為雅各微弱，他怎能站立得住呢？」耶和華就後悔說：「這災可以免了。」主耶和華又指示我一件事：他命火來懲罰以色列，火就吞滅深淵，險些將地燒滅。我就說：「主耶和華啊，求你止息！因為雅各微弱，他怎能站立得住呢？」耶和華就後悔說：「這災也可免了。」』(阿摩司書 7:1-6) 神原先是預備要降災給以色列人的，因阿摩司的代求，神就改變了主意。如果只是不分辨而一昧的遵行神的旨意，就不會有祂的赦免了！

       但有些和準繩有關的事情，神是不會改變的，因阿摩司又說，『他又指示我一件事：有一道牆是按準繩建築的，主手拿準繩站在其上。耶和華對我說：「阿摩司啊，你看見甚麼？」 我說：「看見準繩。」 主說：「我要吊起準繩在我民以色列中，我必不再寬恕他們。以撒的邱壇必然淒涼，以色列的聖所必然荒廢。我必興起，用刀攻擊耶羅波安的家。」』(阿摩司書 7:7-9) 

          我們再看看，『…那時，耶和華看見沒有公平，甚不喜悅。他見無人拯救，無人代求，甚為詫異，…』(以賽亞書 59:15-16) 所以我們看見祂是希望有人代求的，當代求如阿摩司般對的時候，祂的憐憫和和恩典會使祂改變主意的，因『…慈愛和誠實，行在你前面。』(詩篇 89:14) 只是祂不只一次提到，『…公義和公平是他寶座的根基。』(詩篇 97:2) 祂渴望人代求，只要是不損害祂的根基的事，祂是有可能改變主意的，因為祂所用的是回授策略。就如以西結書所說，『義人轉離他的義而作罪孽，就必因此死亡。惡人轉離他的惡，行正直與合理的事，就必因此存活。』(以西結書 33:18-19) 看人的反應如何，祂會做相應的事。所以禱告的目的不只是要知道神的旨意，並要用聖經作為絕對的標準來分辨，看看是否是屬於神可能會改變主意的事。

    當然也有神不會改變的事，再舉一個祂不會改變的例子，當亞伯拉罕和耶和華討價還價要祂饒恕所多瑪時，『耶和華說：「我若在所多瑪城裏見有五十個義人，我就為他們的緣故饒恕那地方的眾人。」』(創世記 18:26) 最後是『亞伯拉罕說：「求主不要動怒，我再說這一次，假若在那裏見有十個呢？」 他說：「為這十個的緣故，我也不毀滅那城。」』(創世記 18:26)  而『耶和華與亞伯拉罕說完了話就走了；…』(創世記 18:33) 沒有再給亞伯拉罕機會繼續下去，這是因為『所多瑪人在耶和華面前罪大惡極。』(創世記 13:13) 同時亞伯拉罕應該很滿意，從五十個義人降到只要十個義人就可以了，只是他沒想到只有羅得一個義人(參彼得後書 2:7-8)

    結論很簡單，禱告的真諦和目的是：瞭解神的旨意，如果是屬於神可能會改變主意的事，要代求，神有絕對的主權，代求會不會被允許在祂，但我們要代求。如果不是，即使是和自己所想的不同，也要順服。

(你可以在『 https://a-christian-voice.com/ 』看到所有的文章，到這網站後要按『對屬靈生命的瞭解』。)

We talked about the nature of Satan many years ago on August 30, 2020, which can be seen from the beginning of the book of Job. As long as God allows it, he will do anything within the limit.  Although the Bible does not clearly explain what God’s space is, we can see that Satan can enter the same space as God. However, Satan is a created creature, and time can only go forward, while God can control time and walk in time. We have also seen that Satan can do some supernatural things, including things in the material world and the spiritual world, but what he does can never go beyond what God allows.  It can predict the future just like the weather forecast, but cannot foretell. So when we encounter supernatural things that are difficult to distinguish, if there is foreknowledge involved, we know that it must be the work of God.  We must use the words of the Bible as the absolute standard to make judgments. Therefore, it is very important to correctly understand God’s will in the Bible and not to interpret the Bible forcefully.

In this short article, we first compare some of God’s characteristics with those of Satan. That is, God is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent, and we also mention why the scriptures say that Satan is not like this.  Second, we see the essence of temptation, which is that Satan uses every means to make us fall before God.  We briefly discussed Jesus’ temptation after His baptism. We see that He did not sin all His life.  And the temptation of Job is used as another example to illustrate why we say that Satan used all possible temptations on him.  We have also seen that when we are tempted, we will always be able to find a way out so that we can endure it.  Third, some people say that prayer is about understanding God’s will. Once you clearly understand God’s will, you must do it completely according to God’s will.  We use examples from the Bible to show that this is not entirely the case. He longs for people to intercede. As long as it does not damage His foundation, He may change His mind because He uses a feedback strategy.  Therefore, the purpose of prayer is to use the Bible as the absolute standard to discern and determine that it is indeed God’s will, and also to see if it is something that God may change his mind about.  If so, intercede.  If not, even if it is different from what you think, you must obey.

1. Some Characteristics of God and Satan

Let’s look at what God is versus what Satan is from three aspects.  First, God is omnipresent, but Satan cannot be so.  Although the Bible does not explicitly say that God is omnipresent, it does say, “For wherever two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them.”” (Matthew 18:20) If the Trinity is not omnipresent, how can it be?

Satan is a created being. He cannot be omnipresent like God. In fact, he will have a fixed residence.  We don’t know where he lives now, but the Bible clearly says, ““And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this: ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.” (Revelation 2:12-13) So we know that it was living in Pergamum at that time.  We also see from these verses that following Jesus comes at a cost, sometimes even with your life.

Second, God is omniscient, but Satan is not.  Just like before, the Bible does not explicitly say that God is omniscient, but it definitely has this concept.  For example, Jesus Christ, one of the Trinity, when He was healing a paralyzed man in the incarnation, “And they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.” And some of the scribes said to themselves, “This fellow blasphemes.” And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, “Why are you thinking evil in your hearts?” (Matthew 9:2-4) Doesn’t this mean that He is omniscient?  Of course, there are other examples, such as, “Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.””(John 1:47-48) We won’t go into other examples.

We have already said that Satan cannot predict, which means that he is not omniscient.  Let us now explain this from another angle. The Bible says in the Old Testament, “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. The LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.””(Job 1:6-7) Indeed, Satan can come to the space of God.  The Bible also says in the New Testament, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”(1 Peter 5:8) If Satan is omniscient, does he need to be roaming or prowling?  Here again we can see the consistency of the Bible, that is, what God tells us through the Bible is consistent, not literal.  If it means literal, then there will be an obvious contradiction in the text. When this happens, what we should ask is, through this seemingly obvious contradiction, what consistent thing is God trying to tell us.

Third, God is almighty, but Satan is not.  What Satan can do cannot go beyond what God allows. How can he be almighty?  The Bible directly says that God is the Almighty God. For example, in this verse, “Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless.”(Genesis 17:1)

Here we need to define ‘Almighty’, because many people think that He can do whatever He wants. But this is not the case!  Taking lying as an example, we know that “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He (Satan) was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”(John 8:44) So lies come from Satan and are not created by God.  God is faithful, He cannot lie, because lies are not in Him, so how can He lie?  It can be seen that He cannot do everything. So what exactly is ‘Almighty’?  There are some things that do not exist for us but exist for Him. Take miracles as an example. He has absolute sovereignty and can perform miracles when He deems necessary. But we cannot do this. At most, we are just a channel for performing miracles, and the source still lies in Him.  For example, the Bible records that Paul was able to perform miracles only because he was a channel, and the source was the Triune God.  We see this because we will mention in the third paragraph ‘”The true meaning and purpose of prayer” later that Paul could not perform a miracle to have a thorn in his flesh taken away.  So ‘Almighty’ or so called ‘omnipotence’ means that He can do anything that exists in His eyes.  Therefore, we cannot say that asking Him to ‘create a stone in a three-dimensional space that He cannot move’, which is illogical and non-existent.

The Bible says, “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.” (Ephesians 3:20) If an example is given regarding what might happen today, and that example is something we can think about now, then the example must be wrong, because it is not something beyond what we can think about. In “1048 Power of Jesus and things beyond all that we ask or think – The image of Jesus (3),’ we give examples of what is called the things exceeding the things you can think. These examples mean that for the people at that time, it was more than they could think of. I won’t go into detail here since you can find them there.

2. The nature and examples of temptation

The essence of temptation is that Satan uses every means to make us fall before God so that he can accuse us.  The most famous example is probably the temptation that Jesus suffered after his baptism. At that time, “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. …”(Luke 4:1-2) This does not mean that the Holy Spirit cooperated with the devil. The Holy Spirit knew that Jesus would be subject to many temptations in his life. Since he was filled with the Holy Spirit after being baptized, it would be better to start the temptations that he would endure for the rest of his life at that time. That is why the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness.  We see that “When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time.”(Luke 4:13) So, the devil left Him only temporarily.

There are only three things recorded about this temptation (see Luke 4:2-12). The first is to turn stones into food, and Jesus replied: “…It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”(Luke 4:4) It is true that we need food to live, but when Christians thank the Lord it is not only for the supply of earthly food, but also for spiritual food.  The second was to ask Jesus to bow down before him, and Jesus said: “…It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”(Luke 4:8) The third was to ask Him to jump from the top of the temple, and Jesus said to him: “…It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”(Luke 4:12)

If you look at Matthew 4:1-11, you will know that the order of these three recorded temptations is different, so there seems to be an obvious contradiction!  But the temptation is said in the Synoptic Gospels to be after the baptism of Jesus, so the whole event mentioned here happened at a certain time which is consistent in the Synoptic Gospels. When Luke 1:3 says, “it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus.” Looking at these verses, we can see that what God tells us through the Bible is that the order here refers to the order of the entire event, and the Bible is consistent.

We also know that Jesus suffered many temptations in his life. The Bible clearly says, “For we do not have a high priest (Jesus Christ) who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”(Hebrews 4:15) He was called Jesus when he was incarnate, and he was Christ when he was in heaven.  When He became flesh, He “…emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.”(Philippians 2:7) He was conceived by the Holy Spirit (see Matthew 1:18-21). His whole life has nothing to do with sin, so He would say that the prince of this world has nothing in me.  (See John 14:30) “and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.”(John 5:27) Here we see that you can avoid sinning when you are tempted, one of which is clearly stated in the Bible, “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.”(Ephesians 4:26-27) We can do this by not letting the sun go down on our anger.  In the New Testament era, we must submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. When we are sure that we are led by the Holy Spirit and obey, we will not leave room for the devil.

Another thing we might think of is the temptation of Job, who was really tempted by every temptation that Satan could use.  Let’s look at the first attack first (see Job 1:6-19), “…the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the LORD.”(Job 1:12) So Satan did not wait. He did it immediately, causing him to lose most of his property. Some disasters came from the human world, and some were supernatural. It also caused his seven children to die at the same time. But did Satan have good intentions in sparing his wife?  Job apparently passed the first attack, for ” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.”(Job 1:22)

So there was a second attack, in which, “So the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your power, only spare his life.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.”(Job 2:6-7) There was another immediate attack, a personal attack, “Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!””(Job 2:9) We saw that Satan left his wife behind so that the people closest to him would attack him, so we can see that Satan is really that bad!

Of course, it’s not just that, there are also attacks from his friends.  But in the ending we see, “The LORD restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the LORD increased all that Job had twofold. …He had seven sons and three daughters.”(Job 42:10-13) Even though his friends attack him, he still prays for his friends first. This is consistent with God’s love, “We love, because He first loved us.”(1 John 4:19)

It was precisely due to the fact that Satan was so bad that he left Job’s wife behind, so they could have sons and daughters afterwards. This was obviously something Satan had not thought of in advance, and God is omniscient. Yes, He knew in advance that Satan would do this.  Let’s take a look at what happened. Except for sons and daughters, everything else has doubled. How could this be?  Doesn’t it clearly say that everything is doubled?  That is because humans and animals are different. After death, humans can go to Him. “Now He is not the God of the dead but of the living; for all live to Him.”(Luke 20:38) From the consistency of the Bible, we believe that the children who died have come to Him and live, so there are also twice as many children.

Let’s look at the role of his friends in the second attack. “Then they sat down on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights with no one speaking a word to him, for they saw that his pain was very great.”(Job 2:13) What good friends they were!  And from their conversation, we can know that they did not really understand Job, and their comfort turned into an attack, including a spiritual attack through the words of Eliphaz the Temanite.  For Eliphaz said, “Now a word was brought to me stealthily, And my ear received a whisper of it. “Amid disquieting thoughts from the visions of the night, When deep sleep falls on men, Dread came upon me, and trembling, And made all my bones shake.”(Job 4:12-14) Let’s see that what he said was a mixture of right and wrong, just like Eve was tempted at that time, and the Holy Spirit does not make people afraid, etc., we clearly know this it is the work of Satan.  From here we can also see that Satan doesn’t attack immediately. He can wait, and will choose the time he thinks is best to attack. This also includes earthly attacks. It is not the first time. Wasn’t Job’s wife left behind in the first attack?

Finally, “…the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind …”(Job 38:1). He did not directly answer Job’s question, but told Job some facts as an answer.  Job realized that it was impossible for him to do this. After hearing this, he repented and said, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees You; Therefore I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes.”(Job 42:5-6) Therefore, “…Job …was blameless (H8535), upright (H3477), fearing God and turning away from evil.”(Job 1:1) is from a human perspective.  It is clear that he was “turning away from evil.”(Job 1:1) From God’s point of view, he still had to repent and receive blessings, but before this blessing, he had to go through temptation to make sure that Job knew the self-righteousness resulting from his actions. “After this, Job lived 140 years, and saw his sons and his grandsons, four generations. And Job died, an old man and full of days.”(Job 42:16-17)

Isn’t this what the scripture says, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”(1 Corinthians 10:13) If not through others, He will do something Himself when needed. Didn’t He answer Job in His own way in the whirlwind?  So as long as you are not asking for trouble, don’t worry about the suffering caused by temptation in your faith. You must know that God has promised that He will have His plan.  But know, “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven⁠.”(Ecclesiastes 3:1) In due time He will work.

3. The true meaning and purpose of prayer

Some people say that prayer is about understanding God’s will. What’s more, some people teach that only what is obtained from supernatural thoughts is God’s will. This is different from the teaching of the Bible.  After Paul saw the great light, God asked Ananias (a man) to tell Paul something he should do (see Acts 9:10-18).  There are also teachings that it sounds right to only say what God wants you to say, but the prerequisite is that the person can completely distinguish whether it is from God, “…for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”(2 Corinthians 11:14) Someone taught me this before. As a result, for many years I didn’t say a word during fellowship Bible studies because there was nothing God wanted me to say.  So far, I have never met such a person. I have only seen people who think they are like this. They do not abide by the teachings of the Bible. Especially the book of Revelation makes it very clear, “I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.”(Revelation 22:18-19) The Book of Revelation cannot be added or subtracted from.

As we said before, when we can use the Bible as our absolute standard, it is quite easy to distinguish some heretical sects. For example, Mormons have another Book of Mormon, and Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe that Jesus is a Trinity – one of the God, truly “…even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.”(2 Peter 2:1) Even if Satan’s messengers pretend to be angels of light to make it difficult to discern, as long as we are very careful to make sure it is the leading of the Holy Spirit and rely on the Holy Spirit, we can still discern.

Then some people will say that once we clearly understand God’s will, even if it is different from what we think, we must do it exactly according to God’s will. Isn’t that the same as Abraham sacrificing Isaac?  Let’s look at another example from Paul. He said, “Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me⁠—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”(2 Corinthians 12:7-9) Didn’t he stop praying after he prayed three times and became convinced that it was God’s will?

So one shouldn’t try to change God’s will, right?  This is true most of the time, but according to the Bible, not all the time.  Let’s look at an example from the book of Amos. “Thus the Lord GOD showed me, and behold, He was forming a locust-swarm when the spring crop began to sprout. And behold, the spring crop was after the king’s mowing. And it came about, when it had finished eating the vegetation of the land, that I said,

“Lord GOD, please pardon! How can Jacob stand, For he is small?” The LORD changed His mind about this. “It shall not be,” said the LORD. Thus the Lord GOD showed me, and behold, the Lord GOD was calling to contend with them by fire, and it consumed the great deep and began to consume the farm land. Then I said“Lord GOD, please stop! How can Jacob stand, for he is small?” The LORD changed His mind about this. “This too shall not be,” said the Lord GOD.”(Amos 7:1 – 6)

God originally planned to bring disaster to the Israelites, but because of Amos’ intercession, God changed his mind.  If you just blindly follow God’s will without discerning it, there will be no forgiveness from Him! But there are some things related to the yardstick that God will not change, because Amos said again, “He showed me another thing: There was a wall built according to the yardstick, and the Lord stood on it with the yardstick in his hand. The LORD said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” I said, “You see a line.” The Lord said, “I will raise a line in the midst of my people Israel, and I will not forgive them anymore. The high places of Isaac.” The altar will be desolate, and the sanctuary of Israel will be desolate. I will rise up with a sword against the house of Jeroboam.”(Amos 7:7-9)

Let us now take a look at this verse, “…And it was displeasing in His sight that there was no justice. And He saw that there was no man, And was astonished that there was no one to intercede; …”(Isaiah 59:15-16) So we see that He hopes for someone to intercede, and when intercession is right like Amos, His mercy and grace will cause Him to change His mind, since “…Lovingkindness and truth go before You.”(Psalm 89:14) But He mentioned more than once, “…Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.”(Psalm 97:2) He longs for intercession. As long as it does not damage His foundation, He may change his mind because He uses a feedback strategy.  As the book of Ezekiel says, “When the righteous turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, then he shall die in it. But when the wicked turns from his wickedness and practices justice and righteousness, he will live by them.”(Ezekiel 33:18-19) Depending on how people respond, He will do something accordingly.  Therefore, the purpose of prayer is not only to know God’s will, but also to use the Bible as the absolute standard to discern whether it is something that God may change his mind about. 

Of course, there are things that God will not change. To give another example that He will not change, when Abraham was bargaining with the Lord to ask Him to forgive Sodom, “So the LORD said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place on their account.””(Genesis 18:26) Finally, “Then he (Abraham) said, “Oh may the Lord not be angry, and I shall speak only this once; suppose ten are found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it on account of the ten.””(Genesis 18:32) “As soon as He had finished speaking to Abraham the LORD departed, …”(Genesis 18: 33) Abraham was not given another chance to continue because “Now the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the LORD.”(Genesis 13:13) At the same time, Abraham should be very satisfied. From fifty righteous people down to ten righteous people, he just didn’t expect that there was only one righteous person ‘Lot’ (see 2 Peter 2:7-8)

The conclusion is very simple. The true meaning and purpose of prayer is as follows. First of all, it is to understand God’s will. If it is something that God may change his mind about, we must intercede. God has absolute sovereignty. Intercession will be permitted or not, it solely depends on Him, but we must do our duty – intercession.  If not, even if it is different from what you think, you must obey.

(Verses refer to those in NASB unless otherwise specified.)

(You can get all articles in “https://a-christian-voice.com/” under “On spiritual understanding about life.”)

              我們首先看耶穌和大衞的關係，在肉體上耶穌是大衞的子孫，而耶穌基督是三位一體的神中的一位，當然是大衞的主。第二、我們談到了法利賽人的行為，是能說而不能做。第三、我們看到了寡婦兩個小錢的奉獻為耶穌所稱讚，且說明為什麼說新約中沒有十一奉獻的律法要求，而只談到了甘心情願的奉獻。在這點上，我們首先看到舊約有超過了十分之一的奉獻的教導，因有十一奉獻加上獻祭。我們舉例說明這樣的奉獻絕對會使神家有糧，其實舊約從摩西建會幕時就說要有甘心情願的奉獻才會被悅納。新約的時代已經不再獻祭，那麼我們還有十一奉獻的律法嗎？沒有。我們從三方面來說明這問題。首先我們看到耶穌在新約的自己都是守安息日的真締，而最討厭守文字上的律法，耶穌怎麼會說要有十一奉獻的律法呢？第二，在新約中我們是不要消滅聖靈的感動，這樣就自然而然的成就了律法，神是信實的，從神藉著聖經告訴我們是一致的來看，怎麼會有文字上的律法呢？第三，從個人的經驗(見証)看，神是知道有些人跟本沒辦法有能力做十一的奉獻，不會悅納守律法的十一奉獻的，其實神是看人內心不是看外表，祂知道一個愛主的人會在能力所及下，儘可能會使神家有糧！我們也談了兩個在新約中還可能提到關於十一奉獻的問題。結論是要時時儆醒，要以聖經作為我們分辨的絕對標準，確定不是撒但的差役裝作光明的天使。神是信實的，聖經中神所預言的事情，沒有不發生的。

1. 耶穌和大衞的關係

          『耶穌對他們說：「人怎麼說基督是大衞的子孫呢？詩篇上大衞自己說：『主對我主說：你坐在我的右邊，等我使你仇敵作你的腳凳。』大衞既稱他為主，他怎麼又是大衞的子孫呢？」』(路加福音 20:41-44)

        看樣子是很矛盾！這是引用詩篇，『耶和華對我主說：「你坐在我的右邊，等我使你仇敵作你的腳凳。」』(詩篇 110:1) 現在我們已知道，耶穌是聖靈感孕而生，但在肉體上是大衞的子孫，而耶穌是三位一體的神中的一位，當然是大衞的主。誠然，那時的他們怎麼能瞭解而回答呢？同樣的一件事情記載在馬太福音 22:41-45，並加上了一句，『他們沒有一個人能回答一言。從那日以後也沒有人敢再問他甚麼。』(馬太福音 22:46) 當然沒有人敢問他甚麼，回答不出祂的問題嘛！怕被問倒。同樣一件事情也記載在馬可福音 12:35-37，並在使徒行傳 2:34-35 提到。

2. 法利賽人和文士的行為

             『眾百姓聽的時候，耶穌對門徒說：「你們要防備文士。他們好穿長衣遊行，喜愛人在街市上問他們安，又喜愛會堂裏的高位，筵席上的首座；他們侵吞寡婦的家產，假意作很長的禱告。這些人要受更重的刑罰！」』(路加福音 20:45-47)

             類似的經文在馬可福音 12:38-40 提到，在馬太福音 23:1-7 也提到，且特別的『說：「文士和法利賽人坐在摩西的位上，凡他們所吩咐你們的，你們都要謹守遵行；但不要效法他們的行為，因為他們能說不能行。』(馬太福音 23:2-3) 其實許多是他們訂的條文，聖經並沒有講，如耶穌說，『「你們是離棄神的誡命，拘守人的遺傳。」又說：「你們誠然是廢棄神的誡命，要守自己的遺傳。摩西說：『當孝敬父母』，又說：『咒罵父母的，必治死他。』你們倒說：『人若對父母說：我所當奉給你的，已經作了各耳板』（各耳板就是供獻的意思），以後你們就不容他再奉養父母。這就是你們承接遺傳，廢了神的道。你們還做許多這樣的事。」』(馬可福音 7:8-13) 。我們以前在「2061 約拿的預表, 眼睛, 和法利賽人及律法師的禍  -耶穌(16)」中談到耶穌對法利賽的審判相當的詳細，就不多說了。

3. 寡婦的兩個小錢和十一奉獻

             『耶穌抬頭觀看，見財主把捐項投在庫裏，又見一個窮寡婦投了兩個小錢，就說：「我實在告訴你們：這窮寡婦所投的比眾人還多，因為眾人都是自己有餘，拿出來投在捐項裏；但這寡婦是自己不足，把她一切養生的都投上了。」』(路加福音 21:1-4)

             同樣的一件事在馬可福音 12:41-44 也有記載。我們以前說過，如果這寡婦常常奉獻而每一次都把一切養生之物都投上了，大概是很難生存的，但不論如何，我們都可以看見她是甘心情願的，難怪主耶穌會稱讚她。在新約中，對奉獻而言，耶穌在新約中唯一的稱讚的就是那窮寡婦甘心樂意的奉獻，我們可以從三方面看，在新約中沒有提到說要十一的奉獻。

    先看舊約有十一奉獻和獻祭的教導，這可以從下列經文看出，『「人豈可奪取神之物呢？你們竟奪取我的供物。 「你們卻說：『我們在何事上奪取你的供物呢？』 「就是你們在當納的十分之一和當獻的供物上。」』(瑪拉基書 3:8) 加起來是超過十分之一的。

    我們也看到這樣的奉獻足夠使神家有糧，就如經文所說，『(希西家)諭旨一出，以色列人就把初熟的五穀、新酒、油、蜜和田地的出產多多送來，又把各物的十分之一送來的極多。住猶大各城的以色列人和猶大人，也將牛羊的十分之一，並分別為聖歸耶和華他們神之物，就是十分取一之物，盡都送來積成堆壘。…希西家和眾首領來，看見堆壘，就稱頌耶和華，又為耶和華的民以色列人祝福。希西家向祭司利未人查問這堆壘。撒督家的大祭司亞撒利雅回答說：「自從民將供物送到耶和華殿以來，我們不但吃飽，且剩下的甚多。因為耶和華賜福與他的民，所剩下的才這樣豐盛。」』(歷代志下 31:5-10) 

    附帶一提的是這些經文中提到了諭旨，但我們從聖經中就可看到，他的兒子瑪拿西就不這樣行，所以這樣的事情一定要民眾主動的甘心樂意發起，要不很容易會是人在政在，人亡政亡。後來的約西亞也是這樣，他死後，他所做的事情也消失了。聖經說得很清楚，自己要為自己做的事負責，救恩就像這一樣，不可能由父母傳到兒女身上，各人要選擇相信才行。

    其實舊約一開始就說到要甘心樂意的奉獻才會被悅納，在建立會幕時，『耶和華曉諭摩西說：「你告訴以色列人當為我送禮物來，凡甘心樂意的，你們就可以收下歸我。」』(出埃及記 25:1-2) 我們也看到當時的以色列人是多麼的熱心，因為最後是，『凡做聖所一切工的智慧人，各都離開他所做的工，來對摩西說：「百姓為耶和華吩咐使用之工所拿來的，富富有餘。」摩西傳命，他們就在全營中宣告說：「無論男女，不必再為聖所拿甚麼禮物來。」這樣才攔住百姓不再拿禮物來。因為他們所有的材料夠做一切當做的物，而且有餘。』(出埃及記 36:4-7)

          新約時代已不要獻祭，因『他(耶穌基督)為我們的罪作了挽回祭，不是單為我們的罪，也是為普天下人的罪。』(約翰一書 2:1-2) 就神藉著聖經告訴我們是一致上，不會再有十一奉獻的律法，愛主的人會自然而然的想要神家有糧，自然會以能力所及的，甘心樂意的有超過十一的奉獻。我知道奉獻最多的是超過百分之四十的一位姊妹的家，她不是藉此誇耀，超過百分之二十就已經很難得了，如果要跨耀的話不需要超過百分之四十。因為她前一年報稅時正好才發覺出了問題，她才知道她奉獻的非盈利機構只能報稅到百分之四十，要告訴我們是有上限的，所以我知道她們超過了百分之四十。後來我在網上查到，上限最高的為教會，到百分之五十。

          有人說，如果我們看馬太福音就會說到要有十一奉獻，『經文士和法利賽人哪，你們這些偽善的人有禍了！因為你們奉獻薄荷、蒔蘿、香芹的十分之一，卻放棄了律法上更重要的：就是公義、憐憫、信實。這些才是你們應該做的，至於前者也不可放棄。』(中文標準譯本，馬太福音 23:23) 如果我們看這個譯本，的確是說，前者的十一奉獻也要做。但如果我們回到和合本的翻譯，就是這樣說，『你們這假冒為善的文士和法利賽人有禍了！因為你們將薄荷、茴香、芹菜獻上十分之一，那律法上更重的事，就是公義、憐憫、信實，反倒不行了。這更重的是你們當行的，那也是不可不行的。』(和合本, 馬太福音 23:23) 這更重的公義、憐憫、信實確實是不可不行的。但從我所知道在網上 https://www.biblegateway.com/ 的 52 英文譯本都基本上和中文標準譯本相同，耶穌告訴在舊約時代的文士和法利賽人要守十一奉獻，那在新約時代的我們到底該怎麼做呢？

       首先，我們看到耶穌並沒有說在新約時代的我們要守十一奉獻的律法，耶穌自己最討厭的是遵守文字上的律法，祂自己也是在守安息日的真諦，不是守律法上文字所訂的時間，在新約中怎麼會有十一奉獻的律法呢！

       第二，我們從神藉著聖經告訴我們是一致的來看，也就是這裏講的不是文字上的聖經的一致性。如果必須要文字上的，你會發覺相當多文字上明顯的矛盾，但從前者的角度看，就沒有問題。那麼在新約應該怎麼做呢？就是『不要消滅聖靈的感動，』(帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:19) 當我們確定不是邪靈裝作光明的天使時，我們就是從神的角度看，因為聖靈是三位一體神中的一位，這樣就自然而然的遵行了律法，所以會說，『莫想我來要廢掉律法和先知；我來不是要廢掉，乃是要成全。我實在告訴你們：就是到天地都廢去了，律法的一點一畫也不能廢去，都要成全。』(馬太福音 5:17-18) 祂沒有遵守文字上律法的安息日，但作我們的榜像，遵守了安息日的真諦。我們剛才談過，一個愛主的人，自然會希望神家有糧，在能力的所及之下，會有超過十一的奉獻。但這並不是說，奉獻不到十一就不蒙悅納，因為就像耶和華對撒母耳說的一樣：『…耶和華不像人看人：人是看外貌，耶和華是看內心。』(撒母耳記上 16:7) 神知道有些人的力量是沒辦法奉獻十分之一的。而且，『…一生的果效，是由心發出。』(箴言 4:23)

       第三，從個人的經驗中，也看到了神不會悅納守律法的十一奉獻。關於這點，我可以做一個簡短的見証。我原先相信每個人都要十一奉獻，因為我理解我過去的教導就是如此！約至少十幾年前吧，我心中被激動要做十一奉獻，但我們的經濟情況不允許我們這樣做，就決定要把大房子換成較小的，心想這樣就可以有十一奉獻了！當然我的姊妹一開始不同意，最後她同意了，這實在非常不容易。於是我們就找了一個中介去看房子，一連看了三個房子，發覺那時的房價跟本沒辦法做到十一奉獻，房子雖然變小了，但是買新房子稅增加了，大房子的價錢卻不是這麼高，只是徒然把大房子換成小房子，只好作罷！這個中介雖不是基督徒，不是以買掉房子賺錢為唯一的目的，最後他和太太來勸我們不要賣房子，會划不來，那時他們並不知道我們已決定不賣房子了。所以從人的角度看他是很好的，會為顧客著想，真希望他們能有一天信主，因『…不信的人，罪已經定了，因為他不信神獨生子的名。』(約翰福音 3:18)

    我自己一直都沒有意識到我們有經濟上的需要，一直到岳母去世後的多年前，我的姊妹才告訴我每次她回去看她媽媽時，岳母都塞給她一些錢，都補貼家用了！她以前沒告訴我，因想我不會接受，所以對我而言，『…你們需用的這一切東西，你們的天父是知道的。』(馬太福音 6:32) 我不知道，但神都知道，這次是藉著我太太和岳母使我經歷了這經文，你們也可看見做我太太是很不容易的。

          我們再談一下在新約中可能提到的問題，我們先看這經文，『論到為聖徒捐錢，我從前怎樣吩咐加拉太的眾教會，你們也當怎樣行。每逢七日的第一日，各人要照自己的進項抽出來留着，免得我來的時候現湊。』(哥林多前書 16:1-2) 再看看剛才我們提到的那時法利賽人的教導是要奉獻十分之一，耶穌不是在舊約的時代，『說：「文士和法利賽人坐在摩西的位上，凡他們所吩咐你們的，你們都要謹守遵行…』(馬太福音 23:2-3) 嗎？所以保羅不需要說大家都應該知道要奉獻在十分之一以上。這不是說每一個人都要至少奉獻十分之一嗎？但我們知道那時的保羅是在新約時代，而且他說的很清楚，他所得到的，『…不是從人領受的，也不是人教導我的，乃是從耶穌基督啓示來的。』(加拉太書 1:12) 他也去了耶路撒冷，確定了和使徒們是在傳同一個福音，所以不論是親見跟過耶穌的使徒們，或是由啓示而來的保羅，都是傳一樣的，我們也看到要得到生命最快也是要三年多，不是一信就立刻就會有的。就像我們剛才所說，耶穌自己都是在守安息日的真諦，不是在守文字上的律法，你想保羅會加給我們十分之一奉獻的律法嗎？

          可能又有人會問，難道不是，『地上所有的，無論是地上的種子是樹上的果子，十分之一是耶和華的，是歸給耶和華為聖的。』(利未記 27:30) 這句話從來沒有收回？難道我們不是要將耶和華的歸給祂嗎？但耶和華也說得很清楚，『…全地都是我的。』(出埃及記 19:5-6) 難道我們要將所有的都歸給耶和華嗎？不是的。在新約中，難道我們每個人都要像耶穌呼召那少年官時說得一樣嗎？那時『耶穌說：「你若願意作完全人，可去變賣你所有的，分給窮人，就必有財寶在天上；你還要來跟從我。」』(馬太福音 19:21)  難道每一個人都該變賣所有的嗎？不是的，如果這是律法，我們就會得到錯誤的結論說，亞伯拉罕是不會進天國的，因神的祝福，他的產業很多。我們看到，『 那少年人聽見這話，就憂憂愁愁地走了，因為他的產業很多。』(馬太福音 19:22) 我們看前後文就知道，這帶出了『…財主進天國是難的。』(馬太福音 19:23) 但『…在神凡事都能！』(馬太福音 19:26) 這是一個特例，說到耶穌是如何的呼召那少年人，給他一個機會，且不干涉他自由意志的決定，並不是一般的例子，說是每一個人都該要這樣做。其實和當初亞當和夏娃在伊甸園一樣，神給也了他們一個機會。

    說到特例和一般的例子，也可以從以前談過的要不要受洗作例子，我們不能以和耶穌同釘十字架強盜中的一位作藉口不受洗，他不受洗就直接上樂園了。他是特例，我們和他的情況不同。在一般情況下，我們是要跟隨耶穌的榜樣受洗的。回到本題，在新約中，沒有說每個人都要有十一奉獻的律法的！

       最後談到一個可能常常聽到的見証，就是說在禱告中預先就知道事情會如何發生，以後發生的的事情就和預先知道的一模一樣，但有時事情的發生不同，甚至於會完全相反！人們容易以為超自然的事情都是從神來的，其實不是，在約伯記中就說得很清楚，我也可以在以後有適當的機會做這方面的見証。結論是我們要時時儆醒，要以聖經作為我們絕對的標準作分辨，確定不是『…撒但…裝作光明的天使。』(哥林多後書 11:14) 聖經中神所預言的事情，沒有不發生的。

    關於以聖經作為絕對的標準作分辨的例子上，我可以用一個發生的事情作為例子。在最近的網上查經中，一次有位姊妹很高興的說到她知道一個人見過耶和華的面，我實忍不住要問這人是死是活，她很高興的說，這人是活著的。我只好告訴她，『耶和華(對摩西)說：…「你不能看見我的面，因為人見我的面不能存活。」』(出埃及記 33:19-20) 我不知他到底是看見了什麼？於是她引用了類似這經文，『所以，憑着他們的果子，就可以認出他們來。』(馬太福音 7:20) 並說，那人見過耶和華的面後就很熱心。即使這樣，『這也不足為怪，因為連撒但也裝作光明的天使。所以，他的差役若裝作仁義的差役，也不算希奇。…』(哥林多後書 11:14-15) 撒但的差役也會裝著光明的天使的，通常這樣都不會長久，只是有時要蓋棺才能論定。

(你可以在『 https://a-christian-voice.com/ 』看到所有的文章，到這網站後要按『對屬靈生命的瞭解』。)

    我们首先看耶稣和大卫的关系，在肉体上耶稣是大卫的子孙，而耶稣基督是三位一体的神中的一位，当然是大卫的主。第二、我们谈到了法利赛人的行为，是能说而不能做。第三、我们看到了寡妇两个小钱的奉献为耶稣所称赞，且说明为什么说新约中没有十一奉献的律法要求，而只谈到了甘心情愿的奉献。在这点上，我们首先看到旧约有超过了十分之一的奉献的教导，因有十一奉献加上献祭。我们举例说明这样的奉献绝对会使神家有粮，其实旧约从摩西建会幕时就说要有甘心情愿的奉献才会被悦纳。新约的时代已经不再献祭，那么我们还有十一奉献的律法吗？没有。我们从三方面来说明这问题。首先我们看到耶稣在新约的自己都是守安息日的真缔，而最讨厌守文字上的律法，耶稣怎么会说要有十一奉献的律法呢？第二，在新约中我们是不要消灭圣灵的感动，这样就自然而然的成就了律法，神是信实的，从神借著圣经告诉我们是一致的来看，怎么会有文字上的律法呢？第三，从个人的经验(见证)看，神是知道有些人跟本没办法有能力做十一的奉献，不会悦纳守律法的十一奉献的，其实神是看人内心不是看外表，祂知道一个爱主的人会在能力所及下，尽可能会使神家有粮！我们也谈了两个在新约中还可能提到关于十一奉献的问题。结论是要时时儆醒，要以圣经作为我们分辩的绝对标准，确定不是撒但的差役装作光明的天使。神是信实的，圣经中神所预言的事情，没有不发生的。

1. 耶稣和大卫的关系          

    『耶稣对他们说：「人怎么说基督是大卫的子孙呢？诗篇上大卫自己说：『主对我主说：你坐在我的右边，等我使你仇敌作你的脚凳。』大卫既称他为主，他怎么又是大卫的子孙呢？」』(路加福音 20:41-44)        

    看样子是很矛盾！这是引用诗篇，『耶和华对我主说：「你坐在我的右边，等我使你仇敌作你的脚凳。」』(诗篇 110:1) 现在我们已知道，耶稣是圣灵感孕而生，但在肉体上是大卫的子孙，而耶稣是三位一体的神中的一位，当然是大卫的主。诚然，那时的他们怎么能了解而回答呢？同样的一件事情记载在马太福音 22:41-45，并加上了一句，『他们没有一个人能回答一言。从那日以后也没有人敢再问他甚么。』(马太福音 22:46) 当然没有人敢问他甚么，回答不出祂的问题嘛！怕被问倒。同样一件事情也记载在马可福音 12:35-37，并在使徒行传 2:34-35 提到。

2. 法利赛人和文士的行为             

    『众百姓听的时候，耶稣对门徒说：「你们要防备文士。他们好穿长衣游行，喜爱人在街市上问他们安，又喜爱会堂里的高位，筵席上的首座；他们侵吞寡妇的家产，假意作很长的祷告。这些人要受更重的刑罚！」』(路加福音 20:45-47)             

    类似的经文在马可福音 12:38-40 提到，在马太福音 23:1-7 也提到，且特别的『说：「文士和法利赛人坐在摩西的位上，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。』(马太福音 23:2-3) 其实许多是他们订的条文，圣经并没有讲，如耶稣说，『「你们是离弃神的诫命，拘守人的遗传。」又说：「你们诚然是废弃神的诫命，要守自己的遗传。摩西说：『当孝敬父母』，又说：『咒骂父母的，必治死他。』你们倒说：『人若对父母说：我所当奉给你的，已经作了各耳板』（各耳板就是供献的意思），以后你们就不容他再奉养父母。这就是你们承接遗传，废了神的道。你们还做许多这样的事。」』(马可福音 7:8-13) 。我们以前在「2061 约拿的预表, 眼睛, 和法利赛人及律法师的祸  –耶稣(16)」中谈到耶稣对法利赛的审判相当的详细，就不多说了。

3. 寡妇的两个小钱和十一奉献             

    『耶稣抬头观看，见财主把捐项投在库里，又见一个穷寡妇投了两个小钱，就说：「我实在告诉你们：这穷寡妇所投的比众人还多，因为众人都是自己有余，拿出来投在捐项里；但这寡妇是自己不足，把她一切养生的都投上了。」』(路加福音 21:1-4)            

    同样的一件事在马可福音 12:41-44 也有记载。我们以前说过，如果这寡妇常常奉献而每一次都把一切养生之物都投上了，大概是很难生存的，但不论如何，我们都可以看见她是甘心情愿的，难怪主耶稣会称赞她。在新约中，对奉献而言，耶稣在新约中唯一的称赞的就是那穷寡妇甘心乐意的奉献，我们可以从三方面看，在新约中没有提到说要十一的奉献。    

    先看旧约有十一奉献和献祭的教导，这可以从下列经文看出，『「人岂可夺取神之物呢？你们竟夺取我的供物。 「你们却说：『我们在何事上夺取你的供物呢？』 「就是你们在当纳的十分之一和当献的供物上。」』(玛拉基书 3:8) 加起来是超过十分之一的。    

    我们也看到这样的奉献足够使神家有粮，就如经文所说，『(希西家)谕旨一出，以色列人就把初熟的五谷、新酒、油、蜜和田地的出产多多送来，又把各物的十分之一送来的极多。住犹大各城的以色列人和犹大人，也将牛羊的十分之一，并分别为圣归耶和华他们神之物，就是十分取一之物，尽都送来积成堆垒。…希西家和众首领来，看见堆垒，就称颂耶和华，又为耶和华的民以色列人祝福。希西家向祭司利未人查问这堆垒。撒督家的大祭司亚撒利雅回答说：「自从民将供物送到耶和华殿以来，我们不但吃饱，且剩下的甚多。因为耶和华赐福与他的民，所剩下的才这样丰盛。」』(历代志下 31:5-10)    

    附带一提的是这些经文中提到了谕旨，但我们从圣经中就可看到，他的儿子玛拿西就不这样行，所以这样的事情一定要民众主动的甘心乐意发起，要不很容易会是人在政在，人亡政亡。后来的约西亚也是这样，他死后，他所做的事情也消失了。圣经说得很清楚，自己要为自己做的事负责，救恩就像这一样，不可能由父母传到儿女身上，各人要选择相信才行。    

    其实旧约一开始就说到要甘心乐意的奉献才会被悦纳，在建立会幕时，『耶和华晓谕摩西说：「你告诉以色列人当为我送礼物来，凡甘心乐意的，你们就可以收下归我。」』(出埃及记 25:1-2) 我们也看到当时的以色列人是多么的热心，因为最后是，『凡做圣所一切工的智慧人，各都离开他所做的工，来对摩西说：「百姓为耶和华吩咐使用之工所拿来的，富富有余。」摩西传命，他们就在全营中宣告说：「无论男女，不必再为圣所拿甚么礼物来。」这样才拦住百姓不再拿礼物来。因为他们所有的材料够做一切当做的物，而且有余。』(出埃及记 36:4-7)          

    新约时代已不要献祭，因『他(耶稣基督)为我们的罪作了挽回祭，不是单为我们的罪，也是为普天下人的罪。』(约翰一书 2:1-2) 就神借著圣经告诉我们是一致上，不会再有十一奉献的律法，爱主的人会自然而然的想要神家有粮，自然会以能力所及的，甘心乐意的有超过十一的奉献。我知道奉献最多的是超过百分之四十的一位姊妹的家，她不是借此夸耀，超过百分之二十就已经很难得了，如果要跨耀的话不需要超过百分之四十。因为她前一年报税时正好才发觉出了问题，她才知道她奉献的非盈利机构只能报税到百分之四十，要告诉我们是有上限的，所以我知道她们超过了百分之四十。后来我在网上查到，上限最高的为教会，到百分之五十。          

    有人说，如果我们看马太福音就会说到要有十一奉献，『经文士和法利赛人哪，你们这些伪善的人有祸了！因为你们奉献薄荷、莳萝、香芹的十分之一，却放弃了律法上更重要的：就是公义、怜悯、信实。这些才是你们应该做的，至于前者也不可放弃。』(中文标准译本，马太福音 23:23) 如果我们看这个译本，的确是说，前者的十一奉献也要做。但如果我们回到和合本的翻译，就是这样说，『你们这假冒为善的文士和法利赛人有祸了！因为你们将薄荷、茴香、芹菜献上十分之一，那律法上更重的事，就是公义、怜悯、信实，反倒不行了。这更重的是你们当行的，那也是不可不行的。』(和合本, 马太福音 23:23) 这更重的公义、怜悯、信实确实是不可不行的。但从我所知道在网上 https://www.biblegateway.com/ 的 52 英文译本都基本上和中文标准译本相同，耶稣告诉在旧约时代的文士和法利赛人要守十一奉献，那在新约时代的我们到底该怎么做呢？       

    首先，我们看到耶稣并没有说在新约时代的我们要守十一奉献的律法，耶稣自己最讨厌的是遵守文字上的律法，祂自己也是在守安息日的真谛，不是守律法上文字所订的时间，在新约中怎么会有十一奉献的律法呢！       

    第二，我们从神借著圣经告诉我们是一致的来看，也就是这里讲的不是文字上的圣经的一致性。如果必须要文字上的，你会发觉相当多文字上明显的矛盾，但从前者的角度看，就没有问题。那么在新约应该怎么做呢？就是『不要消灭圣灵的感动，』(帖撒罗尼迦前书 5:19) 当我们确定不是邪灵装作光明的天使时，我们就是从神的角度看，因为圣灵是三位一体神中的一位，这样就自然而然的遵行了律法，所以会说，『莫想我来要废掉律法和先知；我来不是要废掉，乃是要成全。我实在告诉你们：就是到天地都废去了，律法的一点一画也不能废去，都要成全。』(马太福音 5:17-18) 祂没有遵守文字上律法的安息日，但作我们的榜像，遵守了安息日的真谛。我们刚才谈过，一个爱主的人，自然会希望神家有粮，在能力的所及之下，会有超过十一的奉献。但这并不是说，奉献不到十一就不蒙悦纳，因为就像耶和华对撒母耳说的一样：『…耶和华不像人看人：人是看外貌，耶和华是看内心。』(撒母耳记上 16:7) 神知道有些人的力量是没办法奉献十分之一的。而且，『…一生的果效，是由心发出。』(箴言 4:23)       

    第三，从个人的经验中，也看到了神不会悦纳守律法的十一奉献。关于这点，我可以做一个简短的见证。我原先相信每个人都要十一奉献，因为我理解我过去的教导就是如此！约至少十几年前吧，我心中被激动要做十一奉献，但我们的经济情况不允许我们这样做，就决定要把大房子换成较小的，心想这样就可以有十一奉献了！当然我的姊妹一开始不同意，最后她同意了，这实在非常不容易。于是我们就找了一个中介去看房子，一连看了三个房子，发觉那时的房价跟本没办法做到十一奉献，房子虽然变小了，但是买新房子税增加了，大房子的价钱却不是这么高，只是徒然把大房子换成小房子，只好作罢！这个中介虽不是基督徒，不是以买掉房子赚钱为唯一的目的，最后他和太太来劝我们不要卖房子，会划不来，那时他们并不知道我们已决定不卖房子了。所以从人的角度看他是很好的，会为顾客著想，真希望他们能有一天信主，因『…不信的人，罪已经定了，因为他不信神独生子的名。』(约翰福音 3:18)    

    我自己一直都没有意识到我们有经济上的需要，一直到岳母去世后的多年前，我的姊妹才告诉我每次她回去看她妈妈时，岳母都塞给她一些钱，都补贴家用了！她以前没告诉我，因想我不会接受，所以对我而言，『…你们需用的这一切东西，你们的天父是知道的。』(马太福音 6:32) 我不知道，但神都知道，这次是借著我太太和岳母使我经历了这经文，你们也可看见做我太太是很不容易的。          

    我们再谈一下在新约中可能提到的问题，我们先看这经文，『论到为圣徒捐钱，我从前怎样吩咐加拉太的众教会，你们也当怎样行。每逢七日的第一日，各人要照自己的进项抽出来留著，免得我来的时候现凑。』(哥林多前书 16:1-2) 再看看刚才我们提到的那时法利赛人的教导是要奉献十分之一，耶稣不是在旧约的时代，『说：「文士和法利赛人坐在摩西的位上，凡他们所吩咐你们的，你们都要谨守遵行…』(马太福音 23:2-3) 吗？所以保罗不需要说大家都应该知道要奉献在十分之一以上。这不是说每一个人都要至少奉献十分之一吗？但我们知道那时的保罗是在新约时代，而且他说的很清楚，他所得到的，『…不是从人领受的，也不是人教导我的，乃是从耶稣基督启示来的。』(加拉太书 1:12) 他也去了耶路撒冷，确定了和使徒们是在传同一个福音，所以不论是亲见跟过耶稣的使徒们，或是由启示而来的保罗，都是传一样的，我们也看到要得到生命最快也是要三年多，不是一信就立刻就会有的。就像我们刚才所说，耶稣自己都是在守安息日的真谛，不是在守文字上的律法，你想保罗会加给我们十分之一奉献的律法吗？          

    可能又有人会问，难道不是，『地上所有的，无论是地上的种子是树上的果子，十分之一是耶和华的，是归给耶和华为圣的。』(利未记 27:30) 这句话从来没有收回？难道我们不是要将耶和华的归给祂吗？但耶和华也说得很清楚，『…全地都是我的。』(出埃及记 19:5-6) 难道我们要将所有的都归给耶和华吗？不是的。在新约中，难道我们每个人都要像耶稣呼召那少年官时说得一样吗？那时『耶稣说：「你若愿意作完全人，可去变卖你所有的，分给穷人，就必有财宝在天上；你还要来跟从我。」』(马太福音 19:21)  难道每一个人都该变卖所有的吗？不是的，如果这是律法，我们就会得到错误的结论说，亚伯拉罕是不会进天国的，因神的祝福，他的产业很多。我们看到，『 那少年人听见这话，就忧忧愁愁地走了，因为他的产业很多。』(马太福音 19:22) 我们看前后文就知道，这带出了『…财主进天国是难的。』(马太福音 19:23) 但『…在神凡事都能！』(马太福音 19:26) 这是一个特例，说到耶稣是如何的呼召那少年人，给他一个机会，且不干涉他自由意志的决定，并不是一般的例子，说是每一个人都该要这样做。其实和当初亚当和夏娃在伊甸园一样，神给也了他们一个机会。    

    说到特例和一般的例子，也可以从以前谈过的要不要受洗作例子，我们不能以和耶稣同钉十字架强盗中的一位作借口不受洗，他不受洗就直接上乐园了。他是特例，我们和他的情况不同。在一般情况下，我们是要跟随耶稣的榜样受洗的。回到本题，在新约中，没有说每个人都要有十一奉献的律法的！   

    最后谈到一个可能常常听到的见证，就是说在祷告中预先就知道事情会如何发生，以后发生的的事情就和预先知道的一模一样，但有时事情的发生不同，甚至于会完全相反！人们容易以为超自然的事情都是从神来的，其实不是，在约伯记中就说得很清楚，我也可以在以后有适当的机会做这方面的见证。结论是我们要时时儆醒，要以圣经作为我们绝对的标准作分辩，确定不是『…撒但…装作光明的天使。』(哥林多后书 11:14) 圣经中神所预言的事情，没有不发生的。    

    关于以圣经作为绝对的标准作分辩的例子上，我可以用一个发生的事情作为例子。在最近的网上查经中，一次有位姊妹很高兴的说到她知道一个人见过耶和华的面，我实忍不住要问这人是死是活，她很高兴的说，这人是活著的。我只好告诉她，『耶和华(对摩西)说：…「你不能看见我的面，因为人见我的面不能存活。」』(出埃及记 33:19-20) 我不知他到底是看见了什么？于是她引用了类似这经文，『所以，凭著他们的果子，就可以认出他们来。』(马太福音 7:20) 并说，那人见过耶和华的面后就很热心。即使这样，『这也不足为怪，因为连撒但也装作光明的天使。所以，他的差役若装作仁义的差役，也不算希奇。…』(哥林多后书 11:14-15) 撒但的差役也会装著光明的天使的，通常这样都不会长久，只是有时要盖棺才能论定。

(你可以在『 https://a-christian-voice.com/ 』看到所有的文章，到这网站后要按『对属灵生命的了解』。) 

We first look at the relationship between Jesus and David. In the flesh, Jesus is the descendant of David, and Jesus Christ is one of the Trinity of God, and is of course the Lord of David.  Second, we talk about the behavior of the Pharisees, who could say but did not do.  Third, we have seen that the widow’s donation of two very small coins was praised by Jesus, and explain why there is no legal requirement for tithing in the New Testament, but only voluntary giving.  At this point, we first see the Old Testament teaching of more than a tithe, because there are tithes plus sacrifices.  We give an example to illustrate that such an offering will definitely bring enough bread to God’s house. In fact, the Old Testament says from the time Moses built the tabernacle that only a willing offering will be accepted.  In the New Testament era, there are no more sacrifices, so do we still have the law of tithing?  No.  We explain this issue from three aspects.  First of all, we see that Jesus Himself in the New Testament obeyed the true meaning of keeping the Sabbath, but hated keeping the literal law the most. How could Jesus say that there should be a law of tithing?  Second, in the New Testament we should not eliminate the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, so that the law will be fulfilled naturally. God is faithful. Judging from the fact that what God tells us through the Bible is consistent, how can there be a literal law? No, definitely not. Third, from personal experience (testimony), God knows that some people are incapable of tithing and will not accept law-abiding tithes. In fact, God looks at people’s hearts and does not compare them with others. Outwardly, He knows that a person who loves the Lord will do his best to make God’s house as prosperous as possible!  We also talked about two other possible references to tithing in the New Testament.  The conclusion is that we must be alert at all times and use the Bible as our absolute standard for discernment to make sure that it is not Satan’s messengers pretending to be angels of light.  God is faithful, and nothing predicted by God in the Bible will fail to happen.

1. The relationship between Jesus and David

“Then He (Jesus) said to them, “How is it that they say the Christ is David’s son? For David himself says in the book of Psalms, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’ Therefore David calls Him ‘Lord,’ and how is He his son?””(Luke 20:41-44)

It seems very contradictory!  This is a quote from the Psalm, “A Psalm of David. The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.””(Psalm 110:1) Now we know that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Born, but physically a son of David, and Jesus is one of the Trinity and, of course, the Lord of David.  Indeed, how could they understand and answer at that time?  The same incident is recorded in Matthew 22:41-45, with the addition, “No one was able to answer Him a word, nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him another question.”(Matthew 22:46) Of course, no one dared to ask Him anything since they couldn’t answer His questions and was afraid of being questioned again.  The same incident is recorded in Mark 12:35-37 and mentioned in Acts 2:34-35.

2. Behavior of the Pharisees and Scribes

“And while all the people were listening, He said to the disciples, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.””(Luke 20:45-47)

Similar scriptures are mentioned in Mark 12:38-40, and also mentioned in Matthew 23:1-7, specifically “saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them.”(Matthew 23:2-3) In fact, many of the regulations are made by them and are not mentioned in the Bible. For example, Jesus said, “Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.” He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition. For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, is to be put to death’; but you say, ‘If a man says to his father or his mother, whatever I have that would help you is Corban (that is to say, given to God),’ you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother; thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that.””(Mark 7:8-13)  We have previously talked about Jesus’ judgment of the Pharisees in considerable detail in “1061 The type of Jonah, the eye, and the woe to the Pharisees and teachers of the law – Jesus (16) “, so I won’t go into details. 

3. The widow’s two very small coins and tithe

“And He (Jesus ) looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. And He said, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on.””(Luke 21:1-4)

The same incident is recorded in Mark 12:41-44.  We have said before that if this widow often gave and invested all her livelihood every time, it would probably be difficult for her to survive. But no matter what, we can see that she is willing. No wonder the Lord Jesus praised her.   In the New Testament, regarding offering, the only thing Jesus praised was the willing offering of the poor widow. We can see from three aspects that there is no mention of tithing in the New Testament.

Let’s first look at the Old Testament’s teaching on tithes and sacrifices. This can be seen from the following verses, “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.”(Malachi 3:8) That adds up to more than one tenth.

We also see that such an offering is enough to provide bread for the house of God, as the scripture says, “As soon as the order (Hezekiah’s) decree spread, the sons of Israel provided in abundance the first fruits of grain, new wine, oil, honey and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of all. The sons of Israel and Judah who lived in the cities of Judah also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of sacred gifts which were consecrated to the LORD their God, and placed them in heaps. In the third month they began to make the heaps, and finished them by the seventh month. When Hezekiah and the rulers came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD and His people Israel. Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok said to him, “Since the contributions began to be brought into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat with plenty left over, for the LORD has blessed His people, and this great quantity is left over.””(2 Chronicles 31:5-10)

By the way, these verses mention ‘the order (Hezekiah’s) decree.’ We can see from the Bible that his son Manasseh did not do this. Therefore, such a thing must be initiated by the people willingly and actively, otherwise it will easy to get into the situation, ‘policies exist only when a person like Hezekiah is alive, his policies will die with his death.’ The same thing happened with Josiah later. After his death, the things he did disappeared.  The Bible makes it very clear that you are responsible for what you do. Salvation, just like this, cannot be passed on from parents to children. Everyone himself must choose what to believe.

In fact, from the very beginning of the Old Testament, it is said that only a willing offering will be accepted. When the tabernacle was built, “Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Tell the sons of Israel to raise a contribution for Me; from every man whose heart moves him you shall raise My contribution.”(Exodus 25:1-2) We also see how zealous the Israelites were at that time, because in the end, “And all the skillful men who were performing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work which he was performing, and they said to Moses, “The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the LORD commanded us to perform.” So Moses issued a command, and a proclamation was circulated throughout the camp, saying, “Let no man or woman any longer perform work for the contributions of the sanctuary.” Thus the people were restrained from bringing any more. For the material they had was sufficient and more than enough for all the work, to perform it.”(Exodus 36:4-7)

In the New Testament era, there is no need to offer sacrifices because “…Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.”(1 John 2:1-2) It is consistent with what God tells us through the Bible. There will no longer be a law of tithing. People who love the Lord will naturally want to have bread for God’s house, and should be willing to give more than ten percent when able. I know that who had offered the most is from the home of a sister which was more than 40%. She was not bragging about it at that time. More than 20% is already very rare. If you want to show off, you don’t need to exceed 40%.  Because she just discovered something was wrong when she filed her tax return the year before, and she learned that the non-profit organization she contributed to could only file tax returns up to 40%. She told us that there was an upper limit, so I knew they exceeded 40%.  Later I found out on the Internet that the highest limit is for churches, which is 50%.

Some people say, if we look at the Gospel of Matthew, it will talk about tithing, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.”(Matthew 23:23) Yes, Jesus told the scribes and Pharisees in the Old Testament era to keep tithing, then what should we do in the New Testament era?

First of all, we see that Jesus did not say that in the New Testament era we should keep the law of tithing. What Jesus hated most was keeping the literal law. He himself was keeping the true meaning of the Sabbath, not the literal law. How can there be a law of tithing in the New Testament at the time specified in the text above for the New Testament era?

Second, we see that what God tells us through the Bible is consistent, that is, what we are talking about here is not the consistency of the Bible in words.  If you have to look at the text literally, you will find quite a few obvious contradictions, but from the perspective of the former, there is no problem.  So what should we do in the New Testament?  That is, “Do not quench the Spirit.”(1 Thessalonians 5:19). When we are sure that it is not an evil spirit pretending to be an angel of light, we are looking at it from God’s perspective, because the Holy Spirit is one of the Trinity. In this way, you will naturally obey the law, so it is said, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”(Matthew 5:17-18) He did not keep the Sabbath of the literal law, but as our example, He kept the true meaning of the Sabbath.  As we have just discussed, a person who loves the Lord will naturally hope that God’s house will have enough bread, and will give more than tithe within his ability.  But this does not mean that giving less than ten percent is not acceptable, because just as the Lord said to Samuel: “…God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”(1 Samuel 16:7) God knows that some people are unable to give a tithe.  Moreover, we know that “Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.”(Proverbs 4:23)

Third, from personal experience, I have also seen that God will not accept tithing that abides by the law.  I can give a brief testimony about this.  I originally believed that everyone should tithe because I understood that was what I had been taught in the past!  About at least ten years ago, I was inspired to tithe, but our financial situation did not allow us to do so, so we decided to replace the big house with a smaller one, thinking that this way we could tithe. Got it!  Of course my wife didn’t agree at first, but eventually she agreed, which was really not easy for her.  So we hired an agent to look at the houses, and we looked at three houses in a row. We found that the house prices at that time were impossible to allow us to tithe. Although the house had become smaller, the tax on buying a new house had increased. The price is not that high enough for the big house. It was just a futile attempt to replace a big house with a small one, so we had to give up!  Although this agent was not a Christian, his sole purpose was not to make money by selling the house. Finally, he and his wife came to persuade us not to sell the house because it would be uneconomical. At that time, they did not know that we had decided not to sell the house.  Therefore, from a human perspective, he is very good and considers his customers. I really hope that they will believe in the Lord one day, because “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”(John 3:18)

I myself never realized that we had financial needs. It was not until many years after my mother-in-law passed away that my wife told me that every time she went back to see her mother, and her mother gave her some money, which helped support the family!  She hadn’t told me before because she didn’t think I would accept it, so to me, “…your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”(Matthew 6:32) I don’t know, but God knows. This time it was through my wife and mother-in-law that I experienced this scripture. You can also see that it is not easy to be my wife.

Let’s talk about the issues that may be raised by someone about the New Testament. Let’s first look at this verse, “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.”(1 Corinthians 16:1-2) Let’s look at the teaching of the Pharisees we mentioned before, which was to give tithes. Was Jesus in the Old Testament era, “saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, …””? (Matthew 23:2-3) So Paul doesn’t need to say since everyone should know how to give. More than one tenth. Doesn’t this mean that everyone must give at least one tenth? We know that Paul was in the New Testament era at that time, and he made it very clear, “…I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.”(Galatians 1:12) He also went to Jerusalem and confirmed that he and the apostles were preaching the same gospel, so whether it is the apostles who have personally seen Jesus or Paul who came through revelation, they all preach the same thing. We also see that it takes more than three years at the fastest to have life like Paul in wilderness about three years or apostles followed Jesus about the same years. It does not happen immediately as soon as one believes. As we just said, Jesus Himself kept the true meaning of the Sabbath, not the literal law. Do you think Paul would give us the law of tithing?

Someone may ask, isn’t it, “…all the tithe of the land, of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’S; it is holy to the LORD.”(Leviticus 27:30) This sentence has never been taken back?  Are we not to give to the Lord what is His?  But Jehovah also made it clear, “…all the earth is Mine.”(Exodus 19:5) Shall we give everything to the Lord?  No.  In the New Testament, should each of us do the same thing as Jesus said when he called the young ruler?  At that time, “Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.””(Matthew 19:21) Could it be that should everyone sell everything?  No. If this was the law, we would come to the wrong conclusion that Abraham would not enter the kingdom of heaven. Because of God’s blessing, his wealth was large.  We see, “But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.”(Matthew 19:22) When we look at the context, we can see that this brings out “…it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.”(Matthew 19:23) But “…with God all things are possible.”(Matthew 19:26) This is a special case, which states how Jesus called the young man, loved him, gave him a chance, and did not interfere with his free will decision. It is not a general case, which says that everyone should do this.  In fact, just like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, God gave them a chance.

Speaking of special cases and general examples, we can also take the previous discussion of whether to be baptized as an example. We cannot use one of the criminals crucified with Jesus as an excuse not to be baptized. Yes, he went directly to paradise without being baptized.  It is a special case, and our situation is different from his.  Under normal circumstances, we are to follow Jesus’ example in being baptized.  Back to the topic, in the New Testament, there is no law that says everyone must tithe!

Finally, let me talk about a testimony that you may often hear, that is, one knows in advance how things will happen in prayer, and what happens in the future will be exactly the same as what one knew in advance, but sometimes things will happen differently, or even completely opposite!  People tend to think that supernatural things all come from God. In fact, this is not the case. It is clearly stated in the Book of Job. I can also bear witness in this regard when I have the appropriate opportunity in the future.  The conclusion is that we must always be alert and use the Bible as our absolute standard for judgment to make sure it is not “…Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”(2 Corinthians 11:14) Or “…his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, …”(2 Corinthians 11:15) Nothing predicted by God in the Bible will not happen.

As an example of using the Bible as the absolute standard for discernment, I can use an incident that happened as an example.  In a recent online Bible study, a sister happily said that she knew a person who had seen the face of Jehovah. I couldn’t help but ask whether this person was dead or alive. She happily said that this person was living.  I had to tell her, “…He (Jehovah) said, “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!””(Exodus 33:19-20) I don’t know what he saw exactly. To respond, she quoted a verse like this, “So then, you will know them by their fruits.”(Matthew 7:20) And said, the man became zealous after seeing the presence.  Even so, as we said before, “No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, …”(2 Corinthians 11:14-15) You see that Satan’s messengers are disguised as angels of light very often. But usually this will not last very long, but sometimes it is hard to determine until the coffin is closed.

(Verses refer to those in NASB unless otherwise specified.)

(You can get all articles in “https://a-christian-voice.com/” under “On spiritual understanding about life.”)

    我们在此时应该要提到，这些短文是基于在油管(YouTube )上的专题查经，在分享话语前，我们有个简短的诗歌敬拜，结束的时候也有个简短的结束祷告。通常我们选的诗歌和主题有关，譬如这次选的是「主居首位」，「祂藏我灵」，和「主活著」。如果我们能以主居首位，在有需要的时候，主是信实的神，自然会赐给我们智慧的话语。凶恶的园户的比喻中，提到了耶稣就是匠人所弃的石头，已作了房角的头块石头，信靠祂的人绝不致羞愧，祂会藏我们的灵魂在磐石洞穴里。且神是活人的神，在祂那里人都是活著，我们是奉一位复活主，主活著，今日活在我们心中。因为有些人比较喜欢看文章，而有些文觉得在油管上有声音比较亲切，因此我们决定基本上分享会以两种的形式出现。文章是后写的，因此发觉能表示得更清楚时、或偶而需要更正错误时，我们都会放在文章里。    

    首先我们看到了两个智慧的言语的例子，一是耶稣如何回答祂的权柄从何来的问题，二是为是否该纳税给凯撒的问题。祂很清楚这样智慧的回答是知道自己的时候还没到，我们也看到了祂这时也会做我们的榜样去遵守属世的法律。当祂的时间到了的时候，祂会直接的回答事实，并不珍惜自己的生命，最终钉上了十字架，完成了救恩，给了我们一个机会。第二，凶恶园户的比喻非常清楚，连文士和祭司长都很清楚这比喻是指著他们说的。他们就是那凶恶的园户，将耶稣钉上了十字架，而耶稣基督就是那块匠人所弃的，但作了房角石的石头，是教会的根基。最后我们听到了耶稣论人复活的事，知道了从死里复活的人也不娶也不嫁，而既是复活的人，就为神的儿子，且神乃是活人的神。

1. 智慧的言语范例       

    『有一天，耶稣在(耶路撒冷)殿里教训百姓，讲福音的时候，祭司长和文士并长老上前来，问他说：「你告诉我们，你仗著甚么权柄做这些事？给你这权柄的是谁呢？」耶稣回答说：「我也要问你们一句话，你们且告诉我，约翰的洗礼是从天上来的，是从人间来的呢？」他们彼此商议说：「我们若说『从天上来』，他必说：『你们为甚么不信他呢？』若说『从人间来』，百姓都要用石头打死我们，因为他们信约翰是先知。」于是回答说：「不知道是从哪里来的。」耶稣说：「我也不告诉你们，我仗著甚么权柄做这些事。」』(路加福音 20:1-8)     #####我们看到了耶稣并没有直接回答他们的问题，而是反问了他们。接著我们就看到了衪为什么用反问他们作为回答，这样的反问使他们左右为难，只好说我们不知道从那里来。照经文看来，他们既然不相信施洗约翰，只是因怕百姓，不敢讲，就撒谎了。       

    同样的一件事也记录在马太福音 21:23-27 和马可福音 11:27-33。我们看到了耶稣在这一次很有智慧的回答了祂被挑战的问题。其实耶稣老早就告诉文士和法利赛人自己是人子，可以在地上赦罪，而文士和法利赛人知道，除了神以外，谁能赦罪呢？(参路加福音 5:17-26) 只是他们不信。经文说，『圣灵显在各人身上，是叫人得益处。这人蒙圣灵赐他智慧的言语…』(哥林多前书 12:7-8) 『神所差来的，就说神的话，因为神赐圣灵给他，是没有限量的。』(约翰福音 3:34) 这就是智慧的言语的一个范例。     

    其实这也不是唯一的一次，在这里有另外一次，『于是(文士和祭司长)窥探耶稣，打发奸细装作好人，要在他的话上得把柄，好将他交在巡抚的政权之下。奸细就问耶稣说：「夫子，我们晓得你所讲所传都是正道，也不取人的外貌，乃是诚诚实实传神的道。我们纳税给凯撒，可以不可以？」耶稣看出他们的诡诈，就对他们说：「拿一个银钱来给我看。这像和这号是谁的？」 他们说：「是凯撒的。」耶稣说：「这样，凯撒的物当归给凯撒，神的物当归给神。」他们当著百姓，在这话上得不著把柄，又希奇他的应对，就闭口无言了。』(路加福音 20:20-26）那时犹太人在罗马的统治下，除了死刑外，他们是可以审判的，所以才要找把柄把祂交在巡抚的政权之下，判祂死刑。而这一次祂显然又以智慧的话语问答他们，使他们找不著把柄。       

    祂知道自己的时候还没到的时候，也会做我们的榜样去遵守属世的法律。我们先看保罗怎么说？『在上有权柄的，人人当顺服他，因为没有权柄不是出于神的，凡掌权的都是神所命的。』(罗马书 13:1) 彼得也说，『你们为主的缘故，要顺服人的一切制度，或是在上的君王，或是君王所派罚恶赏善的臣宰。』(彼得前书 2:13-14) 但这不指一味的顺服，而是应该在这很清楚的原则之下，就像彼得和众使徒所说的：『…顺从神，不顺从人，是应当的！』(使徒行传 5:29) 主耶稣就是这样做我们的榜样。在祂遵守属世的法律上，我们可以在这些经文中看到，『到了迦百农，有收丁税的人来见彼得说：「你们的先生不纳丁税吗？」彼得说：「纳。」他进了屋子，耶稣先向他说：「西门，你的意思如何？世上的君王向谁征收关税、丁税？是向自己的儿子呢，是向外人呢？」彼得说：「是向外人。」 耶稣说：「既然如此，儿子就可以免税了。但恐怕触犯他们，你且往海边去钓鱼，把先钓上来的鱼拿起来，开了牠的口，必得一块钱，可以拿去给他们，作你我的税银。」』(马太福音 17:24-27) 这当然也是一个神迹，祂预先就知道这事会发生，但这是一个奇怪的方法，也不知道这事是不是如有些人说在训练彼得的耐心，因为彼得是渔夫，平常都是用鱼网的，而钓鱼是要很有耐心。通常不是一钓就有鱼上勾，如果很快就有鱼上勾，真会是有主的怜悯。       

    当祂的时间到了的时候，祂会直接回答事实，并不珍惜自己的生命，犹如经文所说，『… 大祭司对他说：「我指著永生神叫你起誓告诉我们，你是神的儿子基督不是？」耶稣对他说：「你说的是。然而，我告诉你们：后来你们要看见人子坐在那权能者的右边，驾著天上的云降临。」大祭司就撕开衣服，说：「他说了僭妄的话！我们何必再用见证人呢？这僭妄的话，现在你们都听见了。你们的意见如何？」 他们回答说：「他是该死的。」』(马太福音 26:63-66) 这里我们也看到了耶稣的方式，祂先要别人说出到祂的身份，然后回答说「你说的是」。他们以前要找祂的把柄一直都找不到，现在时间到了，祂就直接给他们一个是事实的理由，并不珍惜自己的生命，只要，『…不要照我的意思，只要照你的意思。』(马太福音 26:39)       

    不只是在犹太人前如此，在巡抚彼拉多前亦然，就如经文所记，『耶稣站在巡抚面前，巡抚问他说：「你是犹太人的王吗？」 耶稣说：「你说的是。」』(马太福音 27:11) 最终，『于是彼拉多释放巴拉巴给他们，把耶稣鞭打了，交给人钉十字架。』(马太福音 27:26) 祂为完成救恩，钉上了十字架，舍弃了自己的生命，给了我们一个机会。

2. 凶恶园户的比喻并其解说       

    『耶稣就设比喻对百姓说：「有人栽了一个葡萄园，租给园户，就往外国去住了许久。到了时候，打发一个仆人到园户那里去，叫他们把园中当纳的果子交给他。园户竟打了他，叫他空手回去。又打发一个仆人去，他们也打了他，并且凌辱他，叫他空手回去。又打发第三个仆人去，他们也打伤了他，把他推出去了。「园主说：『我怎么办呢？我要打发我的爱子去，或者他们尊敬他。』「不料，园户看见他，就彼此商量说：『这是承受产业的，我们杀他吧，使产业归于我们！』于是把他推出葡萄园外杀了。 「这样，葡萄园的主人要怎样处治他们呢？他要来除灭这些园户，将葡萄园转给别人。」 听见的人说：「这是万不可的！」耶稣看著他们说：「经上记著：『匠人所弃的石头，已作了房角的头块石头。』 这是甚么意思呢？凡掉在那石头上的，必要跌碎；那石头掉在谁的身上，就要把谁砸得稀烂。」文士和祭司长看出这比喻是指著他们说的，当时就想要下手拿他，只是惧怕百姓。』(路加福音 20:9-19)    

    这是一个比喻不是实际发生的事情，我们读经时要把这两者分清楚。但这比喻非常清楚，连文士和祭司长都很清楚这比喻是指著他们说的。他们不是那凶恶的园户吗？他们不是最终将耶稣钉上了十字架吗？耶稣基督就是那块匠人所弃的石头，就像彼得所说，『主乃活石，固然是被人所弃的，却是被神所拣选、所宝贵的。你们来到主面前，也就像活石，被建造成为灵宫，作圣洁的祭司，借著耶稣基督奉献神所悦纳的灵祭。因为经上说：「看哪，我把所拣选、所宝贵的房角石安放在锡安，信靠他的人必不至于羞愧。」所以，他在你们信的人就为宝贵，在那不信的人有话说：「匠人所弃的石头，已作了房角的头块石头。」又说：「作了绊脚的石头，跌人的磐石。」 他们既不顺从，就在道理上绊跌。他们这样绊跌，也是预定的。』(彼得前书 2:4-8)    

    我们看到神的标准和人的是很不同的，同样的一块石头，在信的人就为宝贵，在不信的人，就成了跌人的磐石。我们除了自己为活石建造成灵宫外，也是圣洁的祭司，人人都有大使命 (参马太福音 28:18,20)，有责任宣讲福音，因为我们深深的知道，『…信道是从听道来的，听道是从基督的话来的。』(罗马书 10:17) 有些人可能会说，既然是预定的，那我们还需要传教吗？是的，我们仍需要，原因是我们不知道那预定的人是什么人？也许那预定的人信是因为你的传教呢！其实，能不能信就看听的人了，如果一个人觉得自己不需要救恩，是很难让这人得到救恩的。但我们必须甘心情愿的、尽我们的义务以身作则的去宣道，就像耶稣道成肉身的那段时间，祂讲了，也行了许多神迹，但很显然的，信的人并不是那么多，我们也不要因宣道时有些人不信而灰心。简言之就是，我们『…不再作外人和客旅，是与圣徒同国，是神家里的人了。并且被建造在使徒和先知的根基上，有基督耶稣自己为房角石，各房靠他联络得合式，渐渐成为主的圣殿。』(以弗所书 2:19-21) 清注意，成圣之路是渐渐的，看亚伯拉罕的经历就知道这点，真不要告诉人因信称义就可以了，那只是开始。

3. 耶稣论人复活的事    

    『撒都该人常说没有复活的事。有几个来问耶稣说：「夫子！摩西为我们写著说：『人若有妻无子就死了，他兄弟当娶他的妻，为哥哥生子立后。』有弟兄七人，第一个娶了妻，没有孩子死了；第二个、第三个也娶过她；那七个人都娶过她，没有留下孩子就死了。后来妇人也死了。这样，当复活的时候，她是哪一个的妻子呢？因为他们七个人都娶过她。」耶稣说：「这世界的人有娶有嫁，惟有算为配得那世界，与从死里复活的人，也不娶也不嫁，因为他们不能再死，和天使一样。既是复活的人，就为神的儿子。至于死人复活，摩西在荆棘篇上，称主是亚伯拉罕的神，以撒的神，雅各的神，就指示明白了。神原不是死人的神，乃是活人的神；因为在他那里，人都是活的。」有几个文士说：「夫子，你说得好！」以后他们不敢再问他甚么。』(路加福音 20:27-40)      

    撒都该人以为这样可以刁难耶稣，却没有想到是自己不了解，从死里复活的人也不娶也不嫁，而既是复活的人，就为神的儿子，且神乃是活人的神，难怪以后他们不敢再问他甚么。

(你可以在『 https://a-christian-voice.com/ 』看到所有的文章，到这网站后要按『对属灵生命的了解』。) 

    我們在此時應該要提到，這些短文是基於在油管(YouTube )上的專題查經，在分享話語前，我們有個簡短的詩歌敬拜，結束的時候也有個簡短的結束禱告。通常我們選的詩歌和主題有關，譬如這次選的是「主居首位」，「祂藏我靈」，和「主活著」。如果我們能以主居首位，在有需要的時候，主是信實的神，自然會賜給我們智慧的話語。兇惡的園戶的比喻中，提到了耶穌就是匠人所棄的石頭，已作了房角的頭塊石頭，信靠祂的人絕不致羞愧，祂會藏我們的靈魂在磐石洞穴裡。且神是活人的神，在祂那裏人都是活著，我們是奉一位復活主，主活著，今日活在我們心中。因為有些人比較喜歡看文章，而有些文覺得在油管上有聲音比較親切，因此我們決定基本上分享會以兩種的形式出現。文章是後寫的，因此發覺能表示得更清楚時、或偶而需要更正錯誤時，我們都會放在文章裏。

    首先我們看到了兩個智慧的言語的例子，一是耶穌如何回答祂的權柄從何來的問題，二是為是否該納稅給凱撒的問題。祂很清楚這樣智慧的回答是知道自己的時候還沒到，我們也看到了祂這時也會做我們的榜樣去遵守屬世的法律。當祂的時間到了的時候，祂會直接的回答事實，並不珍惜自己的生命，最終釘上了十字架，完成了救恩，給了我們一個機會。第二，兇惡園戶的比喻非常清楚，連文士和祭司長都很清楚這比喻是指着他們說的。他們就是那兇惡的園戶，將耶穌釘上了十字架，而耶穌基督就是那塊匠人所棄的，但作了房角石的石頭，是教會的根基。最後我們聽到了耶穌論人復活的事，知道了從死裏復活的人也不娶也不嫁，而既是復活的人，就為神的兒子，且神乃是活人的神。

1. 智慧的言語範例

       『有一天，耶穌在(耶路撒冷)殿裏教訓百姓，講福音的時候，祭司長和文士並長老上前來，問他說：「你告訴我們，你仗着甚麼權柄做這些事？給你這權柄的是誰呢？」耶穌回答說：「我也要問你們一句話，你們且告訴我，約翰的洗禮是從天上來的，是從人間來的呢？」他們彼此商議說：「我們若說『從天上來』，他必說：『你們為甚麼不信他呢？』若說『從人間來』，百姓都要用石頭打死我們，因為他們信約翰是先知。」於是回答說：「不知道是從哪裏來的。」耶穌說：「我也不告訴你們，我仗着甚麼權柄做這些事。」』(路加福音 20:1-8)

    我們看到了耶穌並沒有直接回答他們的問題，而是反問了他們。接著我們就看到了衪為什麼用反問他們作為回答，這樣的反問使他們左右為難，衹好說我們不知道從那裏來。照經文看來，他們既然不相信施洗約翰，衹是因怕百姓，不敢講，就撒謊了。

       同樣的一件事也記錄在馬太福音 21:23-27 和馬可福音 11:27-33。我們看到了耶穌在這一次很有智慧的回答了祂被挑戰的問題。其實耶穌老早就告訴文士和法利賽人自己是人子，可以在地上赦罪，而文士和法利賽人知道，除了神以外，誰能赦罪呢？(參路加福音 5:17-26) 衹是他們不信。經文說，『聖靈顯在各人身上，是叫人得益處。這人蒙聖靈賜他智慧的言語…』(哥林多前書 12:7-8) 『神所差來的，就說神的話，因為神賜聖靈給他，是沒有限量的。』(約翰福音 3:34) 這就是智慧的言語的一個範例。

     其實這也不是唯一的一次，在這裏有另外一次，『於是(文士和祭司長)窺探耶穌，打發奸細裝作好人，要在他的話上得把柄，好將他交在巡撫的政權之下。奸細就問耶穌說：「夫子，我們曉得你所講所傳都是正道，也不取人的外貌，乃是誠誠實實傳神的道。我們納稅給凱撒，可以不可以？」耶穌看出他們的詭詐，就對他們說：「拿一個銀錢來給我看。這像和這號是誰的？」 他們說：「是凱撒的。」耶穌說：「這樣，凱撒的物當歸給凱撒，神的物當歸給神。」他們當着百姓，在這話上得不着把柄，又希奇他的應對，就閉口無言了。』(路加福音 20:20-26）那時猶太人在羅馬的統治下，除了死刑外，他們是可以審判的，所以才要找把柄把祂交在巡撫的政權之下，判祂死刑。而這一次祂顯然又以智慧的話語問答他們，使他們找不著把柄。

       祂知道自己的時候還沒到的時候，也會做我們的榜樣去遵守屬世的法律。我們先看保羅怎麼說？『在上有權柄的，人人當順服他，因為沒有權柄不是出於神的，凡掌權的都是神所命的。』(羅馬書 13:1) 彼得也說，『你們為主的緣故，要順服人的一切制度，或是在上的君王，或是君王所派罰惡賞善的臣宰。』(彼得前書 2:13-14) 但這不指一味的順服，而是應該在這很清楚的原則之下，就像彼得和衆使徒所說的：『…順從神，不順從人，是應當的！』(使徒行傳 5:29) 主耶穌就是這樣做我們的榜樣。在祂遵守屬世的法律上，我們可以在這些經文中看到，『到了迦百農，有收丁稅的人來見彼得說：「你們的先生不納丁稅嗎？」彼得說：「納。」他進了屋子，耶穌先向他說：「西門，你的意思如何？世上的君王向誰徵收關稅、丁稅？是向自己的兒子呢，是向外人呢？」彼得說：「是向外人。」 耶穌說：「既然如此，兒子就可以免稅了。但恐怕觸犯他們，你且往海邊去釣魚，把先釣上來的魚拿起來，開了牠的口，必得一塊錢，可以拿去給他們，作你我的稅銀。」』(馬太福音 17:24-27) 這當然也是一個神蹟，祂預先就知道這事會發生，但這是一個奇怪的方法，也不知道這事是不是如有些人說在訓練彼得的耐心，因為彼得是漁夫，平常都是用魚網的，而釣魚是要很有耐心。通常不是一釣就有魚上勾，如果很快就有魚上勾，真會是有主的憐憫。

       當祂的時間到了的時候，祂會直接回答事實，並不珍惜自己的生命，猶如經文所說，『… 大祭司對他說：「我指着永生神叫你起誓告訴我們，你是神的兒子基督不是？」耶穌對他說：「你說的是。然而，我告訴你們：後來你們要看見人子坐在那權能者的右邊，駕着天上的雲降臨。」大祭司就撕開衣服，說：「他說了僭妄的話！我們何必再用見證人呢？這僭妄的話，現在你們都聽見了。你們的意見如何？」 他們回答說：「他是該死的。」』(馬太福音 26:63-66) 這裏我們也看到了耶穌的方式，祂先要別人說出到祂的身份，然後回答說「你說的是」。他們以前要找祂的把柄一直都找不到，現在時間到了，祂就直接給他們一個是事實的理由，並不珍惜自己的生命，只要，『…不要照我的意思，只要照你的意思。』(馬太福音 26:39)

       不只是在猶太人前如此，在巡撫彼拉多前亦然，就如經文所記，『耶穌站在巡撫面前，巡撫問他說：「你是猶太人的王嗎？」 耶穌說：「你說的是。」』(馬太福音 27:11) 最終，『於是彼拉多釋放巴拉巴給他們，把耶穌鞭打了，交給人釘十字架。』(馬太福音 27:26) 祂為完成救恩，釘上了十字架，捨棄了自己的生命，給了我們一個機會。

2. 兇惡園戶的比喻並其解說

       『耶穌就設比喻對百姓說：「有人栽了一個葡萄園，租給園戶，就往外國去住了許久。到了時候，打發一個僕人到園戶那裏去，叫他們把園中當納的果子交給他。園戶竟打了他，叫他空手回去。又打發一個僕人去，他們也打了他，並且凌辱他，叫他空手回去。又打發第三個僕人去，他們也打傷了他，把他推出去了。「園主說：『我怎麼辦呢？我要打發我的愛子去，或者他們尊敬他。』「不料，園戶看見他，就彼此商量說：『這是承受產業的，我們殺他吧，使產業歸於我們！』於是把他推出葡萄園外殺了。 「這樣，葡萄園的主人要怎樣處治他們呢？他要來除滅這些園戶，將葡萄園轉給別人。」 聽見的人說：「這是萬不可的！」耶穌看着他們說：「經上記着：『匠人所棄的石頭，已作了房角的頭塊石頭。』 這是甚麼意思呢？凡掉在那石頭上的，必要跌碎；那石頭掉在誰的身上，就要把誰砸得稀爛。」文士和祭司長看出這比喻是指着他們說的，當時就想要下手拿他，只是懼怕百姓。』(路加福音 20:9-19)

    這是一個比喻不是實際發生的事情，我們讀經時要把這兩者分清楚。但這比喻非常清楚，連文士和祭司長都很清楚這比喻是指着他們說的。他們不是那兇惡的園戶嗎？他們不是最終將耶穌釘上了十字架嗎？耶穌基督就是那塊匠人所棄的石頭，就像彼得所說，『主乃活石，固然是被人所棄的，卻是被神所揀選、所寶貴的。你們來到主面前，也就像活石，被建造成為靈宮，作聖潔的祭司，藉着耶穌基督奉獻神所悅納的靈祭。因為經上說：「看哪，我把所揀選、所寶貴的房角石安放在錫安，信靠他的人必不至於羞愧。」所以，他在你們信的人就為寶貴，在那不信的人有話說：「匠人所棄的石頭，已作了房角的頭塊石頭。」又說：「作了絆腳的石頭，跌人的磐石。」 他們既不順從，就在道理上絆跌。他們這樣絆跌，也是預定的。』(彼得前書 2:4-8) 

    我們看到神的標準和人的是很不同的，同樣的一塊石頭，在信的人就為寶貴，在不信的人，就成了跌人的磐石。我們除了自己為活石建造成靈宮外，也是聖潔的祭司，人人都有大使命 (參馬太福音 28:18,20)，有責任宣講福音，因為我們深深的知道，『…信道是從聽道來的，聽道是從基督的話來的。』(羅馬書 10:17) 有些人可能會說，既然是預定的，那我們還需要傳教嗎？是的，我們仍需要，原因是我們不知道那預定的人是什麼人？也許那預定的人信是因為你的傳教呢！其實，能不能信就看聽的人了，如果一個人覺得自己不需要救恩，是很難讓這人得到救恩的。但我們必須甘心情願的、盡我們的義務以身作則的去宣道，就像耶穌道成肉身的那段時間，祂講了，也行了許多神蹟，但很顯然的，信的人並不是那麼多，我們也不要因宣道時有些人不信而灰心。簡言之就是，我們『…不再作外人和客旅，是與聖徒同國，是神家裏的人了。並且被建造在使徒和先知的根基上，有基督耶穌自己為房角石，各房靠他聯絡得合式，漸漸成為主的聖殿。』(以弗所書 2:19-21) 清注意，成聖之路是漸漸的，看亞伯拉罕的經歷就知道這點，真不要告訴人因信稱義就可以了，那只是開始。

3. 耶穌論人復活的事

    『撒都該人常說沒有復活的事。有幾個來問耶穌說：「夫子！摩西為我們寫着說：『人若有妻無子就死了，他兄弟當娶他的妻，為哥哥生子立後。』有弟兄七人，第一個娶了妻，沒有孩子死了；第二個、第三個也娶過她；那七個人都娶過她，沒有留下孩子就死了。後來婦人也死了。這樣，當復活的時候，她是哪一個的妻子呢？因為他們七個人都娶過她。」耶穌說：「這世界的人有娶有嫁，惟有算為配得那世界，與從死裏復活的人，也不娶也不嫁，因為他們不能再死，和天使一樣。既是復活的人，就為神的兒子。至於死人復活，摩西在荊棘篇上，稱主是亞伯拉罕的神，以撒的神，雅各的神，就指示明白了。神原不是死人的神，乃是活人的神；因為在他那裏，人都是活的。」有幾個文士說：「夫子，你說得好！」以後他們不敢再問他甚麼。』(路加福音 20:27-40)

       撒都該人以為這樣可以刁難耶穌，卻沒有想到是自己不瞭解，從死裏復活的人也不娶也不嫁，而既是復活的人，就為神的兒子，且神乃是活人的神，難怪以後他們不敢再問他甚麼。

(你可以在『 https://a-christian-voice.com/ 』看到所有的文章，到這網站後要按『對屬靈生命的瞭解』。)

We should mention at this point that these short articles are based on the Topic Wise Bible studies on YouTube. Before sharing these words, we have a short song of worship, and there is also a short closing prayer at the end.  Usually, the hymns we choose are related to the theme. For example, this time we chose “Christ Preeminence”, “He Hideth My Soul”, and “He Lives”.  If we can put the Lord first, the Lord, who is a faithful God, will naturally give us words of wisdom when we are in need.  In the parable of the evil tenants, it is mentioned that Jesus is the stone that the builders rejected and has become the corner stone. Those who believe in Him will never be ashamed. He will hide our souls in the cave of the rock.  Moreover, God is the God of living people. With Him, everyone is alive. We serve a resurrected Lord. The Lord lives and lives in our hearts today.  Because some people prefer to read articles, and some people feel that it is more friendly to have voices on YouTube, so we decided that sharing will basically appear in two forms.  The article is written later, so when we find it can be expressed more clearly, or when we occasionally need to correct errors, we will put them in the article.

First, we saw two examples of wise words, one is how Jesus answered the question of where his authority comes from, and the other is the question of whether taxes should be paid to Caesar.  He knew very well that His time had not yet come, so He used the words of wisdom to reply to these questions. We also saw that He would set an example for us to obey the laws of the world at that time.  When His time comes, He will answer the truth directly, not cherishing His own life, and finally be nailed to the cross, completing salvation and giving us a chance.  Second, the parable of the evil tenants is so clear that even the scribes and chief priests knew that it was referring to them.  They were the evil tenants who nailed Jesus to the cross, and Jesus Christ was the stone that the builders rejected but became the cornerstone, the foundation of the church.  Finally, we heard Jesus talk about the resurrection of man, and we learned that those who are resurrected from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, but since they are resurrected, they are the sons of God, and God is the God of the living.

1. Examples of words of wisdom 

 ​

“On one of the days while He was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders confronted Him, and they spoke, saying to Him, “Tell us by what authority You are doing these things, or who is the one who gave You this authority?” Jesus answered and said to them, “I will also ask you a question, and you tell Me: Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?” They reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.” So they answered that they did not know where it came from. And Jesus said to them, “Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things.””(Luke 20:1-8)

We see that Jesus did not answer their questions directly, but asked them in return.  Then we see why He responded with a rhetorical question that put them in a dilemma and they had to say we don’t know where it comes from.  According to the scriptures, since they did not believe John the Baptist, they just lied because they were afraid of the people.

The same incident is recorded in Matthew 21:23-27 and Mark 11:27-33.  We see that Jesus wisely answered the question when He was challenged on this occasion.  In fact, Jesus had long ago told the scribes and Pharisees that he was the Son of Man and could forgive sins on earth, since the scribes and Pharisees knew that except God, who could forgive sins?  (See Luke 5:17-26) But they didn’t believe it.  The scripture says, ” But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, …”( 1 Corinthians 12:7-8) “For He (Jesus) whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure.”(John 3:34) This is an example of words of wisdom.

In fact, this is not the only time, there is another time here, “So they (the scribes and chief priests) watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, in order that they might catch Him in some statement, so that they could deliver Him to the rule and the authority of the governor. They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But He detected their trickery and said to them, “Show Me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were unable to catch Him in a saying in the presence of the people; and being amazed at His answer, they became silent.”(Luke 20:20-26)

At that time, the Jews were under the rule of Rome. Other than the death penalty, they could punish others with any penalties, so they wanted to find a reason to hand Him over to the governor’s authority and sentence Him to death.  And this time He obviously answered them with wise words, leaving them with no excuses.

Knowing that His time has not yet come, He will also be our example to obey the laws of the world.  Let’s first see what Paul says? “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.”(Romans 13:1) Peter also said, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.”(1 Peter 2:13-14) But this does not mean blind obedience, but it should be under this very clear principle, just as Peter and the apostles said: “…We must obey God rather than men.”(Acts 5:29)

The Lord Jesus is our example of doing this.  In His observance of earthly laws, we can see in these verses, “When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the two-drachma tax came to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the two-drachma tax?” He said, “Yes.” And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth collect customs or poll-tax, from their sons or from strangers?” When Peter said, “From strangers,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are exempt. However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me.””(Matthew 17:24-27)

This is of course a miracle. He knew in advance that this would happen, but this is a strange method and may be like what some people say. It is training Peter’s patience, because Peter is a fisherman and usually uses a fishing net, and fishing requires great patience.  Usually, fish don’t take the bait when you cast the fishing rod. If fish take the bait that soon, it will really be the Lord’s mercy.

When His time comes, He will answer the truth directly, not cherishing His own life, as the scripture says, “…And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy; what do you think?” They answered, “He deserves death!””(Matthew 26:63-66)

Here we also see Jesus’ way of asking others to reveal first who He is and then replying, “You have said it yourself.”  They had never been able to find a reason to kill Him before. Now that the time has come, He directly gave them a factual reason. He did not cherish his own life, as long as, “…yet not as I will, but as You will.”(Matthew 26:39)

This was true not only before the Jews, but also before the governor Pilate, as the scripture records, “Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.””(Matthew 27:11) Finally, “Then he (Pilate) released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.”(Matthew 27:26) In order to complete salvation, He was crucified on the cross, gave up His life, and gave us a chance.

2. The parable of the evil tenants and its explanation

“And He began to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard and rented it out to vine-growers, and went on a journey for a long time. At the harvest time he sent a slave to the vine-growers, so that they would give him some of the produce of the vineyard; but the vine-growers beat him and sent him away empty-handed. And he proceeded to send another slave; and they beat him also and treated him shamefully and sent him away empty-handed. And he proceeded to send a third; and this one also they wounded and cast out. The owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’ But when the vine-growers saw him, they reasoned with one another, saying, ‘This is the heir; let us kill him so that the inheritance will be ours.’ So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What, then, will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy these vine-growers and will give the vineyard to others.” When they heard it, they said, “May it never be!” But Jesus looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written: ‘The stone which the builders rejected, This became the chief corner stone’? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls, it will scatter him like dust.” The scribes and the chief priests tried to lay hands on Him that very hour, and they feared the people; for they understood that He spoke this parable against them.”(Luke 20:9-19)

This is a parable and not an actual thing. We must clearly distinguish between the two when reading the Bible.  But the parable was so clear that even the scribes and chief priests knew that it was referring to them.  Aren’t they the evil tenants?  Didn’t they ultimately crucify Jesus?  Jesus Christ is the stone that was rejected by the builders. Just as Peter said, “And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For this is contained in Scripture: “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone, And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.” This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, “The stone which the builders rejected, This became the very corner stone,” and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed.”(1 Peter 2:4-8)

We see that God’s standards are very different from those of man. The same stone is precious to those who believe, but it becomes a rock of offense to those who do not believe.  In addition to building a spiritual house for ourselves as living stones, we are also holy priests. Everyone has the Great Commission (see Matthew 28:18,20) and has the responsibility to preach the gospel, because we know deeply that “…faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”(Romans 10:17) Some people may say, since it is predestined, do we still need to preach?  Yes, we still need it, and the reason is that we don’t know who the predestined one is?  Maybe the intended people believe because of your preaching! 

In fact, whether a person can believe it or not depends on the person who listens. If a person feels that he does not need salvation, it will be difficult for him to receive salvation.  But we must be willing to preach and fulfill our obligations and lead by example. Just like the time when Jesus became flesh, He spoke and performed many miracles, but obviously, not so many people believed. We shouldn’t be discouraged because some people don’t believe when you preach.  In short, we “…are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone.”(Ephesians 2:19-20) Please notice that the road to sanctification is gradual. You can know this by looking at Abraham’s experience. Don’t tell people that they can be justified by faith is enough. That’s just the beginning.

3. Jesus talks about the resurrection of man

​”Now there came to Him some of the Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection), and they questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife, and he is childless, his brother should marry the wife and raise up children to his brother. Now there were seven brothers; and the first took a wife and died childless; and the second and the third married her; and in the same way all seven died, leaving no children. Finally the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, which one’s wife will she be? For all seven had married her.” Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now He is not the God of the dead but of the living; for all live to Him.” Some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.” For they did not have courage to question Him any longer about anything.”(Luke 20:27-40)

The Sadducees thought that they could make things difficult for Jesus, but they did not realize that they did not understand that those who are resurrected from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, but since they are resurrected, they are the sons of God, and God is the God of the living. No wonder they don’t dare to ask him anything anymore.

 ​

(Verses refer to those in NASB unless otherwise specified.)

(You can get all articles in “https://a-christian-voice.com/” under “On spiritual understanding about life.”)

    首先我们看到了耶稣预言了预备驴驹，及其得以成就。神知道我们真实的自己，但我们不见得真知道，做一个基督徒有时需要回顾，才能了解当时神怎么作工！神有绝对的主权，祂决定要不要事先告诉我们。从路加福音和马可福音说到只有驴驹，而马太福音则说到了驴和驴驹，我们可以看到神借著圣经告诉我们是一致的，不是字句上的！知道这，我们就会朝这个方向想。第二，门徒们以为祂做世间的王的时候来到了，但祂进了耶路撒冷后是转向圣殿，洁净圣殿。我们看到了预言，『你的王骑著驴驹来了。』 的成就，更能看到耶稣第一次来时的谦卑。第三，我们提到了以前在那里讨论过耶路撒冷的结局。最后，我们看到祂怎样洁净圣殿，生气而没有犯罪，祂是完全的人，和我们一样会受试探，只是祂没有犯罪。

1. 驴驹的准备       

    『耶稣说完了这话，就在前面走，上耶路撒冷去。将近伯法其和伯大尼，在一座山名叫橄榄山那里，就打发两个门徒，说：「你们往对面村子里去，进去的时候，必看见一匹驴驹拴在那里，是从来没有人骑过的，可以解开牵来。若有人问为甚么解牠，你们就说：『主要用牠。』」打发的人去了，所遇见的正如耶稣所说的。他们解驴驹的时候，主人问他们说：「解驴驹做甚么？」他们说：「主要用牠。」他们牵到耶稣那里，把自己的衣服搭在上面，扶著耶稣骑上。』(路加福音 19:28-35)    

    我们看到了这关于驴驹的短期预言的成就，因『所遇见的正如耶稣所说的。』对观福音都说，这事发生的地点是在橄榄山，就不重复了。马太福音是说有驴和驴驹，我们看看经文怎么说，『…这事成就，是要应验先知的话，说：「要对锡安的居民说：『看哪，你的王来到你这里，是温柔的，又骑著驴，就是骑著驴驹子。』」门徒就照耶稣所吩咐的去行，牵了驴和驴驹来，把自己的衣服搭在上面，耶稣就骑上。』(马太福音 21:1-7)       

    马可福音也只提驴驹，『…他们去了，便看见一匹驴驹拴在门外街道上，就把牠解开。在那里站著的人，有几个说：「你们解驴驹做甚么？」门徒照著耶稣所说的回答，那些人就任凭他们牵去了。他们把驴驹牵到耶稣那里，把自己的衣服搭在上面，耶稣就骑上。』(马可福音 11:1-7)       

    不只是在对观福音记载这事，约翰福音也提到这事，是这样说的，『耶稣得了一个驴驹，就骑上，如经上所记的说：「锡安的民哪，不要惧怕！你的王骑著驴驹来了。」这些事门徒起先不明白，等到耶稣得了荣耀以后，才想起这话是指著他写的，并且众人果然向他这样行了。』(约翰福音 12:14-16) 所以门徒是事后才想起这话是指著祂写的，在我们的经验中，不是有许多事情也是事后才恍然大悟吗？做一个基督徒有时需要回顾，才能了解当时神怎么作工！不能把每件事情当成独立的事情。神知道我们真实的自己，但我们不见得真知道，如耶利米所说，『人心比万物都诡诈，坏到极处，谁能识透呢？』(耶利米书 17:9) 人有时会自己欺骗自己，会看不到自己的！    

    有一次在意念中问我有没有骄傲，我当时怎么都想不起来，就把一件赐给我的东西拿回去了，一直到十多年后在意念中指示我做的一件事情，我才恍然大悟，那时真是骄傲到自己看不到自己的骄傲！如果一个人说我从来没骄傲过，只是自己欺骗自己而已。对我们的老我而言，如果一个人没有得救或是得救后因犯罪而临时从基督里滑出来的人，都是『…立志为善由得我，只是行出来由不得我。』(罗马书 7:18) 『如今，那些在基督耶稣里的就不定罪了。因为赐生命圣灵的律在基督耶稣里释放了我，使我脱离罪和死的律了。』(罗马书 8:1-2) 我们要在耶稣基督里才有真自由，可以行出来由得我。       

    为什么要回顾时才知道？因为要我们面对我们真实的自己的最好方法，就是不事先让我们知道。亚伯拉罕献以撒不就是这样吗？当然也有事先就知道的，就如这例子所说，『…亚希雅因年纪老迈，眼目发直，不能看见。耶和华先晓谕亚希雅说：「耶罗波安的妻要来问你，因她儿子病了，你当如此如此告诉她。她进来的时候，必装作别的妇人。」她刚进门，亚希雅听见她脚步的响声，就说：「耶罗波安的妻，进来吧！你为何装作别的妇人呢？我奉差遣将凶事告诉你。」』(列王纪上 14:4-6) 神有绝对的主权，祂决定要不要事先告诉我们。所以即使以利沙有两倍感动以利亚的耶和华的灵 (参列王纪下 2:7-12)，如果耶和华没有告诉他，他仍然会不知道的。因为经文明说，『(书念的)妇人上了山，到神人(以利沙)那里，就抱住神人的脚。基哈西前来要推开她，神人说：「由她吧！因为她心里愁苦，耶和华向我隐瞒，没有指示我。」』(列王纪下 4:27)       

    有人可能会问，路加福音和马可福音是说只有驴驹，而马太福音说到了驴和驴驹，如果圣经的一致性是指在字句上非要一致不可的话，那么这里就有明显的不一致！基督徒相信整本圣经都是神所默示的，因此神借著圣经告诉我们的是一致的，不是字句上非要一致的！知道神借著圣经告诉我们的是一致的，我们就会朝这个方向想。在这里告诉我们，不是马太犯了错误，神就是这样默示他的，要不神可以很容易的以默示更正他的错误，因此要告诉我们神借著圣经告诉我们不是字句上一定要一致的，这里是指驴驹的事件发生时间和地点是一致的。而且更看到更主要的目的是如约翰福音所讲，『你的王骑著驴驹来了。』不只是看到经上老早以前说的预言的成就，更能看到耶稣第一次来时的谦卑，就如经文所说，『我心里柔和谦卑，…』(马太福音 11:29) 没有世间的王会骑著驴驹来的！都是骑高头大马。    

    圣经的一致性是指神借著圣经告诉我们是一致的，也可从同样一个概念，可以从不同的经文中看出来。譬如在我们以前提到过取代的概念这一点上，最开始是『耶和华神为亚当和他妻子用皮子做衣服，给他们穿。』(创世记 3:21) 有动物取代他们而死。亚伯拉罕献以撒，最终是『亚伯拉罕举目观看，不料，有一只公羊，两角扣在稠密的小树中，亚伯拉罕就取了那只公羊来，献为燔祭，代替他的儿子。』(创世记 22:13) 而今日是『神使那无罪的(耶稣)，替我们成为罪，好叫我们在他里面成为神的义。』(哥林多后书 5:21) 关于「神借著圣经告诉我们的是一致的，不是字句上非要一致的」的另外一个例子是耶稣受试探的时候，那里所说的是指耶稣受试探的事件在对观福音中所说的时间是一致的，祂受的试探不只是三件而已，我们在「2046 耶稣的家谱和受试探及争议 – 耶稣的形像 (1)」中，曾详细的讨论过，就不多说了。

2. 将近耶路撒冷正下橄榄山时       

    『走的时候，众人把衣服铺在路上。将近耶路撒冷，正下橄榄山的时候，众门徒因所见过的一切异能，都欢乐起来，大声赞美神，说：「奉主名来的王是应当称颂的！在天上有和平，在至高之处有荣光！」众人中有几个法利赛人对耶稣说：「夫子，责备你的门徒吧！」耶稣说：「我告诉你们：若是他们闭口不说，这些石头必要呼叫起来。」』(路加福音 19:36-40) 这是众门徒该开口的时候，不能不说！       

    马可福音是这么说，『他们把驴驹牵到耶稣那里，把自己的衣服搭在上面，耶稣就骑上。有许多人把衣服铺在路上，也有人把田间的树枝砍下来，铺在路上。前行后随的人都喊著说：「和散那！奉主名来的是应当称颂的！那将要来的我祖大卫之国是应当称颂的！高高在上和散那！」耶稣进了耶路撒冷，入了圣殿，周围看了各样物件。天色已晚，就和十二个门徒出城，往伯大尼去了。』(马可福音 11:7-11) 那时的犹太人受罗马的统治，他们以为就祂来是要重新恢复地上大卫之国的荣耀，带领他们脱离罗马人的辖制，所以他们以为祂做世间的王的时候来到了，就在地上舖衣服和田间的树枝，也就是相当于现在的舖红地毯欢迎外国的元首的访问。但祂进了耶路撒冷后是转向圣殿，且洁净圣殿。      

    这件事情在马可福音 11:7-11 的记载，基本上是相同的。耶稣说得很清楚，『…先知在耶路撒冷之外丧命是不能的。』(路加福音 13:33) 我们留心一下，就会注意到祂是不会在耶路撒冷过夜的，这次是说祂往伯大尼去了。

3. 为耶路撒冷城哀哭       

    『耶稣快到耶路撒冷，看见城，就为它哀哭，说：「巴不得你在这日子知道关系你平安的事，无奈这事现在是隐藏的，叫你的眼看不出来。因为日子将到，你的仇敌必筑起土垒，周围环绕你，四面困住你，并要扫灭你和你里头的儿女，连一块石头也不留在石头上，因你不知道眷顾你的时候。」』(路加福音 19:41-44)     

    我们以前在「2067 窄门，耶路撒冷，医治水臌的人，和自高的  –耶稣(20)」中的「耶路撒冷的结局」，详细的谈到这个，就不多说了。

4. 洁净圣殿       

    『耶稣进了殿，赶出里头做买卖的人，对他们说：「经上说：『我的殿必作祷告的殿』，你们倒使它成为贼窝了。」耶稣天天在殿里教训人。祭司长和文士与百姓的尊长都想要杀他，但寻不出法子来，因为百姓都侧耳听他。』(路加福音 19:45-48) 耶稣说了一个事实，本来神的殿是作祷告用的，现在却成了贼窝！我们看到了那时仇敌就想杀祂。    

    这件事情，马可福音记载的较清楚，『第二天，他们从伯大尼出来，…他们来到耶路撒冷。耶稣进入圣殿，赶出殿里做买卖的人，推倒兑换银钱之人的桌子和卖鸽子之人的凳子，也不许人拿著器具从殿里经过。便教训他们说：「经上不是记著说『我的殿必称为万国祷告的殿』吗？ 你们倒使它成为贼窝了。」祭司长和文士听见这话，就想法子要除灭耶稣，却又怕他，因为众人都希奇他的教训。每天晚上，耶稣出城去。』(马可福音 11:12-19)     

    这里是明讲了，祂是不会在耶路撒冷城里过夜的。祂推倒了桌子等等，很难想像祂没有生气，因为祂是完全的人，就像圣经所说的，『并且因为他是人子，就赐给他行审判的权柄。』(约翰福音 5:27) 所以希伯来书会说，『…他也曾凡事受过试探，与我们一样，只是他没有犯罪。』(希伯来书 4:15) 可见『生气却不要犯罪，不可含怒到日落，』(以弗所书 4:26) 是可以在基督内做到的。尤其我们知道，『…明天自有明天的忧虑；一天的难处一天当就够了。』(马太福音 6:34) 为什么要含怒到明天呢？有一个错误的概念是说，有人是这么属灵，以致于完全不像人！       

    马太福音是这样说，『耶稣既进了耶路撒冷，合城都惊动了，说：「这是谁？」众人说：「这是加利利拿撒勒的先知耶稣。」耶稣进了神的殿，赶出殿里一切做买卖的人，推倒兑换银钱之人的桌子和卖鸽子之人的凳子；对他们说：「经上记著说：『我的殿必称为祷告的殿』，你们倒使它成为贼窝了！」在殿里有瞎子、瘸子到耶稣跟前，他就治好了他们。祭司长和文士看见耶稣所行的奇事，又见小孩子在殿里喊著说：「和散那归于大卫的子孙！」就甚恼怒，对他说：「这些人所说的，你听见了吗？」 耶稣说：「是的。经上说：『你从婴孩和吃奶的口中完全了赞美的话。』 你们没有念过吗？」…』(马太福音 21:10-17)     

    那时的犹太人是瞧不起加利利的，我们从他回答尼哥底母就可看出来，『…你也是出于加利利吗？你且去查考，就可知道加利利没有出过先知。』(约翰福音 7:50-52) 因为那时耶稣治好了在殿里的瞎子和瘸子，小孩子因而喊叫说：「和散那归于大卫的子孙！」这不是真实的成就了这经文吗？『你因敌人的缘故，从婴孩和吃奶的口中建立了能力，使仇敌和报仇的闭口无言。』(诗篇 8:2) 从属灵的角度看，我们不就是那婴孩和吃奶的吗？因为我们从被造的时候就比天使微小一点 (参希伯来书 2:6-8)，而撒但是堕落的天使。但当我们甘心情愿的顺服时，神就建立了能力，使撒但闭口无言。

(你可以在『 https://a-christian-voice.com/ 』看到所有的文章，到这网站后要按『对属灵生命的了解』。) 

       首先我們看到了耶穌預言了預備驢駒，及其得以成就。神知道我們真實的自己，但我們不見得真知道，做一個基督徒有時需要回顧，才能瞭解當時神怎麼作工！神有絕對的主權，祂決定要不要事先告訴我們。從路加福音和馬可福音說到只有驢駒，而馬太福音則說到了驢和驢駒，我們可以看到神藉著聖經告訴我們是一致的，不是字句上的！知道這，我們就會朝這個方向想。第二，門徒們以為祂做世間的王的時候來到了，但祂進了耶路撒冷後是轉向聖殿，潔淨聖殿。我們看到了預言，『你的王騎着驢駒來了。』 的成就，更能看到耶穌第一次來時的謙卑。第三，我們提到了以前在那裏討論過耶路撒冷的結局。最後，我們看到祂怎樣潔淨聖殿，生氣而沒有犯罪，祂是完全的人，和我們一樣會受試探，只是祂沒有犯罪。

1. 驢駒的準備

       『耶穌說完了這話，就在前面走，上耶路撒冷去。將近伯法其和伯大尼，在一座山名叫橄欖山那裏，就打發兩個門徒，說：「你們往對面村子裏去，進去的時候，必看見一匹驢駒拴在那裏，是從來沒有人騎過的，可以解開牽來。若有人問為甚麼解牠，你們就說：『主要用牠。』」打發的人去了，所遇見的正如耶穌所說的。他們解驢駒的時候，主人問他們說：「解驢駒做甚麼？」他們說：「主要用牠。」他們牽到耶穌那裏，把自己的衣服搭在上面，扶着耶穌騎上。』(路加福音 19:28-35)

    我們看到了這關於驢駒的短期預言的成就，因『所遇見的正如耶穌所說的。』對觀福音都說，這事發生的地點是在橄欖山，就不重複了。馬太福音是說有驢和驢駒，我們看看經文怎麼說，『…這事成就，是要應驗先知的話，說：「要對錫安的居民說：『看哪，你的王來到你這裏，是溫柔的，又騎着驢，就是騎着驢駒子。』」門徒就照耶穌所吩咐的去行，牽了驢和驢駒來，把自己的衣服搭在上面，耶穌就騎上。』(馬太福音 21:1-7)

       馬可福音也只提驢駒，『…他們去了，便看見一匹驢駒拴在門外街道上，就把牠解開。在那裏站着的人，有幾個說：「你們解驢駒做甚麼？」門徒照着耶穌所說的回答，那些人就任憑他們牽去了。他們把驢駒牽到耶穌那裏，把自己的衣服搭在上面，耶穌就騎上。』(馬可福音 11:1-7)

       不只是在對觀福音記載這事，約翰福音也提到這事，是這樣說的，『耶穌得了一個驢駒，就騎上，如經上所記的說：「錫安的民哪，不要懼怕！你的王騎着驢駒來了。」這些事門徒起先不明白，等到耶穌得了榮耀以後，才想起這話是指着他寫的，並且眾人果然向他這樣行了。』(約翰福音 12:14-16) 所以門徒是事後才想起這話是指著祂寫的，在我們的經驗中，不是有許多事情也是事後才恍然大悟嗎？做一個基督徒有時需要回顧，才能瞭解當時神怎麼作工！不能把每件事情當成獨立的事情。神知道我們真實的自己，但我們不見得真知道，如耶利米所說，『人心比萬物都詭詐，壞到極處，誰能識透呢？』(耶利米書 17:9) 人有時會自己欺騙自己，會看不到自己的！

    有一次在意念中問我有沒有驕傲，我當時怎麼都想不起來，就把一件賜給我的東西拿回去了，一直到十多年後在意念中指示我做的一件事情，我才恍然大悟，那時真是驕傲到自己看不到自己的驕傲！如果一個人說我從來沒驕傲過，只是自己欺騙自己而已。對我們的老我而言，如果一個人沒有得救或是得救後因犯罪而臨時從基督裏滑出來的人，都是『…立志為善由得我，只是行出來由不得我。』(羅馬書 7:18) 『如今，那些在基督耶穌裏的就不定罪了。因為賜生命聖靈的律在基督耶穌裏釋放了我，使我脫離罪和死的律了。』(羅馬書 8:1-2) 我們要在耶穌基督裏才有真自由，可以行出來由得我。

       為什麼要回顧時才知道？因為要我們面對我們真實的自己的最好方法，就是不事先讓我們知道。亞伯拉罕獻以撒不就是這樣嗎？當然也有事先就知道的，就如這例子所說，『…亞希雅因年紀老邁，眼目發直，不能看見。耶和華先曉諭亞希雅說：「耶羅波安的妻要來問你，因她兒子病了，你當如此如此告訴她。她進來的時候，必裝作別的婦人。」她剛進門，亞希雅聽見她腳步的響聲，就說：「耶羅波安的妻，進來吧！你為何裝作別的婦人呢？我奉差遣將凶事告訴你。」』(列王紀上 14:4-6) 神有絕對的主權，祂決定要不要事先告訴我們。所以即使以利沙有兩倍感動以利亞的耶和華的靈 (參列王紀下 2:7-12)，如果耶和華沒有告訴他，他仍然會不知道的。因為經文明說，『(書念的)婦人上了山，到神人(以利沙)那裏，就抱住神人的腳。基哈西前來要推開她，神人說：「由她吧！因為她心裏愁苦，耶和華向我隱瞞，沒有指示我。」』(列王紀下 4:27) 

       有人可能會問，路加福音和馬可福音是說只有驢駒，而馬太福音說到了驢和驢駒，如果聖經的一致性是指在字句上非要一致不可的話，那麼這裏就有明顯的不一致！基督徒相信整本聖經都是神所默示的，因此神藉著聖經告訴我們的是一致的，不是字句上非要一致的！知道神藉著聖經告訴我們的是一致的，我們就會朝這個方向想。在這裏告訴我們，不是馬太犯了錯誤，神就是這樣默示他的，要不神可以很容易的以默示更正他的錯誤，因此要告訴我們神藉著聖經告訴我們不是字句上一定要一致的，這裏是指驢駒的事件發生時間和地點是一致的。而且更看到更主要的目的是如約翰福音所講，『你的王騎着驢駒來了。』不只是看到經上老早以前說的預言的成就，更能看到耶穌第一次來時的謙卑，就如經文所說，『我心裏柔和謙卑，…』(馬太福音 11:29) 沒有世間的王會騎著驢駒來的！都是騎高頭大馬。

    聖經的一致性是指神藉著聖經告訴我們是一致的，也可從同樣一個概念，可以從不同的經文中看出來。譬如在我們以前提到過取代的概念這一點上，最開始是『耶和華神為亞當和他妻子用皮子做衣服，給他們穿。』(創世記 3:21) 有動物取代他們而死。亞伯拉罕獻以撒，最終是『亞伯拉罕舉目觀看，不料，有一隻公羊，兩角扣在稠密的小樹中，亞伯拉罕就取了那隻公羊來，獻為燔祭，代替他的兒子。』(創世記 22:13) 而今日是『神使那無罪的(耶穌)，替我們成為罪，好叫我們在他裏面成為神的義。』(哥林多後書 5:21) 關於「神藉著聖經告訴我們的是一致的，不是字句上非要一致的」的另外一個例子是耶穌受試探的時候，那裏所說的是指耶穌受試探的事件在對觀福音中所說的時間是一致的，祂受的試探不只是三件而已，我們在「2046 耶穌的家譜和受試探及爭議 – 耶穌的形像 (1)」中，曾詳細的討論過，就不多說了。

2. 將近耶路撒冷正下橄欖山時

       『走的時候，眾人把衣服鋪在路上。將近耶路撒冷，正下橄欖山的時候，眾門徒因所見過的一切異能，都歡樂起來，大聲讚美神，說：「奉主名來的王是應當稱頌的！在天上有和平，在至高之處有榮光！」眾人中有幾個法利賽人對耶穌說：「夫子，責備你的門徒吧！」耶穌說：「我告訴你們：若是他們閉口不說，這些石頭必要呼叫起來。」』(路加福音 19:36-40) 這是眾門徒該開口的時候，不能不說！

       馬可福音是這麼說，『他們把驢駒牽到耶穌那裏，把自己的衣服搭在上面，耶穌就騎上。有許多人把衣服鋪在路上，也有人把田間的樹枝砍下來，鋪在路上。前行後隨的人都喊着說：「和散那！奉主名來的是應當稱頌的！那將要來的我祖大衞之國是應當稱頌的！高高在上和散那！」耶穌進了耶路撒冷，入了聖殿，周圍看了各樣物件。天色已晚，就和十二個門徒出城，往伯大尼去了。』(馬可福音 11:7-11) 那時的猶太人受羅馬的統治，他們以為就祂來是要重新恢復地上大衞之國的榮耀，帶領他們脫離羅馬人的轄制，所以他們以為祂做世間的王的時候來到了，就在地上舖衣服和田間的樹枝，也就是相當於現在的舖紅地毯歡迎外國的元首的訪問。但祂進了耶路撒冷後是轉向聖殿，且潔淨聖殿。

       這件事情在馬可福音 11:7-11 的記載，基本上是相同的。耶穌說得很清楚，『…先知在耶路撒冷之外喪命是不能的。』(路加福音 13:33) 我們留心一下，就會注意到祂是不會在耶路撒冷過夜的，這次是說祂往伯大尼去了。

3. 為耶路撒冷城哀哭

       『耶穌快到耶路撒冷，看見城，就為它哀哭，說：「巴不得你在這日子知道關係你平安的事，無奈這事現在是隱藏的，叫你的眼看不出來。因為日子將到，你的仇敵必築起土壘，周圍環繞你，四面困住你，並要掃滅你和你裏頭的兒女，連一塊石頭也不留在石頭上，因你不知道眷顧你的時候。」』(路加福音 19:41-44)

     我們以前在「2067 窄門，耶路撒冷，醫治水臌的人，和自高的  -耶穌(20)」中的「耶路撒冷的結局」，詳細的談到這個，就不多說了。

4. 潔淨聖殿

       『耶穌進了殿，趕出裏頭做買賣的人，對他們說：「經上說：『我的殿必作禱告的殿』，你們倒使它成為賊窩了。」耶穌天天在殿裏教訓人。祭司長和文士與百姓的尊長都想要殺他，但尋不出法子來，因為百姓都側耳聽他。』(路加福音 19:45-48) 耶穌說了一個事實，本來神的殿是作禱告用的，現在卻成了賊窩！我們看到了那時仇敵就想殺祂。

    這件事情，馬可福音記載的較清楚，『第二天，他們從伯大尼出來，…他們來到耶路撒冷。耶穌進入聖殿，趕出殿裏做買賣的人，推倒兌換銀錢之人的桌子和賣鴿子之人的凳子，也不許人拿着器具從殿裏經過。便教訓他們說：「經上不是記着說『我的殿必稱為萬國禱告的殿』嗎？ 你們倒使它成為賊窩了。」祭司長和文士聽見這話，就想法子要除滅耶穌，卻又怕他，因為眾人都希奇他的教訓。每天晚上，耶穌出城去。』(馬可福音 11:12-19)

     這裏是明講了，祂是不會在耶路撒冷城裏過夜的。祂推倒了桌子等等，很難想像祂沒有生氣，因為祂是完全的人，就像聖經所說的，『並且因為他是人子，就賜給他行審判的權柄。』(約翰福音 5:27) 所以希伯來書會說，『…他也曾凡事受過試探，與我們一樣，只是他沒有犯罪。』(希伯來書 4:15) 可見『生氣卻不要犯罪，不可含怒到日落，』(以弗所書 4:26) 是可以在基督內做到的。尤其我們知道，『…明天自有明天的憂慮；一天的難處一天當就夠了。』(馬太福音 6:34) 為什麼要含怒到明天呢？有一個錯誤的概念是說，有人是這麼屬靈，以致於完全不像人！

       馬太福音是這樣說，『耶穌既進了耶路撒冷，合城都驚動了，說：「這是誰？」眾人說：「這是加利利拿撒勒的先知耶穌。」耶穌進了神的殿，趕出殿裏一切做買賣的人，推倒兌換銀錢之人的桌子和賣鴿子之人的凳子；對他們說：「經上記着說：『我的殿必稱為禱告的殿』，你們倒使它成為賊窩了！」在殿裏有瞎子、瘸子到耶穌跟前，他就治好了他們。祭司長和文士看見耶穌所行的奇事，又見小孩子在殿裏喊着說：「和散那歸於大衞的子孫！」就甚惱怒，對他說：「這些人所說的，你聽見了嗎？」 耶穌說：「是的。經上說：『你從嬰孩和吃奶的口中完全了讚美的話。』 你們沒有念過嗎？」…』(馬太福音 21:10-17)

     那時的猶太人是瞧不起加利利的，我們從他回答尼哥底母就可看出來，『…你也是出於加利利嗎？你且去查考，就可知道加利利沒有出過先知。』(約翰福音 7:50-52) 因為那時耶穌治好了在殿裏的瞎子和瘸子，小孩子因而喊叫說：「和散那歸於大衞的子孫！」這不是真實的成就了這經文嗎？『你因敵人的緣故，從嬰孩和吃奶的口中建立了能力，使仇敵和報仇的閉口無言。』(詩篇 8:2) 從屬靈的角度看，我們不就是那嬰孩和吃奶的嗎？因為我們從被造的時候就比天使微小一點 (參希伯來書 2:6-8)，而撒但是墮落的天使。但當我們甘心情願的順服時，神就建立了能力，使撒但閉口無言。

(你可以在『 https://a-christian-voice.com/ 』看到所有的文章，到這網站後要按『對屬靈生命的瞭解』。)

First we saw Jesus prophesy about preparing the donkey’s colt and its fulfillment.  God knows our true selves, but we may not really know. As a Christian, sometimes we need to look back in order to understand how God was working at that time!  God is absolutely sovereign in deciding whether or not to tell us in advance.  From the fact that the Gospels of Luke and Mark speak of only a donkey’s colt, while the Gospel of Matthew speaks of a donkey and its colt, we can see that what God tells us through the Bible is consistent, not literal!  Knowing this, we will think in this direction.  Second, the disciples thought that His time as king on earth had come, but after He entered Jerusalem, He turned to the temple and cleansed it.  We see that the prophecy, “…behold, your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”(John 12:15), was achieved. We can also see the humility of Jesus during His first coming.  Thirdly, we discuss that the ending of Jerusalem was discussed before it happened and where it was discussed.  Finally, we see how He cleansed the temple, being angry without sin. He was fully human, subject to temptations just like us, but without sin.

1.  Preparation of the donkey’s colt

“After He had said these things, He was going on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When He approached Bethphage and Bethany, near the mount that is called Olivet, He sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you; there, as you enter, you will find a colt tied on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of it.’” So those who were sent went away and found it just as He had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They said, “The Lord has need of it.” They brought it to Jesus, and they threw their coats on the colt and put Jesus on it.”(Luke 19:28-35)

We see the fulfillment of this short-term prophecy about the donkey’s colt, for “So those who were sent went away and found it just as He had told them.” The Synoptic Gospels all say that the place where this happened was on the Mount of Olivet, so we won’t repeat it.  The Gospel of Matthew talks about a donkey and a donkey’s colt. Let’s see what the scripture says, “This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold your King is coming to you, Gentle, and mounted on a donkey,

Even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their coats on them; and He sat on the coats.”(Matthew 21:1-7)

Mark’s Gospel only mentions a donkey’s colt, “…They went away and found a colt tied at the door, outside in the street; and they untied it. Some of the bystanders were saying to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They spoke to them just as Jesus had told them, and they gave them permission. They brought the colt to Jesus and put their coats on it; and He sat on it.”(Mark 11:1-7)

This is not only recorded in the Synoptic Gospels, but also mentioned in the Gospel of John, which says, “On the next day the large crowd who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.” Jesus, finding a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written, “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things to Him.”(John 12:12-16) 

So the disciples only remembered after the fact that these words were written about Him. In our experience, aren’t there many things that we suddenly realize after the fact?  As a Christian, sometimes you need to look back in order to understand how God was working at that time!  Don’t treat everything as an independent thing.  God knows our true selves, but we may not really know it. As Jeremiah said, “The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?”(Jeremiah 17:9) People sometimes deceive themselves and fail to see themselves!

Once, I was asked in my mind whether I was proud. I couldn’t remember anything at the time, so something was taken back from what was given to me. Until more than ten years later, when I was told in my mind regarding what I did at that time, it suddenly dawned on me that I was so proud at that time that I couldn’t see my own pride!  If a person says that I have never been proud, he is just deceiving himself.  As far as our old self is concerned, if a person is not saved or if he sins after being saved and slips out of Christ, it is “…for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.”(Romans 7:18) “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.”(Romans 8:1-2) Only in Jesus Christ can we have true freedom, and we can do whatever we want including not doing what we don’t want to do.

Why do we need to look back to find out?  Because the best way for us to face our true selves is to not let us know in advance.  Isn’t that the same as what Abraham offered Isaac?  Of course, there are also things that are known in advance, as in this example, “…Now Ahijah could not see, for his eyes were dim because of his age. Now the LORD had said to Ahijah, “Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to inquire of you concerning her son, for he is sick. You shall say thus and thus to her, for it will be when she arrives that she will pretend to be another woman.” When Ahijah heard the sound of her feet coming in the doorway, he said, “Come in, wife of Jeroboam, why do you pretend to be another woman? For I am sent to you with a harsh message.”(1 Kings 14:4-6) God has the absolute sovereignty to decide whether or not to tell us in advance.  So even if Elisha had twice the Spirit of the Lord that moved Elijah (see 2 Kings 2:7-12), he would still not know it if the Lord had not told him.  Because the scripture says, “When she (Shunammite) came to the man of God (Elisha) to the hill, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came near to push her away; but the man of God said, “Let her alone, for her soul is troubled within her; and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me.””(2 Kings 4:27)

Someone may ask, the Gospels of Luke and Mark say there was only a donkey’s colt, while the Gospel of Matthew talked about a donkey and donkey’s colt. If the consistency of the Bible means that it must be consistent in words, then obviously there is an inconsistency here!  Christians believe that the entire Bible is inspired by God. Therefore, what God tells us through the Bible is consistent. It does not have to be consistent in words!  Knowing that what God tells us through the Bible is consistent, we will think in this direction.  What we are told here is that it is not that Matthew made a mistake and God inspired him in this way. Otherwise, God could easily correct his mistake through inspiration. Therefore, we must be told that what God tells us through the consistency of the Bible is not necessarily literal. Consistency, here means that the time and place where the events of the donkey colt occurred are consistent.  And we can see that the more important purpose is as the Gospel of John says, “…behold, your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”(John 12:15) Not only can we see the fulfillment of the prophecies spoken in the Bible long ago, but we can also see the humility of Jesus when he first came, as the scripture says, “…I (Jesus) am gentle and humble in heart…”Matthew 11:29) No earthly king would come riding on a donkey’s colt!  They are all riding high horses.

The consistency of the Bible means that what God tells us through the Bible is consistent. It can also be seen from the same concept in different scriptures.  For example, when we mentioned the concept of substitution before, at the beginning it was “The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them.”(Genesis 3:21) Animals died in their place.  Abraham sacrificed Isaac, and finally “Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son.”(Genesis 22:13) And today it is “He (God) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”(2 Corinthians 5:21) Another example of “what God tells us through the Bible is consistent, not the letter must be consistent” is when Jesus was tempted, what was said there was referring to Jesus the events of temptation are consistent in the time mentioned in the Synoptic Gospels. He was tempted more than three times. In “1046 The genealogy and the temptations of Jesus, and the controversial issue – The image of Jesus (1)”, we have discussed it at length, so I won’t go into detail.

2. As Jesus approaching Jerusalem and descending from the Mount of Olives

“As He was going, they were spreading their coats on the road. As soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, shouting: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord;

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!””(Luke 19:36-40) This is the time for the disciples to speak, and they must speak!

The Gospel of Mark says this, “They brought the colt to Jesus and put their coats on it; and He sat on it. And many spread their coats in the road, and others spread leafy branches which they had cut from the fields. Those who went in front and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!” Jesus entered Jerusalem and came into the temple; and after looking around at everything, He left for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late.”(Mark 11:7-11) 

The Jews at that time were under the rule of Rome. They thought that He came to restore the glory of David’s kingdom on earth and lead them out of Roman control. Therefore, they thought that it was the time when the king of the world would come, and with their clothes and field branches spread on the ground, which is equivalent to the current red carpet to welcome the visit of foreign heads of state.  But after He entered Jerusalem, He turned to the temple and cleansed it.

The record of this incident in Mark 11:7-11 is basically the same.  Jesus made it very clear, “…it cannot be that a prophet would perish outside of Jerusalem.”(Luke 13:33) If we pay attention, we will notice that He will not spend the night in Jerusalem. This time He is said to have gone to Bethany.

3. Weeping for the city of Jerusalem

“When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you, and surround you and hem you in on every side, and they will level you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.””(Luke 19:41-44)

We have previously talked about this in detail at “2. The end of Jerusalem” in “1067 Narrow Gate, Jerusalem, Healing Dropsy, and Self Exalted – Jesus (20).” 

4. Cleanse the Temple

“Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling, saying to them, “It is written, ‘And My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a robbers’ den.” And He was teaching daily in the temple; but the chief priests and the scribes and the leading men among the people were trying to destroy Him, and they could not find anything that they might do, for all the people were hanging on to every word He said.”(Luke 19:45-48) Jesus said the fact that the temple of God was originally used for prayer, but now it has become a den of thieves!  We saw that the enemy wanted to kill Him at that time.

This matter is recorded more clearly in the Gospel of Mark, “On the next day, when they had left Bethany, He became hungry. Seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if perhaps He would find anything on it; and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And His disciples were listening. Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves; and He would not permit anyone to carry merchandise through the temple. And He began to teach and say to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a robbers’ den.” The chief priests and the scribes heard this, and began seeking how to destroy Him; for they were afraid of Him, for the whole crowd was astonished at His teaching. When evening came, they would go out of the city.”(Mark 11:12-19)

It is made clear here that He will not spend the night in the city of Jerusalem.  He overthrew the tables, etc. It is difficult to imagine that He was not alive, for He was fully human, as the Bible says, “…because He is the Son of Man.”(John 5:27) So Hebrews says, “…One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”(Hebrews 4:15) It can be seen that “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.”(Ephesians 4:26) This can be done in Christ.  Especially we know that “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”(Matthew 6:34) Why should we remain angry until tomorrow?  There is a misconception that someone is so spiritual that they are not human at all!

The Gospel of Matthew says this, “When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee.” And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a robbers’ den.” And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He had done, and the children who were shouting in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became indignant and said to Him, “Do You hear what these children are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise for Yourself’?” And He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.”(Matthew 21:10-17)

The Jews at that time looked down upon Galilee. We can see from his answer to Nicodemus, “…You are not also from Galilee, are you? Search, and see that no prophet arises out of Galilee.”(John 7:50-52) For at that time Jesus healed the blind and lame in the temple, and the little children cried out, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” Isn’t this the true fulfillment of this verse? “From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength Because of Your adversaries, To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.”(Psalm 8:2)

From a spiritual perspective, aren’t we infants and nursing babes? Because we were created a little lower than the angels (see Hebrews 2:6-8), and Satan is a fallen angel.  But when we obey willingly, God establishes the power to silence Satan. 

(Verses refer to those in NASB unless otherwise specified.)

(You can get all articles in “https://a-christian-voice.com/” under “On spiritual understanding about life.”)

    我们首先看到了这瞎子的信心，也看了他信心的行为，也看见了为什么耶稣对犹太人和外邦人有所不同，允许治愈后的瞎子跟随祂。第二我们也看见了税吏长撒该的信心和他的信心行为，看到了他有多高兴耶稣赦免了他的罪，而有可能是濒临破产的相应行为。第三，从十个仆人的比喻中，我们看到了天国的一个原则，多给的多要，但不是不合理的多要，而且是凡有的，还要加给他；没有的，连他所有的也要夺过来。这比喻是在说耶稣再来的时候，对每个人的审判的一个准则，祂要再来时会有白色大宝座的审判，相信祂的人会照这个审判，而不相信祂的仇敌，会下到火湖里。

1. 医治耶利哥的瞎子       

    『耶稣将近耶利哥的时候，有一个瞎子坐在路旁讨饭。听见许多人经过，就问是甚么事。他们告诉他，是拿撒勒人耶稣经过。他就呼叫说：「大卫的子孙耶稣啊，可怜我吧！」在前头走的人就责备他，不许他做声，他却越发喊叫说：「大卫的子孙，可怜我吧！」耶稣站住，吩咐把他领过来，到了跟前，就问他说：「你要我为你做甚么？」 他说：「主啊，我要能看见！」耶稣说：「你可以看见！你的信救了你了。」瞎子立刻看见了，就跟随耶稣，一路归荣耀与神。众人看见这事，也赞美神。』(路加福音 18:35-43)       

    首先我们看到了这瞎子很有信心，他的信心在他的行为中表现出来，而且是自卑的因他呼叫可怜我吧！他有信心这点也可从耶稣说「你的信救了你」看出来。耶稣怜悯了他，医治他的瞎眼，而且是立刻就看见了！在福音书其他的地方可以看到耶稣会用不同的神迹医治瞎子的 (如参约翰福音 9:1-7)。他也跟随耶稣，并归荣耀于神。因是在耶利哥，这瞎子应该是犹太人，所以耶稣允许这治好的瞎子跟随祂。但对住在低加坡里的外邦人，我们以前分享过，『耶稣不许，却对他说：「你回家去，到你的亲属那里，将主为你所做的是何等大的事，是怎样怜悯你，都告诉他们。」那人就走了，在低加坡里传扬耶稣为他做了何等大的事，众人就都希奇。』(马可福音 5:19-20)  为什么耶稣为什么会有这样不同的处理方式的？因为『耶稣说：「我奉差遣，不过是到以色列家迷失的羊那里去。」』(马太福音 15:24) 所以我们看见了祂的确是这样做。

2. 耶利哥的税吏长撒该       

    『耶稣进了耶利哥，正经过的时候，有一个人名叫撒该，作税吏长，是个财主。他要看看耶稣是怎样的人，只因人多，他的身量又矮，所以不得看见，就跑到前头，爬上桑树，要看耶稣，因为耶稣必从那里经过。耶稣到了那里，抬头一看，对他说：「撒该，快下来！今天我必住在你家里。」他就急忙下来，欢欢喜喜地接待耶稣。众人看见，都私下议论说：「他竟到罪人家里去住宿。」撒该站著对主说：「主啊，我把所有的一半给穷人；我若讹诈了谁，就还他四倍。」耶稣说：「今天救恩到了这家，因为他也是亚伯拉罕的子孙。人子来，为要寻找、拯救失丧的人。」』(路加福音 19:1-10)       

    税吏是当时为犹太人所恨恶的，但我们看到了税吏长撒该的信心，看到他事后做的事就可证明这一点。他的信心的行动是爬上桑树，而耶稣抬头一看就看见了他，并在他家里去住宿。我们可以问的是，耶稣正好抬头一看，还是有其他的原因？在路得记中，我们看到神用巧合成就了祂的旨意，要注意，不是巧合就是神的旨意，不能够划等号。在这里，我相信从圣经的一致性看，耶稣只是顺服了神的旨意，因祂一生都是如此，如经文所说，『…父怎样吩咐我，我就怎样行。 …』约翰福音 14:31)  『我凭著自己不能做甚么，我怎么听见，就怎么审判。我的审判也是公平的，因为我不求自己的意思，只求那差我来者的意思。』(约翰福音 5:30)     

    你看撒该有多高兴耶稣赦免了他的罪，让救恩临到他，他的信心在他、有可能是濒邻破产、的行为中彰显出来，因为他说，『…我把所有的一半给穷人；我若讹诈了谁，就还他四倍。』(路加福音 19:8) 在这里我们也可看见了他原是讹诈别人的罪人，这明显的是超过了十一的奉献。在新约的时代，是要像寡妇的两个小钱一样的心甘情愿的奉献，而不是像法利赛因遵守律法而有的奉献，即使是因自己有需要而达不到十一的甘心情愿的奉献，也是蒙神所悦纳的，神不会收纳勉强的而只是守律法的十一奉献。    

    耶稣说得很清楚，『…今天救恩到了这家，因为他也是亚伯拉罕的子孙。人子来，为要寻找、拯救失丧的人。』 我们知道，『…人得为后嗣是本乎信，…，叫应许定然归给一切后裔，不但归给那属乎律法的，也归给那效法亚伯拉罕之信的。』(罗马书 4:16) 『…因为从以色列生的，不都是以色列人；也不因为是亚伯拉罕的后裔，就都作他的儿女；惟独「从以撒生的，才要称为你的后裔。」这就是说，肉身所生的儿女不是神的儿女；惟独那应许的儿女才算是后裔。』(罗马书 9:6-8) 『因为外面作犹太人的，不是真犹太人；外面肉身的割礼，也不是真割礼。惟有里面作的，才是真犹太人；真割礼也是心里的，在乎灵，不在乎仪文。这人的称赞不是从人来的，乃是从神来的。』(罗马书 2:28-29)

3. 十个仆人的比喻       

    『众人正在听见这些话的时候，耶稣因为将近耶路撒冷，又因他们以为神的国快要显出来，就另设一个比喻，说：「有一个贵胄往远方去，要得国回来，便叫了他的十个仆人来，交给他们十锭银子，说：『你们去做生意，直等我回来。』「他本国的人却恨他，打发使者随后去，说：『我们不愿意这个人作我们的王。』「他既得国回来，就吩咐叫那领银子的仆人来，要知道他们做生意赚了多少。「头一个上来，说：『主啊，你的一锭银子已经赚了十锭。』「主人说：『好！良善的仆人，你既在最小的事上有忠心，可以有权柄管十座城。』「第二个来，说：『主啊，你的一锭银子已经赚了五锭。』「主人说：『你也可以管五座城。』「又有一个来说：『主啊，看哪，你的一锭银子在这里，我把它包在手巾里存著。我原是怕你，因为你是严厉的人：没有放下的，还要去拿；没有种下的，还要去收。』「主人对他说：『你这恶仆，我要凭你的口定你的罪！你既知道我是严厉的人，没有放下的，还要去拿，没有种下的，还要去收，为甚么不把我的银子交给银行，等我来的时候，连本带利都可以要回来呢？』「就对旁边站著的人说：『夺过他这一锭来，给那有十锭的。』「他们说：『主啊，他已经有十锭了！』「主人说：『我告诉你们：凡有的，还要加给他；没有的，连他所有的也要夺过来。至于我那些仇敌，不要我作他们王的，把他们拉来，在我面前杀了吧！』」』(路加福音 19:11-27)       

    所以这是在将近耶路撒冷发生的事情，这是和在马太福音所讲的原则是一样的，『「天国又好比一个人要往外国去，就叫了仆人来，把他的家业交给他们，按著各人的才干，给他们银子，一个给了五千，一个给了二千，一个给了一千，就往外国去了。…那领五千银子的又带著那另外的五千来，说：『主啊，你交给我五千银子，请看，我又赚了五千。』「主人说：『好！你这又良善又忠心的仆人，你在不多的事上有忠心，我要把许多事派你管理；可以进来享受你主人的快乐。』…「那领一千的也来，说：『主啊，我知道你是忍心的人，没有种的地方要收割，没有散的地方要聚敛，我就害怕，去把你的一千银子埋藏在地里。请看，你的原银子在这里。』…「『夺过他这一千来，给那有一万的！因为凡有的，还要加给他，叫他有余；没有的，连他所有的也要夺过来。把这无用的仆人丢在外面黑暗里，在那里必要哀哭切齿了。』」』(马太福音 25:14-30) 这一次是按著各人的才干给银子，但可也是多给的多要，五千的人赚了五千，他是有了一万了。没有的，的确连他所有的一千也要夺过来，给了那已有一万的。       

    耶稣说得很清楚，这比喻是因『…他们以为神的国快要显出来…』(路加福音 19:11) 所以祂是在说祂再来的时候对每个人的审判的一个准则。首先我们看到的是天国的一个原则，多给的多要，但不是不合理的多要，而且是『…凡有的，还要加给他；没有的，连他所有的也要夺过来。』(路加福音 19:26) 凡没有的这点，在那拿了一碇银子的人身上是非常明显的，主人原不是只有严厉的一面，看他赏给那赚十锭的人十座城就知道。但他只看到那一面，即使如此，他也不把银子交给银行，这样至少能连本利都可以要回来，他真是又恶又懒的仆人啊！难怪主人要凭他的口定他的罪，真是会哀哭切齿的。在另一处经文中说，『我(耶稣)又告诉你们：从东从西，将有许多人来，在天国里与亚伯拉罕、以撒、雅各一同坐席；惟有本国的子民，竟被赶到外边黑暗里去，在那里必要哀哭切齿了。』(马太福音 8:11-12) 至于不认耶稣为主的仇敌，名字不会在生命册上，在启示录的白色大审判中，『若有人名字没记在生命册上，他就被扔在火湖里。』(启示录 20:15) 我们也不要做那哀哭切齿的人，我们要做因信称义，知道听道不如行道 (参雅各书 1:22-24)，而有信心的行为的人。

(你可以在『 https://a-christian-voice.com/ 』看到所有的文章，到这网站后要按『对属灵生命的了解』。) 

       我們首先看到了這瞎子的信心，也看了他信心的行為，也看見了為什麼耶穌對猶太人和外邦人有所不同，允許治愈後的瞎子跟隨祂。第二我們也看見了稅吏長撒該的信心和他的信心行為，看到了他有多高興耶穌赦免了他的罪，而有可能是瀕臨破產的相應行為。第三，從十個僕人的比喻中，我們看到了天國的一個原則，多給的多要，但不是不合理的多要，而且是凡有的，還要加給他；沒有的，連他所有的也要奪過來。這比喻是在說耶穌再來的時候，對每個人的審判的一個準則，祂要再來時會有白色大寶座的審判，相信祂的人會照這個審判，而不相信祂的仇敵，會下到火湖裏。

1. 醫治耶利哥的瞎子

       『耶穌將近耶利哥的時候，有一個瞎子坐在路旁討飯。聽見許多人經過，就問是甚麼事。他們告訴他，是拿撒勒人耶穌經過。他就呼叫說：「大衞的子孫耶穌啊，可憐我吧！」在前頭走的人就責備他，不許他做聲，他卻越發喊叫說：「大衞的子孫，可憐我吧！」耶穌站住，吩咐把他領過來，到了跟前，就問他說：「你要我為你做甚麼？」 他說：「主啊，我要能看見！」耶穌說：「你可以看見！你的信救了你了。」瞎子立刻看見了，就跟隨耶穌，一路歸榮耀與神。眾人看見這事，也讚美神。』(路加福音 18:35-43)

       首先我們看到了這瞎子很有信心，他的信心在他的行為中表現出來，而且是自卑的因他呼叫可憐我吧！他有信心這點也可從耶穌說「你的信救了你」看出來。耶穌憐憫了他，醫治他的瞎眼，而且是立刻就看見了！在福音書其他的地方可以看到耶穌會用不同的神蹟醫治瞎子的 (如參約翰福音 9:1-7)。他也跟隨耶穌，並歸榮耀於神。因是在耶利哥，這瞎子應該是猶太人，所以耶穌允許這治好的瞎子跟隨祂。但對住在低加坡里的外邦人，我們以前分享過，『耶穌不許，卻對他說：「你回家去，到你的親屬那裏，將主為你所做的是何等大的事，是怎樣憐憫你，都告訴他們。」那人就走了，在低加坡里傳揚耶穌為他做了何等大的事，眾人就都希奇。』(馬可福音 5:19-20)  為什麼耶穌為什麼會有這樣不同的處理方式的？因為『耶穌說：「我奉差遣，不過是到以色列家迷失的羊那裏去。」』(馬太福音 15:24) 所以我們看見了祂的確是這樣做。

2. 耶利哥的稅吏長撒該

       『耶穌進了耶利哥，正經過的時候，有一個人名叫撒該，作稅吏長，是個財主。他要看看耶穌是怎樣的人，只因人多，他的身量又矮，所以不得看見，就跑到前頭，爬上桑樹，要看耶穌，因為耶穌必從那裏經過。耶穌到了那裏，抬頭一看，對他說：「撒該，快下來！今天我必住在你家裏。」他就急忙下來，歡歡喜喜地接待耶穌。眾人看見，都私下議論說：「他竟到罪人家裏去住宿。」撒該站着對主說：「主啊，我把所有的一半給窮人；我若訛詐了誰，就還他四倍。」耶穌說：「今天救恩到了這家，因為他也是亞伯拉罕的子孫。人子來，為要尋找、拯救失喪的人。」』(路加福音 19:1-10)

       稅吏是當時為猶太人所恨惡的，但我們看到了稅吏長撒該的信心，看到他事後做的事就可証明這一點。他的信心的行動是爬上桑樹，而耶穌抬頭一看就看見了他，並在他家裏去住宿。我們可以問的是，耶穌正好抬頭一看，還是有其他的原因？在路得記中，我們看到神用巧合成就了祂的旨意，要注意，不是巧合就是神的旨意，不能夠劃等號。在這裏，我相信從聖經的一致性看，耶穌只是順服了神的旨意，因祂一生都是如此，如經文所說，『…父怎樣吩咐我，我就怎樣行。 …』約翰福音 14:31)  『我憑着自己不能做甚麼，我怎麼聽見，就怎麼審判。我的審判也是公平的，因為我不求自己的意思，只求那差我來者的意思。』(約翰福音 5:30)

     你看撒該有多高興耶穌赦免了他的罪，讓救恩臨到他，他的信心在他、有可能是瀕鄰破產、的行為中彰顯出來，因為他說，『…我把所有的一半給窮人；我若訛詐了誰，就還他四倍。』(路加福音 19:8) 在這裏我們也可看見了他原是訛詐別人的罪人，這明顯的是超過了十一的奉獻。在新約的時代，是要像寡婦的兩個小錢一樣的心甘情願的奉獻，而不是像法利賽因遵守律法而有的奉獻，即使是因自己有需要而達不到十一的甘心情願的奉獻，也是蒙神所悅納的，神不會收納勉強的而只是守律法的十一奉獻。

    耶穌說得很清楚，『…今天救恩到了這家，因為他也是亞伯拉罕的子孫。人子來，為要尋找、拯救失喪的人。』 我們知道，『…人得為後嗣是本乎信，…，叫應許定然歸給一切後裔，不但歸給那屬乎律法的，也歸給那效法亞伯拉罕之信的。』(羅馬書 4:16) 『…因為從以色列生的，不都是以色列人；也不因為是亞伯拉罕的後裔，就都作他的兒女；惟獨「從以撒生的，才要稱為你的後裔。」這就是說，肉身所生的兒女不是神的兒女；惟獨那應許的兒女才算是後裔。』(羅馬書 9:6-8) 『因為外面作猶太人的，不是真猶太人；外面肉身的割禮，也不是真割禮。惟有裏面作的，才是真猶太人；真割禮也是心裏的，在乎靈，不在乎儀文。這人的稱讚不是從人來的，乃是從神來的。』(羅馬書 2:28-29)

3. 十個僕人的比喻

       『眾人正在聽見這些話的時候，耶穌因為將近耶路撒冷，又因他們以為神的國快要顯出來，就另設一個比喻，說：「有一個貴冑往遠方去，要得國回來，便叫了他的十個僕人來，交給他們十錠銀子，說：『你們去做生意，直等我回來。』「他本國的人卻恨他，打發使者隨後去，說：『我們不願意這個人作我們的王。』「他既得國回來，就吩咐叫那領銀子的僕人來，要知道他們做生意賺了多少。「頭一個上來，說：『主啊，你的一錠銀子已經賺了十錠。』「主人說：『好！良善的僕人，你既在最小的事上有忠心，可以有權柄管十座城。』「第二個來，說：『主啊，你的一錠銀子已經賺了五錠。』「主人說：『你也可以管五座城。』「又有一個來說：『主啊，看哪，你的一錠銀子在這裏，我把它包在手巾裏存着。我原是怕你，因為你是嚴厲的人：沒有放下的，還要去拿；沒有種下的，還要去收。』「主人對他說：『你這惡僕，我要憑你的口定你的罪！你既知道我是嚴厲的人，沒有放下的，還要去拿，沒有種下的，還要去收，為甚麼不把我的銀子交給銀行，等我來的時候，連本帶利都可以要回來呢？』「就對旁邊站着的人說：『奪過他這一錠來，給那有十錠的。』「他們說：『主啊，他已經有十錠了！』「主人說：『我告訴你們：凡有的，還要加給他；沒有的，連他所有的也要奪過來。至於我那些仇敵，不要我作他們王的，把他們拉來，在我面前殺了吧！』」』(路加福音 19:11-27)

       所以這是在將近耶路撒冷發生的事情，這是和在馬太福音所講的原則是一樣的，『「天國又好比一個人要往外國去，就叫了僕人來，把他的家業交給他們，按着各人的才幹，給他們銀子，一個給了五千，一個給了二千，一個給了一千，就往外國去了。…那領五千銀子的又帶着那另外的五千來，說：『主啊，你交給我五千銀子，請看，我又賺了五千。』「主人說：『好！你這又良善又忠心的僕人，你在不多的事上有忠心，我要把許多事派你管理；可以進來享受你主人的快樂。』…「那領一千的也來，說：『主啊，我知道你是忍心的人，沒有種的地方要收割，沒有散的地方要聚斂，我就害怕，去把你的一千銀子埋藏在地裏。請看，你的原銀子在這裏。』…「『奪過他這一千來，給那有一萬的！因為凡有的，還要加給他，叫他有餘；沒有的，連他所有的也要奪過來。把這無用的僕人丟在外面黑暗裏，在那裏必要哀哭切齒了。』」』(馬太福音 25:14-30) 這一次是按著各人的才幹給銀子，但可也是多給的多要，五千的人賺了五千，他是有了一萬了。沒有的，的確連他所有的一千也要奪過來，給了那已有一萬的。

       耶穌說得很清楚，這比喻是因『…他們以為神的國快要顯出來…』(路加福音 19:11) 所以祂是在說祂再來的時候對每個人的審判的一個準則。首先我們看到的是天國的一個原則，多給的多要，但不是不合理的多要，而且是『…凡有的，還要加給他；沒有的，連他所有的也要奪過來。』(路加福音 19:26) 凡沒有的這點，在那拿了一碇銀子的人身上是非常明顯的，主人原不是只有嚴厲的一面，看他賞給那賺十錠的人十座城就知道。但他只看到那一面，即使如此，他也不把銀子交給銀行，這樣至少能連本利都可以要回來，他真是又惡又懶的僕人啊！難怪主人要憑他的口定他的罪，真是會哀哭切齒的。在另一處經文中說，『我(耶穌)又告訴你們：從東從西，將有許多人來，在天國裏與亞伯拉罕、以撒、雅各一同坐席；惟有本國的子民，竟被趕到外邊黑暗裏去，在那裏必要哀哭切齒了。』(馬太福音 8:11-12) 至於不認耶穌為主的仇敵，名字不會在生命册上，在啓示錄的白色大審判中，『若有人名字沒記在生命冊上，他就被扔在火湖裏。』(啓示錄 20:15) 我們也不要做那哀哭切齒的人，我們要做因信稱義，知道聽道不如行道 (參雅各書 1:22-24)，而有信心的行為的人。

(你可以在『 https://a-christian-voice.com/ 』看到所有的文章，到這網站後要按『對屬靈生命的瞭解』。)