Category: 260灵修

第二十三章

26 帶耶穌去的時候，。。。。32 又有兩個犯人，和耶穌一同帶來處死。 33 到了一個地方，名叫「髑髏地」，就在那裏把耶穌釘在十字架上，又釘了兩個犯人：一個在左邊，一個在右邊。 34 當下耶穌說：「父啊！赦免他們；因為他們所做的，他們不曉得。」兵丁就拈鬮分他的衣服。 35 百姓站在那裏觀看。官府也嗤笑他，說：「他救了別人；他若是基督，　神所揀選的，可以救自己吧！」 36 兵丁也戲弄他，上前拿醋送給他喝， 37 說：「你若是猶太人的王，可以救自己吧！」 38 在耶穌以上有一個牌子（有古卷加：用希臘、羅馬、希伯來的文字）寫著：「這是猶太人的王。」 39 那同釘的兩個犯人有一個譏笑他，說：「你不是基督嗎？可以救自己和我們吧！」 40 那一個就應聲責備他，說：「你既是一樣受刑的，還不怕　神嗎？ 41 我們是應該的，因我們所受的與我們所做的相稱，但這個人沒有做過一件不好的事。」 42 就說：「耶穌啊，你得國降臨的時候，求你記念我！」 43 耶穌對他說：「我實在告訴你，今日你要同我在樂園裏了。」

默想：

1. 耶穌在十字架上，承受無比的痛苦；跟隨基督的道路就是十字架的道路，必須準備受苦和捨命，正如耶穌一樣。我害怕嗎？我仍會走下去嗎？
2. 耶穌臨死時的禱告，求神赦免那些把他置於死地的人──猶太領袖們、羅馬的政客和軍人、圍觀的人。其實，我對主的態度有時也和那些人一樣，頂撞、背逆、忽略、甚至厭棄；因此，我也同樣地參與在將耶穌致於死地的群眾中，而耶穌的禱告也包括了赦免我這個罪人。
3. 繼續默想這個意念，向神獻上感恩的禱告。

 

Luke 23

²⁶As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. ²⁷A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. ²⁸Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. ²⁹For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ ³⁰Then ” ‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!” ‘ ³¹For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”  ³²Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. ³³When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. ³⁴Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.  ³⁵The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”  ³⁶The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar ³⁷and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”  ³⁸There was a written notice above him, which read:|sc THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.  ³⁹One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”  ⁴⁰But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? ⁴¹We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”  ⁴²Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”  ⁴³Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Meditation:

1. Jesus bore much suffering on the cross.  The road to follow Christ is one of the cross.  We must be prepared to suffer and even to die just as Jesus did.  Am I afraid?  Will I continue to go on this road?
2. Just before his death, Jesus prayed and asked God to forgive those who crucified Him.  Come to think of it, isn’t my attitude toward Jesus similar to those people that day, rebellious, neglecting, even rejecting Him?  Indeed, I was among the crowd putting Jesus to death.  So, Jesus’ prayer has included forgiveness for me, the sinner.
3. Continue to meditate on this thought.  Afterward, offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God.

Family Time

While on the cross, Jesus made several statements.  Here Jesus asked forgiveness for those crucifying him.  Discuss what it means to forgive.  Is it possible to forgive and forget?  Which is more difficult: to ask for forgiveness or to forgive?  Compare the way God forgives us with the way we forgive others.

 

第二十二章

14 時候到了，耶穌坐席，使徒也和他同坐。 15 耶穌對他們說：「我很願意在受害以先和你們吃這逾越節的筵席。 16 我告訴你們，我不再吃這筵席，直到成就在　神的國裏。」 17 耶穌接過杯來，祝謝了，說：「你們拿這個，大家分著喝。 18 我告訴你們，從今以後，我不再喝這葡萄汁，直等　神的國來到。」 19 又拿起餅來，祝謝了，就擘開，遞給他們，說：「這是我的身體，為你們捨的，你們也應當如此行，為的是記念我。」 20 飯後也照樣拿起杯來，說：「這杯是用我血所立的新約，是為你們流出來的。 21 看哪，那賣我之人的手與我一同在桌子上。 22 人子固然要照所預定的去世，但賣人子的人有禍了！」 23 他們就彼此對問，是哪一個要做這事。

默想：

1. 最後的晚餐中，耶穌的動作包括「拿起、祝謝、擘開、遞給」，人從主那裡領受餅和杯，這就是他的恩典。聖餐是一個紀念，通過聖餐的餅和杯代表耶穌的身體和血，我們再一次回到十字架的腳下。在聖餐禮拜中，我們再次藉著信心，與基督聯合，與他同死並同復活，經歷救恩成就的奇妙時刻。
2. 聖餐對我有什麼意義？每次領聖餐時，我都在想些什麼？
3. 禱告：主啊，赦免我的罪，我常忽略你說的話，沒有遵從你的吩咐。當我舉杯、擘餅的時候，經常對你的受死無動於衷。主啊，感謝你奇妙的大愛；你為我所出了極重的代價，使我獲得自由。我感謝你！

 

Luke 22

¹⁴When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. ¹⁵And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. ¹⁶For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”  ¹⁷After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. ¹⁸For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”  ¹⁹And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”  ²⁰In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. ²¹But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. ²²The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays him.” ²³They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.

Meditation:

1. The actions of the Lord’s Supper – taking, giving thanks, breaking, and giving – are actions that those who eat the meal receive from the Lord as gifts of grace.  Communion is a memorial, a remembrance.  It’s an experience as we return, through the bread and cup that represent the body and blood of Jesus, to the foot of the cross.  In the communion service we are united with Christ through faith to share His death and His resurrection and to experience the awesome moment when our salvation was accomplished.
2. What does sharing in Communion mean to me?  What do I think about during communion?
3. Prayer:  Oh, Lord, forgive me for I have often neglected your word and didn’t obey your commands.  When I participate in the communion, I was unmoved by your death.  Thank you, Jesus, for your wonderful love.  You paid a terrific price for my freedom.

 

Family Time

The Lord’s Supper is a central moment in Christian worship.  Ask the family to tell what taking the Lord’s Supper means personally.  Explain the meaning of “bread” and “cup”.  Sing hymns about Jesus death and resurrection.  Plan a time when the family can celebrate the supper together.  Testify to one another about the meaning of this worship service.

第二十一章

25 「日、月、星辰要顯出異兆，地上的邦國也有困苦；因海中波浪的響聲，就慌慌不定。 26 天勢都要震動，人想起那將要臨到世界的事，就都嚇得魂不附體。 27 那時，他們要看見人子有能力，有大榮耀駕雲降臨。 28 一有這些事，你們就當挺身昂首，因為你們得贖的日子近了。」
29-30 耶穌又設比喻對他們說：「你們看無花果樹和各樣的樹；它發芽的時候，你們一看見，自然曉得夏天近了。 31 這樣，你們看見這些事漸漸地成就，也該曉得　神的國近了。 32 我實在告訴你們，這世代還沒有過去，這些事都要成就。 33 天地要廢去，我的話卻不能廢去。」
34 「你們要謹慎，恐怕因貪食、醉酒，並今生的思慮累住你們的心，那日子就如同網羅忽然臨到你們； 35 因為那日子要這樣臨到全地上一切居住的人。 36 你們要時時警醒，常常祈求，使你們能逃避這一切要來的事，得以站立在人子面前。」 37 耶穌每日在殿裏教訓人，每夜出城在一座山，名叫橄欖山住宿。 38 眾百姓清早上聖殿，到耶穌那裏，要聽他講道。

默想：

1. 耶穌列出了即將來臨的逼迫以及自然災害，他要門徒們不要害怕，因為當這些事情發生時，他們就知道彌賽亞回來的時間近了，到那時，他將以公義與和平統治全地。
2. 耶穌又警告門徒，要時常警醒等候他回來；雖然耶穌說這些話以後已經過了差不多二千年，但這些真理仍然不變；耶穌必要回來，信徒應當警醒準備迎接他，忠心完成神的托負，不要沉迷於吃喝玩樂，也不要被生活的憂慮所壓傷。
3. 面對近年來層出不窮的天災人禍，經濟危機，政治混亂，我是否滿有信心地期盼基督的回來？或是因這世界不斷快速發生的驚人變化而害怕驚恐？我是否真的相信耶穌基督就快回來？我的日常生活，飲食娛樂，生活形態等，表現出我對“耶穌再來”的信心有多少？若是真心相信，我應當有哪些改變及調整？

Luke 21

²⁵“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. ²⁶Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. ²⁷At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”  ²⁹He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. ³⁰When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. ³¹Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.  ³²“I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. ³³Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.  ³⁴“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. ³⁵For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

Meditation:

1. Jesus recites a list of persecutions and disasters that are to come.  Then he said,”stand up and lift up your heads (ie.  don’t be frightened)” because this means that Messiah is coming back soon.  He will rule the earth with righteousness and peace.
2. Jesus told his disciples to be alert to wait for His coming back.  Though it’s been 2,000 years, it’s still true, He is coming soon.  We need to be prepared to welcome Him, to accomplish His commands faithfully and not get lost in drinking, eating and entertainment.  Nor should we be crushed under the heavy weight of worries for our lives.
3. What do the numerous disasters in recent years have to do with Jesus’ words in this passage?  Am I waiting for Christ’s return with hope and anticipation?  Or am I afraid of what’s happening in the world?  If I truly believe that Christ is coming back soon, what does this fact change my daily life?  God, please help me to be alert in preparation for your return.

 

Family Time

Name some of the big happenings in the world this year, (tsunami, earthquake, war, famine, etc.)  What does Jesus tell his disciples what would happen Jesus comes back again?  He wants his disciples to be alert and to prepare for his coming.  What do you think of Jesus’ coming?  What should you do to prepare for Jesus’ coming again?  Is there anything you want to do so that you may be prepared for Jesus?  (Parents, be sensitive to your children’s reaction.  In needed, talk to them individually and lead them in salvation prayer if appropriate.)

 

第二十章

19 文士和祭司長看出這比喻是指著他們說的，當時就想要下手拿他，只是懼怕百姓。 20 於是窺探耶穌，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。 21 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。 22 我們納稅給凱撒，可以不可以？」 23 耶穌看出他們的詭詐，就對他們說： 24 「拿一個銀錢來給我看。這像和這號是誰的？」他們說：「是凱撒的。」 25 耶穌說：「這樣，凱撒的物當歸給凱撒，　神的物當歸給　神。」 26 他們當著百姓，在這話上得不著把柄，又希奇他的應對，就閉口無言了。

默想：

1. 耶穌在此說明雖然國家的要求和神的要求並不一樣，我們是可以同時滿足兩者要求的；但這並不是說服從其中一方，就等於服從另一方。因為耶穌時代的信徒在這事件之後不久，就要面對“若是他順從神，他就不能再順從羅馬帝國的君王”。初期教會也與當時宗教領袖對抗：“順從神不順從人是應當的”（徒5：29）。
2. 在對國家的納稅要求上，和對神的教會奉獻，及其他慈善捐獻上，我是怎樣順從或是不順從神的命令？
3. 在將我自己奉獻給神的事上，比照稅率的計算，我是15%，30%， 50% 或是100%的捐獻自己給神？

Luke 20

¹⁹The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people. ²⁰Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be honest. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. ²¹So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. ²²Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”  ²³He saw through their duplicity and said to them, ²⁴“Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?”  ²⁵“Caesar’s,” they replied.   He said to them, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”  ²⁶They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.

Meditation:

1. Jesus explained here that the demands of the state and the demands of God are not the same.  He suggests it is possible to meet both at the same time, but he never suggests that obeying one is exactly the same as obeying the other.  In fact, very soon, obedience to God would mean disobedience to the Roman emperor.  The early church has defied the Jewish authorities, “We must obey God rather than any human authority” (Acts 5:29).
2. On the demand of the state of personal income tax, and the demand of tithing and offering for God’s church, how obedient am I?
3. In giving myself to God, am I in the 15%, 30%, 50% or 100% “tax bracket”?

 

Family Time

Jesus was constantly being challenged by the teachers of the law and the chief priests.  Their question on paying taxes to Caesar was another attempt to trap Jesus so they could discredit him in front of the people.  Discuss as a family the meaning of Jesus’ answer.  How do people make fun of you?  What can be done about it in the spirit of Jesus?

 

第十九章

45 耶穌進了殿，趕出裏頭做買賣的人， 46 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。」 47 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， 48 但尋不出法子來，因為百姓都側耳聽他。

默想：

1. 我們的教會是許多有意義的事情之中心，但禱告是否教會中最重要關注的事，或僅僅是額外的點綴，聚會的“序曲”？在我們教會裡聚會的信徒，他們是以禱告為信仰生活的核心嗎？新約中信徒就是神的殿，我們就是禱告之殿。但有多少時候我們真正地成為禱告的殿呢？我心裡是否仍在盤算買賣交易、未完成的工作、家中不能解決的糾紛？耶穌非常看重神的殿應當是禱告的地方，若是沒有與父神親密的相交，做任何其他的事都不會有果效，失喪的不能被尋回，被罪捆綁的不會得釋放。
2. 我是否與耶穌一樣，認為在我肉身這個殿中，禱告真是重要不可缺少？我是否認為禱告是這麼關鍵性，若不禱告，一切的事都會有問題？
3. 我每天都遵照萬民堂的每週的祈禱週誌，為所列事項忠心禱告嗎？若還沒有，這個星期開始，將主日崇拜的秩序單帶回家，每天按著所列事情，為教會，各項事工，信徒需要，以及遠近的宣教士等禱告，使我我成為真實的禱告殿。

Luke 19

⁴⁵Then he entered the temple area and began driving out those who were selling. ⁴⁶“It is written,” he said to them, ” ‘My house will be a house of prayer’; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.'”  ⁴⁷Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. ⁴⁸Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.

MEDITATION

1. Our churches are centers for many good things, but is prayer an overriding concern or simply a nice extra?  Is it the heart and soul of the body of believers who meet here?  It is the people who are the temple of God in the New Testament; it is us who are the house of prayer.  But how much of a house of prayer are we?  Are we full of buying and selling?  Are we a place where spiritual greed, theft, and religious sleight of hand are firmly lodged?  Jesus thought it very important.  Perhaps he felt without that communion with God the Father nothing else would ever make any difference, the lost would never be found, those enslaved would never be freed.
2. Do I share that same passion for prayer in my body, the temple of God?  Do I believe it is so critical, so essential that everything else is at risk without it?
3. Do I pray faithfully according to the PGC prayer calendar?  If not, then starting from this week, always remember to bring the Sunday Worship Bulletin home.  Use the Weekly Prayer Guide to pray for our church, the different ministries, people’s needs, missionaries, and other matters.  May I become a true “house of prayer”.

 

Family Time

V38 is a hymn of praise to God originally found in Psalm 118:26.  Let each family member choose a favorite hymn of praise and explain why it is his or her favorite hymn.  Sing one verse of each hymn.  Close your family worship with sentence prayers that thank God for who he is.

 

第十八章

9 耶穌向那些仗著自己是義人，藐視別人的，設一個比喻， 10 說：「有兩個人上殿裏去禱告：一個是法利賽人，一個是稅吏。 11 法利賽人站著，自言自語地禱告說：『　神啊，我感謝你，我不像別人勒索、不義、姦淫，也不像這個稅吏。』 12 我一個禮拜禁食兩次，凡我所得的都捐上十分之一。』 13 那稅吏遠遠地站著，連舉目望天也不敢，只捶著胸說：『　神啊，開恩可憐我這個罪人！』 14 我告訴你們，這人回家去比那人倒算為義了；因為，凡自高的，必降為卑；自卑的，必升為高。」

默想：

1. 那法利賽人到聖殿去不是為了要向神禱告，而是要向周圍的人表揚自己的善行與美德；而稅吏去，是為認罪，並求憐憫。我的禱告，比較像哪個人的禱告？
2. 真正的悔改不是來自我們自己，而是神的賜予，給一切向他祈求的人。我們不斷地以稅吏的禱告（13節）向神呼求，懇求神賜下悔改的恩典，這是流著眼淚的禱告；會帶領我們得到神所賜的赦免、潔凈、與醫治。
3. 稅吏的禱告，就是本書第2頁底“五個簡短禱告”的第二個（主耶穌，求你可憐我），在過去的操練中，有什麼體驗？
4. 在今日結束禱告時，以及一日中的任何時間，都可以重覆用這短禱向神懇求悔改的恩典。

Luke 18

⁹To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: ¹⁰“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. ¹²I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’  ¹³“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’  ¹⁴“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

MEDITATION

1. This Pharisee went to the temple not to pray to God but to show off his own good conduct.  On the other hand, the tax collector went to confess and to ask for mercy.  Which person’s prayer is more like my prayer?
2. Repentance does not happen on our own.  It is a gift from God and He delights to give to all who ask.  We pray this sinner’s prayer constantly to ask for the grace of repentance.  This is the prayer of tears.  It will lead us to receive God’s gift of forgiveness, cleansing and healing.
3. The sinner’s prayer “Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner.”  This is the second short prayer of the five that we’ve been practicing (p2).  In my regular practicing of this prayer, what have I experienced?
4. To conclude the QT today, pray this short prayer repeatedly.  Practice to pray this prayer often for a spirit of repentance in my heart.

 

Family Time

Compare the attitude of the Pharisee with the attitude of the tax collector?  Why did God accept the “bad” tax collector rather than the “good” Pharisee?  How would people in your church classify your family?  How would Jesus classify you?

 

第十七章

1耶穌又對門徒說：絆倒人的事是免不了的；但那絆倒人的有禍了。 2 就是把磨石拴在這人的頸項上，丟在海裡，還強如他把這小子裡的一個絆倒了。 3 你們要謹慎！若是你的弟兄得罪你，就勸戒他；他若懊悔，就饒恕他。 4 倘若他一天七次得罪你，又七次回轉，說：我懊悔了，你總要饒恕他。 5 使徒對主說：求主加增我們的信心。 6 主說：你們若有信心像一粒芥菜種，就是對這棵桑樹說：你要拔起根來，栽在海裡，它也必聽從你們。

7 你們誰有僕人耕地或是放羊，從田裡回來，就對他說：你快來坐下吃飯呢？ 8 豈不對他說：你給我預備晚飯，束上帶子伺候我，等我吃喝完了，你才可以，吃喝嗎？ 9 僕人照所吩咐的去做，主人還謝謝他嗎？ 10 這樣，你們做完了一切所吩咐的，只當說：我們是無用的僕人，所做的本是我們應分做的。

默想：

1. 耶穌告訴門徒們，應當彼此扶持，來按照神的旨意生活。當我們中間有人違背神的旨意而犯罪時，我們應當勸戒他；他若悔改，我們就要饒恕。因此，每個信徒都應當有責任來關心其他人與神的關係。在教會這個群體中，每個人都能獲得饒恕與彼此的支持，使我們能過聖潔的生活。
2. 耶穌命令他的門徒，要正視犯罪的人，當他悔改時，就當接受並饒恕。能否遵從神的命令，並非信心的問題，而是順服的問題。
3. 我有多少次按兵不動，心中卻冀望著能有更多的信心，才去做我明知神要我做的事情？有多少次，我因自己的不足而祈求神加添信心？又有多少次我心中渴想更多的信心，只不過是我不願意順從神的掩護？
4. 安靜一下，容許聖靈在我心中繼續說話。如果聖靈在我內心作責備，就向神認罪，並求神的赦免。並求神的憐憫，賜我願意順服神的心。

 

 

Luke 17

¹ Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. ² It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. ³ So watch yourselves.    “If your brother or sistersins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. ⁴ Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”  ⁵ The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”  ⁶ He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.

⁷“Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? ⁸Would he not rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? ⁹Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? ¹⁰So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’ ”

Meditation:

1. Here Jesus shows us how we can help each other accept and live by values the Pharisees had rejected.  We are to rebuke one another when one of us sins, but be quick to forgive when he or she repents.   Each of us is to accept responsibility to care about one another’s walk with God.  In the community of faith each is to find forgiveness and support to live a godly life.
2. Jesus commanded his disciples to confront, to accept “I repent”, and to forgive.  Responding to a command isn’t a matter of faith, it is a matter of obedience.
3. How many times have I held back, wishing I had more faith so I could do something I knew God wanted me to do?  How many times have I pleaded for more faith in my inadequacy?  And how many times has the longing for more faith simply masked the fact that I have been unwilling to obey?
4. Allow the questions to speak to my heart.  Continue this quiet time with God.  If the Holy Spirit is rebuking me right now, confess it and ask for God’s forgiveness.  Pray for mercy to obey God willingly.

 

Family Time

V6, A mustard seed is very small but produces big results when planted.  What can you think of that is small but could produce great results?  What is a little faith?  Jesus told his disciples to use the little faith they had.  How do you think Jesus would want you to do more with the faith you have?

 

第十六章

19 有一個財主穿著紫色袍和細麻布衣服，天天奢華宴樂。 20 又有一個討飯的，名叫拉撒路，渾身生瘡，被人放在財主門口， 21 要得財主桌子上掉下來的零碎充飢；並且狗來餂他的瘡。 22 後來那討飯的死了，被天使帶去放在亞伯拉罕的懷裡。財主也死了，並且埋葬了。 23 他在陰間受痛苦，舉目遠遠的望見亞伯拉罕，又望見拉撒路在他懷裡， 24 就喊著說：我祖亞伯拉罕哪，可憐我吧！打發拉撒路來，用指頭尖蘸點水，涼涼我的舌頭；因為我在這火焰裡，極其痛苦。 25 亞伯拉罕說：兒啊，你該回想你生前享過福，拉撒路也受過苦；如今他在這裡得安慰，你倒受痛苦。 26 不但這樣，並且在你我之間，有深淵限定，以致人要從這邊過到你們那邊是不能的；要從那邊過到我們這邊也是不能的。 27 財主說：我祖啊！既是這樣，求你打發拉撒路到我父家去； 28 因為我還有五個弟兄，他可以對他們作見證，免得他們也來到這痛苦的地方。 29 亞伯拉罕說：他們有摩西和先知的話可以聽從。 30 他說：我祖亞伯拉罕哪，不是的，若有一個從死裡復活的，到他們那裡去的，他們必要悔改。 31 亞伯拉罕說：若不聽從摩西和先知的話，就是有一個從死裡復活的，他們也是不聽勸。

默想：

1. 請用1到10的等級指標SCALE，（1代表財主在陰間，10代表拉撒路與亞伯拉罕及神同在），我現在的光景應在這指標的什麼地方？這個故事的內容裡，並沒有中間地帶，若不是在財主所在的地方，就是在拉撒路的地方。我對這個有什麼看法？我的感受或看法如何顯示我對地獄的認識及相信？
2. 財主與他的兄弟的問題，並非對神的知識不足，因為他們有摩西和先知的教導。主要原因是他們不肯相信，他們不願對神的話作回應，“不聽從摩西和先知的話”，因此就不肯信服。我內心是否也有這樣的趨勢？
3. 默想第31節，反覆地讀幾遍。自問，我是否也像這節所說的，“就是有一個從死裡復活的”，我仍然是不願意相信？我聆聽神的話嗎？我相信嗎？我願意順從神的旨意嗎？
4. 這段故事是否激發我更加緊迫地關心自己未信的家人與朋友？將他們的名字寫下來，並持續逐一地為他們願意聽聞福音，接受耶穌來禱告。

Luke 16

¹⁹ “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. ²⁰ At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores ²¹ and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.    ²² “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. ²³ In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. ²⁴ So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’   ²⁵ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. ²⁶ And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’    ²⁷ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, ²⁸ for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’    ²⁹ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’    ³⁰ “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’    ³¹ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Meditation:

1. On a scale of one (the rich man and his brothers, being in Hades, or on the way there) to ten (Lazarus, with Abraham, and God), where do I stand?  Why do I place myself there?  In the context of this story, there is no “in between”.  There is only either where the rich man is, or where Lazarus is.  How does this make you feel? How does this reflect your understanding/belief of Hell?
2. The problem of the rich man and his brothers is not lack of knowledge of God’s word for they have Moses and the Prophets’ teachings.  Part of their problem lies in unbelief.  They would not respond to the Word of God, “to Moses and the Prophets”.  They simply would not be convinced.  Do I have that tendency in myself?
3. Meditate on v31, read it over a couple of times.    What about me?  Do I listen to God’s word?  Am I convinced of it?  Do I show my faith by my obedience?
4. Does this story inspire me to be concerned of my unbelieving family members and friends?  Write their names down and pray for them one by one that they would be willing to hear the gospel and accept Jesus as their Lord and saviour.

 

Family Time

Parents, this is another good opportunity to guide your child to consider eternal life and salvation.  Read through the story slowly.  Allow children to ask questions.  Then help them to make the decision to accept Jesus or to reassure them of their salvation in Christ.

第十五章

1眾稅吏和罪人都挨近耶穌，要聽他講道。 2 法利賽人和文士私下議論說：「這個人接待罪人，又同他們吃飯。3 耶穌就用比喻說： 4 「你們中間誰有一百隻羊失去一隻，不把這九十九隻撇在曠野、去找那失去的羊，直到找著呢？ 5 找著了，就歡歡喜喜地扛在肩上，回到家裏， 6 就請朋友鄰舍來，對他們」說：『我失去的羊已經找著了，你們和我一同歡喜吧！』 7 我告訴你們，一個罪人悔改，在天上也要這樣為他歡喜，較比為九十九個不用悔改的義人歡喜更大。」

默想：

1. 耶穌藉著這個故事描述了父神的形像，就像牧羊人尋找迷失的羊，天父也在尋找他的迷羊，「人子來，為要尋找拯救失喪的人。」
2. 我對神有怎樣的形像？我怎樣看那些我所接觸的「罪人」？我的態度是像耶穌那樣，為要尋找失喪的人呢？還是像宗教領袖，一副輕蔑不屑的態度？
3. 禱告：親愛的天父，謝謝你藉著迷羊的故事，讓我重溫父神尋找亡羊的形像。求你將這樣的生命賜給我，幫助我將你最真實的形像，傳達給我所接觸的人——傳達你的愛而不是漠視，你的恩慈而不是定罪，你的仁慈而不是批判。我特別要為______________ （一位還不認識主的）禱告。。。。

Luke 15

¹Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear him. ²But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”  ³Then Jesus told them this parable: ⁴“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? ⁵And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders ⁶and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ ⁷I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

MEDITATION

1. Jesus portrayed a picture of God who is like the shepherd searching for his lost sheep so God searches for His lost ones, “for the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost”.
2. What is my picture of God?  How do I view the “sinners” around me?  Is my attitude that of seeking the lost, the way Jesus did, or standing aloof and casting a disparaging glance, the way the religious leaders did?
3. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the picture of you searching for the lost sheep.  Help me to relate your true picture to those I come in contact with: your love, not indifference, your grace, not judgement, your kindness, not criticism.  I pray especially for ……………………. (someone who does not know the Lord).

Family Time

Have you ever done things that the Bible calls sin?  How did you feel when you see them?  Was there anything you wanted to do then?  What was it?  Was your attitude similar or different from the shepherd who went to look for his lost sheep?  What does Jesus want us to feel and do for these people?  Discuss some ways that your family can do to show you’re following Jesus’ teaching.  Write them on the Family Journal.

 

第十四章

7 耶穌注意到有些客人替自己挑選筵席上的首位，就用比喻對大家說： 8 「你被請去參加婚宴的時候，不要坐在首座上，恐怕有比你更受尊重的客人也在被邀請之列。 9 那個邀請你們的主人要上來對你說：『請讓座給這一位吧！』那時候，你會覺得很難為情，不得不退到末座。 10 你被請的時候，就去坐在末座，讓主人來對你說：『朋友，請上座。』這樣，你在賓客面前就有光彩。 11 因為上帝要把自高的人降為卑微，又高舉自甘卑微的人。」 12 耶穌又對宴請他的主人說：「你招待午飯或晚餐的時候，不要邀請你的朋友、弟兄、親戚，或是富有的鄰居，恐怕他們要回請你，還了你的人情。 13 你要請客，就請那些貧窮的、殘疾的、跛腳的、失明的； 14 這樣，你就有福了，因為那些人無力報答你。在義人復活的時候，上帝要親自報答你。」

默想：

1. 這個宴會中，耶穌眼看著賓客爭先恐後的搶首席座位，以示自己身份的高貴。但耶穌指出這樣的爭奪，其實是很愚昧的，因為有可能會被請下座，到時就很羞愧了。他又告訴做主人的，不要以勢利眼光去請客，神的國是開放給每一個人的，特別是那些永遠不能回報的人，因為神要在永恒裡親自報答。
2. 風俗、地位等問題，是否會在不同的情況下，妨礙我在家庭、教會、工作場合、及社區中，真實地愛其他人？
3. 耶穌的教訓，“你要請客，就請那些貧窮的、殘疾的、跛腳的、失明的”，對今天的我來說，應當怎樣遵守？請哪些人？會以怎樣的形式進行？
4. 與耶穌交談這個意見，並與一些好朋友商討，作出一個實際的計劃，並付諸實行。

 

 

Luke 14

⁷When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: ⁸“When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. ⁹If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. ¹⁰But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. ¹¹For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”  ¹²Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. ¹³But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, ¹⁴and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Meditation:

1. At a banquet, Jesus commented on the behaviour of the guests, who competed with each other for “places of honour”.  The scrambling for position Jesus observed reflected the heart attitude of the Pharisee’s guests.  As Jesus pointed out, it was also foolish, as it exposed a person to the danger of embarrassment if asked to go down lower.  Jesus also had advice for His host.  Don’t use the dinners for social advantage, or to seek a favour.  God’s kingdom is open to everyone, especially those that can never return the favour.   God will repay us in eternity.
2. How do things like customs and status get in the way of my loving others in family, church, workplace, or community?
3. What does it mean today for me to throw a party for “the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind”?  Who would I invite?  What would it be like?
4. Talk with Jesus about this idea and share the insights with a few close friends.  Make plans to do it.

 

Family Time

Parents guide the discuss Questions 3 & 4 above with children.  Identify some appropriate ways to “throw a party”, or a kind act to someone in need.  Decide Follow up on the activity on Ch 10.