BREAD OF LIFE

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1 Lesson 44 DAILY READINGS: Monday: Luke 1:5-25 Tuesday: Luke 1:57-80 Wednesday: Mark 1:1-11 Thursday: John 1:15-36 Friday : John 3:23-36 Saturday: Matthew 11:2-19 Sunday : Matthew 14:1-12 JOHN THE BAPTIST 10/29/2015 3:54:23 PM MEMORY VERSE: Luke 7:27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 經上記著說 : 我要差遣我的使者在你前面預備道路, 所說的就是這個人 INTRODUCTION: "Among them that are born of women, there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist." With these words the Lord assessed (measure; weight up) the ministry of John (Matt. 11:11). Considering all the great men who preceded him in both secular and Biblical history, this statement takes on immense proportions. Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Daniel, Isaiah, etc., were all great men in their day and respective fields, but none of them achieved the greatness of John the Baptist. Yet judging from the emphasis on his life and ministry today, one would get the impression that few share the opinion of the Lord Jesus on this matter. What was there about his work which made Jesus speak so highly of John? Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 我實在告訴你們, 凡婦人所生的, 沒有一個興起來大過施洗約翰的 ; 然而天國裡最小的比他還大 LESSON NOTES: What Manner of Child: From the very moment his birth was prophesied by an angel, the unusual surrounded the life of John the Baptist. Born of deeply spiritual parents, who have the remarkable testimony that they were both righteous and "walked in all the commandments of the Lord blameless" (Luke 1:6), the very circumstances attending his birth caused people to wonder at what manner of child this was (1:66). Luke 1:6 Luke 1:66 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 他們二人在神面前都是義人, 遵行主的一切誡命禮儀, 沒有可指摘的, And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. 凡聽見的人都將這事放在心裡, 說 : 這個孩子將來怎麼樣呢? 因為有主與他同在 In addition to specifically instructing Zacharias to name the child "John," the angel prophesied that this child would be great in the sight of the Lord, that many would rejoice at his birth, that he would turn people to God for the express purpose of making ready a people prepared for the Lord (vv ). To Zacharias this meant but one thing: the day of the Lord was at hand and the Messiah was about to be revealed to His people. John was to make the way ready for this event. 1

2 making ready a people prepared for the Lord Luke 1: But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 天使對他說 : 撒迦利亞, 不要害怕, 因為你的祈禱已經被聽見了 你的妻子以利沙伯要給你生一個兒子, 你要給他起名叫約翰 14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. 你必歡喜快樂 ; 有許多人因他出世, 也必喜樂 15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. 他在主面前將要為大, 淡酒濃酒都不喝, 從母腹裡就被聖靈充滿了 16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 他要使許多以色列人回轉, 歸於主 他們的神 17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. 他必有以利亞的心志能力, 行在主的前面, 叫為父的心轉向兒女, 叫悖逆的人轉從義人的智慧, 又為主預備合用的百姓 All of this is borne out by the magnificent prophecy which Zacharias gave at the child's naming (vv ). There are two parts to this prophecy. In the first (vv ), Zacharias gives praise to God for raising "an horn of salvation" in fulfillment of prophecies which had been given "since the world began." In the second part, Zacharias prophesied the part which John was to play in this event (vv ). John was to be a prophet of the Highest; he was to prepare His way, by giving knowledge of salvation. Throughout the days of his growing up in the deserts until his showing unto Israel, the hand of the Lord was with him (vv. 66, 80). Luke 1:68-79 I. Zacharias gives praise to God for raising an horn of salvation (vv ) 68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, 主 以色列的神是應當稱頌的! 因他眷顧他的百姓, 為他們施行救贖, 69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; 在他僕人大衛家中, 為我們興起了拯救的角, 70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: 正如主藉著從創世以來聖先知的口所說的話, 71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 拯救我們脫離仇敵和一切恨我們之人的手, 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; 向我們列祖施憐憫, 記念他的聖約 73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, 就是他對我們祖宗亞伯拉罕所起的誓 74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 叫我們既從仇敵手中被救出來, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. 就可以終身在他面前, 坦然無懼的用聖潔 公義事奉他 II. Zacharias Prophesied the part which John was to play in this event (vv ) 76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to 2

3 Luke 1:68-79 prepare his ways; 孩子阿! 你要稱為至高者的先知 ; 因為你要行在主的前面, 預備他的道路, 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, 叫他的百姓因罪得赦, 就知道救恩 78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 因我們神憐憫的心腸, 叫清晨的日光從高天臨到我們, 79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. 要照亮坐在黑暗中死蔭裡的人, 把我們的腳引到平安的路上 Throughout the days of his growing up in the deserts until his showing unto Israel, the hand of the Lord was with him. Luke 1:66, And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. 凡聽見的人都將這事放在心裡, 說 : 這個孩子將來怎麼樣呢? 因為有主與他同在 80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel. 那孩子漸漸長大, 心靈強健, 住在曠野, 直到他顯明在以色列人面前的日子 Beginning of the Gospel: Despite the brevity of his gospel, Mark begins with the ministry of John the Baptist (Mark 1:2). All four Gospels include the work of John as an integral part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mark 1:2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee (Malachi 3:1). 正如先知以賽亞 ( 有古卷無以賽亞三個字 ) 書上記著說 : 看哪, 我要差遣我的使者在你前面, 預備道路 Central to the ministry of John was the message of preparation, getting ready for the Lord. The very keynote of his ministry was the cry, "Repent." Baptism was an outward sign reflecting the inner commitment and change of those who heeded the cry (Mk. 1:3, 4). Mark 1:3, 4 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight (Isaiah 40:3). 在曠野有人聲喊著說 : 預備主的道, 修直他的路 4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 照這話, 約翰來了, 在曠野施洗, 傳悔改的洗禮, 使罪得赦 Arriving on the scene as he did and preaching the message that he did, John created "no small stir" in Judah. Many came to be baptized, and many others came out of curiosity. Excited discussions took place as to who he was. Emphatically John denied he was the Christ or "that" prophet and either did not know or in humility would not claim to be Elijah (John 1:21). He was simply "the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord" in fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. John 1:21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. 他們又問他說 : 這樣, 你是誰呢? 是以利亞嗎? 他說 : 我不是 是那先知嗎? 他回答說 : 不是 John always pointed to the greater ministry of the Man whose way he was preparing (Mk. 1:7, 8). John's baptism was not the ultimate baptism; the baptism of the Holy Ghost was, which only Jesus could give. 3

4 Later, as Jesus' ministry increased in popularity, the people tried to bait John and make him jealous (John 3:26). Knowing his place, with tremendous character and humility, John gave place to Jesus (v. 30). An indication of the popularity of John as well as his strength of conviction is seen in his encounter with Herod. He had the ear of the ruler of the land and was fearless even in condemning his sin. For this he gave his life. Mark 1:7, 8 John 3:26 John 3:30 7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 他傳道說 : 有一位在我以後來的, 能力比我更大, 我就是彎腰給他解鞋帶也是不配的 8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. 我是用水給你們施洗, 他卻要用聖靈給你們施洗 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. 就來見約翰, 說 : 拉比, 從前同你在約旦河外 你所見證的那位, 現在施洗, 眾人都往他那裡去了 He must increase, but I must decrease. 他必興旺, 我必衰微 THE LESSONS: A further investigation of the Lord's assessment of the work of John reveals additional interesting comments. He was "more than a prophet." The last of the Old Testament prophets John was the fulfillment of the prophecy regarding a "messenger" who was to precede the Messiah (Mal. 3:1). Zacharias, Jesus, and John himself all refer to this prophecy. The Old Testament era ended with John, for "all the law and the prophets were until John. (Matthew 11:13)" Finally Jesus definitely stated that John was the "Elias (Elijah) which was for to come"(matt. 11:9-14). Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. 萬軍之耶和華說 : 我要差遣我的使者在我前面預備道路 你們所尋求的主必忽然進入他的殿 ; 立約的使者, 就是你們所仰慕的, 快要來到 Zacharias, Jesus, and John himself all refer to this prophecy Zacharias Jesus John Luke 1:76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 孩子阿! 你要稱為至高者的先知 ; 因為你要行在主的前面, 預備他的道路, Matthew 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 經上記著說 : 我要差遣我的使者在你前面預備道路, 所說的就是這個人 4 John 3:28 Matthew 11: But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 你們出去究竟是為甚麼? 是要看先知麼? 我告訴你們, 是的, 他比先知大多了 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 我曾說 : 我不是基督, 是奉差遣在他前面的, 你們自己可以給我作見證 10 For this is he, of whom it is written (Malachi 3:1), Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 經上記著說 : 我要差遣我的使者在你前面預備道路, 所說的就是這個人

5 Matthew 11: Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 我實在告訴你們, 凡婦人所生的, 沒有一個興起來大過施洗約翰的 ; 然而天國裡最小的比他還大 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 從施洗約翰的時候到如今, 天國是努力進入的, 努力的人就得著了 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 因為眾先知和律法說預言, 到約翰為止 14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. 你們若肯領受, 這人就是那應當來的以利亞 The time was "at hand." God was fulfilling all His prophecies. These were not for a natural kingdom but for visiting and redeeming His people, for raising a horn of salvation, to save people from their enemy (Satan), and to perform the promised mercy that people might serve Him (Luke 1:68-75). All this was fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus for whom John prepared the way. This ministry had to do with man's inner conditions, not his outward circumstances. Jesus could not be manifested without John's ministry (John 1:31). Neither is it possible today to experience the blessings of the kingdom of God without beginning where John began, with repentance. This is the door to the kingdom. From John's repeated reference to the fact that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Ghost indicates that this baptism was to be central to the work of Jesus in establishing His kingdom. This is supported by other Scriptures. It is a disservice 危害 (damage) to the purpose of God to separate John from Jesus and to ignore the unity of their respective ministries. John 1:31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 我先前不認識他, 如今我來用水施洗, 為要叫他顯明給以色列人 5

6 Monday: Luke 1:5-25 Luke 1: THERE was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. 當猶太王希律的時候, 亞比雅班裡有一個祭司, 名叫撒迦利亞 ; 他妻子是亞倫的後人, 名叫以利沙伯 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. 他們二人在神面前都是義人, 遵行主的一切誡命禮儀, 沒有可指摘的, 7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. 只是沒有孩子 ; 因為以利沙伯不生育, 兩個人又年紀老邁了 8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, 撒迦利亞按班次在神面前供祭司的職分, 9 According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 照祭司的規矩掣籤, 得進主殿燒香 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. 燒香的時候, 眾百姓在外面禱告 11 And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 有主的使者站在香壇的右邊, 向他顯現 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 撒迦利亞看見, 就驚慌害怕 13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 天使對他說 : 撒迦利亞, 不要害怕, 因為你的祈禱已經被聽見了 你的妻子以利沙伯要給你生一個兒子, 你要給他起名叫約翰 14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. 你必歡喜快樂 ; 有許多人因他出世, 也必喜樂 15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. 他在主面前將要為大, 淡酒濃酒都不喝, 從母腹裡就被聖靈充滿了 16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 他要使許多以色列人回轉, 歸於主 他們的神 17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. 他必有以利亞的心志能力, 行在主的前面, 叫為父的心轉向兒女, 叫悖逆的人轉從義人的智 6

7 Luke 1:5-25 慧, 又為主預備合用的百姓 18 And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. 撒迦利亞對天使說 : 我憑著甚麼可知道這事呢? 我已經老了, 我的妻子也年紀老邁了 19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. 天使回答說 : 我是站在神面前的加百列, 奉差而來對你說話, 將這好信息報給你 20 And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. 到了時候, 這話必然應驗 ; 只因你不信, 你必啞吧, 不能說話, 直到這事成就的日子 21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marvelled that he tarried so long in the temple. 百姓等候撒迦利亞, 詫異他許久在殿裡 22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. 及至他出來, 不能和他們說話, 他們就知道他在殿裡見了異象 ; 因為他直向他們打手式, 竟成了啞吧 23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. 他供職的日子已滿, 就回家去了 24 And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, 這些日子以後, 他的妻子以利沙伯懷了孕, 就隱藏了五個月, 25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men. 說 : 主在眷顧我的日子, 這樣看待我, 要把我在人間的羞恥除掉 7

8 Tuesday: Luke 1:57-80 Luke 1: Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 以利沙伯的產期到了, 就生了一個兒子 58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. 鄰里親族聽見主向他大施憐憫, 就和他一同歡樂 59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. 到了第八日, 他們來要給孩子行割禮, 並要照他父親的名字叫他撒迦利亞 60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John. 他母親說 : 不可! 要叫他約翰 61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. 他們說 : 你親族中沒有叫這名字的 62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. 他們就向他父親打手式, 問他要叫這孩子甚麼名字 63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all. 他要了一塊寫字的板, 就寫上, 說 : 他的名字是約翰 他們便都希奇 64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God. 撒迦利亞的口立時開了, 舌頭也舒展了, 就說出話來, 稱頌神 65 And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. 周圍居住的人都懼怕 ; 這一切的事就傳遍了猶太的山地 66 And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. 凡聽見的人都將這事放在心裡, 說 : 這個孩子將來怎麼樣呢? 因為有主與他同在 67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, 他父親撒迦利亞被聖靈充滿了, 就預言說 : 68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, 主 以色列的神是應當稱頌的! 因他眷顧他的百姓, 為他們施行救贖, 69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; 在他僕人大衛家中, 為我們興起了拯救的角, 70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: 正如主藉著從創世以來聖先知的口所說的話, 8

9 Luke 1: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 拯救我們脫離仇敵和一切恨我們之人的手, 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; 向我們列祖施憐憫, 記念他的聖約 73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, 就是他對我們祖宗亞伯拉罕所起的誓 74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 叫我們既從仇敵手中被救出來, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. 就可以終身在他面前, 坦然無懼的用聖潔 公義事奉他 76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 孩子阿! 你要稱為至高者的先知 ; 因為你要行在主的前面, 預備他的道路, 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, 叫他的百姓因罪得赦, 就知道救恩 78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 因我們神憐憫的心腸, 叫清晨的日光從高天臨到我們, 79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. 要照亮坐在黑暗中死蔭裡的人, 把我們的腳引到平安的路上 80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel. 那孩子漸漸長大, 心靈強健, 住在曠野, 直到他顯明在以色列人面前的日子 9

10 Wednesday: Mark 1:1-11 Mark 1: The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 神的兒子, 耶穌基督福音的起頭 2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee (Malachi 3:1). 正如先知以賽亞 ( 有古卷無以賽亞三個字 ) 書上記著說 : 看哪, 我要差遣我的使者在你前面, 預備道路 Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. 萬軍之耶和華說 : 我要差遣我的使者在我前面預備道路 你們所尋求的主必忽然進入他的殿 ; 立約的使者, 就是你們所仰慕的, 快要來到 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight (Isaiah 40:3). 在曠野有人聲喊著說 : 預備主的道, 修直他的路 Isaiah 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 有人聲喊著說 : 在曠野預備耶和華的路 ( 或譯 : 在曠野, 有人聲喊著說 : 當預備耶和華的路 ), 在沙漠地修平我們神的道 4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 照這話, 約翰來了, 在曠野施洗, 傳悔改的洗禮, 使罪得赦 5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. 猶太全地和耶路撒冷的人都出去到約翰那裡, 承認他們的罪, 在約但河裡受他的洗 6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; 約翰穿駱駝毛的衣服, 腰束皮帶, 吃的是蝗蟲 野蜜 7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 他傳道說 : 有一位在我以後來的, 能力比我更大, 我就是彎腰給他解鞋帶也是不配的 8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. 我是用水給你們施洗, 他卻要用聖靈給你們施洗 9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 那時, 耶穌從加利利的拿撒勒來, 在約但河裡受了約翰的洗 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 他從水裡一上來, 就看見天裂開了, 聖靈彷彿鴿子, 降在他身上 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 又有聲音從天上來, 說 : 你是我的愛子, 我喜悅你 10

11 Thursday: John 1:15-36 John 1: John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 約翰為他作見證, 喊著說 : 這就是我曾說 : 那在我以後來的, 反成了在我以前的, 因他本來在我以前 16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 從他豐滿的恩典裡, 我們都領受了, 而且恩上加恩 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 律法本是藉著摩西傳的 ; 恩典和真理都是由耶穌基督來的 18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. 從來沒有人看見神, 只有在父懷裡的獨生子將他表明出來 19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? 約翰所作的見證記在下面 : 猶太人從耶路撒冷差祭司和利未人到約翰那裡, 問他說 : 你是誰? 20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. 他就明說, 並不隱瞞, 明說 : 我不是基督 21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. 他們又問他說 : 這樣, 你是誰呢? 是以利亞嗎? 他說 : 我不是 是那先知嗎? 他回答說 : 不是 22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? 於是他們說 : 你到底是誰, 叫我們好回覆差我們來的人 你自己說, 你是誰? 23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. 他說 : 我就是那在曠野有人聲喊著說 : 修直主的道路, 正如先知以賽亞所說的 24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. 那些人是法利賽人差來的 ( 或作 : 那差來的是法利賽人 ) ; 25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? 他們就問他說 : 你既不是基督, 不是以利亞, 也不是那先知, 為甚麼施洗呢? 26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 約翰回答說 : 我是用水施洗, 但有一位站在你們中間, 是你們不認識的, 27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. 11

12 John 1:15-36 就是那在我以後來的, 我給他解鞋帶也不配 28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. 這是在約但河外伯大尼 ( 有古卷 : 伯大巴喇 ), 約翰施洗的地方作的見證 29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 次日, 約翰看見耶穌來到他那裡, 就說 : 看哪, 神的羔羊, 除去 ( 或譯 : 背負 ) 世人罪孽的! 30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 這就是我曾說 : 有一位在我以後來 反成了在我以前的, 因他本來在我以前 31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 我先前不認識他, 如今我來用水施洗, 為要叫他顯明給以色列人 32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 約翰又作見證說 : 我曾看見聖靈, 彷彿鴿子從天降下, 住在他的身上 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 我先前不認識他, 只是那差我來用水施洗的 對我說 : 你看見聖靈降下來, 住在誰的身上, 誰就是用聖靈施洗的 34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. 我看見了, 就證明這是神的兒子 35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; 再次日, 約翰同兩個門徒站在那裡 36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! 他見耶穌行走, 就說 : 看哪, 這是神的羔羊! 12

13 Friday: John 3:23-36 John 3: And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. 約翰在靠近撒冷的哀嫩也施洗 ; 因為那裡水多, 眾人都去受洗 24 For John was not yet cast into prison. ( 那時約翰還沒有下在監計 ) 25 Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. 約翰的門徒和一個猶太人辯論潔淨的禮, 26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. 就來見約翰, 說 : 拉比, 從前同你在約旦河外 你所見證的那位, 現在施洗, 眾人都往他那裡去了 27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. 約翰說 : 若不是從天上賜的, 人就不能得甚麼 28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 我曾說 : 我不是基督, 是奉差遣在他前面的, 你們自己可以給我作見證 29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. 娶新婦的就是新郎 ; 新郎的朋友站著, 聽見新郎的聲音就甚喜樂 故此, 我這喜樂滿足了 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. 他必興旺, 我必衰微 31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. 從天上來的是在萬有之上 ; 從地上來的是屬乎地, 他所說的也是屬乎地 從天上來的是在萬有之上 32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. 他將所見所聞的見證出來, 只是沒有人領受他的見證 33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. 那領受他見證的, 就印上印, 證明神是真的 34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. 神所差來的就說神的話, 因為神賜聖靈給他是沒有限量的 35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. 父愛子, 已將萬有交在他手裡 36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. 信子的人有永生 ; 不信子的人得不著永生 ( 原文作不得見永生 ), 神的震怒常在他身上 13

14 Saturday: Matthew 11:2-19 Matthew 11: Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 約翰在監裡聽見基督所作的事, 就打發兩個門徒去, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 問他說 : 那將要來的是你麼? 還是我們等候別人呢? 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 耶穌回答說 : 你們去, 把所聽見, 所看見的事告訴約翰 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 就是瞎子看見, 瘸子行走, 長大痲瘋的潔淨, 聾子聽見, 死人復活, 窮人有福音傳給他們 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. 凡不因我跌倒的就有福了! 7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 他們走的時候, 耶穌就對眾人講論約翰說 : 你們從前出到曠野是要看甚麼呢? 要看風吹動的蘆葦麼? 8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. 你們出去到底是要看甚麼? 要看穿細軟衣服的人麼? 那穿細軟衣服的人是在王宮裡 9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 你們出去究竟是為甚麼? 是要看先知麼? 我告訴你們, 是的, 他比先知大多了 10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 經上記著說 : 我要差遣我的使者在你前面預備道路, 所說的就是這個人 11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 我實在告訴你們, 凡婦人所生的, 沒有一個興起來大過施洗約翰的 ; 然而天國裡最小的比他還大 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 從施洗約翰的時候到如今, 天國是努力進入的, 努力的人就得著了 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 因為眾先知和律法說預言, 到約翰為止 14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. 你們若肯領受, 這人就是那應當來的以利亞 15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 14

15 Matthew 11:2-19 有耳可聽的, 就應當聽! 16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, 我可用甚麼比這世代呢? 好像孩童坐在街市上招呼同伴, 說 : 17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. 我們向你們吹笛, 你們不跳舞 ; 我們向你們舉哀, 你們不捶胸 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. 約翰來了, 也不吃也不喝, 人就說他是被鬼附著的 ; 19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. 人子來了, 也吃也喝, 人又說他是貪食好酒的人, 是稅吏和罪人的朋友 但智慧之子總以智慧為是 ( 有古卷 : 但智慧在行為上就顯為是 ) 15

16 Sunday: Matthew 14:1-12 Matthew 14: At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, 那時, 分封的王希律聽見耶穌的名聲, 2 And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. 就對臣僕說 : 這是施洗的約翰從死裡復活, 所以這些異能從他裡面發出來 3 For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. 起先, 希律為他兄弟腓力的妻子希羅底的緣故, 把約翰拿住, 鎖在監裡 4 For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. 因為約翰曾對他說 : 你娶這婦人是不合理的 5 And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. 希律就想要殺他, 只是怕百姓, 因為他們以約翰為先知 6 But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. 到了希律的生日, 希羅底的女兒在眾人面前跳舞, 使希律歡喜 7 Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. 希律就起誓, 應許隨他所求的給他 8 And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger. 女兒被母親所使, 就說 : 請把施洗約翰的頭放在盤子裡, 拿來給我 9 And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. 王便憂愁, 但因他所起的誓, 又因同席的人, 就吩咐給他 ; 10 And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. 於是打發人去, 在監裡斬了約翰, 11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother. 把頭放在盤子裡, 拿來給了女子 ; 女子拿去給他母親 12 And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus. 約翰的門徒來, 把屍首領去埋葬了, 就去告訴耶穌 16

17 Additional Notes about John the Baptist John 10: And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. 耶穌又往約但河外去, 到了約翰起初施洗的地方, 就住在那裡 41 And many resorted (source of help) unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. 有許多人來到他那裡 他們說 : 約翰一件神蹟沒有行過, 但約翰指著這人所說的一切話都是真的 42 And many believed on him there. 在那裡, 信耶穌的人就多了 論施洗約翰 : Isaiah Malachi Gabriel the Angel Zecharias Isaiah 40:3-5 3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 有人聲喊著說 : 在曠野預備耶和華的路 ( 或譯 : 在曠野, 有人聲喊著說 : 當預備耶和華的路 ), 在沙漠地修平我們神的道 4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: 一切山窪都要填滿, 大小山岡都要削平 ; 高高低低的要改為平坦, 崎崎嶇嶇的必成為平原 5 And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. 耶和華的榮耀必然顯現 ; 凡有血氣的必一同 Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. 萬軍之耶和華說 : 我要差遣我的使者在我前面預備道路 你們所尋求的主必忽然進入他的殿 ; 立約的使者, 就是你們所仰慕的, 快要來到 17 Luke 1: But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 天使對他說 : 撒迦利亞, 不要害怕, 因為你的祈禱已經被聽見了 你的妻子以利沙伯要給你生一個兒子, 你要給他起名叫約翰 14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. 你必歡喜快樂 ; 有許多人因他出世, 也必喜樂 15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. 他在主面前將要為大, 淡酒濃酒都不喝, 從母腹裡就被聖靈充滿了 16 And many of the Luke 1: And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 孩子阿! 你要稱為至高者的先知 ; 因為你要行在主的前面, 預備他的道路, 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, 叫他的百姓因罪得赦, 就知道救恩 78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 因我們神憐憫的心腸, 叫清晨的日光從高天臨到我們, 79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. 要照亮坐在黑暗中死蔭裡的人, 把我們的腳引到平安的路上

18 Isaiah Malachi Gabriel the Angel Zecharias 看見 ; 因為這是耶和華親口說的 children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 他要使許多以色列人回轉, 歸於主 他們的神 17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. 他必有以利亞的心志能力, 行在主的前面, 叫為父的心轉向兒女, 叫悖逆的人轉從義人的智慧, 又為主預備合用的百姓 18