Home昔日真理報2012年 真理報文章2012 年 7 月【守望哨】無花果樹被詛咒枯死的故事

【守望哨】無花果樹被詛咒枯死的故事

 

Figtree202x280《新約》裡有個大家都很熟悉的故事,記載在《馬太福音》21章,是所有福音書中唯一記載耶穌直接殺死某一生物的地方:早晨回城的時候,祂餓了,看見路旁有一棵無花果樹,就走到跟前,在樹上找不著什麼,不過有葉子,就對樹說:"從今以後,你永不結果子。"那無花果樹就立刻枯乾了。門徒看見了,便希奇說:"無花果樹怎麼立刻枯乾了呢?"

1、說實話,我以前不懂,也不太喜歡這個故事,因為看完後有太多疑惑:耶穌也太小氣、太狹隘了吧?在樹上找不到想吃的果子,居然就把樹給詛咒死了!祂一貫教導別人要愛人如己,自己碰到不合心意的事卻睚眦必報,即使是植物也不放過。

2、還有一點,就是耶穌面對門徒問"無花果樹怎麼立刻枯乾了呢?"時的回答:"我實在告訴你們,你們若有信心,不疑惑,不但能行無花果樹上所行的事,就是對這座山說:'你挪開此地,投在海裡!'也必成就。你們禱告,無論求什麼,只要信,就必得著。"既然主是要跟門徒說明信心問題,何不讓大家圍成一圈,當眾讓無花果樹立刻長出成熟的果實,然後趁熱打鐵說上面一番話,如此,豈非更能起立竿見影的教育效果?

經過最近的查經和思考,我有了比較清晰的認識:

可不要小看這棵路邊的無花果樹,它並非路邊普通的果樹,不是上海路邊常見的銀杏樹,廣州路邊的芒果樹,溫哥華路邊的櫻桃樹,沒那麼簡單。貫穿整本《聖經》,"無花果樹"都不是一般的樹木,它預表的總是上帝的子民以色列,這棵無花果的樹葉,代表那些假冒為善的法利賽人、文士、祭司。耶穌詛咒這棵不結果子的無花果樹,其實是預表猶太民族和背道的教會將會發生何事。

中東地區的無花果樹,基本是在長葉子的時候果子也同時出現。耶穌所詛咒的這棵樹,擁有所有結果子的外在表像,卻只是假冒的,它象徵猶太民族。以色列擁有聖殿、祭司制度、獻祭禮儀,卻沒有結出好果子,甚至不顧一切,處心積慮把耶穌置於死地。耶穌當著眾人詛咒這棵無花果樹,讓其葉和根枯萎,為的是讓當時的門徒以及後人記住,企圖靠外表的東西來得救,而且救人,從而掩蓋自身的罪惡,只能是徒勞的,其結果只能是滅亡。

耶穌詛咒無花果樹後的同一天,就與假冒為善的法利賽人進行"對決",指出祂們的偽善:"他們一切所做的事都是要叫人看見。"(太23:5)。耶穌七次稱祂們為假冒為善者,然後宣佈對他們的詛咒——就如同對無花果樹所下的詛咒一般。

在下一章中,無花果樹的比喻再次出現,當耶穌描述耶路撒冷的毀滅和世界的末日時,祂用無花果樹作為象徵"你們可以從無花果樹學個比方:當樹枝發嫩長葉的時候,你們就知道夏天近了。這樣,你們看見這一切的事,也該知道人子近了,正在門口了。我實在告訴你們,這世代還沒有過去,這些事都要成就。"主耶穌可以讓人未嘗死味以前看見將來天國的樣子,也可以讓人看見將來不做工不出成績的後果。

以色列這棵無花果樹,枝繁葉茂,但不結果子。基督徒的生命如果沒有聖靈的工作,無論你戴著長老、祭司、博士、牧師的光環,或寫過多少書,出過多少光碟,都無法結出聖靈的果子——就是仁愛、喜樂、和平、忍耐、恩慈、良善、信實、溫柔、節制(《加拉太書》5:22, 23)。在神的國度中,沒有人是那只用來裝飾觀賞的無花果樹,對個人是這樣,對教會也如此。

我們常常以為自己已經得救了,因信稱義了,無論做什麼,將來都必得進天國享受主的榮耀。錯了!這是主不悅納的,而且主再三警告過這樣的人!在《馬太福音》24、25章天國的比喻裡主說得非常清楚,得救的基督徒分為忠心的、不忠心的;愚拙的、聰明的;良善又忠心的和又惡又懶的。前一種進天國,後一種就像不結果子的無花果樹,只能是毀滅,在天國外哀哭切齒。

《聖經》對此的教導至始至終毫不動搖,在《啟示錄》第二章對七個教會的預言,以弗所教會因為把起初的愛心離棄了,耶穌就把象徵教會與神同在的燈台移開;對於與世俗聯合又不肯悔改的別迦摩教會,主用口中的劍攻擊祂們;對行淫的推雅推喇教會,則用權柄將祂們如同窯戶的瓦器打得粉碎。慈愛的神,同時也是公義的神!

被主耶穌詛咒的這棵無花果樹,是人創造的宗教和虛假的公義之象徵,與耶穌同時代的法利賽人、祭司如此,後來崇尚禮儀禮節的天主教如此,今日的新教教會又何嘗不需要反省呢?假如教會成了學習鑽研《聖經》知識的象牙塔,成了感情交流、親情互動的俱樂部,才藝表演的大舞台,教堂建得再漂亮,讚美詩唱得再動聽,假如不主動擴大神的國,通過傳福音吸收新會友,讓更多人接觸到福音,出去收莊稼,結出三十倍、六十倍的果子,在這荒淫悖逆的世代拯救更多罪人,這與那棵不結果子的無花果樹,又有什麼區別呢?

既如此,耶穌怎麼可能讓這棵代表以色列虛假表像的無花果樹,當著眾人的面立刻開花結果呢?

 

      聖經金句 (Bible Verses)

喜樂 Joy

喜樂的心乃是良藥;憂傷的靈使骨枯乾。箴言 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

然而,我要因耶和華歡欣,因救我的 神喜樂。哈巴谷書 3:18
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18

要常常喜樂,不住的禱告,凡事謝恩。帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:16-17
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

饒恕 Forgiveness

主啊,你本為良善,樂意饒恕人,有豐盛的慈愛賜給凡求告你的人。詩篇 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5

你不要說:“我要以惡報惡”;要等候耶和華,他必拯救你。箴言 20:22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. Proverbs 6:14

你們饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必饒恕你們的過犯;馬太福音 6:14
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

你們不饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必不饒恕你們的過犯。馬太福音 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15

你們各人若不從心裡饒恕你的弟兄,我天父也要這樣待你們了。馬太福音 18:35
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart. Matthew 18:35

謙卑 Humility

敬畏耶和華是智慧的訓誨;尊榮以前,必有謙卑。箴言 15:33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33

敬畏耶和華心存謙卑,就得富有、尊榮、生命為賞賜。箴言 22:4
Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

凡事不可結黨,不可貪圖虛浮的榮耀;只要存心謙卑,各人看別人比自己強。腓立比書 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

驕傲 Pride

驕傲來,羞恥也來;謙遜人卻有智慧。箴言 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

驕傲只啟爭競;聽勸言的,卻有智慧。箴言 13:10
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Proverbs 13:10

驕傲在敗壞以先;狂心在跌倒之前。箴言 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

忍耐 Patience

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

並且你們要為我的名,被眾人恨惡,惟有忍耐到底的,必然得救。馬可福音 13:13
Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

不但如此,就是在患難中也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. Romans 5:3

我們行善,不可喪志;若不灰心,到了時候就要收成加拉太書 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

你們也當忍耐,堅固你們的心,因為主來的日子近了。雅各書 5:8
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8

溫柔 Meekness

回答柔和,使怒消退;言語暴戾,觸動怒氣。箴言 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

溫柔的人有福了,因為他們必承受地土。馬太福音 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

用溫柔勸戒那抵擋的人;或者 神給他們悔改的心,可以明白真道。提摩太後書 2:25
Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:25

只要以裡面存著長久溫柔、安靜的心為妝飾;這在 神面前是極寶貴的。彼得前書 3:4
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

嫉妒 Envy

不要為作惡的心懷不平,也不要向那行不義的生出嫉妒。詩篇 37:1
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong. Psalm 37:1

心中安靜是肉體的生命;嫉妒是骨中的朽爛。箴言 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30

在何處有嫉妒、紛爭,就在何處有擾亂和各樣的壞事。雅各書 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16

生氣 Anger

當止住怒氣,離棄忿怒;不要心懷不平,以致作惡。詩篇 37:8
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8

好生氣的人,不可與他結交;暴怒的人,不可與他來往。箴言 22:24
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered. Proverbs 22:24

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

生氣卻不要犯罪.不可含怒到日落。以弗所書 4:26
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26

我親愛的弟兄們,這是你們所知道的,但你們各人要快快的聽,慢慢的說,慢慢的動怒,因為人的怒氣並不成就 神的義。雅各書 1:19,20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19,20

災難 Calamity

謹守口與舌的、就保守自己免受災難。箴言 21:23
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

民要攻打民、國要攻打國、多處必有地震、饑荒.這都是災難的起頭。馬可福音 13:8
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Mark 13:8

憂愁 Worry

你們不要憂愁、因靠耶和華而得的喜樂是你們的力量。尼希米記 8:10
Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

主雖使人憂愁, 還要照他諸般的慈愛發憐憫。耶利米哀歌 3:32
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. Lamentations 3:32

凡勞苦擔重擔的人,可以到我這裡來,我就使你們得安息。馬太福音 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

我留下平安給你們、我將我的平安賜給你們.我所賜的、不像世人所賜的.你們心裏不要憂愁、也不要膽怯。約翰福音 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

應當一無掛慮,只要凡事藉著禱告、祈求和感謝,將你們所要的告訴神。神所賜出人意外的平安,必在基督耶穌裡,保守你們的心懷意念。腓立比書 4:6,7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7

因此, 你們是大有喜樂, 但如今, 在百般的試煉中暫時憂愁。彼得前書 1:6
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6

患難 Trouble, Suffering

義人多有苦難,但耶和華救他脫離這一切。詩篇 34:19
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19

神是我們的避難所,是我們的力量,是我們在患難中隨時的幫助!詩篇 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

耶和華本為善,在患難的日子為人的保障,並且認得那些投靠他的人。那鴻書 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7

為義受逼迫的人有福了,因為天國是他們的。馬太福音 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

不但如此,就是在患難中,也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; Romans 5:3

我想現在的苦楚,若比將來要顯於我們的榮耀,就不足介意了。羅馬書 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

因為你們蒙恩,不但得以信服基督,並要為他受苦。腓立比書 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. Philippians 1:29

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