路加福音 3
給各位弟兄姊妹平安，
我們今天讀到了《路加福音》第三章，這是一段精彩的記載。我們在這章中看到了兩個重要的事情，首先是關於施洗約翰在民間傳道的開始。
這裡一開始就出現了那位在以賽亞書中所預言「預備主的道路」並在曠野中呼喊的人——施洗約翰。他的呼喊引領了一場神奇的復興，吸引了眾多猶太人到曠野中來找他受洗。然而，他卻責備那些前來受洗的人，說：「你們要結出果子來與悔改的心相稱。」這句話是什麼意思呢？
原來，在當時，許多猶太人認為，因為他們是亞伯拉罕的後裔、猶太人的後裔，所以在上帝的國度中擁有特殊的身份。他們認為，只要是亞伯拉罕的後裔，就能夠免於審判。
施洗約翰在這裡說：「結出果子與悔改的心相稱。」當我們去理解「悔改」這個詞時，其實後悔並不難——我們都會因為做錯事情而感到後悔，認為如果能做得更好，便會有後悔之心。然而，更困難的部分在於「改變」，也就是如何真正改變自己，改正過去錯誤的方式、習慣與態度。
這正是基督信仰具挑戰的一件事。我們常聽「江山易改，本性難移」這句話。當我們真正要改變時，就必須面對自己內在的缺陷，徹底改變原有的行為模式。這種改變需要付出真實而艱難的努力。要拆毀自己過去的錯誤習慣，就像是要打掉沒蓋好的違章建築一樣，先有拆毀的痛苦，才能夠有新生的建造。如果我們年紀越大，這個過程就越困難，因為我們花了大半輩子建造的 “自我” 被挑戰的時候，本能反應必然是抗拒。所以我們有多順服上帝的旨意，讓上帝幫我們拆除生命中的違章建築，才能夠決定我們能夠建造多美好的新生命。
約翰告訴我們，只有改變才能顯示我們的悔改。如果我們信靠上帝，卻依然照舊習慣生活；如果我們說相信基督、相信上帝的愛，但卻沒有活出愛的行為，那麼我們就會變成最可憐的假冒為善者。
這裡也有一個教訓：這些人來問他說「我們當作什麼？」約翰給了三個重要的事情。首先，第一點要做社會上的福音——有衣服的分給沒有的，有食物的分給沒有的。他在說的是什麼呢？我們當能夠去造就別人。在社會上，如果總是只想到自己擁有所有的東西，自己有的越多越好，那麼我們就會成為一個貪圖、貪婪的人，而不是去思考別人的需要的人。所以，一個社會上必須要有照顧別人的心態與存在，必須要去顧念別人的需要，這是社會性的一個重要觀念。
接下來，他提到兩個工作。這兩個工作是當時人最討厭的一個，第一個是稅吏。稅吏是替羅馬政府收稅的，每一個稅吏出現的時候都令人非常討厭，因為他們經常會訛詐人，會去多收一些，因為他們擁有相當大的權力。所以，這裡約翰告訴他們說：「你們就算在這樣的工作上，還是可以為上帝而做，所以你們該拿多少就拿，不要多收。」第二種工作叫做士兵，而這種士兵在當時也兼差做警察的工作；但有時候，他們自己本身就會變成流氓。如果這些擁有武力、擁有兵器的士兵作為非作歹的時候，就成了欺壓眾人的流氓歹徒；但如果他們選擇跟隨上帝，他們就會成為維護正義的警官。所以，約翰在這邊勸告他們，在自己的工作崗位上就能夠榮耀上帝，就算是一些不被眾人喜愛的工作上面，也能夠成為上帝的見證。他在鼓勵所有的人，我們要明白一件事情：你的工作就是榮耀上帝的崗位，你不需要一定非要在教會裡面才能榮耀上帝，而是你要在你的生活、在你的職場中就要來榮耀上帝。你可以成為你們職場的光，你可以成為職場的榜樣。你屬世職場的工作就是你的呼召，就是你的屬靈崗位。
接下來，我們就看到為什麼耶穌從12歲知道他要被呼召去做重要的工作，到18年後，到了30歲他才出來做全職的傳道呢？從12歲到30歲之間的18年又發生了什麼事情呢？有學者解釋說：「他可能是因為約瑟早死，所以他要負責養家。」但是，我們可以更去思考的事情是：耶穌其實也要過一個人生，他要經歷過一個正常人的人生，他出來傳道才能夠夠有力並且能夠去影響這些人。
在他的人生中，我們看見了三件事情。首先，他是一個木匠，他是一個專業人士。我們知道當時木匠專門做家具，甚至蓋房子的，所以他有一門手藝，可以用來謀生，他能夠工作賺錢養家。
第二件事情就是，他照顧了他的弟弟妹妹，作為長子、作為大哥，他很好的照顧了他的家庭，在他的父親不在之後，能夠擔當起一家之主的角色，並且能夠把這個家庭照顧好。我們看到後來他的弟妹們都有長大，因為他這個大哥有盡到他應盡的大哥責任。
而且，同樣的，他也經歷過一個普通人的人生。他掙扎過，他經歷過普通人所有的掙扎；他並不是很有錢，他也不是很有地位，他也受過欺騙，也受過背叛。所以，耶穌在他的人生中，真真實實地經歷了我們每一個人都經歷的事情。所以，他可以說他懂得我們的一切，他陪伴我們走過一切，他知道我們所經歷的一切。因為他都經歷過，他不是一個高高在上、不食人間煙火的上帝，他是一個從天上來到人間，與我們一同哭、一同笑，一同經歷過人生百態的，親近的上帝。
第二件大事就是我們看到耶穌的受洗。
耶穌為什麼要受洗呢？他有罪嗎？他難道有問題嗎？不是的。當我們去理解這個地方，他特別來到約翰這邊的時候，約翰其實有拒絕他，說：「不對，我應該受你的信；為什麼你要受我的洗呢？」我們去明白這件事情，耶穌不是因為他有罪，需要洗淨自己的罪，而是他要進諸般的義。為了眾人的緣故，他其實是為了讓眾人看見：他也受洗，他也成為了他們中間的一分子。
你如果想像一下，若他沒有受洗，當他去傳道的時候，你一定會聽到有一些人說：「嘿，你這個人沒有受洗，你為什麼可以這樣指教我們呢？」那你去思想這件事情，耶穌其實是為了要盡諸般的義，他要盡可能地讓眾人能夠來聽，能夠來到祂的面前，理解祂要說的話。
很多時候，我們也可能去思考，有些基督徒對於讀神學這件事情有一種看法，說：「你們神學不過就是人創造出來的一些教導，難道有必要去讀神學嗎？難道我不能夠服侍上帝、不能夠愛主嗎？」是的，你當然可以。你不會因為讀了神學而變得更高尚，也不會因為沒讀神學而降低你的地位；牧師跟普通人、平信徒的地位在天國中是一樣的。
但同時，我也換個角度來說：如果一個人沒有讀過神學，把這個人放在台上講道的時候，長久來說會有危險，因為有人會說：「這個人沒有讀過神學，這個人沒有學過，他為什麼能夠這樣子分享呢？」所以，當我們去理解讀神學以及去得到一個認證這件事情，其實不是為了得到人的認可，而是為了人的軟弱。因為如果有些人聽到沒有讀過神學的，他會擔心，他會害怕。你可以想像一個沒有讀過醫學院的醫生行醫嗎？或是一個沒有從飛行學院畢業的飛行員開飛機？我想你應該可以理解我的意思。
所以，連保羅也都家鄉大數等了10年之後，好好地把自己的神學重新整理一遍，才出來宣教。他原本已經是馬伽烈門下最優秀的學生，他還繼續地回去進修，把自己從舊約裡面的所有資訊，加上他在耶穌這邊得著的啟示全部整理起來，才寫出了新約聖經中保羅書信這麼多重要的神學書信。
所以，我們看見耶穌來受洗這件事情，不是為了洗他的罪，而是為了讓眾人看見：他也跟他們一樣；並且上帝在眾人面前啟示說：「這是我的兒子，我喜悅他！」特別地讓天開了，看到聖靈像鴿子一樣降臨在耶穌的身上。當時眾人都看見了，這真是上帝的兒子。
最後，我們看到在路加記載的家譜跟馬太福音記載的家譜有很多不一樣的地方。首先，馬太福音所記載的是從猶太人的角度來著重，所以在記載上，他的那個時代有一點點的不一樣，他是以14代為一個時期，而且他只追溯到猶太人的先祖亞伯拉罕。對猶太人來說，耶穌是亞伯拉罕的後裔、是大衛的後裔，這件事情就夠了，因為這對猶太人來講是最重要的事情。而路加呢，在這裡一路追溯到了創世紀裡面的亞當，到上帝的兒子亞當那邊。所以，他要告訴我們的是：耶穌是全人類的救主、是全人類的上帝；不再只是局限於猶太人之中，不再只是一個猶太人，他乃是給全人類的重要信息。
今日的屬靈反思：我的職場工作可以榮耀上帝嗎？我應該怎麼在職場中活出基督徒的樣式，讓我的同事，上司，下屬，合作廠商能夠看見上帝的榮耀？
感謝各位的聆聽，明天我們繼續閱讀路加福音第四章！
Brothers and sisters, peace be with you,
Today, we read Luke chapter 3—a passage filled with remarkable accounts. In this chapter, we see two important events. The first is the beginning of John the Baptist’s public ministry.
Right from the start, the one foretold in Isaiah—“the one who prepares the way of the Lord” and cries out in the wilderness—appears: John the Baptist. His cry led to a miraculous revival, drawing many Jews into the wilderness to seek baptism from him. However, he rebuked those who came for baptism by saying, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” What does this mean?
At that time, many Jews believed that, as descendants of Abraham and the Jewish people, they possessed a special status in God’s kingdom. They thought that merely being Abraham’s offspring would exempt them from judgment.
John the Baptist says, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” When we understand the word “repentance,” we realize that feeling regret is not difficult—we all feel remorse for our wrongdoings and think that if we could do better, we would feel regret. However, the more challenging part is “change”—how can we truly change ourselves and correct our past errors, habits, and attitudes?
This is one of the most challenging aspects of the Christian faith. We often hear the saying, “The mountains may change, but human nature remains hard to alter.” It may seem simple to decide to change, but when it comes time to do so, we must face our inner shortcomings and completely alter our established patterns of behavior. This kind of change requires real and arduous effort. To dismantle our old, sinful habits is like tearing down an illegally built structure; first, there is the pain of demolition, and only then can something new be built. The older we get, the harder this process becomes, because when the “self” that we have built over most of our lives is challenged, our instinct is to resist. Therefore, the more we submit to God’s will and allow Him to remove the unauthorized structures in our lives, the more beautifully we can rebuild a new life.
John tells us that only change can reveal our true repentance. If we trust in God yet continue to live by our old habits, or if we claim to believe in Christ and God’s love but do not live out loving actions, then we become the most pitiful hypocrites.
Brothers and sisters, peace be with you,
Here is another lesson: When people ask, “What should we do?” John gives three important pieces of instruction. First, in the social sphere, we are to share the Gospel—distributing clothing to those who have none, and food to those in need. What does he mean by this? We are to build up others. In society, if we only think about accumulating more and more for ourselves, we become greedy and self-centered rather than considering the needs of others. Thus, it is essential in a community to have a caring and considerate attitude, looking after the needs of others—an important social principle.
Next, he mentions two types of work. The first is that of the tax collector. Tax collectors, who collected taxes for the Roman government, were universally despised because they often exploited people by overcharging, due to the great power they wielded. So, John tells them, “Even in such a line of work, you can serve God—take what you are supposed to take and do not demand more.”
The second type of work is that of the soldier. Soldiers at that time also served in police roles; however, sometimes they would turn into thugs. When these armed soldiers acted corruptly, they became oppressive and abusive. But if they chose to follow God, they could become protectors of justice—a kind of righteous officer. Thus, John exhorts them to glorify God in their respective work areas. Even in jobs that are not highly regarded by the public, they can be a testimony of God. He encourages everyone: Your work is a position to glorify God. You don’t necessarily have to be in the church to glorify God; you must live out God’s glory in your daily life and workplace. You can be a light in your workplace, a model for others. Your secular work is your calling—your spiritual position.
Next, we see why Jesus, who knew from age 12 that He was called to do important work, waited until He was 30 to begin full-time ministry. What happened in the 18 years between age 12 and 30? Some scholars explain, “Perhaps because Joseph died early, He had to support His family.” However, we can also consider that Jesus needed to live a normal human life, so that when He began His ministry, He would be powerful and influential to those He encountered.
In His life, we see three things. First, He was a carpenter—a professional. We know that carpenters at that time specialized in making furniture and even building houses. Thus, He had a trade by which He could earn a living and support His family.
The second point is that He cared for His siblings. As the eldest and the big brother, He took good care of His family. After His father was no longer around, He assumed the role of the head of the family and ensured that His siblings were well cared for. We see that later on, His siblings grew up well because their eldest brother fulfilled his responsibilities.
Moreover, He experienced an ordinary human life. He struggled and went through all the hardships that ordinary people face. He was not very rich, nor did He hold high status; He experienced deception and betrayal. Thus, Jesus truly experienced everything that each of us goes through. He can say that He understands everything about us, that He walks with us through every trial and challenge. He is not a God who is distant and unapproachable, but rather a God who came to earth—to cry, to laugh, and to experience all of life’s facets with us, as a close and compassionate God.
The second great event is Jesus’ baptism.
Why did Jesus need to be baptized? Did He have sin? Did He have a problem? No. When we consider the fact that He came to John’s side, John initially even refused Him, saying, “No, I should be baptized by You; why do You come to me?” When we understand this, we see that Jesus was not baptized because He had sin that needed cleansing, but rather He was baptized to “fulfill all righteousness.” For the sake of all people, He wanted to show that He too was baptized and became one among them.
Imagine if He had not been baptized. When He went out to preach, people would surely question, “Hey, you haven’t been baptized—how can you instruct us then?” Reflecting on this, we see that Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness, to make it as evident as possible that people should come to hear Him and stand before Him to understand what He had to say.
Many times, we also encounter the view among some Christians that studying theology is just about man-made teachings—“Is it really necessary to study theology? Can’t I simply serve God and love the Lord?” Yes, you certainly can. You won’t become more noble simply by studying theology, nor will you be diminished in status by not studying it. The position of pastors and ordinary believers is equal in the Kingdom of Heaven.
At the same time, let me offer another perspective: If a person has never studied theology and is placed on the pulpit to preach, over time they may become vulnerable to criticism. People might say, “This person has never studied theology—how can he preach effectively?” So, understanding and obtaining theological training and certification is not about gaining human recognition but addressing our human weakness. If people hear that someone has not studied theology, they may feel anxious and fearful. Imagine a doctor who has never attended medical school treating patients, or a pilot without flight training flying a plane—you can see the concern.
Even Paul, after a period of about ten years, carefully reorganized his theological understanding before going out to preach. Although he had already been one of the most outstanding students under Magalies (or a similar teacher), he continued to study, compiling all the information from the Old Testament along with the revelation he received through Jesus, and only then did he write his many important theological letters in the New Testament.
Thus, we see that Jesus’ baptism was not for the purpose of cleansing sin, but to show that He was like us; and that God, in the presence of all, declared, “This is my Son, whom I delight in!” He even opened the heavens, revealing the Holy Spirit descending like a dove upon Jesus. At that time, all who witnessed it saw that He was truly God’s Son.
Finally, we notice that the genealogy recorded in Luke differs in many ways from the genealogy recorded in Matthew. First, Matthew’s account emphasizes the Jewish perspective, so the time period is a bit different—he divides the genealogy into 14 generations and only traces it back to Abraham, the forefather of the Jews. For the Jews, knowing that Jesus was a descendant of Abraham and David was sufficient, as that was the most important aspect for them. In contrast, Luke traces the lineage all the way back to Adam in Genesis, to the son of God, Adam. Thus, he is telling us that Jesus is the Savior of all humanity, the God of all people—not limited to just the Jews, not merely a Jewish figure, but the bearer of an important message for all mankind.
Spiritual Reflection for Today:Can my workplace be a means to glorify God? How should I live out a Christian lifestyle in the workplace so that my colleagues, superiors, subordinates, and business partners can see the glory of God?
Tomorrow, we will continue reading Luke chapter 4. Thank you all for listening!
