05/18/2020
" The Desire of Ages " by Ellen G. White
歷代願望 - 尼哥底母 " Nicodemus "
对耶稣所讲重生的比喻,尼哥底母并不陌生。犹太人往往将悔改相信犹太教的异教徒比作初生的婴孩。所以,尼哥底母理应明白耶稣的话不是照字面解释的。然而,因他生来就是以色列人,就自以为必是在上帝国里有份的。他觉得自己无需改变,难怪听到救主的话就惊奇。这些话是那么切合地用在他身上,使他起了反感。法利赛人的骄傲和寻求真理的诚意在他心里发生了矛盾。他希奇基督为什么不尊重他作为以色列官长的地位,而竟这样对他说话。 {DA 171.3}
The figure of the new birth, which Jesus had used, was not wholly unfamiliar to Nicodemus. Converts from heathenism to the faith of Israel were often compared to children just born. Therefore he must have perceived that the words of Christ were not to be taken in a literal sense. But by virtue of his birth as an Israelite he regarded himself as sure of a place in the kingdom of God. He felt that he needed no change. Hence his surprise at the Saviour’s words. He was irritated by their close application to himself. The pride of the Pharisee was struggling against the honest desire of the seeker after truth. He wondered that Christ should speak to him as He did, not respecting his position as ruler in Israel. {DA 171.3}