今天的經文中，有一段講台上很少提及的部分。我們可能聽過一些信息，講到耶穌差遣門徒出去，要他們不要帶「錢囊、口袋、或鞋」──信息的重點都強調：我們要倚靠上帝。事實上，大多數人都相信，如果上帝呼召並差遣你出去，你可以完全信賴祂，不需要操心錢，也不需要多帶一件衣服，或多帶一雙愛迪達球鞋。一般忠信之徒，對這個原則的反應都是「阿們！」

        但，且等一等！就在門徒高興他們第一次身無長物的出去事奉，並沒有缺衣少食之後，耶穌告訴他們，現在原則改了。祂說：「但，如今有錢囊的可以帶著，有口袋的也可以帶著；沒有刀的要賣衣服買刀。」（36節）耶穌是叫祂的門徒將他們的外套賣了，去買一把武器嗎？在耶穌眼中，被敵人攻擊時，保衛自己比穿衣禦寒更重要嗎？這麼說的話，我們是否也需要錢和手提箱呢？

        耶穌到底是什麼意思？耶穌的意思是：世界仍是很現實的，不要掉以輕心。不錯，耶穌已經教導過門徒完全順服，和完全信靠祂供應的功課。現在祂則強調我們可以藉著良好計劃和妥善安排，來扮演與祂互補的角色。耶穌向我們表明，我們有責任協助我們的天父，和為祂服役的天使，來維護我們肉身的安全。耶穌要我們像小孩一樣順服──而不是像小孩一樣幼稚。

        天父，當我們學習一方面倚賴您的供應，一方面負起我們個人的責任時，求您幫助我們能忠心的像耶穌一樣祈禱：「然而，不要成就我的意思，只求成就您的意思。」奉主耶穌基督聖名，阿們！

English

        Here’s a passage of scripture that has been remarkably silent over the years. At least in sermons, that is. We have probably heard a few sermons on Jesus sending out the disciples without “purse, bag, or sandals” – the point of our dependency on God was well made in all of them. In fact, the party line has been that if God calls you and sends you out, you can rely totally on Him and have no need of money, extra clothing, or a second pair of Adidas. And the stock response from the faithful, as this principle is preached, is, “Amen!”

        But wait a minute! After the disciples affirm that they had no need the first time they were out there ministering without material resources, Jesus now tells them the rules have changed. “But now”, have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” (v.36 NIV). Jesus is telling His disciples to buy a sword, and to sell their overcoat to get one? You mean defending yourself against an attack is more important in Jesus’ eyes than defending yourself against the elements, and you need money and a suitcase as well? Where did you say that reference was again?

        What’s going on here? The real world, that’s what. Jesus had already taught His disciples the lesson of complete submission to His will and total dependence upon His provision. Now. He was stressing the complementary role we can play in our ministries by good planning and responsible management. What’s more, He was showing us that, as far as our physical safety is concerned, there are some “executive responsibilities” we have in assisting our heavenly Father and His ministering angels in this business of staying alive. Jesus wants us to be childlike – not childish.

        Father, as we learn both dependency on Your provision and our personal responsibilities, enable us to faithfully pray as Jesus taught us in this chapter, “Nevertheless, not my will but Yours be done.”