從施洗約翰的時候到如今，天國是努力進入的，努力的人就得着了。（太11：12）
這節經文很容易被人誤解，其根本原因是對“天國”（the kingdom）本身的意思不明白，中文讀者很自然把“自己”作為“天國是努力進入的”這個句子的主語，但這個句子的主語就是“天國”，意思是“天國”——神在人的內心掌權，這個過程是非常violent的，也就是老古常說的“硬拽”！！！人的free-will是要將人帶進地獄的，而神重生人在罪人內心中掌權的過程是非常強力甚至是粗暴的，不講道理的“硬拽”。而人一旦蒙恩得救被神重生了以後，他們又非常努力地得着天國，盡心、盡意、盡力做主的工作。這種人有時也很粗暴，比如老古就被瞎哄說成有點“匪氣”，時不時不由分說就揍他們PP；在看老苗，居然敢跟獅母對話，在真道上大有膽量；再看靈哥，跟誰都敢傳福音、、、
12. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom is pressing forward vigorously, and vigorous men are eagerly taking possession of it.
Truly the work of John the Baptist had not been in vain. He had pointed away from himself toward Jesus, and the crowds had followed Jesus (John 3:26). Was it not an act of kindness and magnanimity on the part of the Lord to give credit to John for what he had formerly done, and especially to extol him thus at this very time when the Baptist had given expression to his uncertainty regarding Jesus? It is true that Christ's drawing power was not dependent on John, not in the least. Nevertheless, in the providence of God and in fulfilment of prophecy John's preaching had contributed toward the result of paving the way for Christ.
The kingdom, says Jesus, ever since the days of John's first appearance upon the scene has been pressing forward vigorously, forcefully. It is doing so now, as is clear from the fact that sick are being healed, lepers cleansed, the dead raised, sinners converted to everlasting life, all this now as never before. Still, by no means everybody is entering. Many, very many, even now are refusing and resisting. But vigorous or forceful men, people who dare to break away from faulty human tradition and to return to the Word in all its purity, no matter what be the cost to themselves, such individuals are eagerly taking possession of the kingdom; that is, in their hearts and lives that kingship or reign of God and of Christ is being established.
What Jesus here emphasizes is that one cannot sleep his way into the kingdom. On the contrary, entrance into the kingdom requires earnest endeavor, untiring energy, utmost exertion. See also Luke 13:24; 16:16; John 16:33; Acts 14:22. This is true because Satan is mighty, has a large army of helpers, the demons, has learned to use crafty methods (see N.T.C. on Eph. 6:11), and receives aid and support from his fifth column established in man's very heart (1 John 2:16). Therefore it takes vigorous men, men who are eager to fight and to conquer, to overcome Satan and thus to take possession of the kingdom, of all the blessings of salvation. The kingdom, then, is not for weaklings, waverers, or compromisers. It is not for Balaam (2 Peter 2:15), the rich young ruler (Matt. 19:22), Pilate (John 19:12, 13), and Demas (2 Tim. 4:10). It is not won by means of deferred prayers, unfulfilled promises, broken resolutions, and hesitant testimonies. It is for strong and sturdy men like Joseph (Gen. 39:9), Nathan (2 Sam. 12:7), Elijah (1 Kings 18:21), Daniel and his three friends (Dan. 1:8; 3:16-18), Mordecai (Esther 3:4), the Peter of Acts 4:20, Stephen (Acts 6:8; 7:51), and Paul (Phil. 3:13, 14). And here let us not forget such valiant women as Ruth (Ruth 1:16-18), Deborah (Judg. 4:9), Esther (Esther 4:16), and Lydia (Acts 16:15, 40).
Baker New Testament Commentary - Baker New Testament Commentary – Exposition of the Gospel According to Matthew.
