Mid-Week Lenten Vespers, 2020
Pastor Gregory L. Jackson
I AM - The Light of the World
The Prayers and Lord’s Prayer p. 44
The Collect for
Peace p. 45
The
Benediction p. 45
- Pastor and Mrs. Palangyos' daughter Jeshra is being treated for seizures.
- Treatment and recovery - Rush Limbaugh, Kermit Way, Christina Jackson. Her radiation is done and some new options may be available. Recovery - John Hicks.
- In the last stage of cancer and heart disease - Tom Fulcher, Diane Popp's brother-in-law.
- Surgery - Randy Anderson, Andrea's father.
- Two brothers, both with health issues.
- Pray for our country as the major trials begin.
- Thanksgiving - Glen Kotten is doing well, Pastor Shrader is clear on his scans.
- Wednesdays are Vespers at 7 PM, followed by The Gospel of John in Greek, starting slowly for newcomers.
- Bethany Philippines Mission - more materials were brought to the site.
I AM - The Light of the World
John 8: 12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
12 παλιν ουν ο ιησους αυτοις, ελαλησεν, λεγων "εγω ειμι το φως του κοσμου. ο ακολουθων εμοι ου μη περιπατησει εν τη σκοτια, αλλ εξει το φως της ζωης."
13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true.
14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
I AM is the revealed Name of God (Exodus 3). People tend to read the I AM sermons with the emphasis on the second part. In reality, the second part is much stronger with this understanding - I AM, The Light of the World.
People call upon the names of pagan gods, but that is useless. There is no one to answer to those names. Those who know the true Name of God and the character of God are those to whom the Holy Spirit has revealed it.
As I have often said, the Gospel of John emphasizes the divinity of Christ, His close relationship to the Father, and the importance of faith in Him. The Holy Spirit is not neglected at all, but we have sermons on the work of the Holy Spirit - from Jesus, in John. Thus we have a special book on the Holy Trinity.
Between Exodus 3 and John 1 and 8, we have the clear teaching that Jesus' Name is I AM, that He existed before the Creation and is the Creating Word, the Logos, of Genesis 1.
Here is a very important insight from Luther about light. God created light before the sun and stars, so they are not the source of light (and truth) but God alone is.
I wonder how many generations in Judaism wondered about Creation. Why is there light before there was a source for light in Genesis 1?
This revealed fact teaches us that Jesus as the Light of the World is Truth itself. Darkness is the absence of light, and nothing thrives in pure darkness. Moreover, we cannot do anything well without light. We cannot move safely in pitch black. We cannot grow anything useful. We cannot tell one object from another or enjoy what God has given us.
The experience of light and darkness also informs us about truth and falsehood. Christ is Truth itself. The Pharisees did not like this and tried to equate Jesus with their own nature. He should not witness about Himself. But who could witness to God Incarnate? They had a chance to see and hear Him, to see His miracles, but they still found reason to object to Him.
Second Greek Lesson
ΚΑΤΑ ΙΩΑΝΝΗΝ 1 1550 Stephanus New Testament (TR1550)
1 εν αρχη ην ο λογος και ο λογος ην προς τον θεον και θεος ην ο λογος
2 ουτος ην εν αρχη προς τον θεον
3 παντα δι αυτου εγενετο και χωρις αυτου εγενετο ουδε εν ο γεγονεν
4 εν αυτω ζωη ην και η ζωη ην το φως των ανθρωπων
5 και το φως εν τη σκοτια φαινει και η σκοτια αυτο ου κατελαβεν
ην - six times, was, 3 person s. imperf.
red indicates base for English words
Basic rules for translating:
1. Do not have an English Bible open.
2. Look for words you know - this list will grow.
3. Never write in any English words - that decreases the words we know.
4. Read passages out loud to grow familiar with the words.
5. Study some Greek each day.
6. Use Paine. Paine and Greek go together.
6 εγενετο ανθρωπος απεσταλμενος παρα θεου ονομα αυτω ιωαννης
7 ουτος ηλθεν εις μαρτυριαν ινα μαρτυρηση περι του φωτος ινα παντες πιστευσωσιν δι αυτου
8 ουκ ην εκεινος το φως αλλ ινα μαρτυρηση περι του φωτος
9 ην το φως το αληθινον ο φωτιζει παντα ανθρωπον ερχομενον εις τον κοσμον
10 εν τω κοσμω ην και ο κοσμος δι αυτου εγενετο και ο κοσμος αυτον ουκ εγνω
