There are many stained glass windows that add beauty and richness to the Calvary sanctuary. They bring light and color into the building as well as reminders of the stories and teachings of the Bible. While the larger windows are high on the walls, there are eight smaller windows found at eye level along the side alcoves. Four of the windows illustrate a parable and four depict a moment in Jesus’ ministry.
I thought I would use this space to share a photograph and a few words about each of these windows. The first one is located at the front of the sanctuary on the pulpit side. It depicts the sower who went out to sow seeds.
The Parable of the Sower (sometimes called the Parable of the Soils) is a parable of Jesus found in Matthew 13:1–23, Mark 4:1–20, and Luke 8:4–15. The parable is given along with an interpretation Jesus offers to his disciples. It talks about how the Word of God is received in different ways by different people. Sometimes the word is heard but soon forgotten, sometimes it meets with opposition, and sometimes it takes root and grows and produces a great effect. The disciples would clearly see how in various ways Jesus message was like the seed.
The parable invites us to consider what impact the gospel will have on us and on others who hear it. How will we respond and what will be the consequences that follow? I like how this window is closest to the pulpit, for it reminds the preacher of the importance of the task of preaching.
Matthew 13: 3-9 (Common English Bible)
3 He said many things to them in parables: “A farmer went out to scatter seed. 4 As he was scattering seed, some fell on the path, and birds came and ate it. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground where the soil was shallow. They sprouted immediately because the soil wasn’t deep. 6 But when the sun came up, it scorched the plants, and they dried up because they had no roots. 7 Other seed fell among thorny plants. The thorny plants grew and choked them. 8 Other seed fell on good soil and bore fruit, in one case a yield of one hundred to one, in another case a yield of sixty to one, and in another case a yield of thirty to one. 9 Everyone who has ears should pay attention.”