Window 6a: I am the Good Shepherd

 Window 6 celebrates two of Jesus' statements about who he is -- two of the seven "I am" statements found in the gospel of John.  Each of these is a metaphorical statement:  Jesus says, I am....

• The bread of life (John 6:35)
• The light of the world (John 8:12) -- depicted in Window 6b
• The door (John 10:7)
• The good shepherd (John 10:14) -- depicted below in Window 6a
• The resurrection and the life (John 11:25)
• The way, the truth and the life (John 14:6)
• The true vine (John 15:1) -- depicted in the window borders throughout

The first panel in Window 6, at the east end of the south aisle, depicts Jesus as the Good Shepherd.  In presenting this statement about himself, Jesus says,

I am the good shepherd:  the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.  But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth:  and the wolf catcheth them and scattereth the sheep.  The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.  I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.  As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father:  and I lay down my life for the sheep  (John 10:11-15)

South Aisle, Window 6a:  
"I am the Good Shepherd" John 10:14

The depiction of Jesus in the image medallion shows us Christ with a shepherd's crook in one hand, cradling a lamb in the other.  Behind him is a fenced area (sheep fold?) with five more sheep.  

This imagery is common to the culture of Jesus' time and earlier -- the responsibilities and challenges of the shepherd were clear to his listeners, although less so today.  The shepherd was a leader, protector, and nurturer of his flock.  In making the direct comparison, Jesus is claiming this for himself; in addition, he is a GOOD shepherd (in contrast to leaders who think about themselves rather than their flock when problems arise).

In the symbol medallion, we see the entwined Greek letters "alpha" and "omega," representing another "I am" statement Jesus makes, this time in Revelation 1:8:  "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending...which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."

The two letters are the first and last of the Greek alphabet.  Shown together, they represent totality of existence; shown with Christ, they remind us that this Good Shepherd is with us always, caring, leading, and protecting his people even through the "valley of the shadow of death" so that we may "dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalm 23:4a, 6b).

Prayer:

Dear Jesus our Shepherd, thank you for your constant comfort and support as we go about our daily lives.  Be with us in times of joy and sorrow, and guide us finally to our destined home with you.  Amen.

South Aisle, Window 6:
 I am the good shepherd; I am the light of the world.

Window Dedication: 

Given in Loving Memory
of their Mother and Father, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Boor
 by Mr. and Mrs. Dale Mahlum