Window 9a: Jesus at Gethsemane

Window 9 recalls events from Maundy Thursday -- Christ at prayer in that garden at Gethsemene and The Last Supper.  If these window panels were installed following the timeline presented in the gospels, the Last Supper should come first, then Gethsemane.  However, the order is reversed in this installation.  The reversal is intentional, since the company signature is in the same place as the other windows -- the lower right corner of the right panel. 

 One might ponder why this reversal:  is it forced by artistic concerns?  In panel 9a, Jesus is looking toward the right (the center of the two panels) and, therefore, "forward" toward his crucifixion.  If the panels were reversed and Jesus were inverted to maintain the visual balance of the window, he would look away/backwards.  If the panels were reversed and Jesus remained looking to the right, the window loses its visual cohesion.  Perhaps this consideration motivated the designer.

Window 9a:  "My father, thy will
be done" (Matthew 26:42)

In Window 9a, we see Jesus in the image medallion, at prayer.  He is being visited by an angel standing on a cloud who holds out a cup; at his back is a branch with two yellow roses.

The fact that the color sequence allowed this particular set of panels to have the red background emphasizes the heightened emotion of the scene:  the KJV calls this "His agony in the garden," and the artists have made use of the red color to help us feel the passion of the event. 

Christ is praying for direction, courage, and the angel holds out a cup, following the metaphor Christ uses in his prayer, "If it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will but as thou wilt" (Matt 26:39), and later, "If this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, they will be done" (Matt 26:42).

The yellow roses are problematic -- in Window 7a, I suggested they stand for charity, compassion, or healing. Here they stand almost like a staff behind Jesus -- is this meant to remind us that Jesus' passion was supported by his compassion for us?  Just as the Samaritan in Window 7a stops his journey to help the man fallen among thieves, so Jesus kneels here at a crossroad and chooses to go forward in God's will, toward a sacrifice that will result in the salvation of sinners.

In the symbol medallion, we see the crown of thorns surrounding three nails.  This symbol reminds us of Christ's passion and sacrifice for our sins, with the crown of thorns marking the world's rejection of Christ's authority, and the three nails symbolizing his crucifixion.  This is the metaphorical "cup" that Jesus accepts as he prays in Gethsemane and prepares for the final events of his earthly life.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for your compassion for us, sinners and unworthy as we are before God.  Help us recognize in your passion the selfless love you have for all people, that you would give your life for us while we are still sinners.  Lead us to lives that honor of your sacrifice, that we may someday be with you in paradise.  Amen.

 

Window 9:  Gethsemane; the Last Supper

Window Dedication:

This window given in tribute to
the Reverend R. A. Ofstedal and Family  
whose enthusiasm and inspired leadership
brought this house of God into being.