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Peter Window For about three years, Jesus traveled around Galilee and Judea, teaching and healing. His lessons and miracles are beautiful and significant in themselves, but collectively they point to Jesus’ identity as the Messiah who was to come. Toward the end of his ministry, Jesus took his closest disciples up a high mountain and was transfigured before them. Moses and Elijah (representing all the Law and the Prophets) appeared and bore witness that he was the Messiah, and his divinity was explicitly revealed. After this, Jesus turned toward Jerusalem to fulfill the unexpected purpose for which he, the Messiah, had come. As part of Jesus’ inner circle of disciples, Simon recognized who Jesus was. It was he who, faced with the question of Jesus’ identity, declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” For this Jesus gave him the name Peter (rock). But Peter thought the Messiah was to free the Jews from Roman rule. When Jesus began to speak of his suffering and death, Peter refused to accept it. None of the disciples understood that the Messiah would be a “suffering servant,” though Jesus told them that he came to serve and to give his life. Jesus explained this again the night before his crucifixion by washing his disciples’ feet, setting an example of service as they ate their last supper together. At first Peter refused, not wanting Jesus to humble himself; but when Jesus explained that he must be washed to be part of him, Peter consented wholeheartedly. After the resurrection, Peter finally understood, accepting Jesus’ invitation to serve his flock. On the day of Pentecost he was filled with the Holy Spirit, and through his bold and inspired preaching the Church was born. Peter traveled extensively to spread the Story of Jesus Christ, eventually going to Rome, where he was martyred about A.D. 64, following his Master’s example to the end. The Story in the windows moves quickly forward to Jesus’ last days, reflecting the pattern of the Gospels, which see Jesus’ ultimate significance in the events of his final hours. The scene occurs immediately before the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. Jesus’ act of humility prefigures the crucifixion, and shows the disciples that they also must humbly serve.
Like Stars Appearing: The Story of the Stained Glass
Windows of St. George's Episcopal Church, Dayton, Ohio | |||
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