WINDOWS OF ASBURY

1. The focus of and central to this window is the risen Jesus Christ, and behind Him, is the empty cross. John 3:36... Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, . . .

2. At the top is the dove, symbolic of the Holy Spirit. John 14:16 . . . He will give you another Counselor (the Holy Spirit) to be with you forever - the Spirit of Truth.

3. Beside Christ's head, to the left is the Greek letter Alpha and on the right is Omega. Revelation 22:13... I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

4. Jesus' right hand is reaching out to say, "come to me". Matthew 11:28... "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."   Note that all the people on the right side, at his feet, are coming toward Him.

5. Jesus' left hand is pointing to say "go". Matthew 28:19... Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, . . . Note that all the people on the left side, at His feet, are going from Him into all the world.

6. Jesus is standing upon a yoke.   Matthew 11:29... Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

7. The three crosses at the bottom show that Jesus was crucified between two thieves, while the cross that is empty testifies to the resurrection.  Mark 15:27... They crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left.

8. Just to the right of the three crosses can be seen "The Lamb of God" (Jesus Christ) emerging from the empty tomb, bearing aloft the banner of the victory of life over death.

9. The symbols around the edge and bottom of the window are the symbols that represent the 12 Apostles, after Judas was replaced.   They are:

Peter - the keys of the kingdom of Heaven given to him by Jesus.

James - the pilgrim's staff and wallet because he combined the missionary spirit with courage and forgiveness.

John - the chalice with the serpent emerging refers to an ancient legend that his enemies sought to kill him by poisoning the communion wine, but he miraculously escaped when he saw a serpent crawl out of the cup.

Andrew - crossed fish, because this fisherman was crucified on an X-shaped cross.

Philip - a basket and tau cross, refer to his comment when Jesus miraculously fed the five thousand.

Bartholomew - three flaying knives with which he was murdered.

Thomas - a leather girdle and stones referring to a miraculous vision of the Virgin Mary and his having been stoned in India.

James the less - a windmill from which he was thrown.

Matthew - the three purses refer to his original calling of tax collecting.

Jude - a ship recalls many missionary journeys.

Simon - a battle ax, oars and fish refer to his voyages with Jude and to his beheading.

Matthias - (took Judas’ place) - a book and a halberd, he is thought to have been beheaded after his missionary work in Judea.