Window 2

Moving from back to front on the south side of the nave, the first set of three windows pictures the three basic truths of the Christian faith.  They are salvation by grace alone, by God’s Word alone, and by faith alone.

The window at the right illustrates our Lord’s Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, Matthew 20:1-16.  Early in the morning, the vineyard owner began hiring men idle in the marketplace at a fixed amount of pay for a day’s work.  Later, more jobless men were hired, some an hour before the workday was done.  Yet, at day’s end he paid all workers the same wages.  When those hired first began to grumble at this generosity, they were told it was the owner’s right to do as he pleased with his money.  They should be grateful for having been given work in the vineyard and should not expect pay on the basis of their time and exertion.  So let them take their money and leave.  The wages he gives are a reward of his grace, not of their work.  In this masterful way Jesus, with a story, taught salvation by grace alone.

In the window the grape vine represents the vineyard.  It is supported by a pole in the shape of a cross as a reminder that the vineyard was prepared by the suffering and death of Jesus.  Under the vine are various tools – wheelbarrow, rake, hoe, and shovel – which illustrate the privilege to serve Jesus by working in the vineyard.  At the top of the picture, the open hand represents God’s free gift to the laborers who had not done a full day’s work. By the owner’s generosity they received a full day’s wages, the wreath of their heavenly reward by grace alone.  At the base of the window, the other hand calls attention to what the vineyard owner told those who labored all day long and expected to be paid more for their full day’s work.  They are told to take their money and be gone  Their works do not merit his gracious reward.  The thief on the cross who came to faith just before death is an example of the one-hour workers.  The Pharisee who expected God’s favor on the basis of his good life is an example of the day-long workers.  Salvation is by grace alone.