Christian Stained Glass Windows: The Good Shepherd

June 6, 2011

The Parable of the Good Shepherd in Stained Glass

Jesus Christ is known by many names, including the Messiah, the Light of the World, and the King of the Jews. In the Bible, Jesus also compares Himself to a shepherd. The notion that the Savior watches over the faithful as a shepherd would his innocent and humble sheep has inspired some of the most glorious works of Catholic stained glass of our time. Pictorial stained glass windows showing Jesus in His self-described role as the Good Shepherd can be both an educational tool illustrating one of the Parables of Christ and a comforting sight. Art glass windows frequently show Jesus carrying a lamb on His shoulders or cradling one in His arms, a representation of how Jesus protects His flock that is comprised of faithful Christians the world over.

Jesus is depicted in this stained glass artwork as the Good Shepherd caring for His sheep.

Christ as the Good Shepherd

The Story of The Good Shepherd

The image of Christ as The Good Shepherd is found in all four Gospels, but most are familiar with the reference and the parable that appears in the Gospel of John. First, Jesus tells the disciples that His sheep know who He is, saying: “the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.” He describes those that came before Him as “thieves and robbers,” and makes it clear that it is only through Him that those who dwell on Earth can find salvation. Finally, He describes Himself as The Good Shepherd, and proclaims His love in a manner that is both accessible and moving. In just a few lines, Jesus tells His disciples (and us) that He knows His sheep and is willing to lay down His life for them. He will never desert them in times of danger and doubt as a hired hand would.

The theme of The Good Shepherd is also the subject of Psalm 23. Even those who do not attend church regularly are likely familiar with at least some of this famous piece of writing, as it has appeared in films as well as sermons. The first sentence of the psalm is: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Subsequent lines describe the many blessings granted by the Lord to His followers: restoring their souls, leading them along the right path, granting them everlasting life in the Lord’s house, and comforting them with His “rod and staff.” Catholic stained glass showing Jesus watching over His sheep can be enhanced with text from this psalm or the section of the Gospel of John described above.