Chorlton Central Church

Words from the Bible and images which may illuminate their meanings.

Scriptures quoted are from the Good News Bible © 1994 published by the Bible Societies/HarperCollins Publishers Ltd., UK Good News Bible © American Bible Society 1966, 1971, 1976, 1992. Used with permission.

These images were conceived by Stephen Raw, a member of our congregation, and were made as large banners by members of the South West Manchester Group of Baptist and United Reformed Chuches at a series of workshops.

Each is based on words of Jesus, recorded in the gospels.

They were originally commissioned for the 2007 General assembly of the United Reformed Church in Manchester.

Jesus describes heaven as a party; and incidentally makes it clear that social status in this life will become irrelevant ...

"People will come from the East and the west, from the North and the South, and sit down at the feast in the Kingdom of God. Then those who are now last will be first, and those who are now first will be last"

Jesus asks his followers what the crowds are saying about him ...

"Who do the crowds say I am ?" he asked them. "Some say that you are John the Baptist", they answered. "Others say that you are Elijah, while others say one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life."

"What about you ?" he asked them. "Who do you say I am ?"

Peter answered "You are God's Messiah."

Jesus gives his followers an earful for their efforts to protect him from parents wanting their children blessed ...

Some people brought their babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. The disciples saw them and scolded them for doing so, but Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Remember this! Whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it."

Jesus, aware that he is facing betrayal, imminent arrest and a rigged trial, prays for his followers ...

"I pray not only for [the disciples] but also for those who believe in me because of their message. I pray that they may all be one. Father! May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will belive that you sent me."

revised 14 07 2007