Mt. Calvary, La Grange, TX recently dedicated two new banners featuring the Four Evangelists’ symbols and other rice, ancient imagery. The new banners come from Ad Crucem in Aurora, CO.
Both banners display a cruciform orphrey braid design (the same cross shaped image that we find on our funeral pall). This cross shape draws our eyes to the central image of the triumphant Lamb of God. The Lamb of God, as an image of Jesus, is used heavily in St. John’s gospel and also the Revelation. The purpose of the Gospels, the Prophets, and the sacraments is to bring Jesus’s forgiveness to us.
The triumphant Lamb of God is often depicted with a wounded side. This reminds us of Jesus’s mortal wounds in the crucifixion; the Lamb who was slain and yet, He lives. He also carries a cross-topped war banner standard, flying the victorious battle banner. The particular halo around His head is only used for God, Himself.
The lectern side features St. Matthew and St. Luke as well as the names of Isaiah and Jeremiah. At its top we find this scripture reference: I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17) This is the proclamation of the Christian faith. We preach it, the gospel of forgiveness of sins in Jesus, that all may hear and believe.
The images of the four evangelists are ancient depictions. The church has used them since at least the 4th century, though earlier examples also exist. They encapsulate the unique themes of the Gospel, as recorded by each inspired writer. The symbols of each often bear wings. This to connect our minds between the Evangelists and the four living, winged creatures discussed in both Daniel and Revelation.
We see Matthew depicted as a winged man. The Gospel according to Matthew begins with a lengthy genealogy. St. Matthew draws our attention to the humanity and prophetic work of Jesus, throughout His ministry on Earth. Matthew’s focus gives us the image of the winged man, which is his symbol.
Luke is depicted as a winged ox or bull. The Gospel according to St. Luke focuses heavily on the priestly work and sacrificial death of Jesus. Even in the birth narrative, the temple and sacrificial activity take a front seat. Luke’s narrative focus gives us the image of the winged sacrificial bull or ox, which is his symbol.
At the bottom of the lectern side banner, we read: Isaiah & Jeremiah. These prophets of the Old Testament are also gospel preachers. We don’t always think that way about them. But, the prophets preach repentance to the wayward people. They also preach the restoration of the people, all peoples, in the coming Messiah.
St. Isaiah gives us much of the language we use in our Advent hymns. His huge prophetic work is dripping with Gospel promises in the unnamed Messiah to come. He also gives us the language we hear out of the mouth of St. John, the Baptizer, a voice crying in the wilderness.
St. Jeremiah also preaches to the hopeless, unfaithful people of Israel. His strong themes of terrifying judgement run deeply in the prophecy. His bold promises of grace for those called by faith are a prophecy of hope and restoration. We don’t expect to find Law-Gospel preaching in the Old Testament. Yet, there it is, big as Dallas. And, it’s been there all along.
The pulpit side features St. John and St. Mark as well as the names of Ezekiel and Daniel. At the top we find this scripture reference: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30) This Gospel proclamation of Jesus work for us reminds us that His work of our salvation is complete.
We find John in the image of the eagle. The Gospel according to St. John is given from a 10,000-foot perspective. It soars in the heavens. John focuses on Jesus’ divinity. John begins by tying Jesus to the creation in Genesis 1:1. And, he concludes Revelation by taking us into the Resurrection on the last day. His Gospel themes of light, grace, truth, and God’s love for us drive the narrative.
Looking at Mark, we see the winged lion. The Gospel according to St. Mark dwells upon the Kingship of Jesus. The lion as a symbol of both the Israelite tribe of Judah and Mark is fitting. Mark drives more quickly than the other evangelists. Writing very late, he seems to be writing in a way that recapitulates the stories you know already. But, he brings us details we may have missed along the way.
The names of the prophets, Ezekiel and Daniel grace the bottom of the pulpit side banner. These prophets also preach repentance and restoration in the Messiah to come.
St. Ezekiel shares visions of God justifying His people and keeping His promises in the Messiah. He also gives us a spectacular image of the resurrection in chapter 37. The valley of dry bones, where the voice of the prophet commanded by God causes the bones to come together. Flesh comes upon those bones, and breath returns to them. No, the resurrection isn’t a symbolic, spiritual thing.
St. Daniel is both historian and prophet. He’s the source of several vivid depictions of the Babylonian captivity. The fiery furnace and the lion’s den are two such Sunday school stories. He also gives us the language of “one like the Son of Man.” And, we get the image of the “Ancient of Days” giving His saints the eternal kingdom.
Both banners display Prayer, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper symbols between the Evangelists’ icons and the triumphant lamb. The lamp of prayer is God’s command for us and His promise to hear us. The shell of Baptism reminds us of the Gospel of the forgiveness delivered to us in Holy Baptism. The chalice and host of the Lord’s Supper shows us that same forgiveness delivered in Jesus’s body and blood for the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.
These Four Evangelists banners teach us so much about the Gospel given to us by the Prophets and the Evangelists. And, they show us Jesus, the Lamb of God at their center, delivered to us in the means of grace by God’s institution and command.
Blessèd be the Lord!
Rev. Jason M. Kaspar
Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church & Preschool
La Grange, TX
©2020 Jason Kaspar. All rights reserved. Permission granted to copy, share and display freely for non-commercial purposes. Direct all other rights and permissions inquiries to cosmithb@gmail.com.
too bad w couldn’t have pictures
Gerry, Thanks for commenting. The words “four evangelists” in the first paragraph are a link. That link will take you to the product page for Ad Crucem. There are several great photos there.