The Gospel Beyond Stained Glass

John 19:20 · Witnesses: Encountering Jesus When It Matters Most

“Many Jews read this sign, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city and it was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek.” — John 19:20 (CEB)

Three languages. Pilate made sure everyone could read it—locals, officials, travelers. Nobody was excluded from the message.

This is how truth works best: not locked in a single language that only insiders understand, but translated into the words people already speak. John Wesley grasped this when he left the church building to preach in coal fields. The gospel was never meant to be kept behind stained glass. It belongs in the language of everyday life.

God of every language, teach us to translate your grace into words and actions our neighbors understand. Break us free from insider language. Through Christ we pray, Amen.