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1021 University Ave., Madison, Wisconsin 53715, Phone (608)258-3160

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Christ's Passion in Tapestry

Crucifixion tapestry

The Crucifixion

The Lenten tapestries in the chancel of Luther Memorial Church are rich in details that tell the story of Christ's trial and execution.

Tapestry--Christ before Pilate

Christ on trial before Pilate

Wash basin detail

So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, "I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves."--Matthew 27:24 (RSV)

So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his won cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgatha. There they crucified him...--John 19:17-18 (RSV)

Skull detail

INRI

Pilate also wrote a title and put it on the cross; it read, "Jesus of Nazareth, the king of the Jews."--John 19:19 (RSV)

Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews

In the Garden of Eden after the serpent tempted Adam and Eve to sin, God said to the serpent, I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel. --Genesis 3:15 (RSV)

Serpent detail

The scripture has been fulfilled!

Rounded crosses around the large figures have more symbols of the passion.
Four of them are shown below.

Chalice and passion cross

The chalice and passion cross (with pointed ends) symbolizes Christ's obedient suffering and the agony of his passion.

Ladder and palm branches

The ladder is an instrument used in the crucifixion. Palm branches are symbols of victory.

Three nails

Nails also are instruments of the crucifixion. There are three nails, reminding us that Christ is a member of the Trinity.

Coat and dice

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus they took his garments and made four parts, one for each soldier. But his tunic was without seam, woven from top to bottom; so they said to one another, "Let us cast lots for it to see whose it shall be." This was to fulfill the scripture: "They parted my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots."--John 19:23-24 (RSV)