The J. Clarke Window.

Saint Stephen’s chapel is situated at the east end of the south choir
aisle, just beyond the iron railings, which you can see ahead of you.
This is also the entrance for the Lady Chapel, which is beyond the
high altar. If you look over the railings to the windows on your right,
and focus your attention on the second window from the altar,
this is where our tour of the south side of the cathedral begins.

This window depicts the life and works of Saint Stephen, as detailed in the Book of Acts.

The top section of the window depicts the stoning of Stephen. But why was Stephen stoned? What crime had he committed?

The bottom section of this window gives us some indication, for Stephen was an Apostle in the true sense of the word. He spoke of Jesus. He told the Good News to any who would listen. He was “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit”…. “A man full of God's grace and power,” who “did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.”

However, the Bible tells us that “Opposition arose, from members of the Synagogue.” and that “These men began to argue with Stephen.” Stephen’s knowledge of Scripture was too great for them. He told them all that had been written about Jesus in the Scriptures. He even told them that they had disobeyed the laws given to Moses by God. When Stephen looked to heaven and spoke of seeing “Heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God,” the crowd had heard enough. They dragged him outside the city, in order to stone him to death.

Stephen’s faith didn’t falter one bit. The Bible tells us that while they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," and as he fell to his knees, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

Stephen was truly a man of faith, who believed all that he had seen and heard, so much so that he was willing to die for his beliefs.

This window was erected in memory of Joshua Clarke QC, his wife and his eldest daughter, a family obviously held in high esteem by the person who dedicated this window to them.

But what about us?
How can we live up to Jesus’ expectations of us?
Are all Christians expected to die for their beliefs?

No! Of course not.

The brass plaque below the window gives us the answer. “What doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” (Micah Chapter 6, verse 8.)

That statement is as true today for Christians, as it was then for the Jews.

For those who have faith to believe and trust in Jesus Christ, behaving justly, loving mercy and walking humbly before God are all that he requires of us.

The Apostle Stephen shares the Gospel message to all who would listen