Embedded Files
Image: the 'King David' confessional.
You will find answers to the following questions:
How does the design help cross the threshold of confession?
Who was John the Baptist?
Why was John the Baptist a sign of hope?
How does the memory of John help with a new beginning?
How did John know that forgiveness is possible?
1. How does the design help cross the threshold of confession?
The design of the wooden confessional helps to cross the threshold in two ways: through the central image and through the striking, Old Dutch texts surrounding it.
First: The image invites honesty. In the center, between the two doors, stands a wooden statue of John the Baptist approximately one meter tall. There are no large scenes carved here of his baptism or his beheading; the artwork focuses purely on his figure. John stands there as if he is personally waiting for you. His posture radiates the message he cried out in the desert at the time: "Make the winding paths straight." He reminds the visitor that faith begins with honesty. Being sincere, especially when the threshold feels high.
Second: The texts promise liberation. Around the image, two historical texts influence the visitor. They show what confession does to you.
In the top left corner stands the poignant call: "Bear worthy fruits of penance." This means: take action, turn around, and improve your life. Immediately to the right above the arch stands the redeeming answer: "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world."
With this combination, John makes it clear that while God does indeed ask for a change of heart, He never leaves you alone. With Jesus, God does not come to punish, but to take away your burden. The Old Dutch texts promise the visitor very concretely: whoever crosses the threshold awaits the liberation of a clean slate on the other side.
2. Who was John the baptist
2. Who was John the baptist
The statue on the confessional
The wooden statue in the center focuses purely on the person of John himself. He stands there powerful and fearless, without distracting background details. Your point of recognition is the striking imagery: in one hand he holds a gold-colored plate with a lamb on it, while with his other hand he emphatically points to this lamb. This gesture aligns seamlessly with the Old Dutch text in the upper right; John does not demand attention for himself, but directs the passerby's gaze directly to the Solution.
His unique calling
John was the son of the priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth. They had him at an advanced age, after an angel had announced his birth. John grew up in the desert, lived a simple life, and wore a camel hair cloak. He had a unique, divine calling: he was the forerunner of the Messiah, the savior from the lineage of King David. His task was to prepare the people for the coming of Jesus. He did this by speaking the truth without regard for persons, which ultimately cost him his life when he was beheaded on the orders of King Herod Antipas.
3. Why was John the Baptist a sign of hope?
3. Why was John the Baptist a sign of hope?
John gave people hope for a new beginning. This is directly evident from his ministry, which we can understand in three ways:
First: There is a way out of the crisis. John was very strict about pretense. He warns that the axe is already at the root of the trees. But at the same time, he offered a concrete way out for everyone who is stuck. Through his call: "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near," he showed that your life can change. Right now. The entire Jordan region was baptized at the time and confessed their sins. The water was the proof: you can leave your past behind.
Second: God Himself comes to you. John was the voice in the wilderness promised by the prophet Isaiah. He honestly said that he himself baptized only with water, but that Someone was coming after him who is much stronger. That message gives courage: the Solution is approaching. You do not have to do it alone. God comes to man and baptizes you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Thirdly: Sin is truly taken away. The greatest sign of hope are the crucial words John spoke about Jesus: "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." The heavy burden of the past is taken away. Not by your hard works, but by Him. At that moment, heaven opened. The chasm between God and man was closed forever.
That is why John stands here in the middle of this confessional: he does not point to the problem, but he points to the Solution.
4. How does the memory of John help with a new beginning?
John does not stand between the doors to block the way, but to help you cross the threshold. The memory of his life and words can be a powerful support for taking the step toward confession. His memory does this in three ways:
First: He reminds you that a spotless past is not necessary. At the time, John focused precisely on strays and doubters who were stuck. His memory tells you that you do not have to be perfect to knock here. The turn towards the good can begin now; you do not have to wait until you have everything in order.
Second: He inspires the courage to be honest. John lived radically and sincerely. His memory challenges you to leave pretense behind and face the truth about yourself. Being honest about your mistakes requires courage, but it is the only way to a truly new beginning.
Third: He points away from himself. John claims no power and does not hold you bound to him. He said about Jesus: "He must become greater, but I must become smaller." You find exactly that same attitude in the confessional. The memory of John reminds you that it is not about the person of the priest. The priest, just like John, merely clears the way so that you can directly receive your clean slate from God.
5. John knew that forgiveness was possible. Why?
John drew his absolute certainty about forgiveness from two sources: Holy Scripture and his own personal encounters.
First: He knew the promise of the prophets. John knew that his work was not an empty ritual. He knew the age-old promises of the prophets Isaiah and Elijah. They had always maintained that God would not abandon his people, but that a time of restoration and forgiveness would come. John knew: that promised time has now arrived.
Second: He had a clear commission from God. John did not act of his own accord, but as an official messenger. He said: "He who sent me to baptize had told me..." God sent him to the water with a specific purpose: to give people the opportunity to deal with their sins. Baptism was tangible proof that God was open to forgiveness. Just like the priest today, John did not speak of his own accord, but on commission.
Thirdly: The turning point was the encounter with Jesus. John knew that forgiveness ultimately did not come from the water of the river, but from God himself. When he saw Jesus coming toward him, the promise became tangible reality. His own words are the ultimate proof of this: "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." John knew that forgiveness was possible because he stood face to face with the One who came to bring that forgiveness personally.
Practical information
Are you facing a threshold yourself today, or are you considering a new beginning? The memory of John invites you to take the step. In this church, there is a regular opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation (confession). Feel free to walk in or check the current times when a priest is present here.
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