Every day hundreds of people walk past a statue in Glasgow without even noticing it. Infact, many would be shocked to realise they’ve missed it and knew nothing about it’s presence.
The life sized sculpture is of a homeless man sleeping on a bench. Created by Timothy Schmalz a Canadian artist who was inspired when he saw a homeless person in Toronto.
He has several of these sculptures throughout the world and contacted Glasgow priest Father Willy Slavin. He in turn brought the idea to Glasgow Churches Together who managed to raise £25,000 to bring this sculpture’s profound message to the city.
Although there are no facial features on the statue onlookers can see the wounds on the feet implying it is Jesus. The correct name for this piece of art is Matthew 25 from the gospel of Matthew. ‘Truly I tell you whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’.
Incidentally permission to install a similar version of this statue on a pavement outside a Westminster church in London was refused by the council.
Know Before You Go
The sculpture is behind St George Church on Nelson Mandela Place just off Buchanan Street. Blink and you'll miss it.
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