3. In Jesus’ illustration of the vine and the Christian, who is the gardener? John 15:1.
NOTE: ‘As Jesus was on his way to Gethsemane with His disciples, He pointed them to a vine that was growing by the way. The vine was greatly admired by the Jews, and Jesus said to His disciples, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away.” Here is a truth for us to study. “Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away.” We now have an opportunity to be fruit-bearing branches of the True Vine; but if we are careless and indifferent, what will be our condition? We shall be fruitless; we shall be taken away.’ Review & Herald, March 25, 1890.
4. Who is represented by the Vine? John 15:1.
NOTE: “I am the true Vine,” He says. Instead of choosing the graceful palm, the lofty cedar, or the strong oak, Jesus takes the vine with its clinging tendrils to represent Himself. The palm tree, the cedar, and the oak stand alone. They require no support. But the vine entwines about the trellis, and thus climbs heavenward. So Christ in His humanity was dependent upon divine power. “I can of Mine own self do nothing,” He declared. John 5:30.’ Desire of Ages, page 674.