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Chapter 21
18-20 (
Mark 11:12-14
). Fruit-bearing Branches
—The Lord
was hungry. He represented a people hungering for fruit that they
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ought to have had, but did not receive from an apparently flourishing
fig tree. The spiritual necessities were not supplied to satisfy the
people whom Christ had pledged His life to save by His grace and
righteousness.
When the Lord is with the people who have knowledge and
advantages in spiritual enlightenment, and when they impart that
which they have received from God, they are fruit-bearing branches.
They receive God’s rich blessing, and are producers of fruit. As a
sure result, in the hand of God and under the influence of the Holy
Spirit they are mighty men. Constantly they represent before the
world the great goodness of God, not only in spiritual lines, but in
temporal lines as well. They shall prevail; for of a truth God is with
them (
Manuscript 65, 1912
).
28-31. Nothing to Commend
—Christ did not condemn the first
son for refusing the command. At the same time He did not com-
mend him. The class who act the part of the son who said, “I will
not,” deserve no credit for holding the position they do. This open
frankness is not to be commended as a virtue. This openness of
character, sanctified by truth and holiness will make bold witnesses
for Christ; but used as it is by the sinner it is insulting and defiant,
and approaches to blasphemy. Because a man is not a hypocrite he
is none the less a sinner. When the appeals of the Holy Spirit come
to the heart our only safety lies in responding to them without delay
(
Manuscript 127, 1899
).
More Than a Promise Is Needed
—The history of Israel as
presented in this parable should be studied by all who would practice
the teachings of Christ. The vineyard represents the church. The two
sons are the two classes of men and women in the world. The Lord
calls every member of His church to work in His vineyard. We are
to understand our relation to Christ. Christ must abide in our hearts
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