John 20:15

John 20:15

Christ the Gardener

The mistake which Mary made in supposing Jesus to be the gardener, will suggest some profitable thoughts for Eastertide. "The time being spring," as good Bishop Andrews remarks in his sweet, quaint way, "and the place a garden, Christ's appearing as a gardener has some propriety about it." In one sense, as St. Gregory said, Christ may well be called a gardener, and indeed is one. Christ is ever what He seems to be.

I. Man began his earthly career in a garden, and Jesus, the Divine Word who made all things, was the Creator of this temporal paradise. In that sense, therefore, He may be accounted a gardener.

II. Again, at His glorious resurrection from the dead, He did but exemplify the calling of a gardener. Nor is this to end His wonder-working power. By virtue of His own resurrection, He will raise up our bodies also. "He will change all our graves into garden plots."

III. Jesus, as the Gardener, waters and cultivates the plants which His own right hand has planted His heavenly graces, bestowed in answer to believing prayer; and in the devout reception of the holy sacrament, refreshes and revives the soul.

J. N. Norton, Old Paths,p. 259.

References: John 20:15. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. xxix., No. 1699; Ibid., My Sermon Notes: Gospels and Acts,p. 163; J. M. Neale, Sermons for Children,p. 121; Contemporary Pulpit,vol. vii., p. 233; Preacher's Monthly,vol. ix., p. 252; G. Brooks, Five Hundred Outlines,p. 388; J. M. Neale, Sermons,2nd series, vol. i., p. 68. John 20:15; John 20:16. C. C. Bartholomew, Sermons Chiefly Practical,p. 75.