The Gospel of John quotes Jesus as saying “I am the true vine,” and some folks in eastern North Carolina think they may have witnessed a literal demonstration.

A utility pole about a mile south of Kinston has attracted attention in the last week or so from people who say the climbing vine clinging to it resembles the image of Jesus on the cross.

Judge for yourself from this photo by Charles Buchanan of the Kinston Daily Free Press newspaper. Kent Hardison, who runs Ma’s Hot Dog stand nearby, says he was getting ready to spray it with herbicide, but has had second thoughts given its local popularity.

CLICK HERE to read the Associated Press story in the Jackson, Mississippi, Clarion-Ledger

To see the original photo in the Kinston Daily Free Press, CLICK HERE