GOD OF ALL THINGS PT 13 - TREES, THE CROSS OF GOD
The Bible is rich with symbolism, and in scripture, few images are as profound or symbloic as the tree.
The Bible begins with two trees:
The tree of life: symbolizing obedience and righteousness.
The tree of the knowledge of good and evil: symbolizing separation,sin, rebellion and death.
However, by the end of Scripture only one tree remains.
Revelation 22:1-2
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
John wrote of a tree that he witnessed with his own eyes, the tree of Calvary where Jesus hung for 6 agonizing hours.
Paul emphasizes that Christ Became A “Curse” For Us by being “hanged on a tree” (Galatians 3:13), and Peter notes that Jesus “bore our sins in his body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24).
“anyone hanged on a tree is cursed by God” (Deuteronomy 21:23).
Jesusbore our sins in his body, on the tree, the cross.
By calling it a tree the apostles connect the dots between Jewish law and our world today.
By dying in our place, Jesus transforms THE CROSS into THE TREE OF LIFE!
TABLE TIME:
In what ways does the imagery of the cross as a tree of life challenge or deepen your understanding of salvation and redemption?
How does this symbolism change the way you view the crucifixion?
The cross as the new tree of life signifies that what was meant for death has brought eternal life. How can this truth bring comfort or hope in situations of suffering or hardship in your life?
In what practical ways can you “come to the tree of life” in your daily walk with Jesus?
How can the imagery of the cross as the tree of life influence your approach to worship, prayer, and community?
WHAT IS GOD SAYING?