The concept of Jesus as the Tree of Life is deeply rooted in biblical symbolism. According to Femi Aribisala, a writer for Premium Times, death came through one tree, while salvation came through another. The story of Noah's ark, made from gopher wood, is seen as a type of Jesus, the Tree of Life. Those who sought refuge in Noah's ark were saved, just as those who seek refuge in Jesus' ark will be saved.
Another symbol of Jesus as the Tree of Life is Aaron's wooden rod. When Moses threw down Aaron's rod, it became a serpent, symbolizing Jesus' transformation into a human, like sinful man. This event foreshadowed Jesus' ability to swallow up death and enthrone life. Aaron's rod also budded, grew flowers, and produced ripe almonds, signifying Jesus' resurrection from the dead.
Moses' wooden rod, which parted the Red Sea, is also seen as a type of Jesus, the Tree of Life. The rod enabled the Israelites to cross over to safety, while Pharaoh's army was drowned in the sea. This event demonstrates Jesus' power to bring salvation through a tree. The Ark of the Covenant, made of acacia wood and covered with gold, is also a symbol of Jesus, serving as Emmanuel, God with Israel.
The bronze snake on a wooden pole, created by Moses, is another example of Jesus as the Tree of Life. Those who looked at the serpent were healed of snake bites and lived. Jesus later referenced this event, saying that just as Moses lifted up the serpent, the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life.
The Law of Moses states that anyone hanged on a tree is accursed of God. Jesus' crucifixion on a tree seemed to confirm this curse, but Paul argued that Jesus' hanging on a tree was designed to redeem mankind from God's curse. By becoming a curse for humanity, Jesus allowed people to receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
The Tree of Life is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, from the Garden of Eden to the book of Revelation. Jesus' crucifixion in a garden, the Garden of Calvary, is seen as a redemptive act, reversing the losses incurred in the Garden of Eden. Revelation describes the Tree of Life as bearing twelve fruits, with leaves for the healing of nations, and Jesus' servants serving Him in the presence of God.
Ultimately, the symbolism of Jesus as the Tree of Life offers a message of salvation and redemption. By partaking of Jesus, people can become Trees of Righteousness, and those who overcome will be given the right to eat from the Tree of Life in the Paradise of God. The book of Revelation ends with an invitation to come and take the water of life freely, emphasizing the accessibility of Jesus' salvation to all.
Key points
- Jesus is symbolized as the Tree of Life through various biblical examples, including Noah's ark, Aaron's rod, Moses' rod, and the bronze snake on a wooden pole.
