The Tree of Life or Why Didn't Adam and Eve Eat from that Tree ~ Genesis 2:9 & Revelations 22:2
Pastor John Opferman
11:00 AM
September 29, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction:
Open with Genesis 2:9 and Revelation 22:2 to compare the Tree of Life's descriptions in the beginning and end of the Bible.
Highlight the question: "Why didn’t Adam and Eve eat from the Tree of Life?"
Emphasize that this sermon will reveal how the Tree of Life represents Jesus Christ.
The Tree of Life as a Real Tree
The Garden of Eden was a real place, and the Tree of Life was a real tree planted by God.
This tree will reappear in the New Jerusalem as described in Revelation.
Many elements in the Bible that are real also serve as pictures of Jesus (e.g., manna from heaven, the smitten rock).
The Tree of Life Represents Jesus Christ
Scripture shows that real items can symbolize Jesus Christ, and the Tree of Life is one of them.
Jesus provides eternal life, just as the tree was meant to offer eternal life.
Reference: 1 John 5:12 - "He that hath the Son hath life."
No physical fruit can grant eternal life; only Jesus can.
Characteristics of the Tree of Life: A Picture of Jesus
The Location – "In the Midst"
Genesis 2:9 mentions the Tree of Life being in the midst of the garden.
Jesus is always "in the midst," symbolizing His closeness and accessibility:
Matthew 18:20 – “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst.”
Revelation 1:13 – Jesus appears "in the midst of the candlesticks," representing the churches.
Emphasize that Jesus is always near us, accessible, and ready to respond when we seek Him.
The Fruit – "Twelve Manner of Fruits"
Revelation 22:2 mentions that the Tree of Life bore twelve different types of fruit.
This represents the completeness and abundance found in Jesus:
Jesus offers everything we need: love, joy, peace, hope, and more.
Reference: 1 Corinthians 8:6 – “One Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we in Him.”
Just as the tree provided all types of fruit, Jesus provides all that we need spiritually.
The Frequency – "Every Month"
The Tree of Life produced fruit continuously, never running out.
This reflects Jesus’ unending provision and availability:
Isaiah 40:28-31 – God never faints or grows weary, and He renews our strength.
Emphasize that Jesus is always available, never running out of grace, love, or strength.
The Leaves – "For the Healing of the Nations"
Revelation 22:2 mentions that the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Nations today suffer from division, violence, and sin. Only Jesus offers true healing.
Psalm 33:12 – “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”
Emphasize that true healing and restoration come only through Christ.
Why Didn’t Adam and Eve Eat from the Tree?
The Tree Wasn’t Attractive to the Sight
Genesis 2:9 highlights that other trees were "pleasant to the sight and good for food."
The Tree of Life wasn’t described as attractive, symbolizing Jesus, who "had no beauty that we should desire Him" (Isaiah 53:2).
God wants us to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
Jesus Wasn’t Beautiful by Earthly Standards
Isaiah 53 describes Jesus as having "no form or comeliness," yet He is the source of eternal life.
God desires faith that goes beyond outward appearances.
Lessons from the Tree of Life about Jesus
Jesus Is Close and Accessible (In the Midst)
Like the tree's central position in the garden, Jesus is always nearby.
We don’t have to search far to find Him; He’s right there, ready to be embraced.
Jesus Provides All We Need (Twelve Manner of Fruits)
Everything we desire—love, joy, peace, strength—is found in Him.
There’s no need to search elsewhere; Jesus is the ultimate source.
Jesus Never Runs Out (Produces Fruit Every Month)
He’s always there, ready to meet our needs regardless of the season.
We can continuously draw from Him without fear of running dry.
Jesus Brings Healing (Leaves for the Healing of the Nations)
Only through Christ can nations, communities, and individuals find true healing.
He mends what is broken and restores what is lost.
Conclusion: Why Did God Make the Tree of Life Unattractive?
To teach us to walk by faith, not by sight. God desires our trust in His Word over what we see.
The beauty and worth of Jesus come not from outward appearance but from the life, salvation, and healing He offers.
Application:
For the Believer: Remember that Jesus is always near, and He offers all you need. Turn to Him daily for your sustenance, healing, and strength.
For the Seeker: If you’ve never accepted Jesus, He’s close, accessible, and freely offers eternal life. Will you trust Him today?
For the Church: Let’s not be distracted by worldly attractions but remain focused on Christ, the true source of life.
Prayer:
Pray that God will help us to trust in Jesus, the true Tree of Life, and to seek all we need from Him. Ask for the strength to walk by faith and not by sight.
Biblical References
Genesis 2:9 - "And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil."
Revelation 22:2 - "In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."
1 John 5:12 - "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life."
Matthew 18:20 - "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
Acts 17:27 - "...that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us."
1 Corinthians 8:6 - "But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him."
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Isaiah 40:28-31 - "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Psalm 33:12 - "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance."
Romans 10:13 - "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
2 Corinthians 5:7 - "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
Isaiah 53:2 - "For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him."
Reflection Questions
How does the concept of the Tree of Life being in the "midst" of the garden relate to the presence of Jesus in your life today? Are you aware of His closeness in your daily walk?
When you consider the twelve different fruits on the Tree of Life, what does this reveal about the completeness and sufficiency of Jesus in meeting all your needs?
The Tree of Life produces fruit every month without fail. How does this reflect the consistency and faithfulness of Jesus in your life, even during seasons of difficulty or doubt?
The leaves of the Tree of Life were meant for the healing of nations. How can you, as a follower of Christ, be a source of healing and hope to those around you?
Why do you think God made the Tree of Life, which represents Jesus, less attractive to the eyes? How does this challenge your perspective on how you view and prioritize spiritual truths over physical appearances?
Daily Activities
1. Recognizing Jesus in the Midst of Your Life
Activity: Set aside 10 minutes each morning this week to meditate on Jesus’ presence in your life. Close your eyes and breathe deeply, acknowledging that He is with you in every moment.
Application: Write down how this awareness of His presence changes your perspective or actions throughout the day.
2. Experiencing the Fullness of Christ
Activity: Make a list of areas in your life where you feel lacking or in need.
Application: Next to each item, write down a Bible verse that shows how Jesus meets that need (e.g., peace, strength, love). Reflect on this list daily, reminding yourself that all you need can be found in Christ.
3. Consistency in Your Relationship with Jesus
Activity: Choose one spiritual discipline (prayer, Bible reading, worship) that you will commit to practicing daily for the next month.
Application: Just as the Tree of Life bears fruit every month, strive for consistency in this practice and journal any growth or changes you experience.
4. Being a Source of Healing
Activity: Identify one person in your life who might need encouragement or healing.
Application: Reach out to them this week with a kind word, prayer, or a small act of service. Make it a goal to be a source of Christ's healing and love to this person.
5. Walking by Faith, Not by Sight
Activity: Choose one area where you feel unsure or afraid and intentionally take a step of faith in that area this week.
Application: Reflect on how God meets you when you walk by faith rather than relying on what you see.
