“The Tree of Life”
Lesson Text: Revelation 22:1-9
Background Scripture: Revelation 22
Devotional Reading: Psalm 63:1-7
Revelation 22:1–9
1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
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.
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.
7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.
8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
OBJECTIVES
To show the facts of the tree of life and how it is available to all who are willing to receive it.
To realize we worship our Lord Jesus because He alone can help us partake of the tree of life.
To help those who par-take of the tree of life see Jesus as the One who deserves to be worshiped.
INTRODUCTION
Where There’s Water, There’s Life
When scientists sent probes to the surface of Mars, they eagerly anticipated finding the answer to an old question: Is there water—and life—on Mars? They thought that maybe if there were ice hidden under the rocks, then there might be some evidence of microscopic life. Their line of thought was based on this earthly observation: where there’s water, there’s life.
It is true that life on earth depends on water. Even desert creatures have to have some water—the water that was lovingly provided by the Creator. We cannot imagine life existing without it. Therefore, it is fitting that God should provide “a pure river of water of life” to sustain the inhabitants of Heaven. The abundance of this life-giving water, flowing like a river from the throne of God, means that it is a plentiful supply that will never run out. For this water—for this life—God is to be forever worshiped and praised.
LESSON BACKGROUND
Today’s lesson is from the final chapter of the great Revelation that was given to John in his exile on the island of Patmos (Revelation 1:9). It is the victorious culmination of all the scenes of struggle that preceded. Beyond the great judgment scene of chapter 20, God’s people come to enjoy the new Heaven and new earth of chapter 21. The final chapter shows God providing the water of life and the tree of life—everything necessary to sustain eternal life for His people. The curse is lifted; paradise is regained.
THE RIVER AND THE TREE (Revelation 22:1,2)
1. What is the source of the river in the heavenly city (Revelation 22:1)?
The angel who began showing John the wonders of the heavenly Jerusalem (Revelation 21:9–14) now continues the tour. The angel had shown John the external features of the city—its foundations, walls, and gates (21:9-21). He had also given him a glimpse into its interior, observing that it needed neither an external source of light nor a temple for worship, since the divine glory would suffice for both of these things (vs. 22-27).
Now, the angel reveals to John the inner life of the city. At the center of it is "a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal" (Rev. 22:1). This is the river that the prophets had longingly foreseen (see Ezekiel 47:1–12; Joel 3:18; Zechariah 14:8). Father and Son—the source of the pure water of life—are pleased to share it with us.
2. How is the tree of life in the New Jerusalem like the one in the vision of Ezekiel (v. 2)?
The great boulevard in the center of the city will have a river flowing down the middle of it. Like a beautiful parkway, the river will have the tree of life planted on each side. How could this tree could be standing on each side of the river? The easiest solution to this is to take the term as a collective noun describing a number of trees making up the tree of life. Although there was only one tree of life in the Garden of Eden, Ezekiel's vision of the river of life includes many trees along its banks (Ezek. 47:7, 12). Their purpose and characteristics match those of the tree of life that John saw here.
The original tree of life had fruit that bestowed immortality (Gen. 3:22); so will its fruit in the heavenly city (Rev. 22:2). Adam and Eve, as fallen sinners, were not permitted to eat of it. But now the sinful nature will be gone, and the redeemed may partake freely. This remarkable tree (like the ones Ezekiel saw) will bear "twelve manner of fruits, and [yield] her fruit every month: and the leaves . . . were for the healing of the nations."
This description implies both abundance and variety of fruit. Life in the eternal city will certainly not be monotonous! God's life is not only endless; it is also infinitely rich. It will be unmarred by illness, which was a by-product of the fallen nature. The mention of healing for the nations need not imply that sickness will be present and need treatment. It refers, rather, to the perpetuation of the health of all who enter the heavenly kingdom.
THE PRESENCE AND BLESSINGS OF GOD (Revelation 22:3-5)
3. What is meant by “there shall be no more curse” (v. 3)?
With one short statement, John erases the sin-scourge of human history: there shall be no more curse. The fallen world, infested with thorns (Genesis 3:18) and in bondage to decay and corruption (Romans 8:21), will be redeemed. The human race will be released from the afflictions of pain, sorrow, and death (Genesis 3:16–19). All the consequences of sin will be removed.
The greatest penalty was that Adam and Eve forfeited fellowship with God. But in Heaven, we will enjoy the unlimited presence of God once more. The throne of God, indicating His personal presence, will be in the city. Sharing the throne and the glory will be the Lamb, the Messiah who was slain for the sins of the world (see John 1:36; 1 Peter 1:19).
Before that throne, God's servants will serve Him. The servants here are bond servants, or slaves. The Greek term is one that can refer to all believers, and it is appropriate for those who enjoy God's favor by His grace alone and whose lives belong to Him solely.
LESSON CONTINUED
