Jesus is the central plant, the tree of life, from which the new creation grows.
The book of Revelation envisions the reunion of heaven and earth and the full realization of the tree of life through the new Jerusalem and the river of the water of life.
Deep dives
Jesus announces the arrival of God's kingdom
Jesus comes on the scene and announces the arrival of God's kingdom. He uses garden imagery to describe the kingdom, comparing it to a new Eden where God is growing a garden and the people are the plants. Jesus sees himself as the central plant, the tree of life, from which the new creation grows. He invites people to be planted in this garden and bear fruit, and he calls his followers the branches of the vine. Jesus is the fulfillment of the hope for a new Eden and the tree of life.
The ultimate fulfillment in the book of Revelation
The book of Revelation depicts the ultimate fulfillment of the biblical story with garden imagery. The new Jerusalem, representing the new humanity, is portrayed as a lush garden coming down from heaven. The tree of life is central to this garden imagery, with the river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Revelation envisions the reunion of heaven and earth, the restoration of the garden, and the full realization of the tree of life.
The journey from Jesus' announcement to the full arrival
The journey from Jesus announcing the arrival of God's kingdom to its full realization and arrival is witnessed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection open the way back to the tree of life and eternal life. His sacrificial act serves as an atonement, bringing about the fulfillment of the hope for a new Eden and the restoration of humanity's relationship with God. Jesus becomes the tree of life, the source of eternal life, and through following him and being connected to him, individuals can freely enter the paradise of God and partake in the fullness of the tree of life.