The Tree of Life: A Missional Reflection on Revelation 22 and God’s Ultimate Purpose

    Guest Post by Alexia Jons (alexiajons121@gmail.com)

    In Revelation 22, as Scripture reaches its final pages, we’re given a breathtaking vision of New Jerusalem: a city illuminated by the glory of God, where His servants reign forever. At the heart of this eternal city stands a familiar figure—the tree of life, once seen in Eden, now flourishing on either side of the river of life, “bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations” (Rev. 22:2).

    This is no decorative symbol. The tree of life forms a theological thread that runs from Genesis to Revelation, revealing God’s unchanging desire for humanity: that we would receive His life, live in unbroken fellowship with Him, and be shaped into His likeness.

    1. From Garden to City: The Continuity of Redemption

    In Genesis 2, the tree of life stood in the middle of Eden, a sign of God’s invitation to man to live by divine life rather than human wisdom or strength. But with the fall in Genesis 3, access to that tree was barred—not permanently, but until redemption was complete.

    The tree reappears in Revelation 22 not only as a restored privilege, but as a symbol of God’s fulfilled purpose. What began in a garden ends in a city—not because the garden failed, but because the city represents the mature, corporate expression of what God always intended: a people living by His life, expressing His glory, and reigning with Christ.

    2. Missional Meaning: Living the Life of the Tree Today

    Though the tree of life points toward eternity, it has missional relevance for the Church now. In Revelation, the tree bears fruit every month—its life is active, consistent, and generous. The leaves are “for the healing of the nations,” showing that this divine life is meant to go outward, not inward. It’s not just something we receive, but something we share.

    In this way, the tree becomes a model for the Church’s mission. Just as Adam and Eve were to cultivate and keep the garden, today’s Church is placed in the world to be a source of life—offering healing, truth, and hope to a hurting world.

    3. A Missional Church Is a Living Church

    A missional church doesn’t just send missionaries—it embodies God’s life in everyday rhythms. Each local church is a spiritual garden where the life of Christ is cultivated, shared, and multiplied.
         • When we love sacrificially, we reflect the tree’s fruit.
         • When we extend forgiveness, we offer its healing leaves.
         • When we preach Christ crucified and risen, we invite others to come and eat of its life.

    This is why our mission is not a program—it is a person: Jesus Christ, the true tree of life. We don’t just promote a message; we live by a Man who is our life (Col. 3:4), and in doing so, re-present Him to the world.

    About the Author:
    Alexia Jons writes on Christianity with a heart for helping young people and families engage deeply with biblical teaching. She is especially passionate about exploring how the Church can live out God’s eternal purpose in everyday life. Through practical, Scripture-based reflections, Alexia encourages believers to grow in faith, embrace God’s mission, and become agents of spiritual renewal. When she’s not writing, she enjoys photography and spending time with her family. Follow her on Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572563717118

      Give

      Subscribe to the Daybreak Devotions for Women

      Be inspired by God's Word every day! Delivered to your inbox.


      More from Don Martin

      • featureImage

        The Temple of the Living God

        Over the years prior posts have often been on New Jerusalem being a living composition of the Triune God and His people. Second Corinthians 6:16 is a verse rarely used in these posts. The center of…

        2 min read
      • featureImage

        Onward to Maturity for New Jerusalem

        The prior post presented us as the many sons of God who are being conformed to Christ, who, in resurrection, is the Firstborn Son of God. We have been born of God so we have His eternal life. But i…

        2 min read
      • featureImage

        The Only Son, Firstborn Son, Many Sons

        John 3:16 and 3:18 are about our believing into the “only begotten Son of God.” God’s only Son is divine; He is eternal, uncreated, and He put on humanity in His incarnation. This…

        2 min read
      • featureImage

        Shining from Matthew to Revelation (3)

        Jesus Christ is the Light. When we receive Him as our life, He becomes light in us and we are then “children of light.” His life in us builds us together with others to become a local c…

        2 min read
      • featureImage

        Shining from Matthew to Revelation (2)

        Jesus came to the people of Galilee as “a great light.” He came that we may have life (John 10:10b) and when we believe into Him this life brings the heavenly, divine light into us. The…

        2 min read

      Editor's Picks

      More from Don Martin

      • featureImage

        The Temple of the Living God

        Over the years prior posts have often been on New Jerusalem being a living composition of the Triune God and His people. Second Corinthians 6:16 is a verse rarely used in these posts. The center of…

        2 min read
      • featureImage

        Onward to Maturity for New Jerusalem

        The prior post presented us as the many sons of God who are being conformed to Christ, who, in resurrection, is the Firstborn Son of God. We have been born of God so we have His eternal life. But i…

        2 min read
      • featureImage

        The Only Son, Firstborn Son, Many Sons

        John 3:16 and 3:18 are about our believing into the “only begotten Son of God.” God’s only Son is divine; He is eternal, uncreated, and He put on humanity in His incarnation. This…

        2 min read
      • featureImage

        Shining from Matthew to Revelation (3)

        Jesus Christ is the Light. When we receive Him as our life, He becomes light in us and we are then “children of light.” His life in us builds us together with others to become a local c…

        2 min read
      • featureImage

        Shining from Matthew to Revelation (2)

        Jesus came to the people of Galilee as “a great light.” He came that we may have life (John 10:10b) and when we believe into Him this life brings the heavenly, divine light into us. The…

        2 min read