New Class Names

New Names for different parts of the school

1. Trees and plants are mentioned in the Bible many times and more than any other living thing apart from God and people.
2. Many major characters in the Bible are associated with trees
3. Jesus died on a tree because it was prophesied in the Old Testament.
4. Trees, like Jesus, give rather than take.

1. Trees and plants are mentioned in the Bible many times.

There’s a tree on the first page of Genesis, the first Psalm, the first page of the New Testament, and the last page of Revelation. Whether it is the fall, the flood, or the overthrow of the Pharaoh, many major events in the Bible has a tree marking the spot.

• Jesus said he is the true vine and that his Father is the dresser of the garden (John 15:1).
• The Bible refers to itself as a Tree of Life (Proverbs 3:18).
• We are told to be like trees planted by streams of water that yield their fruit in season (Psalm 1:3).
• Trees are some of the oldest living things on earth. There are trees alive today that were already ancient in the time of Christ. In fact, God gives trees a ring to mark every birthday!
• God is always trying to teach humans to think long-term.  Trees can live as long as 10,000 years.

2. Many major characters in the Bible are associate with trees

• Noah received the olive branch (see Genesis 8:11).
• Abraham sat under the oaks of Mamre (Genesis 18:1).
• Moses stood barefoot in front of the burning bush (Exodus 3:2–5).
• At first glance, Joseph might appear to be an exception, but the Bible tells us that Joseph simply is a tree (Genesis 49:22).

The same pattern holds true in the New Testament.

•  Zacchaeus climbed the sycamore fig (Luke 19:1-4).
• The blind man saw people as if they were trees walking (Mark 8:24).
• The disciples gathered on the Mount of Olives (Luke 22:39).
• Paul also wrote that Christians are like branches grafted into Israel’s tree trunk, with roots that help us stand fast and firm no matter what troubles come our way (Romans 11:17-18).

3. Jesus died on a tree because it was prophesied in the Old Testament.

But what about Jesus? The only physical description of Christ says that he looks like a small plant or tree (Isaiah 53:2). He grew up in a carpenter’s home. He talked about seeds of faith and said that the kingdom of heaven was like a tree. He called disciples from under trees, and sinners from their branches. His favourite place to pray was an olive grove. The only thing he ever harmed was a tree, and the only thing that could harm him was a tree.

From the moment Christ was born, people tried to kill him. They tried to stab him, stone him, and throw him off a cliff. But it didn’t work. He could go forty days without eating, climb into the ring with the toughest opponent on the planet, and walk away after three rounds.

In sum, Jesus died on a tree so that we wouldn’t have to (Galatians 3:13).

• The symbol of Jesus being lifted up on a tree is the only one that the Bible offers as a door to the eternal. As Jesus said, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32) Through the Messiah’s death, we are offered life. Through his sacrifice, our sin is forgiven. None of this works without a tree.

4. Trees, like Jesus, give rather than take.

• Jesus never took; he only gave. He never owned a house, and the only animal he ever rode was borrowed. He could have dressed like King Solomon, but he is only recorded to have owned one coat.

• In many ways, trees are like Jesus. They give, and they keep giving.
• They give life and beauty.
• They give shade and rest.
• They clean the air.
• They hold back erosion.
• They offer shelter, food, and protection.
• Trees trap dust and absorb pollutants from the air (physical filter)
• Some have medicinal properties.
• Trees also Improve our health and well-being- reduce stress, blood pressure, absorb carbon dioxide,
• Trees help to grow the economy (people are attracted to live near trees)
• Trees support wildlife

Bible Verse about Trees

• “I [Jesus] am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener” (John 15:1)
• “She [wisdom] is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed” (Proverbs 3:18).
• “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers” (Psalm 1:3).
• “He (Jesus) grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2).
• “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us--for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree’” (Galatians 3:13).