This course, with the theme of the Tree of Life, has been developed for Lent 2024 but can be used any time of the year.
A five-part Lent course that can be used individually or in groups.
In partnership with the Diocese of Bondo, Kenya, we are also planning to run a joint Zoom group with participants from both dioceses, on Sundays at 2pm UK time (5pm Bondo time), beginning on 18 February. If you are interested in being part of this, please contact Suzanna…
Introduction
The Bible’s various writers ignite our imaginations by painting pictures on our minds with their words. They sometimes present God’s message in vivid images that can puzzle, excite and inspire us. One of the recurring pictures is of trees: a familiar, ordinary sight for many of us, yet something God can use to speak to us about our lives as Christians.
In Scripture, we hear that God’s precious wisdom ‘is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her’ (Proverbs 3:18). In order to make sense of our life and to receive God’s life, we need to hear and receive God’s wisdom. In this course, we explore five biblical images of trees and see how they help us go deeper in our faith, our worship and our daily living as followers of Jesus.
The course is designed for use in small groups, so that we can discover wisdom together, through each other. It could also be used on your own, individually.
Each session involves exploring two Bible passages, with most time given to the first one and the second one reinforcing the first.
Online course
There is an online version of this course which includes imagery and videos. There are also downloadable accompanying notes.
Suitable for individuals to use on smartphones or other devices either during group meetings or at other times.
Course Outline
Session 1: The Flourishing Tree
Key question: What does a healthy, flourishing human life look like?
Session 2: God’s Growing Kingdom
Matthew 13:31-32 (+ Ezekiel 31:1-14)
Key question: What does God’s kingdom look like?
Session 3: The Tree of Death which Gives Life
Acts 10:34-43 (+ Deuteronomy 21:22-23)
Key question: Why is Jesus’ death on the cross so important to us?
Session 4: Being Part of God’s Creation
Psalm 148:7-12 (+ Rev 22:1-5)
Key question: Are trees and the rest of creation simply there for our benefit?
Session 5: Trees that Continue to Bear Fruit
Galatians 5:16-26 (+Psalm 92:12-15)
Key question: What does God want to do in us and through us from now on?
‘Two Trees’ in the Garden of Eden; part of ‘Threads through Creation’, of a series of textile panels created by Jacqui Parkinson and displayed at Sheffield Cathedral.