Remember, Lehi saw the tree of life in a vision and discussed it with his family 1 Nephi 8:2. Lehi's son Nephi wanted to “see, and hear, and know” the vision 1 Nephi 10:17. Through his faith, diligence, prayer, and pondering, the Holy Ghost showed and taught him the things he sought. 1 Nephi 10:17–19; 11:1–6. Conversely, Laman and Lemuel’s did not seek understanding of their father’s vision 1 Nephi 15:1–2. Because of their lack of faith and hard hearts, Laman and Lemuel argued about but never could understand the vision of the Tree of Life. Nephi attempted to teach them without success, because they would not choose faith and humility 1 Nephi 15:3, 8–11.
This vision and its interpretation are quite involved. Today I'll talk about the tree and its fruit 1 Nephi 8:2–10.
The tree represents the love of God 1 Nephi 11:21–25. Nephi was shown the condescention of God or the infant Jesus in Mary's arms, His ministry, and the Atonement of Jesus to help him better understand God’s love, 1 Nephi 11:13–21, 24, 26–33. John 3:16 clearly defines Heavenly Father's deep love for mankind, when He “gave his only begotten Son.” Jesus' willingness to submit to the Atonement is a witness of His great love.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught that the tree of life is a symbol of Jesus Christ. He said: “The images of Christ and the tree [are] inextricably linked. … At the very outset of the Book of Mormon, … Christ is portrayed as the source of eternal life and joy, the living evidence of divine love, and the means whereby God will fulfill his covenant with the house of Israel and indeed the entire family of man, returning them all to their eternal promises” (Christ and the New Covenant [1997], 160, 162).
The fruit of the tree represents living eternally with God, the Father, and the Son, Jesus Christ 1 Nephi 15:36; D&C 14:7.) Lehi and Nephi sere very descriptive, when speaking about the tree of life and its fruit.
“Most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted” (1 Nephi 8:11)
“White, to exceed all … whiteness” (1 Nephi 8:11; see also 1 Nephi 11:8)
“Desirable above all other fruit” (1 Nephi 8:12; see also 1 Nephi 15:36)
Having “beauty … exceeding of all beauty” (1 Nephi 11:8)
“Precious above all”; “most precious” (1 Nephi 11:9; 15:36)
“Most joyous to the soul” (1 Nephi 11:23; see also 1 Nephi 8:10)
“The greatest of all the gifts of God” (1 Nephi 15:36)
We can look forward to eternal life, as the “most sweet” and “most precious” blessing if we choose to pursue and accept it. It is only available through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Because the fruit was so desirable, Lehi wanted his family to have some, too (See 1 Nephi 8:12.) That is my hope for my loved ones as well. I wish them to know of my joy, as I have draw nearer to the Savior and receive the promise of eternal life with Him. Certainly, all will be resurrected and judged. However, not all will dwell with the Father and the Son. Like Lehi and Nephi, I've seen and felt this joy. It is worth all the sacrifice, all the patience, and all the faith I can muster.
