Lesson 3: The Vision of the Tree of Life

As you study the account of the vision of the tree of life, watch for the following symbols and their meanings:

• Tree of life (1 Nephi 8:10; 11:8–25)
• Fruit of the tree of life (1 Nephi 8:10–18, 30; 15:36; see also D&C 14:7)
• Rod of iron (1 Nephi 8:19–24, 30; 11:25; 15:23–24)
• Mist of darkness (1 Nephi 8:23–24; 12:17)
• River of filthy water (1 Nephi 8:13, 26, 32; 15:26–29)
• Great and spacious building (1 Nephi 8:26–28, 31, 33; 12:18)

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  When Nephi was shown the tree of life, he asked to know its interpretation (1 Nephi 11:8–11). What did he learn that the tree represents? (See 1 Nephi 11:21–25.) What did Nephi see that helped him better understand God’s love? (See 1 Nephi 11:13–21, 24, 26–33; see also John 3:16.)
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  How did Lehi and Nephi describe the tree of life and its fruit? (See 1 Nephi 8:10–12; 11:8–9, 23; 15:36.)

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  In the vision, Lehi saw “numberless concourses of people” (1 Nephi 8:21). These people can be divided into four categories based on their attitudes toward the tree and the fruit. Read 1 Nephi 8:21–33, and look for these four categories. How are these categories manifest in the world today? In which category do you feel you are?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Conduct the following activity to help family members better understand the vision of the tree of life:

Blindfold a member of the family and spin him or her in circles. Explain that the blindfold represents the mist of darkness. Then place a picture of the Savior somewhere in the room. Challenge the blindfolded family member to walk to the picture without help from anyone. When it becomes apparent that he or she will not be able to walk directly to the picture, have one family member stand by the picture, holding one end of a piece of string (representing the iron rod). Have another family member hold the other end. Then have the blindfolded family member catch hold of the string and walk to the picture.