Then God said: Let the earth bring forth vegetation: every kind of plant that bears seed and every kind of fruit tree on earth that bears fruit with its seed in it. And so it happened: the earth brought forth vegetation: every kind of plant that bears seed and every kind of fruit tree that bears fruit with its seed in it. God saw that it was good. Evening came, and morning followed—the third day.” (Genesis 1:11-13)

Elementary Activities:

Nature Crafts for Kids

Ocean Crafts for Kids

Taking Care of the Ocean

High School Activities:

May we never lose our wonder. Throughout this series on creation, we are given the opportunity to contemplate God in his creative work.

We are so fortunate to live in the beautiful city of San Diego, where both the beach and the mountains are within a 15 min drive. As we are in the midst of the summer months and able to go outside, there are so many opportunities to encounter God with awe and wonder of the beauty of creation.

Here on the third day, God brings the final day of forming creation with the creation of land and vegetation. The world is no longer formless, and starting on the fourth day, God begins to fill creation filling the emptiness of the chaotic state before creation.

As a recap, the first day, God created day and night (time). The second day, God created Skys and Seas (spaces). The third day, God created dry land and vegetation (habitat).

In reference to the New Testament, we once again see Jesus’ authority as he curses the barren fig tree.

Jesus Curses a Fig Tree.

The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry. Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!” And his disciples heard it. (Mark 11:12-14)

Later in the Gospel, the disciples discover the now withered tree.

The Withered Fig Tree.

 Early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots. Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered. Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.” (Mark 11:20-25)

It would seem odd that Jesus would curse this tree, but the figs symbolized the Israelites, and as Jesus cursed the fig tree for not bearing fruit, Israel too is cursed for not bearing life in the Lord. This then becomes a good reminder for us, that if we separate ourselves from the true vine, Jesus Christ, we are bringing about our own death. Yet, more importantly, if we cling close to Christ, we cling close to our life source.