I'm not a theologian nor a scholar of the word.
God has had a plan from the beginning. Now when that beginning truly was according to time as our finite minds can only calculate, is unsearchable.His plan will carry through until infinity ceases.
The tree of life, had it been partaken of would have made Adam and Eve immortal. This is why they were barred from Eden. If we continue this journey with God, we will partake of immortality in Jesus,the Christ! 1 John 5:11.
Jesus submitted to the will of the Father in his plan for our redemption.He said in John 14:6
JESUS saith unto him,I am the way,the truth,and the life: NO man cometh unto the Father,but by me.
It is not about the tree.I read somewhere the legend of the dogwood tree which supposed was the wood of the cross. Once this tree was huge and had many strong, tall branches, thus it was chosen for crucifixion. After, the tree began to drawf in size and bud,then bloom. It is said its symbolic flowers represent the placement of Jesus on the cross at 4 points with that speck of red as the blood of Christ at each tip.......it's just a legend.
It is about the ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD,who willingly lay down his life for the price of our redemption from the PENALTY of sin.