Liberty doctoral student publishes bestseller with Tim Tebow

Wyatt Edwards, a Ph.D. student with Liberty University Theological Seminary, hopes to provide readers with a new perspective on the crucifixion narrative in his New York Times bestselling book, “If The Tree Could Speak,” coauthored with former NFL quarterback and passionate humanitarian Tim Tebow.

Edwards, who has worked as an advisor and writer for the Tebow Group since 2020, said the book’s premise originated on a flight with Tebow in February 2024. During the trip, Tebow brought up Luke 19:39-40, where Jesus says that if His disciples did not praise Him, the rocks themselves would cry out in worship. He said Tebow was emotional when thinking about how that same principle could be creatively applied to Jesus’ cross on Calvary.

“It’s a sobering thought – if the rocks could speak, what would they say? But even more importantly, if the cross could speak, what would it say?” Edwards said.

The conversation culminated in a book written from the cross’ point of view. “If the Tree Could Speak” was published on Feb. 24.

“If you personify the tree — the cross — that Jesus hangs on, it’s the closest witness to the greatest event in history,” Edwards said. “We put so much value on eyewitness testimony these days, so if the cross could speak, we should probably listen.”

Written with poetic rhyme, the book was originally planned for children but eventually evolved to cater to any audience.

“I’m grateful for Tim’s vision and our marketing team, because it’s such a unique concept,” he said. “When Easter rolls around, we’re all kind of used to the same sermons and resurrection content. I think this takes you to a different place in your imagination and hopefully allows people to see Jesus in a different way.”

Through working at the Tebow Group, Edwards has contributed to eight different publications and said he has been able to see firsthand how God continues to work through the Tebow family. He said Tebow embodies Paul’s message from Acts 20:24, where he credits his life as no value to himself except to complete God’s calling on his life.

“I see Tim in that light,” he said of the two-time NCAA National Champion quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner who now combats human trafficking and conducts special needs ministry through the Tim Tebow Foundation. “He could take every opportunity to fluff himself up, because he gets praise from people all the time. He could be a prideful guy, but he’s not. He’s the real deal and he’s very focused on what he calls ‘fighting for the real MVPs’ — the most vulnerable people in the world.”

Edwards first connected with Liberty when Tebow served as the keynote speaker at the 2021 Commencement and he accompanied Tebow to campus. Having recently completed a master’s degree through Dallas Theological Seminary, Edwards met with faculty from the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity during his visit and discussed pursuing a doctorate through Liberty University Online Programs. He has since finished his classwork for a Ph.D. in Bible Exposition and has begun work on his dissertation, which focuses on the role of amanuenses (i.e., scribes/”ghostwriters”) in the formation of the Bible, a subject relatable to his own career pursuits.

“Several years ago, while reading through Romans, the Holy Spirit stopped me at the very end of the letter. In Romans 16:22 a man named Tertius briefly notes that he helped write the letter with Paul – meaning a writing assistant played a role in producing one of the greatest theological documents of all time. That moment really encouraged me,” Edwards said. “Much of my career has been in behind-the-scenes roles, and that passage helped me see the value of that work. Not everyone can be a Paul, Billy Graham, or Tim Tebow. They play an important role in building God’s Kingdom, but so do assistants, admins, advisors, and faithful people working quietly behind the scenes.”

Through his studies, Edwards said he has noticed a positive impact not only in his own life but also in the lives of those around him.

“The best part of my studies is that it doesn’t stop with me,” Edwards said. “Much of what I’ve learned I’ve been able to share with Tim and our team, and it’s made its way into his books, his speeches, and other projects.”

Edwards said pursuing formal biblical training afforded him more opportunities to better understand his faith.

“Since choosing to follow Jesus, my approach to seminary is simple — I don’t want to be 50 years old and not know my Bible. … It’s been a conviction of mine to not just know what I believe but why I believe it. If I’m going to say the Bible is true, I really want to understand the Bible itself.”

He said he appreciates a doctoral program that emphasizes a comprehensive approach to the biblical narrative instead of solely focusing on a niche area of Christian study.

“What I liked about this program is you can dip your toes in all of it, from historical-cultural backgrounds to languages to theology and literature,” he said. “I think some of the most effective disciple-makers in the future are going to be those who really understand the macro story of God. … That’s when the Bible comes to life. I’m grateful for the impact of Dr. (Richard) Fuhr, Dr. (Gabriel) Etzel, and Dr. (Troy) Temple for making this program possible. I wouldn’t have this opportunity without them.”