Fig Tree Ministries Podcast

Scott Broberg
  • 5.0 (10)
  • RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED DAILY
Fig Tree Ministries Podcast

Fig Tree Podcast's mission is to help you understand the Bible through the lens of first-century cultural context.

  1. #169 - "The Jews" or "Judeans?" - Who Opposed Jesus? - Gospel of John (pt. 16)

    JAN 23

    #169 - "The Jews" or "Judeans?" - Who Opposed Jesus? - Gospel of John (pt. 16)

    The geography of first-century Israel plays a crucial role in understanding Jesus's ministry and the biblical text's context. When John writes that "Jesus went into Galilee," have you ever wondered where Jesus was before that? What was happening geographically when John the Baptist was baptizing and when Jesus called His first disciples? In this lesson, we’ll explore the three major regions of first-century Israel: Judea in the south, Galilee in the north, and Samaria in the middle. These areas weren’t just names on a map—they were home to distinct cultural and religious dynamics that deeply influenced the message and mission of Jesus. We’ll also tackle a critical misunderstanding in John’s Gospel. When John speaks of those who opposed Jesus, he uses a term that is often translated as "the Jews" in English. But does this refer to all Jewish people, or is he specifically pointing to the Judeans—those in the south near Jerusalem and the Temple authorities? This distinction has significant implications, especially given how the text has been misread throughout church history. Join us as we delve into the geographical, cultural, and theological layers of the Gospel of John to gain fresh insights into Jesus' ministry and message. ----------------------------------- www.figtreeteaching.com Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries Fig Tree Amazon Portal: https://amzn.to/3USMelI Lesson Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/the-jews-or-judeans-john-pt-16 Explore my digital notes on the Gospel of John, now available at the links below: Notes on John 1:43-52: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/notes-on-john-143-52 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y YouTube: https://youtu.be/4FUOf3_IxCY Learn about the Zealots: Introduction to the Zealots: https://youtu.be/I5l47CP64KQ Politics that drove the Zealots: https://youtu.be/cp-yXWuFop0 The Zealous Disciples: https://youtu.be/Zlwcw6R_euQ

    42 min
  2. #168 - Seeing and Seeking: The Spiritual Call of Discipleship - Gospel of John (pt. 15)

    12/20/2024

    #168 - Seeing and Seeking: The Spiritual Call of Discipleship - Gospel of John (pt. 15)

    In this lesson, we explore John 1:35-42, where we witness the moment when two of John the Baptist’s disciples leave him to follow Jesus. This passage holds profound spiritual insight, revealed through the exploration of two significant Greek words: horao (ὁράω) and zeteo (ζητέω). Horao, often translated as "behold," extends beyond physical sight. It speaks of perceiving, knowing, and seeing with spiritual eyes—experiencing a moment of spiritual clarity that transcends the physical realm. When John the Baptist says, “Behold the Lamb of God,” he invites us to perceive and understand Jesus’ identity not just with our eyes but with our spirit, to know He is the promised Lamb of God. Zeteo, translated as "to seek," embodies a profound spiritual yearning. It characterizes a seeker driven by an earnest desire to uncover truth and find meaning. This is not mere curiosity or a casual pursuit but a pursuit marked by spiritual hunger. This passage represents the initial enlightenment for any follower of Jesus—the moment of recognition and the beginning of the faith journey. ----------------------------------- www.figtreeteaching.com Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries Fig Tree Amazon Portal: https://amzn.to/3USMelI Lesson Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/seeing-seeking-the-first-step-of-discipleship Explore my digital notes on the Gospel of John, now available at the links below: Notes on John 1:35-42: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/notes-on-john-135-42 Download a PDF of my notes on John 1:19-28: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/my-notes-on-john-119-28 Download a PDF of my notes on John 1:29-34 https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/my-notes-on-john-129-34 YouTube: https://youtu.be/BWrRWxHq9g8 Previous Lessons Mentioned in the Video: John Week 2 - The Mystical Path to God: https://youtu.be/1Ljo17HH-Is

    37 min
  3. #167 - Baptism, Midrash, and the Spirit: Revealing Jesus as Messiah - Gospel of John (pt. 14)

    11/15/2024

    #167 - Baptism, Midrash, and the Spirit: Revealing Jesus as Messiah - Gospel of John (pt. 14)

    When John the Baptist recounts the baptism of Jesus, he emphasizes two key details: the Spirit descending upon Jesus and the Spirit remaining on Him. But why are these details repeated? What message is being conveyed? In this lesson, we uncover the profound meaning behind these words by diving into a Rabbinic Midrash on Genesis 1:2. This midrash reflects on the Spirit hovering over the chaotic waters of creation and draws connections to the Messianic prophecies in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 11:2, 42:1, and 61:1—three prophetic passages about the Spirit resting on the Messiah—shaped how the rabbis understood Genesis 1:2 as referring to the “Spirit of King Messiah.” Jesus himself quotes from Isaiah 61 to describe His mission, and John the Baptist alludes to Isaiah 42 when he proclaims Jesus as the “Chosen One of God.” So, when Jesus steps into the waters of baptism and the Spirit descends and remains on Him, it signals much more than a ritual moment—it reveals Jesus as the King Messiah, bringing God's reign back to Israel and the world. Join us as we explore the deep connections between Genesis, Isaiah, and the Gospel of John. Understanding the ancient practice of Midrash opens up new layers of meaning in Scripture and helps us see how John's account of Jesus' baptism points to His identity and mission as Messiah. --------------------------------------------- www.figtreeteaching.com Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries Fig Tree Amazon Portal: https://amzn.to/3USMelI Lesson Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/baptism-midrash-and-the-spirit Explore my digital notes on the Gospel of John, now available at the links below: Download a PDF of my notes on John 1:19-28: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/my-notes-on-john-119-28 Download a PDF of my notes on John 1:29-34 https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/my-notes-on-john-129-34 YouTube: https://youtu.be/uLfdy3MkhXM Previous Lessons Mentioned in the Video: Gematria, Jesus, and the Lamb of God - https://youtu.be/3Mc01kc5i58 Genesis and the Renewal of Time: https://youtu.be/ANWXquFzNiQ Genesis and the Renewal of Time Lesson Handout (PDF) - https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/genesis-cycle-of-renewal Genesis Rabbah 2:4 - https://www.sefaria.org/Bereshit_Rabbah.2.4?lang=en

    42 min
  4. #166 - John the Baptist, Isaiah 40, and the Wilderness - Gospel of John (pt. 13)

    10/19/2024

    #166 - John the Baptist, Isaiah 40, and the Wilderness - Gospel of John (pt. 13)

    Who exactly did John the Baptist claim to be, and why did he respond cryptically to the religious leaders questioning him? In this video, we explore John's reference to Isaiah 40:3, where he declares himself as "the voice of one crying in the wilderness." However, John does more than just quote the verse—he alters it, applying an alternate reading, a method commonly practiced by first-century Rabbis. In ancient Jewish hermeneutics, the lack of punctuation in the original Hebrew text allowed multiple interpretations. Rabbis would intentionally explore different readings of the same verse to uncover deeper meanings in Scripture. Understanding this practice reveals what John was truly saying about his identity: he is the forerunner, the one preparing the way for the King Messiah’s arrival and the restoration of God's reign in Jerusalem. We'll also explore the fascinating connection between John the Baptist and the Essene sect behind the Dead Sea Scrolls, who similarly went into the wilderness to prepare the way for the Lord. Could John’s ministry have been influenced by the teachings and practices of the Essenes? Join us as we dive deep into the cultural, theological, and historical significance of John’s words and discover the powerful message he was declaring. --------------------------------------------------- www.figtreeteaching.com Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries Fig Tree Amazon Portal: https://amzn.to/3USMelI Lesson Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/john-the-baptist-jewish-hermeneutics Explore my digital notes on the Gospel of John, now available at the links below: Download a PDF of my notes on John 1:19-28: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/my-notes-on-john-119-28 Download a PDF of my notes on John 1:29-34 https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/my-notes-on-john-129-34 Explore Jesus' Parables: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCaBz_NhYH3Hfxwgh1v-CbTccuZS-SWjR Good News: https://youtu.be/zfkfoXW1DPU YouTube: https://youtu.be/1kDaGrRnPEY References: The Jewish Gospel of John - Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg https://amzn.to/3BO402d

    41 min
  5. #165 -Testimony vs Proof - Speaking to the Soul - Gospel of John (pt. 12)

    09/19/2024

    #165 -Testimony vs Proof - Speaking to the Soul - Gospel of John (pt. 12)

    In this lesson from the Gospel of John, we examine the theme of testimony, a central concept throughout John's writing. John's gospel is not merely a historical record but a testimony for his community in Ephesus and, by extension, a testimony for us today. In our modern world, many of us are consumed with logic, reason, and apologetics to defend the existence of God. Yet, the Bible doesn't call us to prove God's existence scientifically. Instead, we are called to testify. Like the Scriptures offer testimony to God's actions in history, we provide testimony to how God has worked in our own lives. Proof speaks to the intellect, but testimony speaks to the soul. The Gospel of John highlights this contrast: "I was blind, but now I see." This simple yet profound line isn't a logical argument—it's a testimony of transformation. John's gospel, more than the other three, emphasizes the importance of testimony, especially in a world that no longer regards the Bible as relevant or God as real. When faced with a world that argues away proofs, what remains is the power of personal testimony. Testimony speaks to the heart in a way that intellectual arguments never will. Join us as we explore this essential theme and learn how to engage a skeptical world with the simplicity and power of our own stories of transformation. -------------------------------------------- www.figtreeteaching.com Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries Fig Tree Amazon Portal: https://amzn.to/3USMelI Class Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/testimony-vs-proof-how-the-gospel-of-john-speaks-to-the-soul Explore my digital notes on the Gospel of John, now available at the links below: Download a PDF of my notes on John 1:19-28: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/my-notes-on-john-119-28 Download a PDF of my notes on John 1:29-34 https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/my-notes-on-john-129-34 Sea of Galilee Series - Part 3 on Mark 5:1: https://youtu.be/bq3z-10xxPA Sea of Galilee Series - Part 4 on Mark 5:1-20 the demon possessed man: https://youtu.be/5VhrvCU9MqE YouTube: https://youtu.be/hetofsuZAfU References: John A. Sanford - Mystical Christianity https://amzn.to/3WnPd4T

    43 min
  6. #164 - Jesus Did NOT Sweat Blood (Luke 22:44) - Fig Tree Five

    08/27/2024

    #164 - Jesus Did NOT Sweat Blood (Luke 22:44) - Fig Tree Five

    This lesson delves into the profound meaning behind Luke 22:44, where Jesus' sweat is compared to "great drops of blood." A common misunderstanding of this verse suggests that Jesus was literally sweating blood, but a closer look reveals something different. The verse vividly compares two bodily fluids—sweat and blood—not to suggest they were the same but to emphasize the intensity of Jesus' suffering and the volume of His sweat. But why would Luke include this striking detail in his Gospel when the other Evangelists did not? Join us as we uncover this passage's more profound theological significance and what Luke intended this detail to mean. We'll dive into the first-century theological ideas surrounding the First Adam and the Last Adam and how Jesus, the Last Adam, reversed the curse of the first Adam's disobedience. Discover how the term "sweat," used only twice in the entire Bible—in Genesis 3 with Adam and in Luke 22:44 with Jesus—serves as an ancient idiom for anxiety. Jesus' triumph, in the fullness of His humanity, over anxiety at the Gethsemane signifies the breaking of humanity's curse, paving the way for redemption. Don't miss this insightful lesson, which connects the dots between Genesis and the Gospels, shedding light on Christ's redemptive work and His ultimate obedience to God's will. ---------------------------------------------------------- www.figtreeteaching.com Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries Fig Tree Amazon Portal: https://amzn.to/3USMelI Class Handout - No Handout for this Lesson Blog Post: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/did-jesus-really-sweat-blood YouTube: https://youtu.be/tv0HJi2tOPg Is There a Garden of Gethsemane? - https://youtu.be/6w6hXp79Jck Gezerah Shava & the Greatest Commandment: https://youtu.be/tgql4_1Qwko References: Daniel Fleming - "By the Sweat of Your Brow" - https://www.academia.edu/31549387/Fleming_Daniel_E_By_the_Sweat_of_Your_Brow_Adam_Anat_Athirat_and_Ashurbanipal_in_Ugarit_and_the_Bible_G_J_Brooke_A_H_W_Curtis_and_J_F_Healey_eds_Ugaritisch_Biblische_Literatur_11_Neukirchen_Vluyn_Neukirchener_1994_Pages_93_100

    41 min
  7. #163 - Mountains and Mustard Seeds - Fig Tree Five (Matthew 17:20)

    08/27/2024

    #163 - Mountains and Mustard Seeds - Fig Tree Five (Matthew 17:20)

    Join us in today's lesson as we delve into the rich cultural background of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 17:20, where He declares that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. This well-known saying gains profound significance when we explore its origins in first-century Judaism. In this lesson, we discover that several plants in the mustard family grow in Israel, including a variant often regarded as a "weed" with seeds no larger than pepper flakes. Remarkably, this plant can thrive in even the most unforgiving environments, sometimes causing stones to crack as its roots take hold. In Rabbinic writings, the mustard seed symbolized something incredibly small, yet its ability to "move" stones became a powerful metaphor for the unexpected strength found in small things. Jesus harnesses this imagery to teach us that even the smallest measure of faith can unlock God's power, making the miraculous possible. Don't miss this captivating exploration of faith, mustard seeds, and mountains! ----------------------------------------------------- www.figtreeteaching.com Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries Fig Tree Amazon Portal: https://amzn.to/3USMelI Class Handout - No Handout for this Lesson Blog Post: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/mountains-and-mustard-seeds YouTube: https://youtu.be/PFxPtcieUG8 Parable of the Mustard Seed References: Brad Young - Jesus, the Jewish Theologian - https://amzn.to/3yUr91I

    24 min
  8. #162 - 'The Word Became Flesh' - Gospel of John (pt. 11)

    08/27/2024

    #162 - 'The Word Became Flesh' - Gospel of John (pt. 11)

    In this lesson, we delve into the profound significance of John 1:14, a verse that stands at the heart of Christian belief. "The Word (Logos) became flesh (Sarx) and dwelt (tabernacled) among us." But what does this truly mean? How can the eternal Logos, the Word of God, take on the form of temporary flesh? Join us as we explore this paradox and consider what John means by using the Greek term ‘Sarx’ for flesh. What are the implications of this statement? Finally, we'll uncover the rich imagery of the Tabernacle from the book of Exodus, understanding how John portrays God's presence as now dwelling—'tabernacling'—among us in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. This exploration not only deepens our understanding of scripture but also enriches our faith journey. Join us in this insightful study of one of Christianity's most essential truths. -------------------------------------- www.figtreeteaching.com Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries Fig Tree Amazon Portal: https://amzn.to/3USMelI Class Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/the-word-became-flesh YouTube: https://youtu.be/rEhyI1X5RiQ Hebrew Word for 'Good News' - Basar - https://youtu.be/yjamiXfkkow Exodus Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCaBz_NhYH3F424Ak91PV9hamPetSpEpU Jesus Birthday during the Feast of Tabernacles? https://youtu.be/QQxbIAvHj38 References: Jewish Annotated New Testament: https://amzn.to/46lwX0J John A. Sanford - Mystical Christianity https://amzn.to/3WnPd4T

    37 min
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About

Fig Tree Podcast's mission is to help you understand the Bible through the lens of first-century cultural context.

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Broberg
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    165
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Fig Tree Ministries Podcast

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