Fig Tree Ministries is a non-profit educational ministry. We teach bible lessons from the perspective of their original cultural setting.

Fig Tree Ministries

The book of Judges shows us the cyclical decline of Israel's society during the period of the Judges. The result of this decline is a descent into a civil war (Judges 20). 
 
Judges 19 symbolically represents the deterioration of societal norms. At the end of chapter 19, we find a disturbing story of a Levite who dismembers his concubine's body and delivers the pieces to the tribes of Israel. 
 
What are we to make of this act? Join us today as we work through some of the ancient symbolism present in the book of Judges that God uses to communicate this important message. 
 
Support Fig Tree Ministries: 
https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries 
 
Support Fig Tree through Smile.Amazon.com: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741 
 
www.figtreeteaching.com 
 
Class handout: 
https://www.figtreeteaching.com/uploads/1/1/9/7/119763168/fig_tree_ministries_judges_part_2.pdf 
 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y 
 
Apple Podcasts: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/73-symbolic-dismemberment-the-book-of-judges-pt-2-of-2/id1525811891?i=1000546517869 
 
References: 
Anne Katrine de Hemmer Gudme. “Sex, Violence and State Formation in Judges 19-21” in The Bible and Hellenism (Copenhagen International Seminar) Taylor and Francis (2014). 
 
Keefe, Alice A. 1993. “Rapes of Women/Wars of Men.” Semeia 61: 79–97. 
 
Khoiak Festival Drama: 
https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/culture-magazines/osirian-khoiak-festival-drama

The book of Judges shows us the cyclical decline of Israel's society during the period of the Judges. The result of this decline is a descent into a civil war (Judges 20). 

Judges 19 symbolically represents the deterioration of societal norms. At the end of chapter 19, we find a disturbing story of a Levite who dismembers his concubine's body and delivers the pieces to the tribes of Israel. 

What are we to make of this act? Join us today as we work through some of the ancient symbolism present in the book of Judges that God uses to communicate this important message.

Support Fig Tree Ministries: 
https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries 

Support Fig Tree through Smile.Amazon.com: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741 

www.figtreeteaching.com 

Class handout: 
https://www.figtreeteaching.com/uploads/1/1/9/7/119763168/fig_tree_ministries_judges_part_2.pdf

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y 

Apple Podcasts: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/7

A Dismemberment, Symbolic for Civil War - Judges 19:29 (pt. 2 of 2)

What message can we understand from the narrative of Jesus' betrayal and unjust suffering found in the Gospels (Matt. 26 & 27)? 
 
Peter helps us understand the more profound message when he explains that Jesus suffered as an "example" for us. Should we face betrayal and unjust suffering - as we likely will - we are to look to Jesus' actions as the example of how we should respond. 
 
In today's lesson, we look at a thread that is woven throughout scripture about unjust suffering, how it connects to Jesus at the pinnacle, and what it means for us as we "walk as Jesus walked" (1 John 2:6). 
 
Support Fig Tree Ministries: 
https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries 
 
Support Fig Tree through Smile.Amazon.com: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741 
 
www.figtreeteaching.com 
 
Class handout: 
https://www.figtreeteaching.com/uploads/1/1/9/7/119763168/fig_tree_ministries_matthew_bible_study_week_10_betrayal_and_suffering.pdf 
 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y 
 
Apple Podcasts: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/71-jesus-our-example-in-suffering-matthew-study-wk-10/id1525811891?i=1000544519660 
 
 
Resources - that mention Abel in the capacity of a judge. 
 
Testament of Abraham (Chapter 13) 
https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/1007.htm 
 
Enoch 22:3-7 the book of Enoch was composed between 300-200 BCE as a Hebrew apocalyptic book and mentions "the spirit of Abel" "making suit" (Enoch 22:5). 
 
Acts 10:42 - Jesus is appointed by God "as judge over the living and the dead" 
https://biblehub.com/acts/10-42.htm 
http://qbible.com/enoch/22.html 
 
Matt. 19:28 - the disciples as judges over the twelve tribes 
https://biblehub.com/matthew/19-28.htm

What message can we understand from the narrative of Jesus' betrayal and unjust suffering found in the Gospels (Matt. 26 & 27)? 

Peter helps us understand the more profound message when he explains that Jesus suffered as an "example" for us. Should we face betrayal and unjust suffering - as we likely will - we are to look to Jesus' actions as the example of how we should respond. 

In today's lesson, we look at a thread that is woven throughout scripture about unjust suffering, how it connects to Jesus at the pinnacle, and what it means for us as we "walk as Jesus walked" (1 John 2:6). 

Support Fig Tree Ministries: 
https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries 

Support Fig Tree through Smile.Amazon.com: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741 

www.figtreeteaching.com 

Class handout: 
https://www.figtreeteaching.com/uploads/1/1/9/7/119763168/fig_tree_ministries_matthew_bible_study_week_10_betrayal_and_suffering.pdf

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y 



Jesus as our Example in Suffering - 1 Peter 2:19-23

Jesus is asked, 'What is the Greatest Commandment?' 
 
In this video, we explore the background to the question and how it would have been understood by his first-century audience. 
 
We also explore a rule of bible interpretation called Gezerah Shavah that Jesus and his audience would have been familiar with. Using this rule, Jesus is able to connect two commandments from the Old Testament. 
 
Connecting these two commands from the Old Testament Jesus deepens what it means to love God and love your neighbor. 
 
Support Fig Tree Ministries: 
https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries 
 
Support Fig Tree through Smile.Amazon.com: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741 
 
www.figtreeteaching.com 
 
Class handout: 
https://www.figtreeteaching.com/uploads/1/1/9/7/119763168/fig_tree_ministries_matthew_bible_study_week_9_greatest_commendment.pdf 
 
 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y 
 
Apple Podcasts: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/70-the-greatest-commandment-matthew-study-wk-9/id1525811891?i=1000543876432 
 
Resources: 
Jewish Virtual Library: Gezerah Shavah 
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/hermeneutics

Jesus is asked, 'What is the Greatest Commandment?'  

In this video, we explore the background to the question and how it would have been understood by his first-century audience.  

We also explore a rule of bible interpretation called Gezerah Shavah that Jesus and his audience would have been familiar with.  Using this rule, Jesus is able to connect two commandments from the Old Testament. 

Connecting these two commands from the Old Testament Jesus deepens what it means to love God and love your neighbor. 

Support Fig Tree Ministries: 
https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries 

Support Fig Tree through Smile.Amazon.com: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741 

www.figtreeteaching.com 

Class handout: 
https://www.figtreeteaching.com/uploads/1/1/9/7/119763168/fig_tree_ministries_matthew_bible_study_week_9_greatest_commendment.pdf


Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y 

Apple Podcasts: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/70-the-greatest-commandmen

"Greatest Commandment" - One command or Two?  - Matthew 22:36-40

In this week's lesson, we begin an exploration of the details and sequence of the crucifixion as presented in Mark - chapter 15. 
 
Each of the Gospel writers presents the narrative with slight differences. Mark's description of the procession to the cross is tightly worded with specific details. The question we will be asking is, why? Why those details in that order? 
 
As we will see, the details in Mark 15 are extraordinarily similar to the details of the Roman Triumph - the procession that declares the power and victory of Rome. 
 
Assuming Mark wrote in Rome - in the '60s - what would his first audience have thought? 
 
Support Fig Tree Ministries: 
https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries 
 
Support Fig Tree through Smile.Amazon.com: 
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741 
 
www.figtreeteaching.com 
 
Class handouts: 
https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/crucifixion-as-coronation-pt-1-of-2 
 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y 
 
Apple Podcasts: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/55-crucifixion-as-a-coronation-mark-15-16-32/id1525811891?i=1000529108465 
 
References: 
Thomas Schmidt: "Jesus' Triumphal March to Crucifixion" - Bible Review 13, no. 1 (1997): 30-37. https://www.baslibrary.org/bible-review/13/1/11 
 
Roman Imperial Cult: 
https://youtu.be/9BcKXOL-GgE 
 
Jesus vs Caesar Augustus: 
https://youtu.be/MP9TwKI1RN4 
 
Caesar August birth as Good News - Priene Inscription: 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendar_Inscription_of_Priene

In this week's lesson, we begin an exploration of the details and sequence of the crucifixion as presented in Mark - chapter 15. 

Each of the Gospel writers presents the narrative with slight differences. Mark's description of the procession to the cross is tightly worded with specific details. The question we will be asking is, why? Why those details in that order?  

As we will see, the details in Mark 15 are extraordinarily similar to the details of the Roman Triumph - the procession that declares the power and victory of Rome. 

Assuming Mark wrote in Rome - in the '60s - what would his first audience have thought?

Support Fig Tree Ministries: 
https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries

Support Fig Tree through Smile.Amazon.com:  
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741

www.figtreeteaching.com

Class handouts: 
https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/crucifixion-as-coronation-pt-1-of-2

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y 

Apple Podcasts:  


Crucifixion as Coronation:  Mark 15:16-32 (part 1 of 2)

The number three carries significant meaning in the Biblical narrative, Judaism, and Christianity. 
 
This lesson explores the significance of the number three and its inference toward a spiritual journey toward restoration. 
 
Abraham, Moses, Joshua, and Jesus have a "three" or "third day" associated with their spiritual journey. This lesson will help raise your awareness of how this number is used throughout scripture. 
 
Support Fig Tree Ministries: 
https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries 
 
Support us while you shop using Smile.Amazon.com: 
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741 
 
www.figtreeteaching.com 
 
Class handout: 
https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/number-three-and-a-spiritual-journey 
 
Apple Podcasts: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/49-number-3-and-a-spiritual-journey-hosea-6-1-2/id1525811891?i=1000523116691 
 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y 
 
Reference: 
3 Within Judaism: https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/5130725/jewish/3333-Years-Since-the-Ten-Commandments.htm#utm_medium=email&utm_source=9_Holiday_and_Site_Notifications_en&utm_campaign=en&utm_content=content 
 
Tuesday (Tiw's Day) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuesday

The number three carries significant meaning in the Biblical narrative, Judaism, and Christianity.  

This lesson explores the significance of the number three and its inference toward a spiritual journey toward restoration. 

Abraham, Moses, Joshua, and Jesus have a "three" or "third day" associated with their spiritual journey.  This lesson will help raise your awareness of how this number is used throughout scripture. 

Support Fig Tree Ministries:
https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries

Support us while you shop using Smile.Amazon.com:
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741

www.figtreeteaching.com

Class handout:  
https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/number-three-and-a-spiritual-journey

Apple Podcasts: 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/49-number-3-and-a-spiritual-journey-hosea-6-1-2/id1525811891?i=1000523116691

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mh4v8e7FDwOoPhQd7bz7Y

Reference:
3 Within Judaism: https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/5130725

Number "Three" - Spiritual Journey - Hosea 6:1-2

This video is part of a series on the Sea of Galilee, but we are taking a detour to talk about another "triangle number" found in the book of Acts. 
 
For more on triangle numbers - like 153 fish in John 21 - see Sea of Galilee part 8 and 9: 
 
part 8: https://youtu.be/j2fZX1ZQp8Q 
part 9: https://youtu.be/rNkc1AZgEV4 
 
Why does Luke include the number of crew members (276) aboard the ship that he and Paul are traveling on to Rome? 
 
The number 276 happens to be a triangle number (the triangle of 23). Additionally, there is a Hebrew phrase in Jeremiah 23 that adds up to 276. The phrase is unique and speaks to the hope that we can place in God's promise of deliverance. 
 
Join us for a deep dive into Luke's use of this number. 
 
Support our work: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries 
 
Support while you shop on Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741 
 
www.figtreeteaching.com 
 
Class handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/267-and-the-hope-of-israel-acts-2737 
 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/46-276-and-the-hope-of-israel-podcast-acts-27-37/id1525811891?i=1000518893975 
 
 
5:36 Acts 27:37 
8:52 Preview 
11:20 Hope and the dynamics of Hoping 
21:35 Righteousness 
22:31 Isaiah 56:1 
24:48 Hope in God's Righteousness 
26:10 Acts 27 
27:00 All Hope is Lost - Acts 27:20 
28:20 Acts 27:22-25 
31:32 276 - the Lord is our Righteousness 
34:20 Jeremiah 23:5-6 
40:07 Acts 28:20 the Hope of Israel 
41:22 Anchor Cross at Sardis (Revelation 3:1)

This video is part of a series on the Sea of Galilee, but we are taking a detour to talk about another "triangle number" found in the ...

276 and the Hope of Israel - Acts 27:37 and Jeremiah 23:16 - Sea of Galilee Part 10

today's video is an extension of Sea of Galilee part 8: 
 
In this video, we dig deeper into the number 153 from John 21:11 and how this is connected to two words in Ezekiel 47:10 - Gedi and Eglaim. 
 
Finally, we explore another example of 153 and the Hebrew phrase 'Sons of God' and how scholars connect this to the overall message of John's Gospel. 
 
Support our work: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries 
 
Support while you shop on Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741 
 
Class Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/153-fish 
 
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/45-sea-of-galilee-pt-9-153-and-ezekiel-47-10/id1525811891?i=1000517971756 
 
Resource: 
Richard Bauckham - The 153 Fish and the Unity of the Fourth Gospel 
Neotestamentica, 2002, Vol. 36, No. 1/2, Word, Sacrament, and Community (2002), pp 77-88. 
 
2:40 En Gedi (the spring of Gedi) 
7:32 Review John 21:11 
9:32 Triangular Numbers 
12:52 Ezekiel 47:10 - River of Life 
13:43 En Gedi and En Eglaim 
18:23 John and Ezekiel 
19:32 John 7:37-38 
24:29 Hebrew Alphabet 
29:10 Gedi = 17 
30:00 Eglaim = 153 
33:53 Sons of God = 153 
35:31 John 1:12 'Children of God' 
37:16 Richard Bauckham 
38:21 Meaning of 153

today's video is an extension of Sea of Galilee part 8: In this video, we dig deeper into the number 153 from John 21:11 and how ...

153 Fish and Ezekiel 47:10 - Sea of Galilee (pt 9)

This section is clipped from the full video here: https://youtu.be/j2fZX1ZQp8Q 
 
The main question is: Why does John include the detail about 153 fish? 
 
Richard Bauckham details John's many uses of numbers throughout the Gospel of John. The article is listed below: 
 
THE 153 FISH AND THE UNITY OF THE FOURTH GOSPEL 
Author(s): Richard Bauckham 
Neotestamentica , 2002, Vol. 36, No. 1/2, Word, Sacrament, and Community: 
Festschrift for Professor J N Suggit (2002), pp. 77-88 
 
Support our work: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries 
 
Support while you shop using Smile.Amazon.com: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741

This section is clipped from the full video here: https://youtu.be/j2fZX1ZQp8Q

The main question is:  Why does John include the detail about 153 fish?

Richard Bauckham details John's many uses of numbers throughout the Gospel of John. The article is listed below:

THE 153 FISH AND THE UNITY OF THE FOURTH GOSPEL
Author(s): Richard Bauckham
Neotestamentica , 2002, Vol. 36, No. 1/2, Word, Sacrament, and Community:
Festschrift for Professor J N Suggit (2002), pp. 77-88

Support our work: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries

Support while you shop using Smile.Amazon.com: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741

Why 153 Fish in John 21:11?  (clipped)

Jesus stilling the sea (Mark 4:35-41) and the story of Jonah are intricately connected. 
 
Join us this week as we explore the possible meanings of the phrase "Sign of Jonah" and the connections to Jesus and his ministry. 
 
Support Fig Tree Ministries: 
https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries 
 
Support while shopping through Smile.Amazon 
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741 
 
Download the class handout: 
https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/sign-of-jonah 
 
4:17 Sign of Jonah 
7:14 Review 
10:31 found 3x in the New Testament 
11:54 Matthew 12:38-41 
14:08 Luke 11:29-32 
17:56 the story of Jonah - intro 
24:00 Jesus compared to Jonah 
36:37 Jonah 4 
40:00 Jonah 4:4 
41:56 Jonah 4:9-11

Jesus stilling the sea (Mark 4:35-41) and the story of Jonah are intricately connected. 

Join us this week as we explore the possible meanings of the phrase "Sign of Jonah" and the connections to Jesus and his ministry. 

Support Fig Tree Ministries:
https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries

Support while shopping through Smile.Amazon
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741

Download the class handout:
https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/sign-of-jonah

4:17 Sign of Jonah
7:14 Review
10:31 found 3x in the New Testament
11:54 Matthew 12:38-41
14:08 Luke 11:29-32
17:56 the story of Jonah - intro
24:00 Jesus compared to Jonah
36:37 Jonah 4
40:00 Jonah 4:4
41:56 Jonah 4:9-11

Sea of Galilee (pt. 5) - Sign of Jonah - Luke 11:29

In this lesson, we take a detailed look at Mark 5:1-20 which is the story of the Demon-Possessed Man from the Decapolis. As we fill in the cultural details that help us understand the interactions between Jews and gentiles we gain insight into the actions - or non-actions - of the disciples. 
 
Fig Tree Ministries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational ministry: 
Support our work: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries 
 
Support while you shop through Smile.Amazon: 
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741 
 
For the class handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/demon-possessed-man 
 
Resource: 
The Jewish Annotated Apocrypha: https://smile.amazon.com/Jewish-Annotated-Apocrypha-Jonathan-Klawans/dp/0190262486/ref=sr_1_2?crid=XNXBQ751EL3M&dchild=1&keywords=the+jewish+annotated+apocrypha&qid=1615262381&sprefix=the+jewish+anno%2Caps%2C224&sr=8-2 
 
2:53 Main points 
4:21 Review of parts 1-3 
7:07 Ancient view of cosmos 
13:23 Get out of the Boat 
13:45 Mark 5:1 
15:28 Mark 5:2-5 
17:27 Mark 5:6-10 
19:38 Mark 5:10 vs Luke 8:31 
21:08 Mark 5:11-13 
22:42 Mark 5:14-17 
23:40 Mark 5:18-20 
26:26 Swine, Demons, Legion 
28:37 Bible Timeline 
32:51 1 Maccabees 1:47 Swine Sacrifice 
34:15 Legion 
36:15 Pagans - Jubilees 22:16-18 
40:21 Actions of the Disciples

In this lesson, we take a detailed look at Mark 5:1-20 which is the story of the Demon-Possessed Man from the Decapolis. As we fill in the cultural details that help us understand the interactions between Jews and gentiles we gain insight into the actions - or non-actions - of the disciples. 

Fig Tree Ministries is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational ministry:
Support our work:  https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries

Support while you shop through Smile.Amazon:
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741

For the class handout:  https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/demon-possessed-man

Resource: 
The Jewish Annotated Apocrypha: https://smile.amazon.com/Jewish-Annotated-Apocrypha-Jonathan-Klawans/dp/0190262486/ref=sr_1_2?crid=XNXBQ751EL3M&dchild=1&keywords=the+jewish+annotated+apocrypha&qid=1615262381&sprefix=the+jewish+anno%2Caps%2C224&sr=8-2

2:53 Main points
4:21 Review of parts 1-3
7:07 Ancient view of cosmos
13:23 Get out of the Boat
13:45 Mark 5:1
15:28 Mark 5:2-5
17

Sea of Galilee (pt. 4) - Demon Possessed Man - Mark 5:1-20

In this video, we explore ancient Near East thought about "the Sea" and all of the symbolism that goes along with it. Once we understand the symbolism of "sea," we can better understand the story of Jesus in Luke 8:22-25. 
 
Who has authority over the chaos and the abyss? How is the authority of the Father passed down to the Son? 
 
Support our work: 
 https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries 
 
Support while you shop through Smile.Amazon: 
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741 
 
Class handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/sea-of-galilee-pt-2-luke-822-25 
 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/38-sea-of-galilee-pt-2-luke-8-22-25-authority-over-the-sea/id1525811891?i=1000510269052 
 
References: 
Dictionary of Biblical Imagery: https://smile.amazon.com/Dictionary-Biblical-Imagery-Leland-Ryken/dp/0830814515/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LD17DPW6VVZ&dchild=1&keywords=dictionary+of+biblical+imagery&qid=1614111025&sprefix=dictionary+of+bibli%2Caps%2C225&sr=8-1 
 
1:33 Review of Part 1 
4:43 the Sea 
7:16 Reading scripture in layers 
8:35 High Context vs Low Context communication 
12:12 The Sea in symbolism 
14:41 Dictionary of Biblical Imagery 
15:43 Sea is the Abyss 
16:18 Ancient view of the cosmos 
18:25 Exodus 20:4 - "waters under the earth" 
21:28 The Sea as the force of Chaos 
21:41 Genesis 1:1-2 
24:04 The Sea as Chaos and the Authority of God 
26:04 the Sea - Yam 
31:22 Luke 8:22-25 
35:42 Psalm 89:9-10 
41:22 - Questions or Comments from class members

In this video, we explore ancient Near East thought about "the Sea" and all of the symbolism that goes along with it. Once we understand the symbolism of "sea," we can better understand the story of Jesus in Luke 8:22-25. 

Who has authority over the chaos and the abyss?  How is the authority of the Father passed down to the Son?

Support our work:
 https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries

Support while you shop through Smile.Amazon:
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741

Class handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/sea-of-galilee-pt-2-luke-822-25

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/38-sea-of-galilee-pt-2-luke-8-22-25-authority-over-the-sea/id1525811891?i=1000510269052

References:
Dictionary of Biblical Imagery: https://smile.amazon.com/Dictionary-Biblical-Imagery-Leland-Ryken/dp/0830814515/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LD17DPW6VVZ&dchild=1&keywords=dictionary+of+biblical+imagery&qid=1614111025&sprefix=dictionary+of+bibli%2Caps%2C225&sr=8-1

1:33 Review 

Sea of Galilee (pt. 2) - Luke 8:22-25 - Authority over the Storm

In Jewish mystical thought (Lurianic Kabbalah), the human soul's three highest attributes are Wisdom, Understanding, and Knowledge. 
 
These attributes have their counterpart in the "Heavenly Man" (Jesus), a manifestation of God's glory. 
 
These three attributes are also associated with God creating the world (Proverbs 3). 
 
In this lesson, we explore these attributes from Genesis through to Paul's letters and discuss how we can structure our own interactions with God through the Holy Spirit. 
 
Class notes can be downloaded here: 
https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/wisdom-understanding-and-knowledge 
 
Support our work: 
 https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries 
 
Support while you shop through Smile.Amazon: 
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741 
 
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/36-wisdom-understanding-knowledge-proverbs-3-19-20/id1525811891?i=1000508376414 
 
4:16 Review 
7:06 Soul is made in the image of Heavenly Man 
8:54 Ten Attributes 
10:33 Interact with Holy Spirit 
13:09 Wisdom 
17:04 Understanding 
19:43 Knowledge 
22:53 Proverbs 2:6 
23:37 Signpost into the fog 
26:01 Proverbs 3:19-20 
29:55 Genesis 41:37-39 Joseph 
31:57 Exodus 31:1-3 Tabernacle 
35:34 1 Cor. 2:6-10 
38:20 Ephesians 1:7-9 
40:06 Colossians 1:9 
41:32 Messiah - Isaiah 11:2 
44:25 Chabad San Diego State

In Jewish mystical thought (Lurianic Kabbalah), the human soul's three highest attributes are Wisdom, Understanding, and ...

Wisdom Understanding Knowledge - Proverbs 3:19-20

this video is the second of two the Heavenly Man. The topic is mystical and difficult to grasp the first time around. This is a review of our previous vid. but will add a few minor details. 
 
In 1 Corinthians 15:49, Paul refers to Jesus as the "heavenly man" in a comparison with the "first Adam." The idea of the "heavenly man" was not new to the Jews of the first century. Join us in this video as we explore the background to the concept and how it shows up today within the area of Jewish Mysticism. 
 
Support our work: 
https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries 
 
Support while you shop through Smile.Amazon: 
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741 
 
Class Handout:https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/heavenly-man-part-2 
 
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/35-heavenly-man-1-cor-15-49-part-2/id1525811891?i=1000507512392 
 
Regarding there being a copy of everything on earth also being in the Heavens - like the Heavenly Man as a model (image and likeness) for humanity, see the following verses: 
Exodus 25:9 - God will "show" Moses the Tabernacle (https://biblehub.com/exodus/25-9.htm) 
Exodus 25:40 - https://biblehub.com/exodus/25-40.htm 
Hebrews 8:5 - the sanctuary is a copy of what is in Heaven (https://biblehub.com/hebrews/8-5.htm) 
 
Resources: 
Lawrence Kushner - Honey from the Rock - https://smile.amazon.com/Honey-Special-Anniversary-Lawrence-Kushner/dp/1580230733/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=honey+from+the+rock&qid=1612313807&sr=8-2 
 
Nyland - Books of Enoch - 
https://smile.amazon.com/Complete-Books-Enoch-Secrets-Hebrew/dp/1453890297/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1OUM15KXF57GT&dchild=1&keywords=book+of+enoch+nyland&qid=1612313852&sprefix=enoch+nylan%2Caps%2C236&sr=8-5 
 
 
Louis Ginzberg - Adam Kadmon - http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/761-adam-kadmon 
 
Daniel Boyarin, “Logos, a Jewish Word: John’s Prologue as Midrash,” 
https://www.academia.edu/36254597/Daniel_Boyarin_Logos_a_Jewish_Word_John_s_Prologue_as_Midrash_in_Amy_Jill_Levine_and_Marc_Zvi_Brettler_eds_The_Jewish_Annotated_New_Testament_New_York_Oxford_University_Press_2011_546_549?pls=RHC94DMla 
 
Adam Kadmon - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Kadmon

this video is the second of two the Heavenly Man.  The topic is mystical and difficult to grasp the first time around. This is a review of our previous vid. but will add a few minor details. 

In 1 Corinthians 15:49, Paul refers to Jesus as the "heavenly man" in a comparison with the "first Adam."  The idea of the "heavenly man" was not new to the Jews of the first century. Join us in this video as we explore the background to the concept and how it shows up today within the area of Jewish Mysticism. 

Support our work:
https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries

Support while you shop through Smile.Amazon:
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741

Class Handout:https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/heavenly-man-part-2

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/35-heavenly-man-1-cor-15-49-part-2/id1525811891?i=1000507512392

Regarding there being a copy of everything on earth also being in the Heavens - like the Heavenly Man as a model (image and likeness) for hu

1 Corinthians 15:45 - the Heavenly Man - part II

In 1 Corinthians 15:49, Paul refers to Jesus as the "heavenly man" in a comparison with the "first Adam." The idea of the "heavenly man" was not new to the Jews of the first century. Join us in this video as we explore the background to the concept and how it shows up today within the area of Jewish Mysticism. 
 
Support our work: 
https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries 
 
Support while you shop through Smile.Amazon: 
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741 
 
Class Handout: 
https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/heavenly-man-1-cor-1549 
 
Regarding there being a copy of everything on earth also being in the Heavens - like the Heavenly Man as a model (image and likeness) for humanity, see the following verses: 
Exodus 25:9 - God will "show" Moses the Tabernacle (https://biblehub.com/exodus/25-9.htm) 
Exodus 25:40 - https://biblehub.com/exodus/25-40.htm 
Hebrews 8:5 - the sanctuary is a copy of what is in Heaven (https://biblehub.com/hebrews/8-5.htm) 
 
Resources: 
Louis Ginzberg - Adam Kadmon - http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/761-adam-kadmon 
 
Daniel Boyarin, “Logos, a Jewish Word: John’s Prologue as Midrash,” 
https://www.academia.edu/36254597/Daniel_Boyarin_Logos_a_Jewish_Word_John_s_Prologue_as_Midrash_in_Amy_Jill_Levine_and_Marc_Zvi_Brettler_eds_The_Jewish_Annotated_New_Testament_New_York_Oxford_University_Press_2011_546_549?pls=RHC94DMla 
 
Adam Kadmon - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Kadmon 
 
Sections: 
1:11 - Introduction 
5:55 - Mandorla 
11:06 - Adam Kadmon 
18:41 - Philo of Alexandria 
20:42 - Ezekiel 1 
30:33 - John 1:1-5 
34:00 - Colossians 1:15-17 
36:06 - Incarnation 
37:42 - Human Soul 
39:10 - 1 Corinthians 15:45-49

In 1 Corinthians 15:49, Paul refers to Jesus as the "heavenly man" in a comparison with the "first Adam."  The idea of the "heavenly man" was not new to the Jews of the first century. Join us in this video as we explore the background to the concept and how it shows up today within the area of Jewish Mysticism. 

Support our work: 
https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries

Support while you shop through Smile.Amazon:
https://smile.amazon.com/ch/83-0587741

Class Handout:
https://www.figtreeteaching.com/faith-lessons/heavenly-man-1-cor-1549

Regarding there being a copy of everything on earth also being in the Heavens - like the Heavenly Man as a model (image and likeness) for humanity, see the following verses:
Exodus 25:9 - God will "show" Moses the Tabernacle (https://biblehub.com/exodus/25-9.htm)
Exodus 25:40 - https://biblehub.com/exodus/25-40.htm
Hebrews 8:5 - the sanctuary is a copy of what is in Heaven (https://biblehub.com/hebrews/8-5.htm)

Resources:
Louis Ginzberg - Ad

The Heavenly Man: 1 Corinthians 15:49

Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem is a representation of God's "visitation" where he returns to become king. "Visitation" is a Hebrew word - Pakad - that carries tremendous meaning in the Old Testament. Join us as we explore this dynamic Hebrew word and how the full force of its meaning comes to fruition when Jesus arrives in Jerusalem. 
 
Bible Visualization: 
https://www.chrisharrison.net/index.php/Visualizations/BibleViz 
 
A great book for a reference - by Lois Tverberg 
https://smile.amazon.com/Listening-Language-Bible-Lois-Tverberg/dp/0974948209/ref=sr_1_6?crid=S1F2VLZJXSFZ&dchild=1&keywords=lois+tverberg+books&qid=1607393518&sprefix=lois+tv%2Caps%2C481&sr=8-6

Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem is a representation of God's "visitation" where he returns to become king. "Visitation" is a Hebrew word - Pakad - that carries tremendous meaning in the Old Testament. Join us as we explore this dynamic Hebrew word and how the full force of its meaning comes to fruition when Jesus arrives in Jerusalem. 

Bible Visualization:
https://www.chrisharrison.net/index.php/Visualizations/BibleViz

A great book for a reference - by Lois Tverberg
https://smile.amazon.com/Listening-Language-Bible-Lois-Tverberg/dp/0974948209/ref=sr_1_6?crid=S1F2VLZJXSFZ&dchild=1&keywords=lois+tverberg+books&qid=1607393518&sprefix=lois+tv%2Caps%2C481&sr=8-6

God's Visitation - Luke 19:44

The story of Zacchaeus the tax collector is a popular one in the minds of Christians. But was he the "notorious sinner" that many claim him to be? How often do we slow down to take a closer look at the text? Join us as we dissect this popular story to see if we can "rescue truth from familiarity." see bibliography below... 
 
Bibliography: 
Joseph Fitzmyer, The Gospel According to Luke (10-24) - pg. 1218-27 https://smile.amazon.com/Gospel-According-Luke-X-XXIV-Introduction/dp/0385155425/ref=sr_1_3?crid=X18S000CB8C1&dchild=1&keywords=fitzmyer+luke&qid=1604344745&sprefix=fitzmyer%2Caps%2C215&sr=8-3 
 
Anchor Bible Dictionary (Volume 6) - Zacchaeus (pg. 1032-1033) https://smile.amazon.com/Anchor-Bible-Dictionary-6/dp/038526190X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=32AYDMU2ZNVP1&dchild=1&keywords=the+anchor+bible+dictionary+vol+6&qid=1604344877&sprefix=anchor+bible+dictionary+vol+%2Caps%2C201&sr=8-2 
 
Alan Mitchell - "Zacchaeus Revisited: Luke 19.8 as a Defense" (Biblica, 1990, Vol. 71/No. 2). 
 
Dennis Hamm - "Luke 19.8 Once Again: Does Zacchaeus Defend or Resolve?" (Journal of Biblical Literature, Sept. 1988, Vol. 107, No. 3, pp431-437). 
 
Joshua Schwartz - "On Priests and Jericho in the Second Temple Period" (The Jewish Quarterly Review, 79/no 1, 1988). 
 
Fabian Udoh, "To Caesar What is Caesars: Tribute, Taxes, and Imperial Administration in Early Roman Palestine https://smile.amazon.com/Caesar-What-Caesars-B-C-70/dp/1930675925/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=fabian+udoh&qid=1604351694&sr=8-2 
 
John Donahue - "Tax Collectors and Sinners: An Attempt at Identification" (The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 33 no 1, Jan 1971, pg. 39-61).

The story of Zacchaeus the tax collector is a popular one in the minds of Christians. But was he the "notorious sinner" that many claim him to be? How often do we slow down to take a closer look at the text? Join us as we dissect this popular story to see if we can "rescue truth from familiarity." see bibliography below...

Bibliography: 
Joseph Fitzmyer, The Gospel According to Luke (10-24) - pg. 1218-27 https://smile.amazon.com/Gospel-According-Luke-X-XXIV-Introduction/dp/0385155425/ref=sr_1_3?crid=X18S000CB8C1&dchild=1&keywords=fitzmyer+luke&qid=1604344745&sprefix=fitzmyer%2Caps%2C215&sr=8-3

Anchor Bible Dictionary (Volume 6) - Zacchaeus (pg. 1032-1033) https://smile.amazon.com/Anchor-Bible-Dictionary-6/dp/038526190X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=32AYDMU2ZNVP1&dchild=1&keywords=the+anchor+bible+dictionary+vol+6&qid=1604344877&sprefix=anchor+bible+dictionary+vol+%2Caps%2C201&sr=8-2

Alan Mitchell - "Zacchaeus Revisited: Luke 19.8 as a Defense" (Biblica, 1990, Vol. 71/No. 2).

Dennis Hamm - "Luke 

Zacchaeus - Luke 19:1-10 - part 1

The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector provides a unique glimpse into human nature and what happens when we turn people into "them" or "other."

Parable: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector - Luke 18:9-14

Leviticus 19:18 and Forgiveness - how to 'love your neighbor'

Jesus directs this complex parable at the religious leaders - the priests and the teachers of the law. This parable is a masterful weaving together of Old Testament texts (and 1st-century interpretation) to communicate the identity of Jesus.

Parables - part 3 The Wicked Tenants - Mark 12:1-12

In Matthew 11:7 - Jesus says "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?" 
 
In this video we look at the use of plant metaphors in the Bible and what Jesus is saying about John.

In Matthew 11:7 - Jesus says "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?" 

In this video we look at the use of plant metaphors in the Bible and what Jesus is saying about John.

Fig Tree Ministries Videos