Fig Tree Five


Experience the essence of profound Biblical teachings through our Fig Tree Five video series. These concise videos offer insightful encapsulations of rich lessons.  

Please click on the image below to access the lesson and video. ​

Latest Fig Tree Five

Did Jesus Really Sweat Blood? No. - Luke 22:44

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. 

Hebrew Word Midbar

In today's lesson, we explore the enigmatic relationship between two Hebrew terms: "Midbar," which signifies the wilderness, and "Dabar," which represents both "the word" and the action "to speak."

This linguistic connection opens the door to a fascinating spiritual insight.

When do we most clearly hear the word of God, or "Dabar"? The answer lies in those wilderness moments of life, denoted by "Midbar."

Genesis: A Message of Forgiveness

In this lesson, we delve into the profound theme of Genesis, which extends beyond mere tales of sibling relationships, encompassing the profound message of the potency and significance of forgiveness.

If brothers are to remain in unity, they must learn to forgive.
"How wonderful it is when
​brothers get along." Psalm 133:1

Daughters of Jerusalem

Today's lesson delves into the Hebrew idiomatic phrase "Daughters of..."

In Luke 23:28, Jesus references the "daughters of Jerusalem," employing a cultural reference that may be less commonly understood.
​
Join us in our exploration of the significance behind Jesus's words in this moment, as he highlights the impending judgment.

Shop Amazon to Support Fig Tree Ministries

On February 20, 2023, Amazon discontinued its Smile.Amazon.com program, which supported qualifying non-profits through the Amazon Foundation. This program was a popular way for many Fig Tree donors to contribute to our ministry while regularly shopping on Amazon.

We are excited to announce that we are now participating in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. This program offers a way for Fig Tree Ministries to earn commissions by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This means you can help our ministry again while shopping on Amazon!

Instructions:
  • Each time you shop, please use the unique Fig Tree Portal link below.
  • We have the potential to earn a commission on qualifying purchases.
  • Note: you will need to click our portal link each time you shop.

Your support is greatly appreciated and helps us continue our mission!

"The LORD's Appointed Feasts"

Leviticus 23 outlines a list of God's appointed holidays, often referred to as the "biblical feasts" or "holy convocations," which were prescribed for the Israelites to observe.

These holidays held both religious and historical significance and were meant to help the people remember their relationship with God and key events from their history. ​

What is a Gethsemane?

Contrary to common perception, the Bible does not specifically refer to "the Garden of Gethsemane." In fact, Gethsemane is not merely a name, but rather a descriptor of the place's function.

Join us in exploring the true meaning of Gethsemane and the significant message that emerges from Jesus' time spent in the garden on the night prior to His crucifixion.

Healing Eyes with Spittle?

Have you ever wondered why Jesus used spittle to heal the blind man as depicted in the Gospels? 

Join us for an enlightening exploration into the deep-rooted beliefs and customs of the first-century Greco-Roman and Jewish world. 

In the world Jesus inhabited, spittle was not merely considered a bodily secretion. It was believed to be imbued with unique properties and was thought to have medicinal value. Specifically, the spittle of a firstborn son was considered to be especially potent in healing ailments related to the eyes.

More Fig Tree Five Ahead

The Father's House
The 'Father's House' serves as a poignant cultural metaphor, shedding light on the Scriptural principle of redemption.

In this metaphorical realm, God the Father possesses a household, and each one of us is an integral member of that divine family. But what unfolds when we find ourselves estranged, metaphorically 'outside' of the Father's House?

In a profound act of divine love and grace, the Father commissions His eldest Son—the Redeemer—to embark on a mission to reconcile us back to the familial fold.

​This salvific journey by the Redeemer illuminates the depths of God's desire to restore us to a place of belonging and unity within His household.

The Cross is the Tree of Life

In the book of Revelation, John carefully selects his Greek words for tree, yet adds an unexpected nuance when discussing the "Tree of Life."

The Tree of Life, described as having leaves that never wither and ever-bearing fruit, is dubbed in Greek 'xsulon'—the same term used for the wood of Christ's Cross.

The implication is profound: The Cross itself, often seen as an emblem of suffering and death, becomes a wellspring of life and healing in the spiritual realm.
 
It stands as a paradoxical symbol—conjoining the realms of life and death, tragedy and triumph, in a manner beyond our complete understanding. 

What is a Chiastic Structure?

Join us as we explore an ancient literary technique called a Chiastic structure. 

Learn how a chiastic structure works and join us as we look at one of the profound chiasms in the Bible - the Tower of Babel. 

When you can see the chiasm in the Tower of Babel story, a more profound and significant message emerges.

Chiastic Structure Handout:  HERE

Another Chiasm!

In this lesson we explore the Chiastic Structure of Mark 1:1-15. 

Mark employs this chiasm to emphasize that Jesus is the Messiah and that he brings the Good News of the kingdom reign of God. 

Unveiling the Divine Reality

Mark uses a sophisticated literary technique known as Inclusio to unveil the true nature of Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah and the Son of God. 

In this lesson, we delve into the Apocalyptic nature of Mark's Gospel and how this Inclusio helps us see beyond our present reality into the transcendent nature of God's kingdom.  

Unlocking Mystical Secrets:
Gematria and the Lamb of God

 In today's session, we dive into the intriguing world of Mystical Judaism and explore a unique technique known as Gematria.

Gematria is a profound method for exploring the depths of the Hebrew scripture, revealing hidden connections within God's cosmos.

Hebrew Alphabet Handout: Click Here

Are You Being Pickled?

This short video is clipped out of our original lesson on Baptism and Baptizing in the context of making a disciple.

​You can find the original lesson and the associated class handout by clicking the link below: 

Unlocking the Meaning of Baptism.

Mountains and Mustard Seeds

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.

Original Blog Post:  Click Here