Fig Tree Podcast's mission is to help you understand the Bible through the lens of first-century cultural context.
Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
Claim This Podcastby Scott Broberg
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201 episodes
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Podcast Overview
Fig Tree Podcast's mission is to help you understand the Bible through the lens of first-century cultural context.
Language
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Publishing Since
7/17/2020
1 verified contact email on file for Fig Tree Ministries Podcast
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Recent Episodes
May 27, 2026
#202 - Old Testament Background to Baptism - John (pt. 33)
In this lesson, we explore the Old Testament background to baptism and the long biblical journey that led to the practice of water immersion in the time of Jesus. The story begins with the priests of Israel, who were commanded to wash with water before entering the Tabernacle and serving in the presence of God. Over time, the prophets expanded this imagery and began connecting “washing” with sin, repentance, cleansing, and forgiveness. What was once required only for priests gradually became part of the spiritual preparation of all worshipers seeking to come near to God. By the first century, ritual immersion through the mikvah had become a powerful expression of repentance, purification, and renewed covenant faithfulness. These immersions form the immediate backdrop to the baptisms we encounter in the New Testament. In this study, we trace how the Bible develops the symbolism of water—from priestly cleansing in the Torah to the “baptism of repentance” proclaimed by John the Baptist and practiced by the early followers of Jesus. We also explore how immersion symbolized not merely external washing, but the cleansing of the heart and even the conscience before God. Ultimately, God alone forgives sin. Yet throughout Scripture, physical actions often become sacred signs that embody inward faith and repentance. Baptism is one of those powerful covenant rituals: a public confession, a turning away from sin, and a visible declaration of a new identity before God. Lesson Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/old-testament-origins-of-baptism www.figtreeteaching.com Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries Support the Ministry when you shop at Amazon! Fig Tree Amazon Portal: https://amzn.to/3USMelI YouTube: https://youtu.be/z6IGkYT460A Book Mentioned: Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan - Waters of Eden: The Mystery of the Mikveh https://amzn.to/3OAImVC
May 27, 2026
#201 - Introduction to Baptism - John (pt. 32)
In this lesson, we explore immersion and the symbolism of water as one of humanity’s oldest and most universal rituals. Drawing from ancient Near Eastern thought, the book of Genesis, and the writings of the New Testament, we trace how water represents chaos, creation, death, and rebirth across cultures and Scripture. From the Spirit hovering over the waters in Genesis 1 to Naaman’s immersion in the Jordan, from Paul’s theology of baptism in Romans 6 to Jesus’ promise of “living water” in John 4, we uncover how baptism fulfills a deep, archetypal longing for renewal embedded in the human story. Water is more than cleansing—it is a return to the womb of creation, a symbolic burial, and a rising into new life. Join us as we explore how this ancient ritual becomes a profound window into spiritual transformation and union with Christ. For the full written article, see: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/uploads/1/1/9/7/119763168/fig_tree_ministries_immersion_and_the_symbolism_of_water.pdf ----------------------------------------------------- www.figtreeteaching.com Join the Fig Tree Coffee Club - Starting January 14th, 2026 Check Website for Times and Dates https://www.figtreeteaching.com/store/p3/Fig_Tree_Coffee_Club.html Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries Lesson Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/baptism-immersion-and-the-symbolism-of-water-explained Support the Ministry when you shop at Amazon! Fig Tree Amazon Portal: https://amzn.to/3USMelI YouTube: https://youtu.be/Aeb7p3SgGbI Book Mentioned: Mircea Eliade - Patterns in Comparative Religion https://amzn.to/4rxSHjC Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan - Waters of Eden: The Mystery of the Mikveh https://amzn.to/3OAImVC
December 15, 2025
#200 - John 3:16 Explained Through Genesis 22 - John (pt. 31)
In this lesson, we explore the powerful connection between John 3:16 and Genesis 22, the story known in Jewish tradition as The Binding of Isaac (the Akedah). While John 3:16 is one of the most quoted verses in all of Scripture—"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son"—its language and message draw directly from Genesis 22, where God commands Abraham to offer up his son, his only son, whom he loves. This was not lost on first-century Jewish audiences. By Jesus’ time, Isaac was no longer viewed simply as a passive figure, but as a willing and obedient martyr, joyfully accepting his role in God’s redemptive plan. The Gospel of John echoes this interpretation, presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of that pattern—a Son given, not taken, whose willing sacrifice becomes the ultimate act of love. We'll cover: - The literary and theological structure of John 3:14–18 - How the first mention of “love” in the Bible (Genesis 22:2) shapes the meaning of John 3:16 - The concept of “olah” (burnt offering) and drawing near to God - How Abraham’s journey mirrors the spiritual journey of offering what we love most - The surprising symbolism of the disappearing donkey - And a look at ancient Aramaic Targums, which show how Isaac’s story was interpreted in Jesus’ day This is a rich and layered study that connects two foundational texts in a deeply meaningful way. 👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to see how the Gospel of John is rooted in the soil of the Hebrew Scriptures. 🔔 Subscribe to stay connected with more in-depth Bible studies rooted in ancient Jewish context. --------------------------------------------------------- www.figtreeteaching.com Join the Fig Tree Coffee Club - Starting January 14th, 2026 Check Website for Times and Dates https://www.figtreeteaching.com/store/p3/Fig_Tree_Coffee_Club.html Support Fig Tree Ministries: https://donorbox.org/support-figtree-ministries Support the Ministry when you shop at Amazon! Fig Tree Amazon Portal: https://amzn.to/3USMelI YouTube: https://youtu.be/BqiPTem2fQ0 Lesson Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/john-316-explained-through-genesis-22 Genesis 22 with Interpretive Notes: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/uploads/1/1/9/7/119763168/fig_tree_ministries_genesis_22_interpretive_notes.pdf Targum Comparison: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/uploads/1/1/9/7/119763168/fig_tree_ministries_binding_of_isaac_targum_comparison.pdf Books Mentioned - We participate in the Amazon Affiliate Program. You will support Fig Tree Ministries when you use the links below. Abraham & Family - https://amzn.to/4j0aLQ6
201 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Fig Tree Ministries Podcast?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates monthly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 8 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
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