In Episode One, we are quickly submerged into the world of first-century Israel under Roman occupation. Familiar names from scripture start to surface as we are methodically introduced to an initial group of soon-to-be disciples who find themselves struggling between opposing forces of power and taxation—from the oppressive Roman government to the burdensome moral laws of their religious leaders. Here we meet Simon (Peter), his brother Andrew, Mary Magdalene, Matthew the tax collector, and others including the well respected “teacher of teachers” Nicodemus from John chapter 3.

D I S C U S S I O N  Q U E S T I O N S

1. Were there any details about the depiction of 1st century Israel, historical context and culture, or Roman oppression that stood out to you in Episode One?

2. Both Matthew and Mary (and even Nicodemus) were trapped in social structures whether by choice or by circumstance. Do you think the way we view systems of power affects our ability to see hurting people?

3. With Mary, we see the hope that can come from holding fast to scripture. Are there any scriptures throughout your life that have been anchor points for you?

4. When Jesus purposefully steps into the fray—and the final frame of this episode—His deeply personal intervention brings healing and freedom. Has there ever been a moment in your life that has been unmistakably marked by Christ?

In Episode Two, we see Mary Magdalene completely restored and living in freedom. She has abandoned her old identity to embrace a new way and even hosts her own Shabbat (or Sabbath) dinner which introduces us to two more of Christ’s disciples. Mary’s transformation has also come to the attention of the Pharisees, including Nicodemus whose curiosity for Jesus is developing. We also see tensions between Simon Peter, his Jewish brothers, and Matthew specifically begin to bubble up as the Roman Praetor, Quintas, tightens his grip on the region through backroom deals and manipulation.

D I S C U S S I O N  Q U E S T I O N S

1. “I was one way. And now I am completely different. And the thing that happened in between was Him.” A powerful truth from Mary Magdalene! Have there been moments in your life where you’ve come to the same conclusion as Mary?
   
   
2. Mary’s Shabbat dinner is humble, lacks polish, and brings people tothe table who others have ignored. Yet it’s the dinner Jesus chooses to attend. What lessons can be learned from that scene to help us become more like Christ in our own lives?
   
   
3. The presence of Jesus turns homes into holy places, dinner tablesinto discipleship spaces, and ordinary moments into miraculous ones. Is there anything “ordinary” in your life that, if yielded to Jesus, could become the same redemptive and mercy-filled moment in and for your neighborhood?

In Episode Three, we get to see the humanity of Jesus as well as the divine nature of God through the eyes of children. We observe His humanity as He labors to build a fire, crafts wooden locks and mechanisms, engages in moments of intense prayer—and even breaks a sweat while He does it! Children find Him and are so delighted that they return day after day to learn and inquire about Christ’s life, mission, and favorite kinds of food. We see the delight that Jesus has in spending time with everyone, including children, and the intentionality and invitation He provides when sharing His life with anyone who willingly accepts.

D I S C U S S I O N  Q U E S T I O N S

1. What thoughts about the humanity of Jesus come to mind as we watch Him build fires, cut food, and engage in His trade?

2. What is it about Christ that draws everyone in, especially children in this instance?

3. “Everyone has a much larger job than just your trade.” How does this statement from Jesus impact the way we see our current employment or work environments?

4. The Shema, a central Judaic prayer from Deuteronomy 6:4-9, is powerfully featured in this episode and is part of the Great Commandment Jesus gives in Mark 12:28-34. How would these prayed and practiced ideas impact the way we live day-to-day?

5. What lessons can we learn from this episode when it comes to who we choose to interact with, or in whom we choose to place value or importance?

In Episode Four, time is running out for Simon Peter who is on the verge of losing his family, friends, livelihood, and possibly his life. And just like Mary Magdalene in Episode One, Simon desperately needs a miracle. Simon meets Jesus after much indifference, despite his brother Andrew’s attempts to convince him of Messiah’s coming. After a night of fruitless attempts to save himself, Simon encounters a miracle that absolves his debts and activates his worship and surrender. Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John are invited to follow Jesus into intimate discipleship. Matthew is forced to confront “variables” he never expected and we are introduced to “Creepy John” the baptizer.

D I S C U S S I O N  Q U E S T I O N S

1. In this episode, Simon’s wife Eden confronts him about his propensity to try and fix things on his own, without asking for help or seeking God for solutions. What are some signs of this behavior in our own lives and how do we avoid the trap of self-sufficiency? In addition, what are some practical ways we can pursue God and seek His direction and provision today?

2. We see the power of invitation as Andrew shares his encounter with Jesus with his brother Simon. Andrew then invited Jesus to get into their boat, and ultimately their lives. Is there someone in your life who is in need of your courage and invitation to experience Christ for themselves?

3. What are the implications of Jesus’ statement, “You are to gather as many [people] as possible, of all kinds, and I will sort them out later” when it comes to our personal evangelism or sharing of the Gospel?