Episode 2 – Shabbat

A recently healed Mary Magdalene prepares for Shabbat. Matthew validates Simon’s claims of negotiating with Quintus. Simon continues to spy on merchants and buys drinks for them and his fellow fishermen, Big James and John, sons of Zebedee. Nicodemus investigates the reported miracle of the healing in the Red Quarter. Simon is forced to fish on Shabbat, leaving his wife Eden behind. As Mary Magdalene hosts her Shabbat dinner, she receives surprise guests, including Jesus and his students Thaddeus and Little James. Nicodemus leads a Shabbat dinner with the other Pharisees. Matthew eats dinner with his dog after deciding not to have dinner with his family. Leaving the dinner with Andrew and Eden, Simon is approached by the Romans at the Sea of Galilee to spy on the merchants again.

Pray

Pray together for the group meeting, and any pressing needs within the group.

Watch

Watch the following discussion-starter video. It’ll set the topic of discussion for the group.

Personal Impact

What quote from this episode was the most meaningful/impactful to you? Why?

Discuss

1. Which characters stood out to you most? Which were most interesting? Most moving?
2. How has your understanding of the role (and hatred toward) tax collectors been enhanced
3. How do you feel about the development of Peter’s character? And Andrew’s role?
4. Why was Nicodemus so shocked about the news that Mary Magdalene was seen in her right mind?
5. How did you feel seeing Mary in her right mind, knowing it was her encounter with Jesus that delivered her?
6. What is a miracle, and do they still happen today?
7. Why do you think the Jewish leaders were so concerned about the news of a
   miracle spreading?
8. In this episode, Jesus and two of His disciples join Mary in her home for Shabbat dinner. How do we invite Jesus into our homes today?
9. Shabbat was always a time of rest for the Jews, and was given great significance by God. What is the value of rest in your life?
10. In what ways have you found rest, both physically and spiritually?
11. Simon (Peter) said to his wife, Eden, “I’ve got this.” When was a time in your life that you thought you could control your circumstances only to see them spin out of your control?
12. Nicodemus’ history lesson about Antiochus leads to a significant question, “Who is responsible for suppressing our worship now?” when he sees the priests dining in extravagance. What was going through his mind? How is our worship suppressed or distracted these days?

Explore Deeper – John 9:19-25

1. READ: One person will first read the scripture selection in the King James Version.
2. RE-READ: Next, another person will read the same passages in a modern language or amplified version for more clarity such as the New Living Translation (NLT), Message Bible (MSG), New English Translation (NET), Amplified Bible (AMP), etc. We recommend using the YouVersion Bible app.
3. RETELL: One person will begin retelling the scripture passage in their own words (a new person to start each week is great!) Then as a group, work together to fill in gaps and build the story. This will help us internalize and own it. Be sure everyone participates.

• While this episode of Chosen does not contain any actual events from scripture, this setting bears a striking resemblance to Mary’s dramatized encounter. What are the similarities you find in this account?
• According to the man’s parents, how long had he been blind?
• What ways might the length of time a sickness or disability has existed in someone make a miracle seem more or less powerful?
• Why did his parents not answer the Pharisees directly?
•  What would the Pharisees have to gain by expelling people from the synagogue who supported Jesus as the Christ?
• Instead of giving credit to Jesus, who did the Pharisees demand the man credited for his healing? 
• What evidence did the Pharisees have that Jesus was a sinner?
• What evidence did the blind man have that Jesus was God?
• Can you describe a time in your life when Jesus healed you?
• Can you describe a time in your life when you had no answers other than that Jesus showed up?