Episode 4 – The Rock On Which It Is Built

At the Sea of Galilee, Simon misleads the Romans to save fellow Jews from being caught. Quintus suspects Simon of duplicity and sends Matthew to follow him. Shmuel tells Nicodemus of a baptizer on the Jordan River. Simon confesses to Eden they are under threat from Rome. Running from the Jordan, Andrew claims to Simon they are saved, as John the Baptizer has identified the Lamb of God. Simon prepares to fish. Andrew, Zebedee, Big James, and John arrive to help, but they catch nothing. In the morning, they see someone teaching a crowd on the shore. Andrew recognizes the teacher as Jesus, who asks to preach from their boat. After the sermon, Jesus tells Simon and Andrew to cast their nets. Suddenly, many fish appear, and they catch enough to pay off their debts. Simon kneels before Jesus to surrender himself. Inviting Simon and Andrew to become fishers-of-men, Jesus also calls Big James and John. Witnessing the miracle, Matthew is shocked by its impossibility. Nicodemus visits the imprisoned baptizer to ask about miracles.

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 the most? Which were most interesting? Most moving?
2. How did the weaving of Peter’s (Simon’s) backstory (all creative license) make you feel about the development of his character?
3. Peter complained to God on the sea, describing what he felt was God’s injustice toward His people. Have you ever had moments of complaining to God? Explain.
4. The night on the Sea of Galilee amplified the encounter with Jesus in the morning. Have you ever experienced Jesus coming to you after a ‘dark night’ in your life? Would you share?
5. What more do you learn about Matthew’s character? What do you think about the portrayal of him seeing Jesus at the lake?
6. Andrew met Jesus through John the Baptist and is confident He is the Messiah. What do you think about his longing for Peter to know Jesus? Who is your ‘Peter’
7. What was the role of John the Baptist? (Luke 1:8-17, Luke 3:1-9) How is this also our role as the church?

Explore Deeper – Luke 5:1-11

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.

Verses 1-3

• Where was Jesus as this story unfolds?
• Who all was there with him?
• What was Jesus doing at this time?
• What were the people doing?
• How many boats were there, and who did they belong to?
• What were the fishermen doing, and why?
• Why did Jesus go into a boat?
• Why would Jesus want to push out a little ways from the shore?
• Was this request convenient for Peter, or an intrusion?
• How long had they already been fishing, and what time of day was it now?
• Was their fishing trip a success or a failure?
• What mood might the fishermen have been in?
• As Jesus taught now from the boat, who all was hearing him?
• It’s interesting that Jesus would use Peter’s failure as a pulpit to preach from. Share an experience where Jesus stepped into your trouble to speak to you.
• Why do you think Jesus comes to us in our time of trouble or failure?

Verses 4-5

• When Jesus finished speaking, what did he tell Simon to do, and why?
• Jesus gave Peter both a command and a promise. What would happen if he pushed out?
• How does God use promises to encourage our obedience?
• What was Peter’s first reaction to this request?
• What are some reasons Peter could have been skeptical?
• Would Jesus’ request to go deeper have felt foolish without the promise? Why?
• What would have happened if Peter had hesitated, or disobeyed?
• Why did Peter decide to obey?
• Share a time when you were hesitant to step out in faith, but your heart said, “nevertheless, at thy word!”
• What was Peter’s role in the miracle of the fish? What did he have to do?
• What are some things we might have to do in order to experience our miracle, breakthrough, etc.?

Verses 6-7

• What happened when they let down their nets?
• What happened to the nets?
• Why didn’t they catch these fish just an hour before when they were on the water? What influence did Jesus have over these fish?
• Could Peter’s boat handle all the catch? What did he do?
• What might this tell us about how we should handle God’s blessings in our lives?
• Was this the right time of day to catch fish? When is the right time for a miracle?
• Sometimes God allows us to fail so we can see what can happen with His help. Can you share a similiar time when God did this in your life?

Verses 8-9

• What was Peter’s response when he realized he was witnessing a miracle?
• When is the last time you felt overwhelmed by the power and presence of God?
• Do you ever get more amazed by the blessing than you are by the Blesser? What should we do when this happens?
• Do you think Peter had ever seen a catch this big before?
• Why did Peter say, “Go away from me?”
• What should our comparison between ourselves and God cause us to do or feel?

Verses 10-11

• Who else was with Peter at this experience? What was their response?
• What two things did Jesus reply to Simon Peter?
• God can use a person who recognizes and confesses their need for him. In what way do you think God could use you?
• What happens if we try to hide our weaknesses from God?
• When Jesus called Peter, he would still be a fisherman, just with a different purpose. What can God do wtih your current occupation to advance his purpose?
• When the disciples followed Jesus, what did they leave behind?
• What might you need to leave behind in order to fully follow Him?