Episode 7 – Invitations

In the Sinai Peninsula, 13th century BC, Moses fashions a bronze serpent, much to the confusion of his assistant Joshua. In Capernaum, 26 AD, Gaius escorts Matthew to show his gratitude for his promotion. Quintus questions Nicodemus concerning the miracle worker. Jesus agrees to meet with Nicodemus by night. After witnessing the miracles Jesus did, Matthew struggles to reconcile his mathematical understanding of reality and visits his mother, hoping to find answers. Meeting with Nicodemus by night, Jesus explains the Kingdom of God and being born again. Jesus illustrates himself as the Son of Man using Moses and the bronze serpent as an example. He tells of God’s love for the world and his mission to save mankind from sin. As Jesus invites Nicodemus to join him, John records their conversation. Nicodemus worships Jesus, declaring him the Son of God. In the morning, Jesus and his students pass by Matthew’s booth. Jesus invites Matthew to join him, and Matthew promptly follows.

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. What obstacles did Nicodemus face as a devout Pharisee in his journey to Jesus?
2. What is the significance of Nicodemus coming to meet Jesus at night?
3. In what ways might people today experience a similar “night time encounter” with Jesus?
4. In this episode, Jesus explained being ‘born again’ to Nicodemus. How would you explain being born again to a seeker?
5. Was your understanding of being ‘born again’ part of your upbringing, or is it newer to you?
6. What is the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit? How do you recognize the ongoing effect of the Holy Spirit in your life?
7. Why might it have been easier for Matthew to follow Jesus compared to Nicodemus’ hesitation?
8. Would you describe your pursuit of Jesus to be more like Matthew’s, or more like Nicodemus’s, and why?
9. What was Peter’s reaction in the film to Jesus calling Matthew?
10. What hinderances might we need to overcome in accepting some people into our church?

Explore Deeper – Matthew 9:9-13

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.

• What was Matthew doing when Jesus called him to follow him?
• What level of convincing did Matthew need in order to make this decision?
• What did Matthew have to leave in order to respond and obey Jesus?
• Who all appears to be invited to the feast in Matthew’s house?
• What would the feeling have been like among the guests on the inside of the house?
• What was the perception to the uninvited on the outside?
• Describe your own experience of being invited to meet Jesus.
• What did Jesus’ statement mean that only the sick need a physician?
• Jesus said to, “go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice’.” What does that mean?
• Jesus spoke of the well and the sick, and likened them to righteous and sinners. Were the Pharisees well, or sick? What did they think they were?
• What role does acknowledgement of our condition have in our pursuit of Jesus?
• In what ways might you need to sharpen your skills in self-acknowledgement?
• In what ways can you be better at welcoming people to meet Jesus?