Episode 1 – Thunder

During shiva for the martyred Big James (Abe Martell) in 44 AD, John interviews fellow disciples as he writes their eyewitness accounts for his book. In Sychar, 26 AD, Big James and John plow a field while Jesus continues to teach the Samaritans. Thomas and Ramah arrive to join the group. Tension builds among the disciples as they wrestle with the increasing fame of Jesus in Samaria. Ramah’s father expresses his unbelief in Jesus and leaves, blessing his daughter. Jesus and his students have dinner with Melech, a former robber now crippled. In the morning, Melech is healed. Big James and John assume leadership roles but the other disciples oppose their presumptions. When James and John try to present their plans to Jesus, a group of Samaritans shows extreme hostility towards them. James and John ask Jesus to rain fire to destroy the Samaritans. Jesus rebukes James and John for their prejudice. After the near-violent encounter, Jesus gives them a new nickname: “the sons of thunder”. Invited to a synagogue to read a scroll of Moses, Jesus reads the first scroll of Genesis, and in 44 AD, John remembers it and writes the introduction for his book.

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 is your one BIG idea from this episode? (What captured your imagination most, and what would you first share with someone about this episode and how God spoke to you through it?)
• 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. The episode opens with John interviewing the disciples about their memories of Jesus. How would you share about how you met Jesus? Who do you enjoy talking with about Jesus? Why?
3. The disciples were gathered to mourn the loss of John’s brother James. He had been martyred (Acts 12:1-2). Why is it good to simply reflect on Jesus during hard times?
4. The disciples consistently seemed to “lose Jesus.” ;) How do we seek to control Jesus? How do we try to make Him fit our agenda?
5. There was tension between Rema’s father, Thomas and Jesus. Why? How hard is it to trust Jesus over family?
6. Jesus heals the Samaritan cripple without being present. While he stayed there, the cripple told his story. How did Jesus treatment of him impact you?
7. When Jesus stayed overnight in the Samaritan priest’s house, He was asked why he didn’t correct the priest when he said one room was haunted. “I don’t address everything at once,” He replied. How grateful are you that God is patient with our ignorance.
8. We see James and John and their intensity. Jesus rebukes them creatively. He said, “You’re not more worthy than they!” Why is that a message we need to hear?