Episode 5 – Spirit

Seeing a Roman, Mary Magdalene is troubled while memorizing the scriptures. Shmuel and Yanni interrogate Jesse concerning Jesus, leading to them updating the petition to the Sanhedrin. Atticus Aemilius questions Jesse and pursues Simon Z. and Jesus. Searching for Jesus, Simon Z. has come across a demon-possessed man named Caleb. John the Baptizer visits the group and tells Jesus his dangerous mission of going to Jerusalem to call out Herod Antipas’ sin for marrying Herodias. John the Baptizer is eager for Jesus to get to work, and discuss with his cousin the realness of what they’ve prepared for. When Simon Z. finds the disciples’ camp, the demon-possessed Caleb attempts to attack the group after Mary Magdalene confronts him, but Simon Z. tries to suppress him. Jesus returns to the camp and heals Caleb, casting out the demon, Belial, in a sudden. That day, Simon Z. surrenders himself and is officially called by Jesus. John the Baptizer submits to Jesus and then departs from him to carry out the mission. Devastated by the encounter earlier on the exorcism, Mary Magdalene goes to a tavern. Learning Mary Magdalene has gone, Jesus instructs Simon and Matthew to look for her.

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. The Pharisees cross-examine Jesse. Then Atticus also says to him, “I believe it was a miracle,” to which Jessie responds, “I know it was a miracle.” Do you believe in miracles today? Why or why not?
2. Jesus tells Simon the Zealot that He has everything He needs, but he WANTS Simon with Him.
   • How did that scene make you feel?
   • How have you felt like Simon?
3. Did this episode change your perspective on the miracles that Jesus performed? Do they seem a little more real now?
4. What do you think is going on with Mary Magdalene in this episode? How does your past interfere with your present?
5. Mary lets her past get the best of her and believes she isn’t worthy to stay at the camp and learn from Jesus. How do we keep ourselves, and each other, from feeling this way?
6. Mary is teaching Ramah to read, using scripture. She is also teaching Matthew on the side. What role does scripture reading play in your life? What fresh commitment can you make to reading the Bible? What has held you back to this point?
7. Simon the Zealot saves Mary from Caleb’s attack. What did you think about that encounter with the demon and how Jesus responded? What do you believe about demons and their activity today?
8. Why should we not be afraid of demons?
9. Jesus and his cousin John the Baptist share a powerful conversation. John’s impatience with his perception of Jesus’ slowness shows. How do we demonstrate impatience with Jesus’ timing?
10. Jesus is emotional upon John’s departure. What does this scene reveal about each character?
11. Why do you think Schmuel the Pharisee was so set on discrediting Jesus? Do you ever see a similar attitude in people today?