Episode 2 – I Saw You

In Caesarea Philippi, Nathanael fails in his project under a Roman commission. In Bashan, Philip arrives from John the Baptizer seeking to meet Jesus, but the disciples are hesitant. Simon is jealous of him as Philip begins to mentor Matthew. A distressed Nathanael sits under a fig tree and grieves, reciting a Psalm and crying out, asking if the Lord sees him. Hearing nothing, he burns his architectural drawings of a synagogue. At camp, Thaddeus advises Matthew yet tension builds between Simon and Matthew. Philip visits and comforts Nathanael, telling his downcast friend about the one they’ve been waiting for their entire lives. Nathanael is skeptical but agrees to meet Jesus, who tells him he saw him under the fig tree and heard his cry. Upon hearing this, Nathanael declares Jesus is the Son of God and the King of Israel. As the group heads to a new city, John arrives with a word that Jesus’ fame is growing.

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 episode begins and ends with Nathanael. He thought his life was lost, only to discover something beautiful after meeting Jesus. Describe a time when you thought something was lost or “over”, and Jesus turned it around.
2. Nathanael told the bartender that he had died of “hubris.” What did he mean and why is that significant to the story?
3. Phillip played several roles in the episode, but he played a key role in bringing Nathanael to Jesus. Nathanael said, “I’ve never seen you talk like this.” What would it take for you to talk so compellingly about Jesus to someone?
4. What can you conclude by Jesus’ being aware of Nathanael’s lowest moment?
5. What joke did Phillip tell Matthew to help him loosen up? What did you think about the way he related with Matthew?
6. Matthew said he felt “outside the circle.” What did he mean, and can you identify?
7. What are some ways we could relate to others in order to influence them… even if we aren’t “like them”?
8. We see another instance of the life of Jesus being written down in Matthew’s journal. Why is that meaningful?
9. Peter advocated for more structure. What was he really wanting? What is significant about that?
10. Jesus said, “Each brings something unique to the whole. I want every voice heard. We can all learn something from each other. “ It seems to echo Paul’s teaching about spiritual gifts. Why do we need each other?
11. What other observations did you have?