Recommended Time: 100 minutes

1. Watch The Chosen Episode 2.5. (45 min)

2. Quietly reflect or journal on either of the sets of questions below or combine them to fit your group’s needs. (15 min)

1. Simon the Zealot and John the Baptist struggle to understand Jesus and his mission. As followers of Jesus, we often misunderstand him and his ways. Which of Jesus’ values or teachings do you struggle to understand or live out? How so?
2. Mary of Magdala is triggered by her past and lets it get the best of her. She believes she isn’t worthy to stay at the camp and learn from Jesus. How does your past interfere with your present?
3. Is there anything else from the episode that puzzles, moves, or surprises you? How so?
1. Simon the Zealot was surprised if not shocked when Jesus says that his special talents and gifts “to execute [Jesus’] mission” are not essential in following him. Jesus tells him that he has everything he needs, but he wants Simon with him. Have you felt like Simon? How does this encourage or discourage you in the way you relate to Jesus?
2. Jesus and his cousin John the Baptist share a powerful conversation. John shows impatience with Jesus’ slowness. How are you impatient with Jesus’ timing? How are you addressing your disagreement or disappointment?
3. Is there anything else from the episode that puzzles, moves, or surprises you? How so?

3. Break into small groups and share answers to your questions above. (30 min)

4. Reconvene with the large group and discuss the following large group questions below. (10 min)

Is there an insight that came up from your small group that you think the large group can benefit from?
Is there a question you’d like to pose to everyone in the large group?