Watch
For the usual recap, maybe have the group focus entirely on recounting the journeys Nicodemus and Matthew have been on since Episode One, seeing as they are at the heart of this particular episode.
Discuss
Because the group is first going to discuss what unfolded for Nicodemus in this episode, take a moment to read the gospel account that inspired the scenes you watched together: John 3:1-21.
The struggle and strain Nicodemus has as Jesus invites him to believe and to follow is palpable. What are the many reasons this is such a hard decision for him?
Looking back on all that we just listed, which reason—or which reasons—resonates within you and why?
Even as he sees the struggle and strain, Jesus continues to push Nicodemus. But he does so in a way that contrasts with how we often push. For purposes of our own engagement with others, what can we learn from how Jesus engages with Nicodemus?
Now the group will discuss what unfolded for Matthew in this episode, so take a moment to read the short gospel account that inspired his pivotal scene near the end: Matthew 9:9.
The openness and sheer excitement Matthew has as Jesus invites him to believe and follow is palpable. What are the many reasons this is such an easy decision for him?
If at some point you decided to believe and to follow Jesus, looking back on all that we just listed, which of Matthew’s reasons resonates within you most and why?
Jesus’s approach to engaging with Matthew was just as interesting as his approach to engaging with Nicodemus. What can we learn from how Jesus engages both men?
Pray
Here are two questions to guide your group’s closing prayer:
If you were to offer a word of thanks to God for something that comforted you in this episode, what would it be?
If you were to ask God’s help in living life in a new way in light of this episode, how would you sum up this new way of life?