Watch
Before you watch Episode Two, it might be helpful to invite the group to offer a recap of Episode One. If need be, cue them along in their recollection by listing the major characters they’ve been introduced to: Mary Magdalene; Nicodemus; Simon, Eden, and Andrew; Matthew; Gaius and Quintus. (And—of course—Jesus.)
Discuss
The entire episode builds toward Shabbat (or, Sabbath). Drawing both from what we just watched and the Scriptures, what is Shabat and why is it so important?
It might be helpful to read Genesis 2:2-3 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15 as a group. The goal is to help the group see that (1) Shabbat was a day when all physical work ceased, that (2) the spiritual and worshipful work of remembering might unfold—remembering that God is God and is ever at work for his people. Shabbat was instituted by God to help his people remember to remember. [1]
For each of the key characters we’ve met, how might Shabbat change them? And how might it change their current course of action?
How might regularly pausing to remember that God is God and that he is ever at work for his people change you? How might it change your current course of action?
While it’s important to think through this individually, Shabbat was instituted for a people (Israel), so let’s also think broadly. How might regularly pausing to remember God and his work change today’s Church? How might it change the Church’s current course of action?
It’s important that we remember God and his work, but we have to remember to remember, and it’s important that we identify ways we can best remember. How can you ensure you regularly take time to pause and remember? And when you pause to remember, what sorts of practices will help you best to remember?
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?