Key Features of the Guide

The study guide includes episode summaries, key scripture passages, discussion questions, and historical context. It offers devotionals, reflection sheets, and access to Biblical Roundtable videos. Designed for individuals or groups, the guide enhances understanding of Jesus’ life and teachings, fostering deeper faith and personal connection to the biblical narrative through structured and engaging content.

How to Use the Study Guide Effectively

Begin by reading the guide before each episode to prepare for discussion. Use the key scripture passages to deepen biblical understanding. Engage with discussion questions to reflect on Jesus’ teachings and their relevance to modern life. Consider journaling personal insights or sharing thoughts in a group setting. Apply the historical context to better understand the cultural backdrop of the episodes. Utilize the devotionals and reflection sheets for personal growth, and explore the Biblical Roundtable videos for additional insights.

Episode 1: “I Have Called You By Name”

Explores Mary Magdalene’s transformation and Simon Peter’s encounter with Jesus, highlighting themes of healing, faith, and divine calling through a deeply human lens.

Episode Summary

In “I Have Called You By Name,” Mary Magdalene experiences a profound transformation when Jesus heals her from demonic oppression. Simon Peter is introduced, struggling to provide for his family while facing Roman oppression. The episode vividly portrays the emotional and spiritual awakening of these characters, setting the stage for their journeys with Jesus. It highlights themes of redemption and divine calling, offering a relatable and human perspective on the biblical narrative.

Key Scripture Passages and Discussion Questions

Key scriptures include Luke 8:2, highlighting Mary Magdalene’s healing, and Isaiah 43:1, emphasizing God’s personal call. Discussion questions explore Jesus’ intentional timing in encounters and how His interactions reveal divine love. Viewers are prompted to reflect on how they, like the characters, can identify with feelings of brokenness and redemption. These passages and questions deepen understanding of Jesus’ ministry and the transformative power of His presence in lives, fostering personal connection and spiritual growth.

Historical Context and Cultural Insights

The guide provides rich historical context, such as life in 1st-century Galilee under Roman occupation, and explores Jewish traditions and societal norms. It highlights how characters like Mary Magdalene and Simon Peter navigated their cultural roles. Insights into ancient settings, like the significance of the Sea of Galilee and Jewish villages, deepen understanding of the biblical world. These details help viewers connect the series’ narrative to its historical roots, enhancing appreciation for the cultural and religious backdrop of Jesus’ ministry. The guide also bridges past and present, showing how these insights remain relevant today.

Episode 2: “Shalom”

Explore the struggles of characters like Mary and Nicodemus as they navigate personal and societal challenges. The episode highlights Jesus’ teachings on peace and faith amidst turmoil.

Episode 2, “Shalom,” delves into the lives of Mary Magdalene and Nicodemus as they face personal and societal challenges. Mary struggles with her past, while Nicodemus grapples with his faith and position. Jesus’ teachings on peace and redemption begin to resonate, offering hope amidst turmoil. The episode also explores the complexities of first-century Jewish culture and the growing tension under Roman rule, setting the stage for Jesus’ transformative impact on His followers.

Discussion Questions and Reflections

• How does the episode portray the struggle between faith and societal expectations?
• Reflect on a time when you felt trapped by circumstances—how did God intervene?
• What does “shalom” mean to you, and how does Jesus embody this concept?
• Consider Mary’s transformation—how can you apply her courage to your own life?
• Discuss how Jesus’ timing and intentionality challenge your understanding of divine plans.

Connection to Biblical Themes

This episode reflects key biblical themes such as redemption, faith, and divine timing. Mary Magdalene’s liberation from demons mirrors spiritual freedom in Christ, while Nicodemus’s secret meeting with Jesus highlights the struggle between belief and societal expectations. The concept of “shalom” underscores God’s desire for peace and wholeness. These moments align with broader biblical narratives, emphasizing Jesus’ intentional encounters and the transformative power of His presence in lives.

Episode 3: “Jesus Loves the Little Children”

This episode captures Jesus’ heart for children, showcasing His teachings on humility and Kingdom values. The guide includes reflections on His interactions with young ones.

In Episode 3, “Jesus Loves the Little Children,” Jesus interacts with a group of children, emphasizing humility and the Kingdom of Heaven’s accessibility to the young. The episode highlights His compassionate nature and teachings on childlike faith. Meanwhile, Mary Magdalene continues her journey, grappling with her past and finding purpose in following Jesus. This episode beautifully portrays how Jesus’ encounters with children and His followers humanize His divine mission, making His teachings relatable and transformative.

Key Moments and Teachings

In Episode 3, a pivotal moment occurs when Jesus engages with children, teaching the importance of humility and childlike faith. This interaction underscores Jesus’ compassionate nature and His desire to make the Kingdom of Heaven accessible to all. The episode also highlights Mary Magdalene’s ongoing journey, as she confronts her past and finds purpose in following Jesus. These moments emphasize the transformative power of Jesus’ teachings and the humanization of His divine mission through relatable encounters with His followers.

Questions for Personal Reflection

How does Jesus’ interaction with the children challenge your understanding of humility and faith?
Reflect on a time when you felt overlooked or marginalized—how does Mary Magdalene’s transformation inspire you?
What does it mean to you to be “chosen” by Jesus, and how does this identity shape your daily life?
How can you apply Jesus’ teachings on love and compassion in your relationships and community?
Consider a difficult situation in your life—how might Jesus’ timing and intentionality encourage you to trust Him more deeply?

Episode 4: “The Rock on Which It Is Built”

This episode explores Peter’s growing leadership and the disciples’ unity amidst challenges, highlighting Jesus’ teachings on faith, trust, and the foundation of His ministry.

Episode 4, “The Rock on Which It Is Built,” focuses on Simon Peter’s pivotal moment of faith. Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Peter boldly confesses Jesus as the Messiah, leading to a profound exchange. Jesus declares Peter the “rock” upon which His church will be built. Meanwhile, Matthew struggles with leadership dynamics, questioning why Jesus entrusts such responsibility to Peter. The episode highlights themes of faith, trust, and the foundation of Jesus’ ministry, showcasing the disciples’ growing unity and understanding of their mission.

Significant Dialogue and Events

A pivotal moment occurs when Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?” Peter confesses, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus responds by declaring Peter the “rock” upon which His church will be built. Tension arises as Matthew questions Peter’s leadership, highlighting the disciples’ evolving dynamics. Meanwhile, Mary Magdalene and Nicodemus face personal struggles, trapped in societal expectations, showcasing their journeys toward faith and redemption. These events underscore themes of identity, trust, and divine purpose.

Application to Modern Faith

The series invites viewers to reflect on their own faith journeys, emphasizing trust in God’s timing and purpose. Mary’s healing and Peter’s leadership struggles remind us of God’s grace and redemption. These stories inspire modern believers to embrace their unique roles in God’s plan, fostering humility, trust, and a deeper understanding of divine love. The guide encourages personal reflection and community discussion, helping viewers apply biblical truths to contemporary life and faith challenges.

Additional Resources and Tools

Download free PDF guides for Seasons 1-4, featuring devotionals, reflection sheets, and Bible study materials. Tools include videos, discussion questions, and historical insights to deepen faith understanding.