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Home , Matthew 9, Nicodemus

CONNECT GROUPS WEEK 1

SCRIPTURE Introduction:

JOHN 1:35-44 “The Chosen” is a look at the and the life MATTHEW 9:9-13 of through the lives of those who were :1-2 impacted by him. We are introduced to Mary :1-15 Magdalene, Peter, Matthew, and Nicodemus. This episode takes what we know about them in the , plus adds the culture and customs of the times to give us a full picture of their lives.

8 5 0 - 5 7 5 - 4 0 5 4 [email protected] SCRIPTURE

JOHN 1:35-44 JOHN 3:1-2 MATTHEW 9:9-13 LUKE 8:1-15

Characters:

MARY NICODEMUS The Gospels don’t tell us a lot Nicodemus is a Pharisee and a about Mary besides the fact that member of the (a local she was from Magdala, a coastal group of religious leaders) He town on the Sea of , had becomes curious about Jesus, his means, and that Jesus drove power to do miracles and his demons from her. influence on others.

MATTHEW PETER Mathew is a young man who lived Peter is from , a in Capernaum. He worked for the coastal town on the . Roman government as a tax He is known for his impulsive and collector and was very unpopular in tough personality. his hometown due to his occupation.

Questions:

In what ways can you identify with ? What were your impressions of Nicodemus? What came to mind during his helplessness before the demon- possessed Mary Magdalene? Matthew hated what he was doing (tax collector) but yet continued in it. Why does he continue and what can we learn about him and us? SCRIPTURE

JOHN 1:35-44 JOHN 3:1-2 MATTHEW 9:9-13 LUKE 8:1-15

Questions Continued:

Jesus timing as he interacts with our lives is always perfect. Is there a time in your life you saw God intervene at the “perfect moment.”? We are being shown each character’s “before Jesus” life. What does an encounter with Jesus do to people? How is your encounter with Jesus changing YOU? It’s interesting to see how the religious and political environment looked in Jesus’ day. What got your attention about those environments? What kind of people did Jesus spend the least and most time with? What stood out to you the most in the episode? What character did you identify with the most and why? What comes to mind when you hear the term, “Redeemed, called by my name”? What has Jesus delivered you from and for? Who is someone in your life who needs to “come and see” Jesus? Pray for that person “What if it’s more beautiful and strange than we could ever imagine?” (Nicodemus)