Homecoming

Each track is a different way to engage with the content of the episode. You can choose to follow a track for the entire season, or you can choose to follow a track for a specific episode. Come as you are and grow at your own pace.

For the following activity, the group will list key themes from the Sermon on the Mount. Have a whiteboard or large piece of paper set up where you can write down their answers.

In this episode, we hear Jesus preaching portions of the Sermon on the Mount.

What are some of the sermon’s major themes? You can say what you remember from the episode or turn to Matthew 5-7. (Write down participants’ answers.)
What theme catches your attention, and why?

Jesus says we should store up treasures in heaven. You can find that teaching in Matthew 6:19-21.

What does Jesus mean?
How do you store up treasures in heaven?
What kind of treasures are you storing?
What do the treasures you store say about your heart?

Like many others who hear Jesus’ words, Matthew is deeply moved. Jesus’ words of life touch his heart and start transforming his life.

Let’s read Hebrews 4:12-13.

Hebrews 4:12-13

What does this passage tell us about the Word of God?
What does it mean that the Word is “alive and active”?
How does it impact you to know that everything we are and do is visible to God – that the Word reveals what is in us, no matter how deeply hidden, and brings our innermost thoughts and plans to light? Do you find that intimidating or comforting? Why?

In this episode, when Andrew visits John the Baptist in prison, they have the following conversation:

John: “In all that He said to those thousands of people, there was something just for you. For what you are going through. There alway is. What was it? Something that stuck with you.”
Andrew: “Don’t be anxious”
John: “What else?”
Andrew: “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness…”
John: “If you want to help me, listen to him. Go home and do what he says.”
[44:15-45:24 min]

Which message or word from the Sermon on the Mount is speaking specifically to you and what you are going through right now?
What did you find touching?
How can you respond in a concrete way to what the Lord is speaking to you?

In this episode, Judas asks Jesus to be his rabbi. He lists various qualifications (his life experience, his studies, his skills) that he thinks could be useful to Jesus’ ministry. He is eager to help change the world.

In response, Jesus says, “I only require what other rabbis do that you seek to be like Me. But that will be much more difficult with Me than with other rabbis, I can assure you. Are you ready to do hard things?” [14:40-14:55 min]

What do you think of the way Jesus welcomes Judas into the group?
Can you recognise yourself in Judas’ enthusiasm to change the world? How so?
Judas responds to Jesus, “I am accustomed to laws. So yes, I am ready to do hard things” [15:15-15:23 min]. How had Judas misunderstood Jesus’ meaning?

Jesus asks us to be like him — which is not easy. In this episode, we see how Andrew is moved to action by a part of Jesus’ teaching.

Let’s read Matthew 5:23-24.

Matthew 5:23-24

What does this passage tell us about worshiping God and dealing with conflict?
Why is this passage important?
How can you apply this teaching in your life today?

In this episode, you see how Peter and Andrew express their love and appreciation for each other, “Thank you … For watching out for me. For everyone. Always have… You’re a great leader, and I don’t say it enough so… thank you.” “... I thank you. I love you. Shalom, man” [23:40-24:24 min].

You see how Mary, Tamar and Ramah each have their own critical thoughts about Joanna, one of the women who serves Jesus with her wealth. You see how Andrew struggles with himself and lashes out at Mary. Moved by Jesus’ teaching, he apologises, “I said awful things to you because I was scared” [53:05-54:58 min].

What strikes you about the conversation between Andrew and Mary? What is the result of the conversation?
How can you respond to Jesus’ teaching in the coming week?
“Do not be afraid,” says Jesus. How do you deal with fear?

Several teachings of Jesus stand out in this episode. For example: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” [05:30-05:40 min].

Have you seen this play out in your life? How so?
What would it mean for you to “seek first the Kingdom” in your life?
Did you sense God inviting you to anything through this episode?

Hearing the words of Jesus is easy. Putting them into practice requires intentional choices. You often see the disciples wrestling with what it would mean to obey Jesus.

Let’s read Matthew 7:24-29.

Matthew 7:24-29

What does Jesus say about the connection between hearing and practice?
What is the core of Jesus’ teaching in this passage?
How are you building your house? What is your foundation?
How does this manifest in your life (think about your time, energy, money and presence)?

In this episode, Jesus reminds Judas of the meaning of Judas’ name: “Praise be to God.” Jesus asks him, “Will you praise God?” [15:34-15:47 min]

How would you answer Jesus’ question?
How do you praise God?
What does your name mean? Is there an invitation from God for you in your name?

SEASON 3 - EPISODE 1

Homecoming

Select a Track

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Initial Reflections

Dig In

Hebrews 4:12-13

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Matthew 5:23-24

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

2 Timothy 3:14-17

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Matthew 7:24-29

Respond

Find more on our Reading Plan

Next Episodes

I Have Called You by Name

Shabbat

Jesus Loves the Little Children

The Rock on Which It Is Built

The Wedding Gift

Indescribable Compassion

Invitations

I Am He

Thunder

I Saw You

Matthew 4:24

The Perfect Opportunity

Spirit

Unlawful

Reckoning

Beyond Mountains

Homecoming

Two by Two

Physician, Heal Yourself

Clean (1)

Clean (2)

Intensity in Tent City

Ears to Hear

Sustenance

Promises

Confessions

Moon to Blood

Calm Before

Sitting, Serving, Scheming

Dedication

The Last Sign

Humble

Entry

House of Cards

Woes

The Same Coin

Because of Me

Reunions

The Upper Room (1)

The Upper Room (2)

The Chosen Connect