Confessions

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This episode begins with the disciples mourning and remembering John the Baptist: his boldness, faith and the cost he paid to obey God. As they honour John’s life, Jesus takes them to Caesarea Philippi, a place known for pagan worship, and their conversation shifts.

He asks, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” The disciples suggest answers: John, Elijah, Jeremiah. Then Jesus turns it personal, “But who do you say that I am?” [34:27-37:48 min].

What would your answer be if Jesus asked you that question today?
Do you sometimes try to fit God into your own picture of how life should be, or are you willing to let him reshape the way you see yourself and the world? Can you think of some examples?
The disciples wrestle with Jesus’ response to Peter’s confession. Can you relate to their reactions? How so?

Faith is more than just having the right information in your head. It’s about where your heart is anchored, your relationship with Jesus, and what foundation you stand on when life gets shaky. Let’s read Matthew 16:13-20.

Matthew 16:13-20

What catches your attention in this passage?
Peter confesses, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Why is this moment so significant?
What does it mean for your life that you confess Jesus to be the Messiah and the Son of the living God?
What encouragement does Jesus give his disciples in verse 19?

At Caesarea Philippi, the disciples were surrounded by altars and symbols of other gods. It was a place filled with darkness. There, Jesus asked them, “Should we avoid dark places out of fear—or should we bring light into them?” [33:19-34:10 min].

He reminds his followers how John the Baptist had prepared the way for this moment; how he was fearless, obedient and unshaken, even at the gates of hell. Jesus now extends that same challenge to his disciples … and to us [39:22-40:03 min].

Reflect together:

What are the “dark places” you face, either within yourself or in the world around you?
How can you stand fearless in those places, rooted in the Rock?
Jesus asked Peter: “Are you ready to follow in his (John’s) footsteps, and mine? Even if it leads you to a place like this?” How does knowing you are a child of God—loved by him, created as you are, and shaped by his Spirit to be like Jesus—affect the way you answer that question?
Where might God be calling you to stand with authority, carrying his light into dark places?

Close in prayer, asking God to deepen your faith so you can stand firm in him, fearless and full of light.

On the road, Andrew asks Philip how he is doing following John’s death. Philip’s answer is simple, “I’m at peace” [23:55-24:25 min].

When you ask someone, “How are you doing?” what do you usually expect to hear?
How would you feel if someone said, “I’m at peace,” while grieving?
How are you really doing right now? Has anyone asked you that lately?

Being part of a faith community means being present for one another, sharing both laughter and tears, even when no answers are available.

At the start of this episode, Andrew checks in on Jesus. Unsure if it’s okay to laugh while mourning, he feels guilty for not being completely broken. Jesus answers tenderly, “There is no ‘should’ in grief” [2:45-06:03 min]. Let’s read 1 Corinthians 12:25-27.

1 Corinthians 12:25-27

What stands out to you in this passage?
Why do you think Paul describes the Church as one body, where everyone shares in each other’s pains and joys?
Who has been “present” for you in a time of grief or struggle? What made their presence meaningful?
What does it mean for you that Jesus joins you in times of mourning?

Maybe the mystery of walking together is this: You don’t need all the answers. Sometimes the most Christlike thing you can do is simply be there. Sit with someone in their grief. Laugh together. Cry together. Reflect together:

How can you ask people how they are doing in a way that leads to real honesty, rather than the typical “I’m good” response?
How can you answer that question in a way that goes deeper than polite words?
What could it look like for your group to practise this in the coming weeks—so that your check-ins move from surface-level to genuine care and accountability?

Close in prayer: Ask God to help you become a community that listens well, carries each other’s burdens and reflects Jesus’ presence in both joy and sorrow.

In the midst of mourning and confusion, tensions rise among the disciples. Emotions run high until Jesus steps in with words about forgiveness and reconciliation, leading to a powerful moment when Peter takes action.

Think back to the final scene of this episode, where you see how Jesus’ words impact the relationship between Peter and Matthew [1:15:14-1:17:10 min].

What did you notice?
What did you think and feel as you watched it unfold?

This episode reminds us that forgiveness is not theoretical—it is costly, practical and life-shaping. Following Jesus means taking confession and forgiveness seriously, not just as something we receive, but as something we pass on. Let’s read Matthew 18:21-35.

Matthew 18:21-35

21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him.

25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’

27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.

29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’

30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.

31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.

32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.

33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’

34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

What do you notice in this parable?
How does it challenge the way you think about forgiveness?
What is the difference between apologising to keep the peace and truly repenting?
In this episode, Jesus says, “You don’t apologise to be forgiven. You apologise to repent. Forgiveness is a gift given from the other person” [46:30-46:50 min].
• What does true repentance look like?
• How do you receive the gift of forgiveness, and how do you give it to others?

Forgiveness begins by looking inward; by acknowledging how much we have received God’s grace. Only then can we extend that same grace to others. We all long to be forgiven and experience healthy relationships. But forgiveness is often messy and difficult. Jesus calls us to forgive seventy times seven.

When Jesus encourages Matthew to reflect on his conflict with Peter, Matthew says he wants to keep the peace, “Apologising would only cause an argument. The group already has enough of those. They’re having one right now.” Jesus confronts Matthew with these words, “There is no peace when two of my followers hold resentment in their hearts towards one another. You know what you must do” [44:51-49:57 min].

How committed are you to Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness? When do you find it hard to practise forgiveness?
What makes it hard to practise forgiveness, even when you know it’s right?
Where do you see your own responsibility in conflict? Are there areas where you might have hurt someone without realising it?
What steps of repentance or forgiveness do you need to take?

Rituals are all around us—some spiritual, some simply practical. It might be a prayer before bed, a morning routine or even the rhythm of how you eat your meals.

What stood out to you about the rituals shown in this episode—such as Shiva (the seven-day Jewish mourning period), reciting Scripture while getting dressed to start the day or praying together before going to sleep?
What daily rituals do you have? Think about what you do when you wake up, eat or go to bed.
How do these small patterns shape your life?
What value do they hold for you personally?

In this episode, we see the followers of Jesus praying together before going to sleep [51:43-52:32 min]. Even though they had argued earlier, they still shared this nightly ritual, a way of closing the day by remembering God together. Let’s read Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

This passage tells parents to share God’s Word with their children—while sitting at home, walking on the road, lying down and getting up. How do rituals play a part in passing down God’s Word?
What does this passage teach us about the place of God’s Word in daily life?
What are some Scriptures you could reflect on as you fall asleep or wake up each day?

Faith grows deep in the everyday moments. Simple rhythms and rituals are ways to give hands and feet to your faith. Research shows that the first and last thoughts of your day often shape your mindset, focus and habits. That’s why rituals matter.

What’s the first thing you usually do in the morning and the last thing you usually do before you fall asleep? How do those habits shape your day?
Is there something you’d like to adjust in your daily rhythm so it reflects your priorities better?
What spiritual discipline—like Sabbath, prayer, living in community, fasting, Scripture, silence and solitude, simplicity, hospitality, generosity—could you practice to stay rooted in God?
How might you invite others—friends, family or your group—into these rhythms with you?

Close in prayer: Ask God to help you shape your daily rhythms so that they remind you of his presence, form your character and keep you close to him.

SEASON 4 - EPISODE 2

Confessions

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Initial Reflections

Dig In

Matthew 16:13-20

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

1 Corinthians 12:25-27

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Matthew 18:21-35

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Respond

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