Stacy Gray in Belong
Hey all,
Here are the study guides for Episodes 5-8 in prep for finishing the Season 1 Watch Party next Wednesday. After that we are starting The Transformed Study
5- The Chosen Episode Five: The Wedding Gift
Read for Bible Study The Chosen Season 1 Episode 5:
John 2: 1-11 (Jesus turns water to wine), Luke 2: 41-52 (The boy Jesus at the temple)
The Chosen Discussion Questions:
1) Instead of condemning John, Nicodemus sat down and said “Tell me about your ministry.” When’s the last time you sat down and talked to someone you might not agree with and simply said “Tell me more.”?
2) This passage is often viewed as Jesus correcting/ directing his mother, but that’s not the path the showrunners took. What do you think that might have looked like?
3) Jesus reassures Thomas that while it’s good to ask questions, that we won’t always understand the answers, or even get answers. How do you handle this?
6- The Chosen Episode Six: Indescribable Compassion
Read for Bible Study The Chosen Season 1 Episode 6:
Mark 2:1-12 (Jesus heals the man let down through the roof), Matthew 8:1-4 (Jesus heals a leper), Luke 12: 36-48 (The parable of the servant), Matthew 6: 1-18 (Giving to the needy and prayer)
The Chosen Discussion Questions:
1) Which part of this episode was the most different from how you imagined it being after reading the passage in Scripture?
2) Who would you equate with a tax collector today? A Roman soldier? A Jewish citizen?
3) “We can do both”, walking the road that has been laid out for us and also keeping our eyes open. What did you think of Nicodemus’ speech? It’s easy to cling to our God shaped boxes.
4) There was a LOT of compassion emphasized in this episode. From not giving publicly to the healing of a leper. How did Jesus preach about and show compassion? Do you think there is a difference between compassion, giving, empathy, and goodwill?
7- The Chosen Episode Seven: Invitations
Read for Bible Study The Chosen Season 1 Episode 7:
John 3:1-21 (Jesus teaches Nicodemus), Matthew 9: 9-13 (Jesus calls Matthew), Numbers 21:4-9 (Moses and the bronze snake)
The Chosen Discussion Questions:
1) Did it surprise you how quickly Matthew agreed to follow Jesus? Especially in comparison to how timid Nicodemus was?
2) If you feel like sharing- what is your story of being born again?
3) It can be shocking to read stories like the bronze snake. God demands obedience and faith. What daily habits can we develop and strengthen to become as quick to obedience as Matthew was.
8- The Chosen Episode Eight: I am He
Read for Bible Study The Chosen Season 1 Episode 8:
Mark 2:13-17 (Jesus eats with sinners), John 4:1-42 (The story of the Woman at the Well)
The Chosen Discussion Questions:
1) Obedience at the risk of derision and opposition from others, even from our usual way of life seems impossible. Discuss the different ways people reacted to Jesus’ directions, the directions of family, and from peers.
2) Jesus mentions several times that he’s not trying to bring people ‘easy’, nor is he here to deliver them from their oppressive government. What is Jesus’ purpose in coming and in bringing His disciples to follow him?
3) Do some self reflection, has there ever been a time in your life where you were as excited about Jesus as the woman at the well was? How can we bring back some of that excitement?
4) Who were the first told about Jesus’ birth? Who did He first tell about His ministry? What were their social status’?