Episode 2.1

Recommended Time: 125 minutes

1. Watch The Chosen Episode 2.1. (65 min)

2. Rewatch the clip below before reflecting.

3. Quietly reflect or journal on these questions below. (15 min)

• This episode shows the challenges of sharing the truth of the Gospel with people who are unreceptive. Jesus corrects or rebukes James & John when they want to “rain fire” upon the Samaritans. He invites them to “show [his] way” of “sowing seeds that will have a lasting impact for lifetimes”. What lesson(s) can you learn from James & John in how you are to “show the way” with others who are different from you?

• How have you been challenged or corrected by God in the way you relate to others? How does that affect the way you engage others who think and act differently from you?

• Is there anything else from the episode that puzzles, moves, or surprises you? How so?

4. Break into small groups and share answers to your questions above. (30 min)

5. Reconvene with the large group and discuss the following large group questions below. (10 min)

• Is there an insight that came up from your small group that you think the large group can benefit from?

• Is there a question you’d like to pose to everyone in the large group?

Source: The Chosen

Episode 2.2

Recommended Time: 110 minutes

1. Watch The Chosen Episode 2.2. (50 min)

2. Rewatch the clip below before reflecting.

3. Quietly reflect or journal on either of the sets of questions below or combine them to fit your group’s needs. (15 min)

• A - General Reflection

  1. Nathanael’s world seemed to be crashing. He believed he was doing everything right according to the norms of his society and religion: he loved God with all his heart, and served God as an architect to offer glory to him. God called Nathanael to serve in a different way; not what Nathanael originally envisioned. Would he have seen the light if he did not experience the crash? Have you seen similar events in your life or in the lives of others? If yes, what was that like for you? If not, how would you respond if it did happen to you? Did that experience push you away from God or draw you closer?

  2. Being Christian sometimes runs contrary to our mainstream culture. Being Catholic can bring about animosity in various circles. Which circles are you comfortable being Catholic or Christian (at home, at work, at church, or among family and friends)? Which environment(s) are you not? Please elaborate.

  3. Is there anything else from the episode that puzzles, moves, or surprises you? How so?

• B - Greater Depth

  1. Philip encouraged Matthew who was struggling to belong to the group of disciples: “If Jesus called you, it means you already have everything you need right now. He’ll give you the rest in time … what you think you know doesn’t matter. Only that Jesus chose you, that’s where your confidence comes from now.” Where does your confidence usually come from? In what way(s) might the Lord be inviting you to place greater trust in him at this time?

  2. Is there anything else from the episode that puzzles, moves, or surprises you? How so?

3. Break into small groups and share answers to your questions above. (30 min)

4. Reconvene with the large group and discuss the following large group questions below. (10 min)

• Is there an insight that came up from your small group that you think the large group can benefit from?

• Is there a question you’d like to pose to everyone in the large group?

Source: The Chosen

Episode 2.3

Recommended Time: 90 minutes

1. Watch The Chosen Episode 2.3. (35 min)

* Here is the passage where the episode title comes from:
“His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics and paralytics, and he cured them.” - Mt 4:24

2. Quietly reflect or journal on either of the sets of questions below or combine them to fit your group’s needs. (15 min)

• A - General Reflection

  1. All the disciples had different expectations of Jesus as Messiah. Most of them were looking for a savior to vanquish their Roman oppressors. Mary of Nazareth was surprised that the Son of God “was cold, crying and needed [her] help.” Big James remarked that Jesus would be healing people for the next five years without ever addressing political liberation. What kind of Messiah are you looking for? How do you imagine him saving you and others?

  2. Little James said, “He’s healing the Samaritans. How many would believe in Him if he wasn’t healing them?” How has your faith been affected when Jesus hasn’t done what you hoped for? How do we know when we’re following Jesus for who He is and not for what He can do for us?

  3. Is there anything else from the episode that puzzles, moves, or surprises you? How so?

• B - Greater Depth

  1. Around the campfire at the end of the episode, the disciples talked about their expectations of Jesus and about what kind of Messiah Jesus should be. They also talked about the cost of following him, even blaming Jews like Matthew for their suffering. Yet, when they encountered Jesus exhausted from a full day of healing, their perspectives and concerns shifted. Share any shift you may have had when you went from knowing about Jesus to knowing him (through an encounter or a number of moments).

  2. Little James said, “He’s healing the Samaritans. How many would believe in Him if he wasn’t healing them?” How has your faith been affected when Jesus hasn’t done what you hoped for? How do we know when we’re following Jesus for who he is and not for what he can do for us?

  3. Is there anything else from the episode that puzzles, moves, or surprises you? How so?

3. Break into small groups and share answers to your questions above. (30 min)

4. Reconvene with the large group and discuss the following large group questions below. (10 min)

• Is there an insight that came up from your small group that you think the large group can benefit from?

• Is there a question you’d like to pose to everyone in the large group?

Source: The Chosen

Episode 2.4

Recommended Time: 115 minutes

1. Watch The Chosen Episode 2.4. (60 min)

2. Quietly reflect or journal on either of the sets of questions below or combine them to fit your group’s needs. (15 min)

• A - General Reflection

  1. Both Simon the Zealot and his brother Jesse longed for healing and liberation. Jesse sought healing in the Pool of Bethesda. Simon strove for the liberation of his people through violent means. They placed their salvation in ways that did not satisfy. What do you find yourself turning to time and again that does not satisfy, help, or bring greater meaning?

  2. Jesus observed that “everyone has wandered through the wilderness at some point.” What or who helps you turn to God or Jesus with greater dependence or reliance? How so?

  3. Is there anything else from the episode that puzzles, moves, or surprises you? How so?

• B - Greater Depth

  1. Like the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years, Jesse was “having a bad day” for four decades. In both cases, God (or Jesus) brought them through the times when they were very vulnerable. This highlights a biblical pattern of God’s power shining through human limitations, weaknesses, or failures. Is there an area of vulnerability in your life that longs for saving grace or where God’s liberating power has shone through?

  2. While Jesse is focused on who’s helping him, who’s not helping, or who gets in his way, Jesus asks Jesse pointedly, “Do you want to be healed?” In doing so, Jesus invites him to get to the heart of the matter and taps into his deep longing to be healed, despite repeated failures. Then Jesus asks Jesse to let go of his focus on the pool and to turn to him. Is there a similar invitation in your life and what does it look like for you?

  3. Is there anything else from the episode that puzzles, moves, or surprises you? How so?

3. Break into small groups and share answers to your questions above. (30 min)

4. Reconvene with the large group and discuss the following large group questions below. (10 min)

• Is there an insight that came up from your small group that you think the large group can benefit from?

• Is there a question you’d like to pose to everyone in the large group?

Source: The Chosen

Episode 2.5

Recommended Time: 100 minutes

1. Watch The Chosen Episode 2.5. (45 min)

2. Quietly reflect or journal on either of the sets of questions below or combine them to fit your group’s needs. (15 min)

• A - General Reflection

  1. Simon the Zealot and John the Baptist struggle to understand Jesus and his mission. As followers of Jesus, we often misunderstand him and his ways. Which of Jesus’ values or teachings do you struggle to understand or live out? How so?

  2. Mary of Magdala is triggered by her past and lets it get the best of her. She believes she isn’t worthy to stay at the camp and learn from Jesus. How does your past interfere with your present?

  3. Is there anything else from the episode that puzzles, moves, or surprises you? How so?

• B - Greater Depth

  1. Simon the Zealot was surprised if not shocked when Jesus says that his special talents and gifts “to execute [Jesus’] mission” are not essential in following him. Jesus tells him that he has everything he needs, but he wants Simon with him. Have you felt like Simon? How does this encourage or discourage you in the way you relate to Jesus?

  2. Jesus and his cousin John the Baptist share a powerful conversation. John shows impatience with Jesus’ slowness. How are you impatient with Jesus’ timing? How are you addressing your disagreement or disappointment?

  3. Is there anything else from the episode that puzzles, moves, or surprises you? How so?

3. Break into small groups and share answers to your questions above. (30 min)

4. Reconvene with the large group and discuss the following large group questions below. (10 min)

• Is there an insight that came up from your small group that you think the large group can benefit from?

• Is there a question you’d like to pose to everyone in the large group?

Source: The Chosen

Episode 2.6

Recommended Time: 100 minutes

1. Watch The Chosen Episode 2.6. (45 min)

2. Quietly reflect or journal on either of the sets of questions below or combine them to fit your group’s needs. (15 min)

• A - General Reflection

  1. Matthew quotes Psalm 139:8 as he descends to the bar with Simon Peter in search of Mary of Magdala: “If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” He is trying to remind himself of the belief that there’s no Godforsaken place, that God is with us wherever we go. Have there been any difficult places or times in your life where you sensed or struggled to sense God present with you? What was that like?

  2. Is there something in your past that prevents you from following Jesus more fully at this time? Mary of Magdala thought she had to overcome her struggle in order to follow Jesus. Yet, it was helpful for her to admit that she “can’t live up” to her idea of following Jesus. If you could have an honest conversation with Jesus, what would you share about your struggle of “living up to” your ideal of following him?

  3. Is there anything else from the episode that puzzles, moves, or surprises you? How so?

• B - Greater Depth

  1. Mary of Magdala is disappointed that she went back to her old ways before her conversion. She can’t face Jesus because she “broke again”. Jesus reassures her that he and the Father “just want [her] heart, which [she] already [has given].” He invites her to “look up” at him and forgives her. How might Jesus invite you to “look up” at him, given any sense of brokenness, messiness, or unfaithfulness you may be experiencing at this time in your life?

  2. Is there anything else from the episode that puzzles, moves, or surprises you? How so?

3. Break into small groups and share answers to your questions above. (30 min)

4. Reconvene with the large group and discuss the following large group questions below. (10 min)

• Is there an insight that came up from your small group that you think the large group can benefit from?

• Is there a question you’d like to pose to everyone in the large group?

Source: The Chosen

Episode 2.7

Recommended Time: 95 minutes

1. Watch The Chosen Episode 2.7. (40 min)

2. Quietly reflect or journal on either of the sets of questions below or combine them to fit your group’s needs. (15 min)

• A - General Reflection

  1. Andrew is scared. He is worried about trouble coming Jesus’ way and fearful that what is happening to John the Baptist will inevitably happen to Jesus. Andrew’s fear has him out of character. How do you deal with fear and uncertainty?

  2. The disciples realized they handled the situation wrong and wanted to respond better like Jesus. They ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. How do you pray?

  3. Is there anything else from the episode that puzzles, moves, or surprises you? How so?

• B - Greater Depth

  1. When Jesus was detained, the disciples tried to manage their anxieties by taking things into their own hands. How do you typically handle fear and uncertainty? How is prayer helpful (or not) with your response?

  2. Is there anything else from the episode that puzzles, moves, or surprises you? How so?

3. Break into small groups and share answers to your questions above. (30 min)

4. Reconvene with the large group and discuss the following large group questions below. (10 min)

• Is there an insight that came up from your small group that you think the large group can benefit from?

• Is there a question you’d like to pose to everyone in the large group?

Source: The Chosen

Episode 2.8

Recommended Time: 100 minutes

1. Watch The Chosen Episode 2.8. (45 min)

2. Quietly reflect or journal on either of the sets of questions below or combine them to fit your group’s needs. (15 min)

• A - General Reflection

  1. Judas is looking for more in life, something that he can be proud of. Who or what is drawing you in a way that points to something greater or deeper in your life?

  2. What were you thinking or feeling when Jesus spoke the Beatitudes (“blessed are you”) with each of the disciples in mind? Which Beatitude is he speaking to you today?

  3. Is there anything else from the episode that puzzles, moves, or surprises you? How so?

• B - Greater Depth

  1. Jesus says that the Beatitudes are “a map.” They are “directions” pointing to the groups of people we should look for to find him. Who in your life points to the Beatitudes? Which Beatitude do they particularly reflect? Which Beatitude might I be called to better embody and how so?

  2. In giving the disciples the benefit of the doubt, Thomas tells Tamar that “they all love our Rabbi and want to follow him the right way. They just can’t agree on what that right way is.” Thomas even generously calls their disagreeable interactions “love”. What do you find helpful regarding a “common ground” approach when disagreeing with other believers about the best way to be Christian?

  3. Is there anything else from the episode that puzzles, moves, or surprises you? How so?

3. Break into small groups and share answers to your questions above. (30 min)

4. Reconvene with the large group and discuss the following large group questions below. (10 min)

• Is there an insight that came up from your small group that you think the large group can benefit from?

• Is there a question you’d like to pose to everyone in the large group?

Source: The Chosen