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The Chosen

Episode 2.1

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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

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Episode 2.2

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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)

    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?

    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

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Episode 2.3

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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)

    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?

    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

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Episode 2.4

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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)

    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?

    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

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Episode 2.5

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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)

    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?

    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

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Episode 2.6

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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)

    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?

    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

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Episode 2.7

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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)

    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?

    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

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Episode 1.1

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Episode 1.1

Recommended Time: 110 minutes

1. Watch The Chosen Episode 1.1. (55 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)

CLICK on a “+” sign for more:

    1. Jesus calls Lillith/Mary by her name and tells her she is redeemed. How can we remind ourselves of this truth and live it out in our daily lives?

    2. Lillith/Mary initially didn’t feel safe with Jesus and ran from Him. Do you feel safe with Jesus? Why or why not? What has made you run from or towards God in the past?

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

    1. The episode shows that Mary of Magdala (or Lilith) was tormented by many demons (per Luke’s Gospel). It seems that the evil influences are related to the loss of her dad and how she copes in unhealthy ways. At her lowest point, she encounters Jesus who calls her by name in a way that touches her deeply.

      a. Have you ever experienced your name being called similarly (even if your situation is not as dramatic)? What was that like?

      b. At this time in your life, how would you like your name to be similarly called? How would you respond if God called you by that name?

    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?

Recommendations for Personal Prayer:

  1. Let yourself be led by the Spirit through this 20’ Guided Meditation with Isaiah 43:1-5.

  2. Take a few minutes and pray, thanking God that He has redeemed you, that He has called you by name, and you are His.

  3. Read slowly several times Is 43:1-5. Imagine God speaking to you these words: Let the words, I have called you by name, you are mine”.

Source: The Chosen

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Episode 1.2

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Episode 1.2

Recommended Time: 95 minutes

1. Watch The Chosen Episode 1.2. (40 min)

2. Consider the following context: In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the Sabbath is a time of rest. We rest because God rested. We rest to refresh our souls, to know God better. This episode portrays how various characters understand and practice the Sabbath.

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

CLICK on a “+” sign for more:

    1. Reflecting on your habits in the past several months, what does rest mean to you and why do you rest?

    2. How do you find your habits of resting similar or not to the following:

      a. Matthew has no one with whom he can spend Sabbath time in a meaningful way.

      b. Nicodemus fulfills his religious Sabbath time obligations while longing for greater meaning.

      c. Peter spends this time doing desperate work, even though it is questionable to his wife.

      d.Mary follows her desire for rest by returning to herself and involving those who are on the margins.

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

    1. Reflecting on your habits in the past several months, what does rest mean to you and why do you rest?

    2. To what extent do you allow God to surprise you as you rest? How so?

    3. 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

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Episode 1.3

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Episode 1.3

Recommended Time: 85 minutes

1. Watch The Chosen Episode 1.3. (30 min)

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

  • Jesus invites us to approach God with child-like trust, curiosity, and boldness. How do you hear and respond to this invitation?

  • It was easy for Abigail to tell her friends about Jesus. What is it like for you when telling your friends and family about Jesus? What struggles or hesitations do you face?

  • 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

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Episode 1.4

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Episode 1.4

Recommended Time: 105 minutes

1. Watch The Chosen Episode 1.4. (50 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)

CLICK on a “+” sign for more:

    1. What was it like for you to witness Peter’s conversion and being called by Jesus?

    2. Have you encountered God in a similar, perhaps less dramatic way? How so? Do you long for a similar experience with God and what might that look like?

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

    1. The episode shows Peter desperate to pay his tax debts and trying to overcome his struggles alone. Jesus provides for Peter’s genuine need for a big catch of fish. Moreover, Jesus awakens Peter’s desires for the long-awaited Messiah. He beckons Peter to follow him. Recall an experience in which you received a surprising gift or blessing that was beyond your imagination or own making. Or perhaps it was too good to be true. How did you sense God’s presence or invitation? How did you respond, or how can you respond at this time?

    2. When he was alone on the boat, Peter spoke to God in an honest and raw way. He expressed his exasperation and even anger. If you have experienced something similar, what was it like? If not, what would 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

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Episode 1.5

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Episode 1.5

Recommended Time: 115 minutes

1. Watch The Chosen Episode 1.5. (55 min)

2. Rewatch the clip below before reflecting, while keeping in mind the following context:
In the Jewish tradition, wine symbolizes joy. At the request of his mother, Jesus transforms water into wine and sustains everyone at the Wedding Feast at Cana with abundant joy.

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

CLICK on a “+” sign for more:

    1. What brings about joy in your life?

    2. When joy runs dry in your life, where or to whom do you turn?

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

    1. Mary’s trust and confidence in Jesus helped everyone at the wedding feast. How do I approach God or Jesus through intercessory prayers? To what extent do I focus on what I am asking for, on how I imagine it will come about, or on trusting in Divine Providence (God’s care and wisdom)?

    2. Thomas’ insistence on understanding betrays his tendency to control. He is nudged (by his friends Ramah and Jesus) to be stretched and surprised by God’s ways. How are you being invited to “let go” and be open to greater trust in God at this time in your life?

    3. 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

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Episode 1.6

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Episode 1.6

Recommended Time: 105 minutes

1. Watch The Chosen Episode 1.6. (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)

CLICK on a “+” sign for more:

    1. Jesus’ curing of the paralytic prompted different kinds of responses: the surprise of the paralytic and his friends, the confusion of the Pharisees, the awe of everyone in the crowd, of Nicodemus, of Matthew the tax-collector, of Mary and Peter. Which group or person do you identify with? Can you imagine being the paralytic & how you are able to walk? How would you respond if you witnessed this miracle?

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

    1. Jesus’ curing of the paralytic prompted different kinds of responses: the surprise of the paralytic and his friends, the confusion of the Pharisees, the awe of everyone in the crowd, of Nicodemus, of Matthew the tax-collector, of Mary and Peter. Which group or person do you identify with? Can you imagine being the paralytic & how you are able to walk? How would you respond if you witnessed this miracle?

    2. The Ethiopian woman was in awe of how Jesus healed the leper. She responded boldly by “creating a scene” and bringing her friend to Jesus. How have I allowed awe in Jesus to move me toward loving action? What has prevented me from responding boldly now?

    3. 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

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Episode 2.8

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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)

    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?

    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

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Episode 1.7

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Episode 1.7

Recommended Time: 90 minutes

1. Watch The Chosen Episode 1.7. (35 min)

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

  • There was so much for Matthew and Nicodemus to leave behind. We don’t always have to risk a lot to follow Jesus. What are some things you'd have a hard time risking to follow him?

  • In their own ways, Nicodemus and Matthew responded generously to Jesus’ invitation to follow him. What would it mean at this time in your life to follow Jesus with generosity?

  • 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

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Episode 1.8

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Episode 1.8

Recommended Time: 120 minutes

1. Watch The Chosen Episode 1.8. (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)

CLICK on a “+” sign for more:

    1. Jesus uses humor at different points to help connect with and disarm people, as a tool for encountering others with greater approachability. What role does humor play in your life, faith, and relationships, especially those with whom you struggle?

    2. God often chooses people who are on the outside or at the “bottom of the barrel” to reveal God’s love (like Jesus choosing the Samaritan woman or many of his disciples). When have you encountered such surprising choices, in your own life or in the life of others? How were you affected and chose to respond?

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

    1. Jesus not only knows about the Samaritan woman, he also knows her pain of being rejected and her deep longing for genuine love. When and how have you experienced being seen and known by God and others? Whether you can recall such an experience or not, what would it mean for you to be seen and known by God more fully at this time in your life?

    2. 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

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