Episode 1 of The Chosen Season 3, titled “Homecoming,” offers a rich tapestry of narrative and biblical depth, making it an ideal focus for group study. As a pivotal episode, it masterfully portrays the profound impact of Jesus’ teachings, specifically from the Sermon on the Mount, on his followers. This episode beautifully illustrates themes of conviction, repentance, and reconciliation, all while being deeply rooted in Scripture. This study guide is designed to enhance your understanding and discussion of Season 3 Episode 1 of The Chosen, perfect for small groups, Bible studies, youth ministries, or personal reflection.
Recapping The Chosen: Revisiting Seasons 1 & 2
Before immersing ourselves in Season 3 Episode 1, it’s beneficial to refresh our memories of the journeys undertaken by our beloved characters in the previous seasons. If you’re watching as a group, consider starting with a brief recap. The creators of The Chosen have provided helpful summary videos for Season 1 and Season 2 available on YouTube. These can serve as excellent refreshers.
To further enrich your review, consider discussing the following questions for key characters. Focusing on character development will provide a strong foundation for understanding their reactions and growth in Season 3.
- Character Background: What were the defining aspects of [character’s name]’s life before their encounter with Jesus? Consider their professions, personal struggles, and societal standing.
- The Call to Jesus: What specific circumstances or interactions led to [character’s name] meeting Jesus? What was the nature of this initial encounter?
- Initial Response to Jesus: How did [character’s name] react immediately after meeting Jesus? Was it acceptance, hesitation, or resistance? What internal and external changes were evident?
- Character Development: Trace [character’s name]’s growth throughout Seasons 1 and 2. In what ways have they demonstrated spiritual and personal development? Conversely, where have they faltered, shown resistance, or experienced setbacks in their journey with Jesus?
Prioritize characters based on their significance in the narrative. Key figures for review include:
- Mary Magdalene
- Simon Peter
- Matthew
- Nicodemus
- Andrew
- Judas
- Gaius
- Quintus
- Shmuel
- Yussif
- Thomas and Ramah
- Big James and John
- Simon the Zealot
- Nathanael
- Phillip, Little James, and Thaddeus
Setting the Stage: Bible Study Before Watching Season 3 Episode 1
Episode 1 of Season 3 of The Chosen masterfully centers around the Sermon on the Mount and, more importantly, the varied responses to Jesus’ teachings. The episode vividly portrays how Jesus’ sermon becomes a dynamic, visual experience, not just a recitation of words, but a catalyst for internal reflection and conviction among the listeners. The genius of The Chosen lies in its ability to visually communicate the internal processing of Jesus’ message by his audience through subtle cues and body language.
To prepare for this episode and prime your group to recognize this central theme of response to Jesus’ words, delve into these key passages from the Sermon on the Mount:
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24-27, ESV)
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.” (Matthew 5:21-26, ESV)
Engage your group with the following questions after reading Matthew 7:24-27:
- The Wise Builder: In Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders, who does the wise man, who builds his house on the rock, represent? Consider the actions and characteristics of someone who embodies this wisdom.
- The Storm: The wise man’s house withstands a storm of rain, wind, and floods. What aspects of life or spiritual challenges might this storm symbolize?
- Endurance and Stability: What does the enduring house of the wise man represent? What is the ultimate outcome for those who are like the wise builder?
- The Foolish Builder: Who is represented by the foolish man who builds on sand? What are the distinguishing characteristics of this individual in contrast to the wise builder?
- The House Crashing Down: The storm causes the foolish man’s house to collapse. What does this devastating fall signify? What are the potential consequences of being like the foolish builder?
- Jesus’ Purpose: Why do you think Jesus chose to conclude his profound Sermon on the Mount with this particular illustration? What key message was he emphasizing about following God?
- Obedience and Grace: How does Jesus’ teaching on the critical importance of obedience align with the Bible’s broader message of salvation as a free gift received through faith? Discuss the relationship between faith, grace, and obedience.
Before watching Episode 1, highlight these points to guide viewing:
- Sermon on the Mount Focus: Episode 1 of The Chosen Season 3 presents a significant portion of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, culminating in the parable of the wise and foolish builders. Pay close attention to how the series visually interprets and dramatizes this pivotal sermon.
- Character Reactions: As Jesus teaches, observe the reactions of the various characters. Recall their individual struggles and journeys from Seasons 1 and 2. How might their personal experiences shape their understanding and reception of Jesus’ teachings? Which specific teachings might resonate most deeply with each character based on their past?
- Wise and Foolish Responses: Throughout the episode, identify instances where characters respond to Jesus’ teachings as either ‘wise’ or ‘foolish’ builders. How do their actions reflect these different approaches to Jesus’ words?
Post-Episode Reflection: Bible Study and Discussion Questions After Watching
After viewing Season 3 Episode 1, initiate your discussion with broad, open-ended questions to encourage initial reactions and engagement:
- Personal Connections: What aspects of this episode resonated with you most strongly? Were there any particular scenes, dialogues, or character actions that you found especially impactful or personally relevant?
- Clarifying Questions: Did anything in the episode raise questions or cause confusion? Are there any plot points, character motivations, or biblical references that require further clarification or discussion?
To guide a more structured discussion, refocus the conversation on the Sermon on the Mount and the characters’ responses to Jesus’ teachings. Highlight John the Baptist’s observation to Joanna in the episode: “whenever Jesus teaches, there’s something just for you – something that sticks with you.”
Explore this concept further by examining key characters and their individual journeys within the episode:
- Personal Teaching: Which of Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount seemed to particularly connect with [character’s name]? Identify specific teachings and moments of connection.
- Significance: Why do you think this particular teaching was especially significant for [character’s name] at this point in their journey? Consider their past experiences and current circumstances.
- Struggle and Response: How did [character’s name] grapple with this teaching throughout the episode? What internal or external struggles were evident?
- Obedience and Outcome: Ultimately, how did [character’s name] respond to Jesus’ teaching? Did they demonstrate obedience or resistance? What were the consequences or outcomes of their response, particularly in light of the wise and foolish builders parable?
Ensure your discussion includes at least:
- Matthew
- Andrew
- Judas
Consider extending the discussion to less central characters, adapting the questions as needed, as their storylines may be less developed within this episode:
- Atticus & Gaius
- Joanna
- Simon the Zealot
- Yussif (the Pharisee)
- Mary Magdalene, Tamar, and Ramah
To delve deeper, particularly with Matthew and Andrew’s storylines in this episode, revisit Jesus’ teaching on anger and reconciliation from Matthew 5:21-26, already quoted above. Focus on the theme of reconciliation and ask:
- Responsibility for Reconciliation: According to Jesus, who bears the responsibility to initiate and pursue reconciliation when conflict arises?
- Urgency of Reconciliation: How does Jesus emphasize the urgency of seeking reconciliation in this teaching? What compelling reasons does he give for prioritizing reconciliation?
- Matthew and Andrew’s Example: How did we see Matthew and Andrew embody and enact this teaching on reconciliation in Season 3 Episode 1? Analyze specific scenes and dialogues that illustrate their journey toward reconciliation.
Personal Reflection and Application
Transition the discussion towards personal application by emphasizing the timeless relevance of Jesus’ teachings. Reiterate that, as John the Baptist noted, Jesus’ words always hold a personal message for each listener, both in his time and today.
Prompt personal reflection with these questions:
- Personal Connection to Sermon: As you watched the Sermon on the Mount in this episode, were there any specific teachings that particularly resonated with you personally? Which teachings stood out?
- Significance and Relevance: Why was this particular teaching significant for you at this time? How does it connect with your current personal circumstances, challenges, or spiritual journey?
- Potential Struggle with Obedience: Do you anticipate any challenges in applying this teaching to your life and choosing obedience? What internal or external obstacles might you face?
- Consequences of Disobedience and Obedience: Reflect on the parable of the wise and foolish builders in the context of this teaching. If you were to disregard or disobey this teaching, how might it lead to instability or negative consequences in your life? Conversely, how might obedience lead to greater stability, flourishing, and spiritual growth?
- Grace in Obedience and Failure: Regardless of our successes or failures in obedience, what does the New Testament remind us about Jesus’ grace and forgiveness? How does this understanding of grace encourage and sustain us in our journey of following Jesus?
This final question is crucial, balancing the call to obedience with the ever-present reality of grace. The New Testament affirms the importance of obedience while equally emphasizing that it is ultimately grace that empowers obedience and sustains us through failures. This balance fosters humility and gratitude as we strive to live out our faith.
Enhance Your Study with “Come and See” Journal
To further enrich your study of The Chosen and other biblical adaptations, consider using “Come and See,” a devotional journal designed to deepen your engagement with Bible movies and shows. This journal provides space to record episode notes, favorite quotes, personal reflections, questions, and Scripture references. Whether for individual use or group studies, “Come and See” is an invaluable tool for digging deeper into the biblical narratives brought to life on screen and applying them to daily life.
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