Episode 1 of The Chosen Season 4 delivers a powerful and moving exploration into the life and death of John the Baptist. Serving as a profound homage to his pivotal ministry, the episode masterfully weaves together key biblical narratives, prompting viewers to contemplate John’s divinely ordained purpose from conception to martyrdom. This episode guide provides Bible study and discussion questions designed to help you and your community delve deeper into Season 4, Episode 1.
Want more insights? Explore my detailed recap, review, and analysis of the episode here and my interview with David Amito, the actor who brilliantly portrays John, here.
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Before Watching The Chosen Season 4 Episode 1: Review Questions
“The Chosen” is structured as a serialized drama. Episodes build upon each other, forming a larger narrative arc. Skipping episodes, especially when starting with a new season, can diminish the emotional impact and comprehension of character development. Season 4 particularly emphasizes this serialized nature, moving away from standalone episodic elements.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to have watched previous seasons before diving into Season 4. Even for those familiar with prior seasons, a quick recap can be beneficial. Reviewing key character arcs will enrich your viewing experience and understanding of Episode 1.
To facilitate a review of previous seasons, consider focusing on the main characters and prompting your group with these questions:
- Who is [character name]?
- What was [character name]’s life like before Jesus’ ministry?
- How has [character name]’s journey evolved over the first three seasons?
- Where did Season 3 leave [character name]?
Select characters based on your available time and their relevance to Season 4 Episode 1. Prioritize these characters for a focused review:
- John the Baptist
- Joanna
- Thomas and Ramah
- Zebedee, Big James, and John
- Yussif
- Jairus
- Judas
- Simon the Zealot
- Simon Peter and Andrew
Before Watching The Chosen Season 4 Episode 1: Bible Study & Discussion Questions
As highlighted, Episode 1 centers on the life and death of John the Baptist. While this might be anticipated, especially for those familiar with the Gospels or Season 4 trailers, it’s beneficial to approach the episode without explicitly foreshadowing John’s death. Instead, introduce Episode 1 as focusing on John’s ministry and calling. Read the following passage aloud together:
In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.
Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”
And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.
After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, “Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.” (Luke 1:5-25, ESV)
After reading, engage in discussion using these questions:
- John’s miraculous conception echoes Old Testament stories. Can you recall any similar narratives? Based on these parallels, what inferences can we draw about John’s significance and purpose?
- For groups less familiar with the Bible, briefly explain the ministries of Prophet Samuel and the miraculous birth of Isaac to provide context.
- The angel foretells John possessing the spirit and power of Elijah. Who was Elijah, and what characterized his ministry? What is meant by John walking in Elijah’s spirit and power?
- Provide a concise summary of Elijah’s role if needed.
- The angel states John will “turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God” and “turn the hearts of the fathers to the children…to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” What is John calling people to turn away from, and what are they being called towards?
- In today’s context, how do we prepare people to receive Jesus? What are prevalent modern “idols” or false beliefs that individuals need to renounce to embrace Jesus as the Messiah?
- Zechariah questions the angel’s promise. Why might Zechariah be disciplined with muteness for his doubt? Contrast Zechariah’s initial reaction with John’s later unwavering faith.
- Reflect personally: Do you identify more with Zechariah’s initial doubt or John’s bold faith? Explain your reasoning.
After Watching The Chosen Season 4 Episode 1: Bible Study & Discussion Questions
Following the episode viewing, start with some general reflection questions:
- What resonated with you most in this episode? What aspects particularly stood out or moved you?
- Did any questions arise for you while watching? Was anything unclear or confusing?
Allow the conversation to flow naturally. If further structure is needed, guide the discussion with these points:
- The episode juxtaposes John’s death with his origin story. What consistent traits or truths about John are evident from his conception to his death?
- How does John’s death become the ultimate fulfillment of his calling? How does his unjust execution pave the way for Jesus’s ministry?
Guide the group to consider these passages:
For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch. The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give you shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate, but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married. For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.
On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the Lord in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth. The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: “I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink your wine for which you have labored; but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather it shall drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.”
Go through, go through the gates; prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway; clear it of stones; lift up a signal over the peoples. Behold, the Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to the daughter of Zion, “Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.” And they shall be called The Holy People, The Redeemed of the Lord; and you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken. (Isaiah 62:1-12, ESV)
And
Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification. And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:25-29, ESV)
And
Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,
“Hallelujah!For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory,for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”—
for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. (Revelation 19:6-8, ESV)
Following the readings, explore these questions:
- Considering these passages, what deeper meaning can be found in John’s sacrifice and peace amidst execution?
- How can John’s peace, even facing brutal death, inform our faith?
- While we may not face martyrdom, how can the hope in these passages empower us to persevere through personal suffering and trials?
- How often do you contemplate the future hope promised in the Gospel? What practices can help us remember and reflect on the glorious future God has promised?
Consider this point:
- Even as John faces his impending death, the disciples experience moments of joy and success. Zebedee’s business thrives, and Thomas and Ramah find a path to marriage.
- Life, unlike simplified narratives, often presents a mix of sorrow and joy, darkness and light, coexisting closely. Some media overly emphasize positivity, obscuring life’s difficulties, while others dwell on the negative. Reality encompasses both extremes.
Reflect with your group on these questions:
- Can you recall a time when you experienced both profound sorrow and joy in close succession?
- What was that experience like for you emotionally and spiritually?
- What insights about the world and God can we gain from such moments?
- How can we best support friends navigating similar experiences of mixed sorrow and joy?
I trust these questions will facilitate meaningful discussions. I plan to create episode guides for all of The Chosen Season 4, as I have for Seasons 1-3. If you use these guides with your group, please share your experiences in the comments – it’s encouraging to know these resources are helpful. Thank you for engaging with this guide, and may God bless your studies and conversations!
Enhance Community, Creativity, and Fun with Make It
Game nights are a beloved tradition in youth ministries and small groups worldwide. As a former youth minister, I value how games create a relaxed and engaging environment for fostering relationships among friends and newcomers.
As a creative individual, I’ve often sought games that celebrate imagination and innovative thinking. While strategy games often reward system mastery, casual games can favor familiarity among players.
What if a game could spark creativity, even for first-time players? My answer is Make It. Ever had a brilliant life-hack or invention idea? Make It gamifies that creative process. Each round presents a project prompt, challenging you to invent and pitch your original idea to fellow players. Voting then determines the best invention. See the game in action on The Bible Artist Podcast.
Make It comes as individual notebooks, each containing a complete game for one player, rather than a boxed set. For group play, purchase a notebook for each participant. It also works as a solo creative exercise. The notebook format keeps costs low, at just $8.50 per standard notebook and $6.50 for the compact version. A 4-player game costs only $34 (standard) or $26 (compact). I aimed for affordability for youth groups, college ministries, and churches.
Join the creative fun! Add Make It to your next game night.
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