I Have Called You by Name

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In this episode, we meet Mary of Magdala before she meets Jesus. Her life is dominated by demonic powers, and neither she nor Nicodemus has any power to break their grip on her.

What did you think about this episode’s portrayal of demonic powers and Mary’sexperience?
How did this episode challenge or align with your understanding of spiritual warfare?

Spiritual warfare is not an easy topic. While the demonic possession Mary experienced was an extreme case, everyone experiences attacks from the enemy. We all struggle against the destructive power of sin in our lives. But unlike Nicodemus, we have access to the power of Christ within us to help us overcome. Let's read Ephesians 6:10-17.

Ephesians 6:10-17

What does this passage tell us about the enemy we face and the resources we have to overcome his attacks?
What does it mean that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the ...spiritual forces of evil ...”? (Ephesians 6:12 NIV)
Are there any ungodly influences in your life that have power over you, burden you orkeep you from God? What steps can you take to stand firm against the enemy’s attack?

As a little girl, Mary learned a Bible verse (Isaiah 43:1) from her dad. This verse travelled with her. And even when she let go of this promise, God did not let go of her.

What place does God’s Word have in your life? Share a verse or passage from Scripture that travels with you and encourages you.
What does the world say about you? What does God say about you? Which do you listen to?

Mary is a possessed, desperate and traumatised young woman. Humanly speaking, her situation is hopeless. Nicodemus tells his students that she is beyond human help.

What strikes you about Mary as you see her in the series? What are her beautiful qualities and what obstacles get in her way?
Are there people or situations in your life that you view as hopeless, the way Nicodemus looked at Mary? Do you expect God to intervene? Why or why not?

People like Mary lived on the margins of society, excluded by others. But Jesus sees those who are unseen. When he redeems people, he redeems them out of the isolation of sin and into the community of his Father’s family. Let’s read Colossians 3:9-14.

Colossians 3:9-14

How does this passage describe the community of the redeemed?
What does it mean for a person to “take off your old self” and “put on the new self”? (Colossians 3:9-10 NIV)
How have you seen God work through a community or individuals with these qualities to restore people who are broken or isolated?

We are Jesus’ hands and feet in the world. In this episode, we watched Jesus see and embrace Mary when she was ignored and rejected by everyone else.

Who is Jesus calling you to see and embrace? What steps can you take to reach out to them?
Pair up with someone near you and pray for these people, their circumstances and opportunities to show them the love of Jesus.

In this episode, we see Nicodemus begin to doubt his own convictions. Everything he thought he knew is being shaken. But instead of becoming defensive, he is curious and desires to seek truth. Meanwhile, his wife tells him to stick with the status quo.

What stands out to you about Nicodemus? In what ways do you resonate with his character?
Have you ever experienced doubt or confusion that caused you to question a core belief? How did you respond?

Remember the scene when Nicodemus stands in front of the mirror. He wonders if the Law is only a blurry reflection of a much more glorious reality. Let's read 1 Corinthians 13:8-13.

1 Corinthians 13:8-13

What does this passage tell us about the knowledge we possess?
In ancient times, mirrors only gave blurry reflections. What does it mean that "now we see only a reflection as in a mirror" while "then we shall see face to face"? When is the "then" referring to? (1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV)
The ultimate knowledge this passage points us to is relational. One day, we will know God as he already fully knows us. What does this promise suggest about the way in which we should pursue and use knowledge?

In many Christian traditions, Nicodemus is honoured as a positive example of curiosity. Unlike many other Pharisees, he did not react with fear or judgement when Jesus showed up challenging his status quo. Instead, he was open and asked honest questions in pursuit of the truth.

Are there any areas of your faith you have avoided exploring out of fear? Where does that fear come from?
How can you make more room for curiosity in your journey of discipleship?

Mary almost gave up hope. She had clung to the promise of Isaiah 43:1 for so long without seeing the reality of it in her life. But just as she was about to give in to despair, a dove caught her eye. She followed it to a tavern where Jesus was waiting for her.

Can you relate to Mary's experience of holding onto a promise from Scripture but not seeing its reality in her life? Share, if you feel comfortable.
Can you tell us about a situation where God used something physical, like the dove in this episode, to draw your attention to himself?

God is spirit, and he can communicate directly to our spirits. But, there are two tangible ways he speaks to us: through his Word and through his creation. His love is present all around us … if only we have eyes to see it. Let's read Psalm 19:1-8.

Psalm 19:1-8

What does this passage tell us about the testimony of creation and Scripture?
What kind of knowledge about God do the skies and other parts of creation reveal to us? How do they speak, if not with words?
Are your ears open to the testimony of creation? If not, what steps can you take to pay closer attention to God's presence around you in his creation?

In the show, Mary's experience of the dove leading her to Jesus is a dramatised portrayal of a much more commonplace truth: God is always present and always trying to catch our attention.

How has God been catching your attention lately? How do you need to respond?
Pair up with someone next to you and pray for God to attune your senses to his presence this week. Next time, come ready to share how you noticed God!

This discussion guide also includes a reading plan to help you personally apply the lessons from The Chosen. You can go through it on your own or with your group, allowing for deeper reflection and ongoing conversation. Enjoy the journey!

Continue to Reading Plan

SEASON 1 - EPISODE 1

I Have Called You by Name

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Initial Reflections

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Ephesians 6:10-17

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Colossians 3:9-14

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1 Corinthians 13:8-13

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Initial Reflections

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Psalm 19:1-8

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Find more on our Reading Plan

All Episodes

I Have Called You by Name

Shabbat

Jesus Loves the Little Children

The Rock on Which It Is Built

The Wedding Gift

Indescribable Compassion

Invitations

I Am He

The Chosen Connect