Jesus Loves The Little Children

Each track is a different way to engage with the content of the episode. You can choose to follow a track for the entire season, or you can choose to follow a track for a specific episode. Come as you are and grow at your own pace.

This episode shows us a side of Jesus we might not think about too often. We see him in the ordinariness of daily life: working, sleeping and spending time with kids. He is utterly human. And in his humanness, he models the importance of regularly seeking his Father in prayer.

What stood out to you from this episode, and why?
Did anything in this episode cause you to look at your own life differently?

In this episode, one of the kids asks Jesus: "What is your reason for being here?" [23:08-25:12 min]. Jesus responds by quoting from the prophet Isaiah. He will quote the same passage again in a synagogue in Capernaum, as recorded in Luke's Gospel. Let's read Luke 4:17-20.

Luke 4:17-20

What does this passage tell us about why Jesus came?
What does this mean today?
Can you share about a time when Jesus set you free from something that was holding you captive or gave you sight to see something you had been blind to?

As this episode showed, Jesus regularly took time to rest from his daily activities in order to align with his Father above. Now we're going to discuss how we can do the same. By sharing openly, you may discover practices that can help you, as well as areas where you can offer help and accountability to others.

How do you seek out time to be alone with your Father?
What practices help you stay attuned to God's voice?
What do you find challenging in your connection with God?
How can we support each other as we pursue a deeper relationship with God?

Abigail, a girl from a humble background, encounters Jesus in the simplicity of his daily life. Enthralled by her experience, she invites her friend Joshua, and later brings others along to share in the joy of being with Jesus. They clearly enjoy his company.

What did you appreciate about this episode's portrayal of Jesus?
Where do you encounter Jesus in your ordinary, everyday life?

This episode highlights Jesus' love for children. Let's read Matthew 18:1-5 and Luke 18:15-17.

Matthew 18:1-5

Luke 18:15-17

What does Jesus say about children in these passages?
What does it mean to become like a child? (Matthew 18:3)
What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God like a child? (Luke 18:17)
What childlike qualities do you need to embrace more in your journey of faith? How can you do that?

The way Jesus welcomed Abigail and her friends highlights how he welcomed people from all walks of life, and how his presence brings joy, even in the most ordinary moments. It shows how encountering Jesus causes us to naturally invite others into his presence. One of the things Jesus said to Abigail is: "I did not come only for the wealthy" [26:47-28:20 min].

Would you like to be rich? What can wealth bring you? What are the limitations of wealth?
Like Abigail, do you invite your friends to encounter Jesus? If not, why? If so, how?

In this episode, the children quote the "Shema Yisrael" (Hear, Israel!) [14:56-15:54 min]. In Hebrew, "hearing" is not just about hearing. It also always involves doing—putting into practice what you have heard.

What struck you as you watched Jesus teaching the little children in this episode?
What do hearing and doing look like in your life? Are there any elements of God's Word that you understand but struggle to live out? Share, if you feel comfortable.

The Shema is a beautiful prayer that holds great significance for Jewish people. It consists of three parts: Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Deuteronomy 11:13-21 and Numbers 15:37-41. Let's read them, along with John 14:21.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Deuteronomy 11:13-21

Numbers 15:37-41

John 14:21

What do these passages tell us about how we are to love God?
What is the role of remembering, according to these passages?
How is obedience related to love?
What does loving God look like in your daily life?

Jesus tells us that anyone who loves him will obey his teaching. In order to obey Jesus, we need to know what he says.

What is the value of memorising Scripture?
What is your relationship like with Scripture? What struggles do you face with regularly studying Scripture? What practices or resources help you engage with it more?

In this episode, we see Jesus going about his daily work as a carpenter. But he tells Abigail, "Everyone has a much larger job than just their trade" [15:57-16:50 min]. He was not just a carpenter, and you are not just a student or an employee. Whatever roles you occupy are opportunities for you to serve the Lord by working with integrity and sharing his love with those around you.

How does this episode's portrayal of Jesus' daily life and work make you think differently about your own daily life and work?
How do you view the connection between your vocation (or desired vocation) and your calling to follow Jesus?

We are made in the image of God, designed to reflect him in our daily lives. Let's read Romans 12:1-2 and Colossians 3:22-24.

Romans 12:1-2

Colossians 3:22-24

What do these passages tell us about how we can worship and serve God?
What does it mean to "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God"? (Romans 12:1 NIV)
What does it mean to work "as working for the Lord, not for human masters"? (Colossians 3:23 NIV)

Much of life is mundane—daily, weekly and yearly cycles that we repeat over and over again. We work, rest, eat, do chores, spend time with our loved ones; these ordinary activities are the context of our discipleship. God meets with us in the mundane.

How do you encounter the Lord in the daily rhythms of your life?
God is present in the mundane moments, but often we are too distracted or overwhelmed to notice. How can you practise paying attention to God's presence in the mundane?

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 3

Jesus Loves The Little Children

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Initial Reflections

Dig In

Luke 4:17-20

Respond

Initial Reflections

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Matthew 18:1-5

Luke 18:15-17

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Deuteronomy 11:13-21

Numbers 15:37-41

John 14:21

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Romans 12:1-2

Colossians 3:22-24

Respond

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