The Rock on Which It Is Built

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.

In this episode, Jesus challenges Simon to cast his net one more time after an exhausting night of catching nothing. Then, a miraculous catch changes everything. In that moment, Simon realises who John the Baptiser says Jesus is—the Lamb of God.

Overwhelmed, Simon falls before Jesus and says, "You don't know who I am or the things I've done." He is deeply convicted of his unworthiness and lack of faith. But Jesus reassures him, saying, "Do not be afraid. Lift up your head, fisherman." Moved by this encounter, Simon asks, "What do you want from me? Anything you ask, I will do." Jesus responds with a simple yet life-changing call: "Follow me" [42:31-43:33 min].

Why do you think Simon reacts the way he does? Can you relate to his reaction?
What do you think Jesus' words meant to Simon in that moment?
What do Jesus' words, "Do not be afraid" and "Follow me," mean to you in this season of your life?

Jesus calls Simon and several other fishermen to follow him, offering them an entirely new perspective on life: "From now on, I will make you fishers of men." In this episode, he references the parable of the fishing net, saying, "You are to gather as many as possible—all kinds. I'll sort them out later" [44:48-44:58 min]. Let's read Matthew 13:47-50 together.

Matthew 13:47-50

What does Jesus teach about the kingdom of heaven in this parable?
In verse 47, what is Jesus emphasising when he says that "all kinds of fish" are caught?
How do you feel about the idea of leaving the "sorting" to God? How does this challenge your view of others?
What does this parable mean for your life?

Jesus calls Simon, Andrew, James and John to follow him. Without hesitation, they drop their nets, leave everything behind, and go with him.

Has there been a moment in your life when you felt called by God? How did you respond?
How do you recognise when God is calling you to do something?
Zebedee tells his sons, "Go!" Why does he let them leave?
How does your family respond to your faith and the direction God is leading you?

In this episode, Simon is deeply frustrated. He has tried everything to fix his problems, even to the point of breaking the law. But despite all his efforts, nothing works. Desperate and afraid, he keeps searching for a way out until the very last moment.

Then his wife, Eden, confronts him. "Where is your faith?" she asks. "You don't know at all if our lives are in danger. You have not been in touch with God at all lately. That's why you are stuck and you feel desperate, and now you're off to try to fix it yourself again! Maybe now God can finally reach you" [17:34-19:11 min].

How has your connection with God been lately?
When do you feel closest to him? When do you feel distant?
Are there moments when it seems like God cannot reach you or is it more about whether you are open to him?

At his breaking point, Simon finally cries out to God. He pours out all his frustration, doubt and feelings of injustice, wondering why he deserves such hardship. The book of Psalms is filled with raw, honest prayers from people who cry out to God in times of distress. Let's read Psalm 13 together.

Psalm 13

How does David talk to God about his suffering in this psalm?
What does David ask (v1-2), what does he demand (v3), and what does he proclaim (v5-6)?
What do you think about the way Simon cries out to God in this episode?
How do you reach out to God when you are struggling?

Simon's attempts to handle everything on his own create tension in his marriage and friendships. His friends point this out, saying, "Eden may be angry, but she is not too proud to ask for help" [29:29–29:39 min]. Meanwhile, Eden confronts him with a powerful statement: "God is with me, even if you are not" [17:15-17:27 min].

Have you ever experienced deep despair? How do you respond?
When do you find it easy to ask for help? When do you find it difficult, and what do you do in those situations?
What does Jesus promise in Matthew 28:18, 20?
What does this promise mean to you personally? Are there situations in your life right now where holding on to this truth is especially important?

In this episode, Simon makes a choice that goes against his own reasoning—he decides to trust Jesus and obey his command, saying, "All right, at your word" [39:28-40:07 min].

What happens as a result of Simon's obedience?
Have you ever had to trust and obey God, even when it didn't make sense?
How did that experience feel? Was it exciting, challenging or both?

As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we will sometimes be called to do things we don't want to do, things we never expected, and even things we don't believe we are capable of. Let's read Luke 5:1-11.

Luke 5:1-11

What details stand out to you in this passage, and why?
Why do you think Jesus waited until after the fisherman had worked hard all night before giving them the miraculous catch?
What does it mean for you to leave everything and follow Jesus?

After Simon obeys Jesus and sees the miraculous outcome, he realises he was wrong. Overwhelmed, he humbly acknowledges his mistake and asks for forgiveness.

How do you respond when you realise you have been wrong?
What makes it hard to admit your mistakes?
What does humility and repentance look like in your daily life? How do you practise it in your relationships?

Like Simon in this episode, we often think we know exactly what we need. We focus on "the fish"—the immediate, tangible things we believe will solve our problems. But Jesus sees beyond the surface. Just as he did with Simon, he looks deeper, recognising the struggles and longings in our hearts that we may not even be aware of.

Can you relate to Simon's focus on "the fish"—the immediate and visible needs in your life?
What do you think you need most right now?
Could Jesus be seeing something deeper that you have not fully recognised yet?

Jesus performs a great miracle—he not only provides for Simon's immediate need, but in doing so, he reveals a greater purpose. This moment sets Simon free to leave everything behind and follow Jesus. Let's read 2 Corinthians 9:8-11.

2 Corinthians 9:8-11

According to this passage, why does God bless us?
What does it mean that 'God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work'? (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV)
Have you ever experienced miraculous provision from God?
Where in your life do you currently need provision from God? How can you trust God in this situation?

The fishermen in this episode give us a powerful example of collaboration. They stand by each other through failure and disappointment—even after one of them nearly betrays the group. They endure long nights of fruitless fishing together, facing frustration and uncertainty side by side.

In a moment of potential danger, Zebedee reassures Simon, saying, "We are right with you" [34:31–34:34 min]. And when the miracle finally happens, they don't just witness it individually—they work together, share in the joy and celebrate as one.

Do you have people in your life who stand with you through challenges, disappointments and victories?
How can you become more aware of the deeper needs in your own life and in the lives of those around you?
What steps can you take to build strong, supportive relationships that reflect this kind of unity and trust?

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 4

The Rock on Which It Is Built

Select a Track

I want to...

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Matthew 13:47-50

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Psalm 13

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Luke 5:1-11

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

2 Corinthians 9:8-11

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