Indescribable Compassion

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, Simon is eager to take action—he wants to protect Jesus and care for the other disciples. But John reminds him that Jesus called him to catch men, not to be a bodyguard. Simon, feeling uncertain, responds, “I don’t know what that means.” John encourages him to trust and wait for further instructions, simply saying, “Just be you” [28:18-29:14 min].

Can you relate to Simon—eager to act but unsure of what Jesus is calling you to do?
How do you feel about having to wait for instructions or clarity?
What can you do while you are waiting?

While Simon focuses on protecting Jesus, Shmuel and Nicodemus wrestle with the question of who Jesus is. Shmuel is convinced that Jesus cannot be the Son of God, declaring, “God cannot take human form” [29:20–31:08 min]. But Nicodemus gently suggests that Shmuel is trying to put God into a box of his own making.

The truth is, we all share Shmuel’s tendency. Our imaginations are too small to comprehend God’s greatness. But while humans aren’t able to make adequate images of God, God gave us one perfect, living image by which we can know him. Let’s read Colossians 1:15-23.

What does this passage tell us about Jesus?
Re-read verse 15. What does this mean when we reflect on Jesus’ life on earth—his actions, character and mission?
Have you ever caught yourself trying to put God into a box? How has your understanding of him grown as you’ve followed Jesus?
Now reflect on your own life: Are you open to God working in ways that don’t match your expectations?

It’s natural to be like Simon in this episode: eager to take action. But sometimes, Jesus simply calls us to wait and pay attention. Following him means embracing what he wants to do today—even if it’s unexpected or outside our comfort zone …

Nicodemus encouraged Shmuel to “... look to the ancient roads where the good way is and walk in it, as Jeremiah said, and still keep your eyes open to the startling and the unexpected” [32:20 -32:33 min]. What would this look like in practice?

When you find yourself in a season of waiting, how can you wait well?
What helps you to wait with expectation rather than distraction or frustration?
John reminded Simon to “Just be you”. How can this reminder encourage you today?

In this episode, Jesus and his disciples encounter a leper—a man who has been completely rejected by society. Desperate, he pleads, “Please … Please, don’t turn away from me!” Instead of avoiding him like everyone else, Jesus reaches out to touch and heal him [16:17-18:25 min].

How did you feel watching this scene?
Research shows that physical touch is essential—It causes our brain to release chemicals that foster happiness and connection. How has physical affection, or the lack of it, shaped your life and relationships?
Who are considered the “outcasts” or “untouchables” in our day and age? How can followers of Jesus reach out to them?

Jesus was willing to touch the untouchable, stepping into the leper’s space to meet him in his deepest need. He gave the man what he could never find on his own—healing, restoration and a renewed sense of dignity and belonging. Let’s read Matthew 8:1-4.

Matthew 8:1-4

What does this interaction reveal about Jesus and his heart for others?
Can you think of other stories in Scripture where Jesus showed his compassion? What do you learn from these moments?
What was the testimony or message that Jesus wanted the healed man to take to the priest?
Have you ever been moved with compassion for someone who was rejected by others? What happened, and how did you respond?

Jesus touched those whom society rejected, abandoned and forgot. He still does today, and he calls us to do the same. Touching peoples’ lives in this way begins with understanding their needs—asking questions, listening and educating ourselves about their experiences. But it cannot stop there. Understanding must lead us to action. Compassion is love in action.

Have you ever experienced Jesus’ healing touch through one of his followers? What happened?
How can we grow in compassion?
How do you seek to understand the needs of those you serve?
Think of someone you know who may be feeling rejected or abandoned. How can you reach out to them in the next week?

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 6

Indescribable Compassion

Select a Track

I want to...

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Matthew 8:1-4

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