Invitations

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, Nicodemus finally gets to meet Jesus and ask the questions that have been burning in his heart. During their conversation, Jesus describes the work of the Spirit as being like the wind: you can't see it, but you can see its effects.

What stood out to you during the interaction between Nicodemus and Jesus? Why?
Who is the Holy Spirit to you?
How have you experienced the presence or movement of the Holy Spirit?

Nicodemus is clearly puzzled by Jesus' words. Let's read the original conversation in John 3:1-21.

John 3:1-21

What does this passage tell us about the Holy Spirit?
What does it mean that no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit?
Re-read John 3:16. How is God speaking to you through these familiar words? What do they reveal about his heart?

In this episode, Nicodemus asks Jesus if the kingdom of God is truly coming. Earlier, in a conversation with Quintus—who is worried about the reports he has heard about Jesus—Nicodemus says, "Some flora spread their seeds when trampled" [07:19-10:44 min]. Nicodemus' remark is similar to a quote from Tertullian, an early Church Father, who said, "The blood of martyrs is the seed of the church."

Where does this statement come from? What does this quote mean?
How do you see the kingdom of God becoming visible in the world today?
What does it mean to be a part of God's kingdom on earth?

Jesus invites all kinds of people to follow him. He longs for them to see the kingdom he is bringing into the world. In this episode, one of the people Jesus welcomes is Matthew. Let's reflect on how Jesus, Simon, Mary and the other disciples welcome him.

What stood out to you in the way the disciples reacted to Jesus calling Matthew? What do their reactions reveal?
Put yourself in Simon's shoes. How would you feel about Jesus calling Matthew?
Do you welcome others, especially those who might feel excluded or overlooked? How?

Jesus reveals the kingdom of God through his life and teachings, showing us how to live as part of it. Let's read Matthew 6:25-34.

Matthew 6:25-34

What does Jesus teach about God's care for us in this passage?
To what kind of life is Jesus calling his disciples in this passage?
What does it mean to live by seeking God's kingdom first? (Matthew 6:33)
What can stop us from seeking and participating in God's kingdom?

Part of participating in God's kingdom means offering ourselves—our time, energy, intelligence, resources and character—back to him. God gave Matthew many talents, but for a long time, Matthew chose to use them to serve his own priorities, rather than God's.

How have you seen the instinct to serve and promote yourself play out in your own life?
Think of a resource or talent God has given you. How can you use it to participate in the work of his kingdom?
In the midst of global and personal crises, what does it look like to seek and live out the kingdom of God?
How do you ensure that your identity isn't based solely on your performance or achievements?

In this episode, Nicodemus is sincerely seeking God, trying to understand something beyond human logic. Jesus says to him, "I know mysteries aren't easy for a scholar" [21:07-31:30 min]. Through the course of their conversation, Jesus reveals the ultimate mystery: That he is the God Nicodemus has been worshipping all his life.

Can you relate to Nicodemus' struggle—wanting to understand something that feels beyond your grasp? How so?
What stood out to you from this conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus?
Put yourself in Nicodemus' shoes. How would you react to hearing the mystery that Jesus revealed to him?
Is your faith more about your head or about your heart? Why?

At the beginning of this episode, we see Moses crafting the bronze serpent—the very image Jesus references in his conversation with Nicodemus (John 3). In this scene, Joshua watches with concern, struggling to understand what Moses is doing and why. Let's read Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14; Proverbs 3:5-7.

Numbers 21:4-9

John 3:14

Proverbs 3:5-7

According to the Numbers passage, why did the Israelites need the bronze snake?
How does the bronze snake foreshadow Jesus, according to John 3:14?
What does it look like to trust in God with all your heart in situations where your understanding and logic is at odds with what God is speaking to you? (Proverbs 3:5-7)
In the episode, Moses said to Joshua, "I have learned to do what he says. Without asking questions" [00:08-1:49 min]. What do you think of Moses' statement? What role do questions have in faith?

There are moments in life that don't make sense—times when we are left with more questions than answers. Sometimes, our own ideas and explanations can prevent us from recognising what God is really doing.

What are the mysteries in your life? How do you handle them?
Is it okay to let mysteries remain mysteries? Why or why not?
How can you walk in faith and obedience, even when you don't understand certain things about God or his plans?

Let's close in prayer. Ask God to help you know him more deeply and to trust his ways, even when they remain a mystery. Instead of demanding answers, pray for the ability to rest in his wisdom and follow him wholeheartedly.

In this episode, we see different expressions of hospitality. Jesus reminds his followers that hospitality is not just for those who have homes—it's about welcoming others, sharing what we have, and making space for people in our lives.

Where do you see the theme of hospitality show up in the Bible?
Share about a time when you were deeply impacted by somebody's hospitality.
Why does hospitality matter?

Throughout his ministry, Jesus both gave and received hospitality. But he also regularly withdrew to be alone, reflect and pray. Let's read one of Jesus' prayers in John 17:1-26.

John 17:1-26

What does this passage reveal about Jesus' heart?
What key themes or topics stand out in his prayer?
What does Jesus pray for his disciples?
How much time do you take for moments of prayer and reflection?

Both prayer and hospitality require practise—they do not come naturally to us. Pair up with someone and discuss the following questions:

How can you creatively practise hospitality this week? For example, you might prepare a meal together and invite two "Matthews".
How can you practise withdrawing to spend time with your heavenly Father? What could that look like in your daily and weekly rhythms? For example, you could make a prayer box, place it in a special spot at home, and fill it with small cards featuring different themes or names of people God brings into your life.

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 7

Invitations

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Initial Reflections

Dig In

John 3:1-21

Respond

Initial Reflections

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Matthew 6:25-34

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Initial Reflections

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Numbers 21:4-9

John 3:14

Proverbs 3:5-7

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

John 17:1-26

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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