The Chosen Reading Plan – Week 8

The finale of this season is upon us! We sincerely hope that reading through the Scriptures as you watch this production has pointed you to Christ and Christ alone. We have no desire to be movie critics or provide mere reviews of a film. We have only tried to use this series as a tool to point to the one and only authority, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. With that in mind, let’s dive into week 8!

Day 1
Genesis 33:19
Genesis 48:21-22
Joshua 24:32
Genesis 32:25-28
Day 2
Deuteronomy 7:6-8
Isaiah 56:8
Hosea 2:21-23
Romans 9:19-10:4
1 Peter 2:9-12
“HE CHOSE US”
Day 3
Mark 2:13-17
Hosea 6:6
Psalm 51:16-17
Psalm 40:6
I desire mercy, not sacrifice
Day 4
Matthew 8:14-17
Luke 9:57-62
1. Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law
2. It’s one thing to say you want to follow Jesus, it’s another to actually do it.
Day 5
John 4:1-42
The woman at the well
Day 6
Watch Episode 8

Questions to consider:

Jesus mentions several times that he’s not there to bring more “status quo” or “safety”, nor is he here to deliver them from their oppressive government. What is Jesus’ purpose in coming and in bringing His disciples to follow him?

With prophecies about other nations/peoples eventually being counted as “God’s people,” why do you think that was such a difficult truth for the Jewish people to grasp?

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice” – In this episode, Jesus tells the Pharisees to go and learn what this passage from Hosea means. What does it mean?

Nicodemus and his wife are depicted as having a conversation regarding Hagar and how God acknowledged her (Genesis 16:10-13). So, do you think God just sees us through the hard roads, or are there times when he actually calls us to them?

Has there ever been a time in your life where you were as excited about Jesus as the woman at the well was? How excited was Simon to finally get to spread the message publicly? Are you excited about who Jesus is? What should we be doing?

The Chosen Reading Plan – Week 7

Two more episodes to go! There are some powerful moments of Scripture depicted in episode 7. We hope that you are encouraged and your faith is strengthened.

Day 1
Numbers 21:4-9 
The bronze serpent
Day 2
Mark 2:13-17
Matthew 9:9-17
Luke 5:27-38
Jesus calls Matthew
Day 3
John 3:1-21
John 8:28-30
John 12:27-36
The Son of Man will be lifted up
Day 4
Luke 5:16
Luke 6:12-15
Mark 1:35
Matthew 14:22-27
Jesus’ prayer life
Day 5
Matthew 5:3
Isaiah 61:1-2
Matthew 7:21
Luke 17:20-21 
The poor in spirit
Day 6
Watch Episode 7

Questions to Consider:

How was the bronze serpent on the rod a foreshadowing of what was to come?


Jesus often went away by himself to pray. What can we learn from this?


If Jesus were on earth today as he was back then, how would you respond to his miracles: in complete faith or with doubt/disbelief?


Matthew seems to be portrayed as having possible autism/ obsessive compulsive tendencies. What do you think about this portrayal? Isn’t it encouraging that Jesus calls us despite our weaknesses?

The Chosen Reading Plan – Week 6

It’s week 6 of our “The Chosen” reading plan! We hope these last several weeks have encouraged you and given you renewed vigor in your mission as a disciple of Christ. If you aren’t yet committed to be a disciple of Jesus, we hope that going through these readings and watching these episodes has been the encouragement you need to follow the one and only way, truth, and life (John 14:6).

If you’re behind, take the time and catch up. I guarantee you it’ll be worth it.

Day 1
Psalm 63:1
Psalm 104:31-34
Isaiah 40:3
Romans 8:27-39
Day 2
Matthew 8:1-4
Mark 1:35-45
Leviticus 13:45-46
Jesus heals a leper
Day 3
Luke 12:35-40
Genesis 49:8-12, 50:15-21 – the Jews didn’t recognize the Messiah just like Joseph’s brothers failed to recognize him
Luke 10:13-16
Keep your lamps burning
Day 4
Matthew 6:1-8
Luke 18:1-14
God knows what we need
Day 5
Mark 2:1-12
Luke 5:17-26
Matthew 9:1-8
Jesus heals the paralytic
Day 6
Watch Episode 6

Questions to consider:

Why is it so provocative that Jesus calls Matthew to follow him? How might that Romans 8 passage apply to that, and how does it apply to you?

Leprosy was a disease which the Jews supposed to be inflicted for the punishment of some particular sin, and to be, more than other diseases, a mark of God’s displeasure; and therefore Christ, who came to take away sin, and turn away wrath took particular care to cleanse the lepers that fell in his way. Jesus’s apostles were amazed when they saw the leper healed. Do we still see the works of God with amazement? If not, are we following Him close enough to see them?

Concerning the Luke 12 passage, we need to keep our lamps burning! Matthew told Gaius in this episode, “Conquest is not simply conquering nations but imposing a way of life.” What parallel is there between this statement to Jesus’s purpose as well as this scripture?

Simon doesn’t understand why Jesus asked him to join him. Do you ever wonder why Jesus asked me to join Him? How does Simon figure out his purpose? How can you figure out yours?

The Chosen Reading Plan – Week 5

We hope you are enjoying this series so far as we start week 5 today!

Day 1
Exodus 23:14
Deuteronomy 16:16
Luke 2:41-52
Passover Feast
Day 2
Proverbs 30:4
Luke 3:2-9
John 1:19-24
John 10:40-42
Matthew 17:11-13
Preparing the way for the Lord
Day 3
1 Kings 19:19-21
2 Kings 2:11-15
Matthew 13:44-46      
Luke 9:57-62
Don’t look back!
Day 4
Exodus 15:1-21
Jeremiah 33:10-14
Psalm 118:22-24
Isaiah 28:16-19
Rejoice, praise, and thanksgiving
Day 5
John 2:1-11
The wedding at Cana
Day 6
Watch Episode 5

Questions to Consider:

John is the only gospel to tell the story of water into wine. What do you think John wanted to relay by noting this passage? What does it relate to you?

In this episode, both Peter and Mary the Mother of Jesus urge Jesus to make himself known. What do you think were their motives, and why was Jesus moved by Mary and not Peter’s approach?

Nicodemus is uncomfortable, in every aspect of the word, talking to John, yet as he notes, it is through his discomfort that he even sought John. What does this suggest about our spiritual Journey?

The Chosen Reading Plan – Week 4

The fourth week of reading through and watching The Chosen is here! See our previous posts if you need to catch up.

Day 1
Luke 1:5-25, 57-80
John the baptizer’s birth
Day 2
John 1:19-42
Matthew 3:1-17
John the baptizer’s ministry, Andrew and Simon
Day 3
Genesis 26:1-5
Hebrews 11:8-12
Matthew 16:13-20 (Peter <later> ultimately gives a confession of Jesus as the Messiah)
Peter recalls this promise of God as he questions his faith
Day 4
Matthew 13:44-52
Matthew 25:31-46
Matthew 13:13-17
The dragnet of the Kingdom
Day 5
Luke 5:1-11 (Isaiah 6:5 reflects Peter’s humble response to Jesus)
Matthew 4:17-22
Mark 1:14-20
Fishers of men
Day 6
Watch Episode 4

Questions to consider:

1. I think we can all relate to Simon in a way. We all have various stresses, deadlines, and are pulled between right and wrong. How can you personally relate to his predicament?

2. John the Baptist is referred to as a “loud man in camel skin” by the Pharisees, who were upset at the questioning of their authority. Does Nicodemus seem to begin to realize what is going on at this point? 

3. Simon is at first in doubt upon hearing the news of the Messiah. Have you ever struggled with doubt? How did you find God during your time of doubt?

4. Jesus performs the miracles of the catching of fish, which solves Simon’s biggest stress. When has Jesus come into your life and poured down his grace and love when you least expected it? How?

5. Did you see Jesus’ look when Peter and Andrew were hauling in the massive amount of fish, knowing they were having a breakthrough moment in their faith? How do you think Jesus looks at us when we also have those moments?

Other passages to check out:

Title of the episode based on Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah – Matthew 16:13-20

A later miraculous catch, possibly serving as a renewal and restoration for Peter after his denial – John 21:1-19

Later passages on John the baptizer – Matthew 11:1-19, Matthew 14:1-12

The Chosen Reading Plan – Week 3

We’re in our third week of reading through and watching The Chosen. See our previous posts if you need to catch up!

Day 1
Matthew 18:1-6
Matthew 19:13-15
Mark 10:13-16
Luke 18:15-17
(Jesus and the little children)
Day 2
Matthew 4:2
Luke 9:57-58
John 1:14
John 4:6
John 19:28
1 John 4:2
(humanity (and humility) of Jesus)
Day 3
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (the Shema)
Matthew 22:36-40 (the Greatest Commands)
2 Kings 2:23-24 (story Jesus was telling the children)
Day 4
Psalm 133:1-3 (song Jesus was singing with the children)
Daniel 7:13-14 (the everlasting Kingdom)
Isaiah 9:6-7 (the everlasting Kingdom)
Romans 12:9-21 (“Vengeance is mine, says the Lord”)
Day 5
Luke 4:18-19
Isaiah 61:1-2
1 Thessalonians 2:6-12
(The mission and community)
Day 6
Watch Episode 3

Questions to consider:

Jesus was an artisan/builder (Greek = tekton) as was his earthly dad (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3), but his “job” was never his mission. What should we take from this?

The children had such a pure and perceptive outlook (“maybe he is a prophet…”). Jesus said we should receive the Kingdom like a child—what should that look like for us?

Abigail had zero qualms at all inviting all of her friends to meet Jesus. What about you?

Why did the Jews think their Messiah would come to lead them against the Roman government?

The Chosen Reading Plan – Week 2

We’re back for the 2nd week of reading Scriptures and working through The Chosen Season 1. Check it out here.

If you missed the first week, it should be easy to catch up. Check out the first post here.

Day 1
Genesis 2:1-3
Exodus 16:1-36 (the first sabbath)
Exodus 20:8-11
Deuteronomy 5:12-15
(Shabbat, or Sabbath, background)
Day 2
Exodus 12:26-27
Deuteronomy 11:18-21
(importance of teaching children about God)
Day 3
Proverbs 31:10-31
(Jewish tradition was to sing this passage before Shabbat dinner)
Day 4
Mark 1:19-20 (James and John intro)
John 1:43-51 (“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”)
Matthew 23:1-12 (Pharisees)
(Intros)
Day 5
Matthew 17:24-27
Matthew 18:15-17
(the status of tax collectors)
Day 6
Watch Episode 2

Questions to Consider:

God rested on the 7th day. He wants us to rest in Him (Matthew 11:28). Rest is a gift! Are you accepting that gift? How can you honor God through rest?

Knowing that Matthew becomes one of Jesus’ disciples, what significance is presented by Praetor Quintus’s comment to Matthew (about betraying his people)?

Simon Peter and Andrew were in a difficult position. What do you think about Peter’s attempt and methods to handle the situation?

Mary shares a great testimony to Nicodemus saying, “I was one way, and now I am completely different, and the thing that happened in between was Him.” Not even sure who Jesus was at the time, she makes a powerful statement: “I will know him for the rest of my life.” Thoughts?

Which Sabbath dinner depicted was Jesus a part of? Which Sabbath dinner would you have been at?

Share your thoughts with us!

Again, thanks to “Down the Hobbit Hole Blog” for some ideas on Scripture readings and thought-provoking questions.

The Chosen Reading Plan – Week 1

We’re going to be reading through and watching the first season of “The Chosen”–an awesome production showing the ministry of Jesus and his apostles. Check it out here.

We hope you’ll follow along with us in the daily readings, and watching one episode per week in this 8-week series.

Day 1
Isaiah 43:1

Deuteronomy 7:6-8

1 Peter 2:9-10 (We are his chosen people now!)

1 Thessalonians 1:4-7

2 Thessalonians 2:13
CHOSEN!
Day 2
Luke 8:1-15 (Mary Magdalene intro)

John 7:32-52 (Nicodemus intro–John chapter 3 will be covered in a later plan)

Luke 5:27-32 (Matthew intro)
Day 3
Matthew 4:18-20 (Simon and Andrew intro)

Matthew 3:1-12 (John the baptist intro)

Matthew 15:10-20
Day 4
Matthew 23:13-39

Ephesians 2:1-10 (We’re all beyond “human aid”)

Psalm 46:10

Matthew 11:29-30
Humility
Day 5
Mark 4:10-12

Luke 10:21

Ephesians 3:1-13

Colossians 1:24-29
(the mystery of the Kingdom)
Day 6
Watch Episode 1

Questions to consider:

It’s interesting to see how the religious and political environment looked in Jesus’ day. What kind of people did Jesus spend the least and most time with? What do you think of Nicodemus’ comment “we are men God, it is not our custom to enter the red quarter”?

What did you think of how Matthew the tax collector and Simon Peter were portrayed?

What do you think about Nicodemus’ question, “What if we’re not seeing the whole picture?”? How do you think that will influence his perspective moving forward?

“I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine.” How can we remind ourselves of this truth and live it out practically?

The plan starts today! Join us! We’ll post each week’s plan here.

Thanks to “Down the Hobbit Hole Blog” for ideas on Scripture readings and thought-provoking questions.