The Chosen

Discussion and Learning:

What a heart-rending scene as Nicodemus makes the decision to not follow Jesus! What do you think he was weighing out in his mind as he made his choice?

The story of the rich man in Matthew 19:16-26, making a similar decision, is not about Nicodemus. But how does the movie’s hypothetical portrayal of Nicodemus’ loss help us understand the pathos, the emotions, of the scene in Matthew 19?

Read Luke 4:38-39 How is this similar and how is it different in terms of the circumstances surrounding the healing of Simon’s mother-in-law?

Read John 4:1-42 Photina is the name traditionally given to the woman at the well, but we don’t really know if that’s historically accurate. Anyway, that’s why she has that name in this episode.

How does the portrayal of Photina’s time with Jesus in the movie help you understand what is recorded by John in his gospel? What do you learn from Jesus’ interaction with her that is helpful for your life?

Jesus is given a wickedly funny and poignant quote in this episode: “If we are going to have a question and answer session every time we do something you’re not used to, it’s going to be a very annoying time together for all of us.” In what areas of your life do you and Jesus seem to have constant question and answer sessions?

What scenes of Jesus’ life are you most excited to see in future seasons?