Bible Study: Episode II

Today we had another great Bible Study. We spent roughly an hour considering five scriptures that are connected within the scope of Episode II of the second season of The Chosen. The episode is called "I Saw You: Under the Fig Tree" — here is a quick recap of the episode, along with much more from our scripture exploration!

About Episode II - The disciples are waiting for Jesus to come back to head to Syria. A mysterious visitor comeslooking for permission to meet Jesus. Jesus’ disciples are suspicious of the man and ask him why he wants to meet Jesus. The man refuses to reveal his business. Eventually, they allow him to meet Jesus, and he reveals himself as Philip, a disciple of John the Baptist who wants to follow Jesus. We meet another new character, Nathaniel, an architect who goes through a turbulent time in his life after a building he was working on collapses. Nathaniel receives encouragement from Philip to follow Jesus. John returns from Syria with news that people are gathering to meet Jesus.

What you see below are a mix between my Bible Study notes, and some of the reflections from the participants. We still have 6 episodes to watch and many excellent scriptures to explores, I pray that you consider joining us one of these Tuesdays at 2 PM in the Gathering place...

Introduction to our Bible Study

Scripture selection for our Bible Study on Aug 19th

1. Deuteronomy 6:4-5

2. Psalm 27:7-9

3. Ezekiel 39

4. Matthew 10

5. John 1:43-51

When Jesus sent out His twelve disciples, He gave them a mission that would challenge them to their core. This wasn't just about spreading a message—it was about understanding what it truly means to follow Christ and the cost that comes with it.

Who Is Jesus to You: Lord, My Lord, or Our Lord?

There's a profound difference between saying "Jesus is Lord," "Jesus is my Lord," and "Jesus is our Lord." The first statement acknowledges a truth, but the second involves personal surrender. When we say "Jesus is my Lord," we're reducing our own power and exalting God. But "Jesus is our Lord" takes it even further—it acknowledges a collective understanding that we share this commitment with others. It means we know each other well enough to speak on behalf of one another in matters of faith.

What Does It Mean to Love God?

In Deuteronomy 6:5, we're commanded to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." This isn't just about emotion—it's an all-encompassing commitment that drives action. Love is like a giant tent that covers everything else we're called to do as believers. When we truly love God, obedience, service, and faith naturally flow from that love. It's not just about feeling butterflies; it's about a deep commitment that influences every aspect of our lives.

How Did David Approach God in Prayer?

In Psalm 27, we see David's raw, emotional prayer to God. He doesn't hold back—he demands answers, expresses his fears, and shows his vulnerability. This reveals the intimate relationship David had with God. David knew God well enough to be completely honest. He didn't need to pretend or put on a spiritual facade. Even as a king with enormous responsibilities, he approached God with authenticity and transparency.

This teaches us that God welcomes our honest prayers, even when they're messy or demanding. He wants our real selves, not a polished religious performance.

How Does God Win Battles on Our Behalf?

Ezekiel 39 describes God's judgment against enemies of His people. The key lesson is that God doesn't need our strength or abilities to win battles—He does it Himself in ways that leave no doubt about who deserves the credit. Like Gideon's army being reduced to ensure God got the glory for the victory, God often works in ways that make it clear the success came from Him, not our own efforts or strategies. This challenges us to consider: How do we recognize when God is fighting for us? What brings us peace in the midst of our battles? Are we trying to control outcomes, or surrendering to God's methods?

What Did Jesus Really Mean When He Sent Out the Twelve?

In Matthew 10, Jesus gives His disciples authority and sends them out with specific instructions. Some of His words might seem harsh or inconsistent with the loving Jesus we often picture:

• "Shake the dust off your feet" when rejected

• Warnings about persecution and division

• "I did not come to bring peace, but a sword"

These statements aren't showing a different, more aggressive side of Jesus. Rather, they reveal His consistent character preparing His followers for the reality of their mission. He's training them for when He won't be physically present with them.

Jesus is teaching them:

• To rely on God, not themselves

• To move on when rejected rather than forcing their message

• To fear eternal consequences more than physical harm

• To prioritize their relationship with Him above all else

How Do We Respond to Jesus' Call Today?

The struggles of the first disciples mirror our own. When we hear the call to share the gospel, do we see it as an urgent command or just a suggestion? Like Philip in the story of Nathaniel, we're called to invite others to "come and see" Jesus for themselves. Philip demonstrates what discipleship looks like—focusing on relationships rather than having all the answers. The disciples represented different personalities and approaches, just as believers do today. Some were impulsive, others analytical, some compassionate, others practical. Yet Jesus used each one despite their flaws and limitations.

Life Application

This week, consider how you're responding to Jesus' call in your life:

• Examine your relationship with Jesus: Do you acknowledge Him as "Lord" in a general sense, or have you surrendered to Him as "my Lord"? How is this reflected in your daily decisions?

• Practice honest prayer: Like David, bring your raw emotions and questions to God. Don't hold back or try to sound spiritual—He wants your authentic self.

• Identify your battles: Where are you trying to fight in your own strength instead of letting God fight for you? What would it look like to surrender control in those areas?

• Invite someone to "come and see": Who in your life needs an invitation to experience Jesus? Like Philip with Nathaniel, how can you simply extend an invitation without feeling pressure to have all the answers?