Bible Study: Episode III

On August 26th we explored three scriptures that are connected within the scope of Episode III of the second season of The Chosen. The episode is called "MATTHEW 4:24" — below is a quick recap of the episode, before we dive into the scriptures.

About Episode III - Jesus’ followers spend some quiet time after a long day aiding Jesus in healing a large group of people suffering from various ailments. Over dinner, they discuss Jesus’ growing fame and about the many enemies that lie in wait for Him. They try to interpret the Messianic nature of Jesus. The conversations among the disciples give us a glimpse of what their struggle might have looked like. Jesus is off screen for almost the entire episode and we don't see a single miracle that he performs, although we do hear about them as newly restored Samaritans rush by, proclaiming his deeds to the disciples. They also discuss their opinions on faith and learn more about each other. Tension erupts when Simon and the others ask Matthew to apologize for his past actions. As the disciples argue, Jesus returns tired and exhausted. Mary helps Him clean and feels nee

What you see below are a mix between my Bible Study notes, and some of the reflections from the participants. We still have 5 episodes to watch and many excellent scriptures to explore, I pray that you consider joining us one of these Tuesdays at 2 PM in the Gathering place...

Scriptures to Explore

Psalm 139:1-12; Zechariah 14:1-5; Matthew 4: 23-25

Introduction of our Bible Study

Have you ever felt like you're trying to hide from God?

Or wondered if He truly knows everything about you?

The beautiful truth is that God's presence is inescapable - not as a threat, but as a comfort.

God's Complete Knowledge of Us

Psalm 139 reveals one of the most profound truths about our relationship with God: He knows us completely. "Oh Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you understand my thoughts from afar" (Psalm 139:1-2). This isn't just surface-level knowledge. God is intimately acquainted with all our ways. He knows our thoughts before we think them, our words before we speak them. He has "enclosed us behind and before" and laid His hand upon us. What's remarkable is that this complete knowledge isn't used against us. Unlike human relationships where people might use what they know about us to judge or manipulate us, God uses His knowledge to help us improve.

Can We Ever Escape God's Presence?

"If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there." (Psalm 139:8) This verse isn't about being trapped by God's presence. Rather, it's a beautiful assurance that we can never be too far away for God to reach us, save us, or encourage us. No matter where we go - to the highest heights or the lowest depths - God is already there.

Think about it like this: when you need help, you might call a friend or family member. But with God, you don't even need to make the call. His presence is already with you, ready to provide what you need.

What Happens When God Seems Absent?

In Zechariah 14, we see a prophetic vision of "the day of the Lord" - a time when God will decisively intervene in human history. But before that intervention, there's a period where things seem to fall apart. This passage raises an important question: Why would God, having the power to stop evil, sometimes allow it to happen? While there's no definitive answer, we can understand that:

• God allows us freedom to make choices

• Through challenges, we grow and learn

• God doesn't abandon us during difficult times

When Jesus arrived on earth, it was a decisive moment in human history. Yet even then, we see moments when the disciples, left to themselves without Jesus physically present, quickly reverted to human nature - arguing, judging, and forgetting what they had learned.

How Jesus Called His Disciples

In Matthew 4, we see Jesus beginning His ministry after John the Baptist was arrested. Rather than defending John or trying to free him, Jesus continued the mission, knowing this was what John would have wanted. Jesus then called His first disciples with a simple invitation: "Follow me." Notice He didn't say "believe in me" but "follow me." This distinction is crucial:

• Believing can be merely intellectual

• Following requires action and commitment

The disciples immediately left their nets and followed Him. Why would they do this? They were living under Roman oppression, looking for hope, for a way out. When Jesus appeared, they recognized something worth following, even if they didn't fully understand who He was yet.

The Transformation That Follows Jesus

As we follow Jesus, transformation happens. Like Matthew in the Bible, who went from being a tax collector (considered a traitor to his people) to a devoted follower of Christ, we too can experience profound change. Matthew had knowledge of Scripture but had turned away from his faith. When he encountered Jesus, that head knowledge began to align with his heart. His transformation reminds us that it's never too late to return to God and allow Him to reshape our lives.

Dealing with Conflict as Followers of Christ

Conflict doesn't mean you're failing in your faith journey. How you react to conflict reveals where you are spiritually. When we remove Jesus from our conversations and interactions, we quickly revert to human nature - gossiping, judging, and turning against one another.

But when we remember God's presence is with us, knowing us completely yet loving us unconditionally, we can approach conflict differently. We can extend the same grace to others that God extends to us.

Life Application

This week, I challenge you to live with an awareness of God's presence in every situation. When you feel alone, remember Psalm 139:8 - God is there. When you face conflict, remember that God knows everything about you and still loves you completely.

Ask yourself:

• Am I trying to hide parts of myself from God?

• How would my conversations change if I remembered Jesus was physically present?

• Am I following Jesus with actions, or just believing with my mind?

• How do I react to conflict? Does it reveal spiritual maturity or areas for growth?

Remember that God's complete knowledge of you is not to judge you but to help you grow. His presence is not to trap you but to comfort and guide you. There is nowhere you can go where God is not already there, waiting with open arms.