The Chosen Discussion
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began by reviewing Season 3 of The Chosen, specifically Episodes 2 and 3, emphasizing that while the series includes fictional elements, its purpose is to illuminate the disciples’ experience and the sacrifices required of a follower of Jesus. The teacher highlighted the biblical foundation of the disciples being sent out "two by two," referencing the scriptural mandate for missionary partnership and underscoring the emotional and relational challenges the disciples faced. A substantial portion of the discussion turned to Matthew’s reconciliation with his parents, illustrating the painful yet redemptive process of confession and responsibility. The group examined how Matthew’s admission of debt and selfishness mirrored the need for believers to own their faults and seek restoration within families. The conversation also addressed the broader social tension depicted in the show—Roman authority confronting a shantytown near Capernaum—drawing parallels to how the early church navigated political opposition while spreading the Gospel. The class concluded with practical applications for personal discipleship, family relationships, and maintaining healthy boundaries in the Christian life.
Key Scriptures
Jesus summoned the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over all demons, and he gave them power to cure diseases. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no baggage, no money in their belts. He said to them, 'Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. And if any place will not receive you or listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.' So they went out and proclaimed that people should turn from their sins. They drove out many demons, and did not allow any demon to speak, because they had cast them out.
As Jesus passed by, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth; he said to him, 'Follow me.' And he got up and followed him. And as he was reclining at table in the house, look, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, 'Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?' But when he heard this, he said, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.'
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the moneychangers at their tables; and he made a whip of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the coins of the moneychangers, and overthrew their tables; and to those who sold the pigeons he said, 'Take these things away; you shall not make my Father's house a house of trade.' His disciples remembered that it was written, 'Zeal for thy house will consume me.'