The Chosen Discussion
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began with a warm thank‑you to the participants and a brief overview of the episode “I Saw You,” which centers on Philip’s invitation to Nathaniel (also called Bartholomew) to meet Jesus. The teacher and attendees examined how the show dramatizes the biblical account found in John 1:45‑46, noting the emotional impact of Nathaniel recognizing Jesus as the Son of God and the creative liberties taken, such as portraying Nathaniel as an architect. They also compared Philip’s role to that of Andrew’s early encounter with Jesus, exploring why the series might have transposed those dynamics. The conversation shifted to the growing tensions among the disciples, particularly the uneasy relationship between Simon (Peter) and the newly introduced Matthew, a former tax collector. The group discussed how these interpersonal conflicts reflect real challenges in the early church. Finally, the teacher connected the episode’s themes to the forthcoming Sermon on the Mount, highlighting the Beatitudes—“Blessed are the poor in spirit” and “Blessed are those who mourn” (Matthew 5:3‑4)—as the series’ narrative thread leading toward Jesus’ teaching on humility, comfort, and kingdom values. The class left with a deeper appreciation for how “The Chosen” can illuminate Scripture while prompting personal reflection.
Key Scriptures
Then Philip found Nathanael and told him, 'We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the Law, and also the prophets, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.' Nathanael said to him, 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?' Philip said to him, 'Come and see.' Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and declared, 'Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.' Nathanael said to him, 'How do you know me?' Jesus answered him, 'I saw you before Philip called you, when you were still under the fig tree.' Nathanael replied, 'Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!' Jesus answered him, 'Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.' And he said to him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.'
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.