Thunder

Each track is a different way to engage with the content of the episode. You can choose to follow a track for the entire season, or you can choose to follow a track for a specific episode. Come as you are and grow at your own pace.

In this episode, we see a powerful display of God’s omniscience when Jesus meets Melek and his family. Jesus invites Melek to share his story. As Melek openly confesses his wrongdoings and lingering guilt, Jesus gently responds, “Melek … I know …” [38:37-41:36 min]. At that moment, Melek realises that Jesus knows everything about him—and that realisation changes his life.

What does it mean that God is omniscient?
How was Melek affected when he realised that Jesus already knew him completely?
How does knowing that God sees and knows everything about you impact your life today?

In this episode, we also see Jesus interact with a shepherd as he gives a teaching. Let’s read Luke 15:1-7.

Luke 15:1-7

Why does Jesus tell this story?
What does this passage reveal about God’s heart and about our own condition?
Have you ever felt like the lost sheep, needing to be found, or like the shepherd seeking the lost? Share a time when you experienced this and how it shaped your understanding of God.

When Jesus asks the shepherd what he would do if he found a sheep he had lost, the man replies, “I’d lay it over my shoulders and bring it home. And would probably do a little dance!” [19:36-20:28 min]. Scripture tells us that heaven rejoices when someone turns their life around and begins a relationship with God.

How do you feel when you see someone discover Jesus and experience a transformed life?
What would it look like for you to join in heaven’s celebration when you see people come to Jesus?

We all have moments we regret—big mistakes, embarrassing failures, things we wish we could erase. In this episode, Melek struggles with feelings of unworthiness, saying, “If you knew who I am, what I have done, you would never have helped me” [38:40-38:43 min]. John also feels ashamed after losing his temper, “After today, after yesterday, I do not feel very much worthy” [56:00-58:03 min]. Both men are haunted by their past mistakes—and maybe you have memories like that too. Maybe even from yesterday.

Can you relate to Melek’s and John’s thoughts? How so?
How do you respond when shame and guilt overwhelm you?
What purpose could guilt serve on your journey with Jesus?

Here’s the extraordinary thing—Jesus knows everything about us. Every failure, every mistake—the ones others know about and the ones they don’t. And still, he calls us into his kingdom. He gives us a place. He entrusts us with a purpose. Let’s read 1 John 1:1-2:1.

1 John 1:1—2:1

What does this passage say about walking in the light?
What happens when we bring our mistakes and failures into God’s light?
What promise do we find in 1 John 1:9?

When Jesus speaks with Melek, he tells him, “This is what we Jews do. We tell and listen to stories. Our stories connect us … Tell me your story” [38:40-39:10 min]. Melek opens up and shares. Jesus extends the same invitation to you.

When Melek expressed his sense of unworthiness, what did Jesus tell him to do?
How does Jesus involve Melek in what he is doing
Is the assignment Jesus gave to Melek something that could help you today?
Do you feel safe sharing your whole story with Jesus?
Do you feel safe sharing your whole story with others? Why or why not?

This episode begins with memories. Later, we see John and Big James ploughing and sowing seeds in Melek’s field. As they work, their minds wander, filled with assumptions and expectations—but are they correct? Jesus uses this moment to teach them a deeper lesson—one that goes beyond service and humility. Their work in the field becomes a reflection of their journey with him. They are not just ploughing the soil; they are sowing seeds of truth, seeds that will take root and shape lives for generations to come.

What are your earliest memories of experiencing the presence of Jesus?
How does the lesson that Jesus teaches Big James and John reflect on your own life and faith journey?

Let’s read Galatians 5:22-26 and 6:1-10.

Galatians 5:22-26

Galatians 6:1-10

What does this passage say about sowing and reaping?
What does it mean that you reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7)?
What does it look like to sow to please the Spirit rather than to please your flesh (Galatians 6:8)? Can you give practical examples?
What, how and where are you sowing in your own life? What do you hope to reap?

As Jesus teaches John and Big James, he says, “Strong passion can be a good thing when channelled for righteousness” [53:29-54:38 min].

How do you see both the good and the destructive sides of passion in the world around you?
What strong passions do you recognise in your own life?
Are your passions being channeled for righteousness? What does that look like in practice?

This episode highlights different forms of service—people doing good, sometimes without fully understanding why or for whom. Jesus tells his disciples, “As we gather others, I need you to help show the way, to be humble ...” [53:08-53:16 min].

What other kingdom values do you recognise in this episode?
Have you ever done something for someone who couldn’t give anything in return? What was that experience like?

We can’t live out kingdom values in our own strength. Let’s read Galatians 5:13-26.

Galatians 5:13-26

What does this passage say about the Spirit and the flesh?
What does it mean to walk by the Spirit and to keep in step with the Spirit? How do you do that?
How does the fruit of the Spirit help us reflect God’s kingdom?
Where do you see the fruit of the Spirit in one another?
Which of the qualities listed in verse 22 do you sense lacking in your faith journey? Let’s pray that the Holy Spirit will cultivate that quality in your heart.

We’ve reflected on some of the kingdom values portrayed in this episode and explored how walking by the Spirit enables us to live them out. Now let’s consider how we can put them into action.

What steps can you take to align your life with the values of God’s kingdom?
How can you serve someone this week without being noticed? Here are some ideas:

Leave a bouquet of flowers on someone’s table.
Clean someone’s car.
Drop off a bag of groceries for a family in need.
Fix a friend’s flat tire.
Wash the dishes without being asked

Challenge yourself—don’t make it too easy! Be specific with your ideas. Find ways to surprise others while keeping your actions anonymous. As a group, support and encourage one another, and when you meet again, share stories about what happened. The Chosen Connect materials have been created by Alongsiders, OneHope and Avivemos. Our heart is to make disciples and walk alongside others as they follow Jesus. Did you like this dicussion guide? Find more at thechosen.avivemos.net. © Copyright 2026 Stichting Alongsiders All rights reserved.

SEASON 2 - EPISODE 1

Thunder

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Initial Reflections

Dig In

Luke 15:1-7

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

1 John 1:1—2:1

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Galatians 5:22-26

Galatians 6:1-10

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Galatians 5:13-26

Respond

Next Episodes

I Have Called You by Name

Shabbat

Jesus Loves the Little Children

The Rock on Which It Is Built

The Wedding Gift

Indescribable Compassion

Invitations

I Am He

Thunder

I Saw You

Matthew 4:24

The Perfect Opportunity

Spirit

Unlawful

Reckoning

Beyond Mountains

Homecoming

Two by Two

Physician, Heal Yourself

Clean (1)

Clean (2)

Intensity in Tent City

Ears to Hear

Sustenance

Promises

Confessions

Moon to Blood

Calm Before

Sitting, Serving, Scheming

Dedication

The Last Sign

Humble

Entry

House of Cards

Woes

The Same Coin

Because of Me

Reunions

The Upper Room (1)

The Upper Room (2)

The Chosen Connect