Matthew 4:24

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Listening to Matthew reciting Scripture and seeing his eagerness to learn more, Philip says the following: Philip: No amount of learning can bring you closer to God or make you more or less precious to him. He is always here, right now—with you and for you. Matthew: I don’t feel it. Philip: The feeling doesn’t always come first. Sometimes you have to believe first [03:09-03:34 min].

How have you struggled to feel God’s presence in your own life?
How did Philip’s response challenge Matthew’s understanding of faith?
What do you do when you feel disconnected from God?

As Matthew tries to reconcile his prior beliefs about God with the truth of Scripture, Philip says to him, “There’s nowhere you can go, no heights you can climb to in your intellectual mind, no depths you can reach in your soul, where God is not with you” [02:45-03:08 min]. Let’s read Psalm 139:1-10.

Psalm 139:1-10

What does this passage say about God’s presence?
What does God’s constant presence teach us about his feelings toward us?
How can knowing God is always with us affect the way we live for him?

While Matthew and Philip discuss Scripture, Little James notices the long line of people waiting to be healed by Jesus. He questions the motives of their faith and shares his concerns with Thomas: “One thing that’s annoying me, though. These people, they are believing in him, and praising him, and—don’t get me wrong, that’s great—but it’s because he’s healing them … I just don’t know how many of them would believe in him if he wasn’t healing them” [11:00-11:34 min].

Why do you think Little James questions the people waiting for Jesus to heal them?
What opinions do you find yourself forming toward believers who do not appear to have struggled as much as you?
What can we do to ensure our faith is anchored in who Jesus is rather than what we hope to gain from him?

After a long day of helping Jesus heal a large crowd, the disciples pause to reflect on what exactly they are part of. They discuss their expectations of what it means to be a disciple of the Messiah—whether it brings fame or enemies. John admits his own confusion, mentioning how he thought the Messiah would only come once the world has been made holy. Mary says, “I don’t think he is waiting for us to be holy. I think he’s here because we can’t be holy without him” [05:57-10:02 min].

What questions came to your mind as you listened to the confusion and curiosity of Jesus’ followers?
How was Jesus different from the Messiah his followers were expecting?
What did Mary mean when she said we can’t be holy without Jesus?

In Leviticus 19:1-37, God instructs the Israelites to be holy as he is holy, detailing commands such as honouring parents, keeping the Sabbath, and avoiding idolatry. They are also called to care for the poor, act with honesty, reject revenge and avoid pagan practices. These commands shape every aspect of spiritual, family and community life. Among them is the charge: “Love your neighbour as yourself. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:18). Let’s read Leviticus 19:2 and 1 Peter 1:13-19.

Leviticus 19:2

1 Peter 1:13-19

How does God instruct his people to live in the Old Testament as well as in the New Testament?
What does it mean for us to be holy as God is holy?
What might it look like for us to commit to a life of holiness while also abiding in the grace given to us through Jesus?
Is there a specific area in your life that you need to recommit to God in order to live a holy life?

Later in the episode, the disciples try to get to know each other better. As the conversation deepens, tensions rise. Simon and others direct their anger at Matthew, condemning him for his past choices. But when Jesus returns from a long day of healing, their perspectives begin to shift.

Why did seeing Jesus’ exhaustion immediately impact the disciples’ attitudes?
Have you ever found yourself being emotionally controlled by something that wouldn’t really matter if Jesus were in the room? Tell us about it.
What are some practical ways you can shift your focus back to Jesus when you feel overwhelmed?

In this episode, the disciples share a moment of vulnerability in which they discuss the challenges of living as Jews under Roman oppression. Thomas says: “I don’t get it, if I’m honest. I don’t know why God has allowed the occupation. I’ll have to ask him more about that … why this has been allowed for so long. It’s hard to feel like ‘the chosen people’” [28:23-28:45 min].

When have you found yourself in the disciples’ position—questioning God’s reasoning?
What forms of injustice do you see around you?
How has seeing or experiencing injustice affected your relationship with Jesus?

As the disciples continue discussing the struggles of living during Roman occupation, one of the topics that briefly comes up is money. Let’s read 1 Timothy 6:7-10 and Hebrews 13:5.

1 Timothy 6:7-10

Hebrews 13:5

What do these passages teach us about money and possessions?
How might money become a trap that causes believers to turn away from their faith?
How can you reflect Jesus’ generosity and contentment in the way you handle your money or possessions?

Let’s go back to Thomas’ comment about the Roman occupation. Our flawed, human perspective doesn’t allow us to see the full picture of what God is really doing. Yes, the Romans ruled over the Jews for hundreds of years, but they also built a road system during that time that would enable Jesus’ disciples to carry the Gospel all across the ancient world.

Looking back, how have you seen God use the struggles you’ve faced to further his kingdom or develop your faith?
How might recognising God’s bigger plan in past struggles help you view current challenges differently?
What’s one step you can take today to trust God’s perfect plans in a difficult situation you’re facing?

In this episode, you see examples of people having different expectations—about life, about who Jesus is and about how things should be. Let’s take a look at an excerpt from a conversation between Thomas and Little James: Thomas: Why hasn’t he healed you? … Little James: … I suppose one big thing is that I haven’t asked. Thomas: Why not? Little James: I don’t know ... Thomas: If I had your struggle, and I was watching what was happening today, I’d demand it. Little James: I don’t know if I should. It just doesn’t feel right, you know. And I suppose I’ve just been grateful that he called me to follow him in spite of it, but … it’s never come up, not even once. I’m just afraid that if I mention it to him, it will make him change his mind about me, or something. Thomas: I’m pretty sure he knows your situation. It’s not like if you point it out he’d be surprised [11:36-13:18 min].

Are there questions you’re afraid to ask Jesus? Why?
Do you have specific expectations about life, about Jesus or about how things should be?

Mary, Jesus’ mother, shares how Jesus was, in many ways, so different from what she had expected. He was born like any other baby—he cried, and she had to care for him. As he grew up, he needed her help. He was human, just like us, exhausted after a long day of hard work. At times, she wondered, Is he really God’s Son? Others around Jesus also had their own expectations of what he should be like and how he would save the people. Let’s read Isaiah 42:1-9.

Isaiah 42:1-9

What does this passage tell us about Jesus’ character and mission?
Reread verse 3. What does it mean that he will not break a bruised reed or snuff out a smouldering wick? (NIV)
This passage ends with God declaring that new things are going to take place. Can you share about a time when God challenged you with new, surprising circumstances? How did you respond?

LEADER: Prepare a large heart, made of wood or paper, where participants can stick all their post-it notes. The disciples don’t understand much of what is happening. They have many questions, yet they continue to follow Jesus and share what they have learned with others.

On post-it notes, write down some of your expectations of Jesus.
How do you react when what you want or expect doesn’t line up with who Jesus really is?
Place your post-it notes with your expectations and desires onto the heart, as a symbol of bringing them to the heart of Jesus. Ask him to align your thoughts, desires and expectations more and more with his heart.

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 3

Matthew 4:24

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Initial Reflections

Dig In

Psalm 139:1-10

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Leviticus 19:2

1 Peter 1:13-19

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

1 Timothy 6:7-10

Hebrews 13:5

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Isaiah 42:1-9

Respond

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