The Perfect Opportunity

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Jesse has been suffering for a long time. He has been unable to walk for 38 years, lost his brother, and tried everything he could think of to get better— but nothing worked. Over time, he lost hope. When Jesus finally meets him, Jesse can barely hear his question, “Do you want to be healed?” His perspective is clouded by years of disappointment and struggle. His only hope is that someday, someone will help him into the pool. “Who are you? … Will you take me to the water?” he pleads [45:49-46:44 min].

Is there something in your life you’ve been longing for—but it just hasn’t happened?
How have past hurts, disappointments or burdens shaped how you see your situation?
How do you typically respond when you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work?

Let’s read Matthew 11:28-30.

Matthew 11:28-30

What invitation does Jesus offer in this passage?
What promise does Jesus make to those who accept this invitation?
Have you ever experienced the kind of rest that comes from responding to Jesus’ invitation? What was it like?
How can you help others hear and respond to Jesus’ invitation?

When Jesus asks Jesse if he wants to be healed, Jesse doesn’t give a simple yes or no. Instead, he explains all the reasons why he hasn’t been healed—why it feels impossible. But Jesus gently redirects him: “Look at me. That’s not what I asked. I’m not asking you about who is helping you, or who is not helping, or who is getting in your way. I’m asking about you.” Jesse, overwhelmed, says, “I have tried!” Jesus replies with understanding: “For a long time, I know. And you don’t want false hope again. I understand. But this pool … it has nothing for you, it means nothing, and you know it. But you’re still here. Why? … You don’t need this pool. You only need me. So, do you want to be healed?” [46:51-48:50 min]

Is there a question Jesus is asking you today? Are you listening to the question—or getting caught up in all the “reasons why not”?
Have you ever focused so much on obstacles that you missed an invitation Jesus was offering you?
In what area of your life do you need to hear Jesus say, “I’ve seen how you’ve tried. You don’t need to keep striving … You only need me”?

In this episode, we see how two brothers—Simon and Jesse—respond very differently to the injustice in their lives. Jesse, worn down by disappointments, eventually gives up. He becomes passive and hopeless. Simon, on the other hand, channels his pain into anger and becomes a fanatical Zealot, driven by a desire for revenge.

Where do you encounter injustice in your life or the lives of those around you?
How does it affect you—mentally, emotionally, spiritually?
When you witness injustice, how do you usually respond: do you fight, panic or shut down? Why do you think that is?

It’s easy to question God when we see injustice all around us. Some people even stop believing altogether, wondering how a good God could allow such suffering. But God does not ignore injustice. In fact, he entered into it through Jesus, who suffered injustice himself so that it wouldn’t have the final word over our lives. Let’s read 1 Peter 2:19-24 and Romans 12:17-21.

1 Peter 2:19-24

Romans 12:17-21

According to 1 Peter 2, what can we learn from Jesus’ example?
What does the Romans 12 passage say we should do and not do?
When facing hard situations, what would it mean to “entrust yourself to him who judges justly” rather than taking matters into your own hands (1 Peter 2:23 NIV)?
How can we overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21)?
Are there situations in your life right now where you need to put these truths into practice? What step can you take to do that?

Both Simon and Jesse are deeply shaped by their pain. But ultimately, what changes them is their encounter with Jesus. He meets them right where they are—in their confusion, anger and despair.

Where in your life do you need Jesus to encounter you today?
Is there something you’ve been holding onto—anger, bitterness, control, hopelessness—that Jesus might be inviting you to release?
What truth or promise do you need to hold onto today with all your heart?

In this episode, Jesus finds Jesse at Bethesda—a pagan site near the temple. The name Bethesda means “house of healing”. The name sounds hopeful, but the scene is filled with pain. Crowds of sick and forgotten people gather there, waiting for healing that rarely seems to come. It’s no wonder Jesse had lost hope.

Why do you think Jesse was at Bethesda instead of in the temple?
How do you see people in your community searching for a place of healing—whether physical, spiritual or emotional?
Where do people go when they are searching for healing?
How can we help create spaces where healing is possible?

There is another story in the Gospels of a man who desperately longed for healing—in this case, for his son—but struggled to muster up the faith to trust Jesus for it. Like Jesse, long years of suffering had worn down his hope. Let’s read Mark 9:21-27.

Mark 9:21-27

What stands out to you about Jesus’ interaction with the boy’s father?
What does the man mean when he says, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)?
Like with Jesse’s situation, Jesus doesn’t actually require perfect faith before doing his work of healing. What does that tell us about Jesus’ character?

Bethesda was a place of disappointment and resignation. But Jesse’s encounter with Jesus changed everything. He didn’t need the pool—he needed a Person.

Like Jesse or the father in Mark 9, have you experienced a long season of suffering or disappointment? How did that impact your faith?
What are the areas of your life where you need Jesus to help you overcome your unbelief?

In this episode, the Feast of Tabernacles is being celebrated—a seven-day period where families live in temporary shelters to remember how God led and provided for his people in the wilderness. It’s a time to reflect on God’s redemption, to remember our dependence on him, and to recognise how he brings us through seasons of vulnerability.

What is so special about this kind of annual celebration to remember God’s goodness?
What are some special moments in your life that are worth remembering?
How do you create new memories that remind you of who God is and what he has done for you?

Let’s read Leviticus 23:33-43.

Leviticus 23:33-43

What does this passage reveal about the Feast of Tabernacles?
Why is this feast important?
What does it tell us about God that he commanded his people to regularly celebrate and rest?
What rhythms of celebration does your faith community practise that help people remember who God is and how he has redeemed us?

In this episode, Jesus describes the Feast as a “leveller”—a moment that brings everyone together: young and old, rich and poor, sick and healthy. No one is left out. When he sees how the disciples have built their booth, he says, “The beauty of this booth is itself an act of worship” [27:32-28:48 min].

What are some “levellers” in our world today—things that bring people together across differences?

How can you create spaces and opportunities to bring very different people together? Let’s brainstorm some concrete ideas. For example, hosting a BBQ party.

Big James wrestles with the idea that one day, even enemies will join this feast: “One day our enemies will celebrate this feast? With us? Babylonians? Assyrians? The Romans?! Jews and Gentiles, at this table? What would have to happen for that to be possible?” [28:49-30:32 min]

Who would you naturally invite to your moments of celebration?
Who is someone you can’t imagine sharing your celebration with? Why?
Jesus responds to Big James, “Something will have to change.” What might need to change in your heart or mindset for you to truly welcome the people Jesus would welcome?

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 4

The Perfect Opportunity

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Initial Reflections

Dig In

Matthew 11:28-30

Respond

Initial Reflections

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1 Peter 2:19-24

Romans 12:17-21

Respond

Initial Reflections

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Mark 9:21-27

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Leviticus 23:33-43

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