Spirit

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, Jesse is bombarded with questions about his miraculous healing. He keeps repeating the story—until finally he says: “He told me to go and sin no more. That the result of sin is far worse than being crippled ...” [02:41-04:08 min].

What do you think Jesus meant when he said the effects of sin are worse than not being able to walk?
How does that challenge the way you think about sin and its impact?
What might that mean for your own life right now?

Since Jesus set Mary free from what was controlling her, her whole life has changed. She’s taking brave steps forward. But sometimes reminders of her past shake her, messing with how she sees herself and how she responds to others. Let’s read Matthew 11:28-30.

Matthew 11:28-30

What kind of burden is Mary carrying in this episode, and how does she try to handle it?
What is Jesus’ invitation in this passage?
What does it mean to take Jesus’ yoke upon yourself?
Have you ever said “yes” to Jesus’ invitation when you felt tired, overwhelmed or weighed down? What happened when you did?
How might you respond to Jesus’ invitation today?

Both Jesus and John the Baptiser had special callings to fulfil in God’s plan to bring his kingdom. Before stepping into those roles, they went through a time of preparation.

Do you have a sense of the role God might have for you in his kingdom?
How are you getting ready to do the things he has planned for you?
Is there something God is gently inviting you to face, so you can move forward in freedom?

In this episode, a man named Caleb—who’s possessed—suddenly appears in the disciples’ camp. He calls Mary by her old name, Lilith. When Mary asks him for his real name—the one his mother gave him—he can’t say it. When he tries to attack, Simon the Zealot jumps in to protect everyone. The whole moment is overwhelming. It brings up painful memories for Mary. The fear, the shame, the past she thought she had moved beyond—it all rushes back. And for a while, it’s too much. So, she runs—back to the way she used to cope before she met Jesus.

What name does Jesus call you—the one that reflects who you truly are?
In what moments have you really needed to hear his reminder of who you are in him?
When painful memories or past experiences resurface, how do you usually respond? Do you run, shut down or try to deal with it on your own?

In her shame, Mary runs. Her fear made her forget the great, redeeming love of God she had experienced. She needs to be reminded—We all do, sometimes. Let’s read John 15:9-17.

John 15:9-17

Jesus says he loves us the same way the Father loves him. What does this mean?
Reread verse 16. Why is it significant that Jesus chose you before you chose him?
How can you remain in Jesus’ love?
What is Jesus’ command to his disciples in this passage?
How can you obey Jesus’ command—at school, with your friends and at home?

In this episode, Simon the Zealot decides to join Jesus and the other disciples. He’s convinced he’s ready—trained, prepared and armed with skills he thinks Jesus needs. Simon: You are Messiah, aren’t you? Jesus: Yes. Simon: Then I will do anything you ask! Jesus: I ask you to understand the nature of my mission Simon. Simon: Yes. How? … I have trained for years for this. I am ready to execute your mission today. Jesus: We’ll see ... [30:14-31:48 min].

What is Jesus’ mission really about? What is he asking of Simon—and of us?
Do you, like Simon, have a skill that you hope Jesus will use? What is it?
If Jesus asked you to surrender your skill and trust him to equip you with something better—a “stronger weapon”—what would your honest answer be?
How does it change your perspective to realise Jesus isn’t after your abilities or strengths—but what he really wants is you?

In this episode, John the Baptiser is fired up with prophetic conviction. He’s not afraid to call out King Herod for his sin. John is living out what he believes, even when it’s risky. And as he does so, Jesus encourages John to keep listening to God’s voice—no matter what.

What are three core values or beliefs that guide how you live?
Where did those values or beliefs come from?
What sacrifices would you be willing to make for those values and beliefs?

John has offered his whole life—mind, body and soul—to God. He is fully committed to doing God’s will, no matter where it leads him. Let’s read Romans 12:1-3.

Romans 12:1-3

In this passage, what does Paul write that we should and should not do?
What does this passage tell us about how we can learn to discern God’s will?
What does it mean to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (NIV)?
Do you have any patterns of thinking you know need to change?
In what areas of your life do you want God to give you a new perspective or clearer direction?

Very often, life is not black and white, and decisions are not straightforward. In those moments, our core values and beliefs guide us when our minds are unsure.

What do the various aspects of your life—your daily schedule, spending, relationships, emotions, etc.—tell you about your deepest convictions?
What steps do you need to take to rearrange your priorities?
When you are lacking the clarity and understanding you feel you need to move forward, what do you do to seek God’s will?
When Simon the Zealot wanted to understand Jesus’ purpose for calling him, Jesus responded, “For now, wanting you by my side will have to be enough” [31:48-32:23 min]. Is that enough for you? Why or why not?
How can we help each other follow Jesus, even when we may have disagreements about what Jesus wants from us?

In this episode, we see John the Baptiser suffer. He’s thrown into prison and treated harshly—not because he did something wrong, but because he stood up for what he believed.

Have you ever been left out, made fun of or hurt because of your beliefs?
What was that like?

In the Book of Acts, the early Christians faced intense pressure for their faith— especially those who boldly proclaimed the Gospel. But instead of stopping them, persecution actually caused the Gospel to spread. In Acts 5, after being mistreated, Peter and the other disciples celebrated. Why? Because they were honoured to suffer for the name of Jesus. Peter later wrote about this in his letters. Let’s read 1 Peter 1:3-7; 3:13-18; 4:12-19 and 5:8-11.

1 Peter 1:3-7

1 Peter 3:13-18

1 Peter 4:12-19

1 Peter 5:8-11

What do these passages say about suffering?
What might “suffering for doing good” look like in your life today?
Reread 1 Peter 5:8-9. What warning does Peter offer? What motivation does he offer?
What promises from these passages can we cling to when we go through seasons of suffering?

For centuries, followers of Jesus have faced serious persecution. In ancient Rome, Christians were used as human torches. In Japan, children were crucified for their faith. In the former Soviet Union, thousands of believers were sent to prison camps—and many never came back. And even today, in parts of the world, Christians still risk everything to follow Jesus.

What kind of suffering do you think you would be willing to face for the name of Jesus?
How has your faith in Jesus challenged you to step out of your comfort zone? Have you been willing to step out? Why or why not?
Is there something in your life you need to sacrifice in order to follow Jesus?
Do you know someone who is going through something difficult because they’re choosing to live for Jesus? Let’s take a moment to pray for them together.
How can you practically encourage and support them this week?

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 5

Spirit

Select a Track

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Initial Reflections

Dig In

Matthew 11:28-30

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

John 15:9-17

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Romans 12:1-3

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

1 Peter 1:3-7

1 Peter 3:13-18

1 Peter 4:12-19

1 Peter 5:8-11

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