Unlawful

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, Ramah is really worried. Mary is gone, and no one knows where she is. Ramah has a lot of questions running through her mind. Why doesn’t Jesus just bring Mary back? How could anything good come from her being gone? Why did he let this happen in the first place?

What’s something you’re worried about right now?
When you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, how do you usually handle it?
What does Jesus’ mother remind Ramah of during their conversation?
How can this reminder apply to your circumstances today?

Let’s read Matthew 6:25-34 and Philippians 4:6-7, 19.

Matthew 6:25-34

Philippians 4:6-7,19

What do these passages teach us about how we should respond to worry?
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to redirect our focus when we are feeling overwhelmed by circumstances. What does he tell us to focus on?
What is the promise offered in these verses?
How do you think your mindset would change if you truly prayed to God about every situation with thanksgiving, as Philippians 4:6 commands?
Have you ever felt the peace that Paul describes in Philippians 4:7? What was that like?

When Mary finally comes back, she’s weighed down with guilt. She feels like she failed Jesus by running away. But let’s look back at how he responded to her: Jezus: It’s good to have you back. Mary: I don’t know what to say. Jesus: I don’t require much. Mary: I’m just so ashamed. You redeemed me, and I just threw it all away. Jesus: That’s not much of a redemption if it can be lost in a day, is it? Mary: I owe you everything … but I just don’t think I can do it. Jesus: Do what? Mary: Live up to it. Repay you. How could I leave, how could I go back to the place I was. I didn’t even come back on my own. They had to come get me. I just can’t live up to it. Jesus: Well, that’s true. But you don’t have to. I just want your heart. The Father just wants your heart. Give us that, which you already have, and the rest will come in time. Did you really think you’d never struggle or sin again? I know how painful that moment was for you. Mary: I’m just so sorry. Jesus: Look up. Mary: I can’t. Jesus: You can. Look at me. I forgive you. It’s over. [27:58-30:56 min].

Have you ever felt like Mary—like you owed God something or like you couldn’t live up to who he’s called you to be?
What does Jesus ask of Mary?
Jesus wants you to look at his face and receive his forgiveness. What do you need forgiveness for today?
Jesus says, “I just want your heart.” How can you respond to that today?

In this episode, Peter and Matthew—who don’t get along—are paired up by Jesus to search for Mary. Ramah wonders, “Nothing good can come from Mary disappearing like this … Why would Jesus use her pain to unite two men who are so annoyed with each other?” [08:21-11:01 min]

Why do you think Jesus sent two totally different people to accomplish such an important task?
Have you ever had to work with someone who’s really different from you—or even someone you don’t really like? What happened?
Was it frustrating or eye-opening? Did anything good come from it?

There’s another story in the Bible about someone who runs away—not because of pain, but because he thinks life might be better on his own. Let’s read Luke 15:11-24.

Luke 15:11-24

What does this passage show us about who God is and how he sees us?
What is the son’s thought process as he decides to return home?
How does the father respond to his son’s return?
When you have sinned and are facing the consequences of your own actions, how do you feel about returning to Jesus? Do you ever underestimate the Father’s love and grace like the son in the story?

In this episode, as Peter and Matthew are talking about Mary running away, Peter gets frustrated—both that she ran away and that they can’t find her. Matthew says: “What if you were cut off from Jesus by something in your past? Wouldn’t you want help getting back to him as soon as possible?” [19:30-20:12 min]

When Mary finally returns, she hesitates because she is unsure how her friends—or Jesus—will receive her. What actually happens? How do they respond?
Have you ever had a moment like that—when people welcomed you back, reminded you of who you are or helped bring you closer to Jesus? Tell us about it.
Have you ever been that person for someone else? What was it like to walk with someone through their struggle back to Jesus?
How can we grow into a community that welcomes people like Jesus does? What needs to be true of us to make that happen?

In this episode, Thomas is clearly stressed out—he’s worried there won’t be enough food for Jesus and the disciples. As he’s talking to Andrew about it, he says: “He can make people walk ... He can heal lepers. Why can’t he make food appear out of thin air?” [13:26-14:26 min]

Can you relate to Thomas’ question? How?
Why do you think Jesus doesn’t offer a quick fix for every problem we face?
What do you do when Jesus doesn’t give you the answers or solutions that you want?

After Mary returns, she has a heartfelt conversation with Jesus. We can see how deeply she wants to repay him—but also how unworthy she feels. It’s like she’s carrying a weight she doesn’t know how to let go of. Let’s read Ephesians 2:1-10.

Ephesians 2:1-10

According to this passage, what has God done for us?
What does it mean that we are saved by God’s grace?
Reflect on your life. When and how do you fall into the trap of trying to earn God’s favour?
How would your life look different if you were fully living by grace instead of by your own efforts?

Mary and Thomas are not the only ones wrestling with what it really means to follow Jesus. We also see John and Big James talk about it. As they reflect on the journey they’ve been on with Jesus, James admits, “I actually don’t understand most of this. Just pieces here and there when good things happen, but the rest … I’m just following” [15:12-17:48 min].

What parts of your journey with Jesus currently do not make sense to you?
What does it mean for you to follow Jesus through the situations you don’t understand?
How can you rely on community to support you when you are feeling confused or disappointed in your walk with Jesus?

Scarcity takes many forms. In this episode, we see it in the shortage of food. But we can all think of other experiences of scarcity—whether a lack of clothing, friendship, health, safety or even faith. In this episode, Jesus responds to the lack of food with prayer, “Seems like something we should seek my Father about …” [32:19-33:15 min].

Where in your life do you feel like there’s “not enough”?
How does that sense of scarcity affect you—emotionally, spiritually or in your relationships?
When needs arise in your life or in the lives of people around you, do you turn to God in prayer? Why or why not?

Let’s read Psalm 23.

Psalm 23

David opens this psalm by saying, “I lack nothing.” Do you think he means he literally has everything, or does he mean something else?
Where does David find confidence and comfort as he experiences hard times?
What does this psalm tell us about the way God leads us?
Think of an area of your life where you feel scarcity. How can this psalm help you to gain a new perspective?

In this episode, the synagogue doesn’t seem like a place where healing or recovery is really possible. Obvious physical needs like hunger or sickness are being ignored. But Jesus sees them. He sees Mary. He sees the man with the shrivelled hand. And he does something about it.

Someone once said, “You can’t preach to empty stomachs.” What do you think that means? Do you agree?
Do you see space for healing and recovery in your faith community? What does it look like?
What makes it difficult to be truly aware of the needs of people around you?
When you notice someone in need, how do you respond? What does love in action look like for you?
Besides prayer, what are some practical ways you can care for someone in need 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 6

Unlawful

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Initial Reflections

Dig In

Matthew 6:25-34

Philippians 4:6-7,19

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Luke 15:11-24

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Ephesians 2:1-10

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Psalm 23

Respond

Next Episodes

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Indescribable Compassion

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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