Beyond Mountains

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, Jesus describes Matthew 5:1-12 as a kind of map. When Matthew asks, “But how is it a map?” Jesus answers: “If someone wants to find me, they must look for these groups: Blessed are the poor in spirit … Blessed are those who mourn … Blessed are the meek … Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness … Blessed are the merciful … Blessed are the pure in heart … Blessed are the peacemakers … Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake … Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you, and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven” [30:50-33:50 min].

Where do you tend to look for Jesus in your life?
How often do you look for him in or through the kinds of people Jesus mentions here?
How have you experienced Jesus among these groups?

In this episode, while Ramah and Mary practise reading, Ramah tells Mary not to stress about her past. But Mary is afraid that what happened before might happen again. She says, “I need more words. More tools. I can’t let it happen again …” [07:15-09:06 min]. Let’s read Matthew 5:1-12.

Matthew 5:1-12

What kind of tools or help does Jesus offer us in this section of the Sermon on the Mount?
Which one stands out to you the most? Why?
Like Mary, how do you learn from your past? Where do you find the tools or support you need to keep growing?

After Jesus shares his map with Matthew, he continues, “You are the salt of the earth …” [33:42-34:05 min]. Earlier in the episode, Matthew isn’t sure the message Jesus is about to share is actually good news—it feels heavy and intense. But Jesus explains: “It’s a manifesto Matthew. I’m not here to be sentimental and soothing. I’m here to start a revolution … Not a revolt. I’m talking about a radical shift. Did you think I was just going to come here and say, ‘Hey everyone, just keep doing what you’ve been doing for the last 1,000 years, since it’s been going so great’…?” [20:31-22:11 min]

What do you think Jesus means by calling it a “radical shift”? How does that make you feel?
Has Jesus ever called you to make a radical shift in your life? What happened?
Is there anything in your life right now that feels like it needs a total change?
What does it mean to you to be the “salt of the earth”? What does that look like in your life?

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses lots of imagery to describe what life in his kingdom looks like. At one point, Matthew asks why Jesus doesn’t just speak more directly. But Jesus explains that he is not looking for passive listeners. He wants followers who are invested—people who care enough to lean in, think deeply, and seek the truth for themselves.

How do you feel about the way Jesus uses imagery and stories to explain his message?
Do you see yourself as someone who is actively trying to understand and live out Jesus’ words? Why or why not?

Let’s read Matthew 5:13-16.

Matthew 5:13-16

What two images does Jesus use in this teaching?
What does Jesus mean by calling his followers “the salt of the earth”?
What are the three things salt does that Jesus talks about in this episode [23:01-23:35 min]?
What does Jesus mean by calling his followers “the light of the world”?
Together, how do these two images challenge you to live differently?

When we follow Jesus closely, we start to reflect him—bring flavour to the world like salt and shining like light in dark places. That’s what it means to live as part of his kingdom here and now.

What could it look like for you to live more like Jesus in your everyday life?
How do you become more like Jesus? What part does God play in your transformation, and what part do you play?
How does the Bible help you become more like Jesus?

Everyone in a group has their own personality, opinions and way of doing things—and that can be great but also challenging. In this episode, the disciples are still figuring out how to work together as a team, and tensions rise under pressure. Thomas tries to make sense of the friction, saying: “In the most generous explanation, I’d call that love … They all love our Rabbi and want to follow him the right way. They just can’t agree on what that right way is” [09:43-10:31 min].

What do people tend to notice about your energy, tone or attitude? How do people respond to you?
What usually motivates the way you think, speak and act?
How do you treat people?
When you’re under pressure, how does that affect your words and actions?

Scripture gives us a lot of wisdom about how we use our words. Let’s read these verses together: Psalm 141:3; Ecclesiastes 5:2-4; Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6 and James 1:19, 26.

Psalm 141:3

Ecclesiastes 5:2-4

Ephesians 4:29

Colossians 4:6

James 1:19,26

What is the common theme throughout these verses?
According to these verses, why do our words matter so much?
What makes it difficult to be quick to listen and slow to speak?
How can you put the wisdom from these verses into practice?
What would it look like for your words to be full of grace and wisdom— kind, thoughtful and helpful—especially when you’re responding to others?

Let’s revisit a moment in the episode where Jesus and Matthew are watching the group from a distance: Matthew: I hope they can find a way to work together. Jesus: What do you mean? Matthew: They can’t seem to agree on a single thing lately—myself included sometimes. Jesus: Oh, I’ve noticed. In some ways, it’s to be expected. Matthew: But not desired, surely. Jesus: No, but it’s what’s bound to happen when you start something that’s open to all, truly all people … [19:00-20:09 min].

How does it feel to know Jesus created something truly open to everyone, including people you may find frustrating?
Are you as open and welcoming as Jesus, or do you tend to avoid people who are different from you?
What do you do when it’s hard to connect with others—or when you’re struggling to figure out where you belong in a group dynamic?
What’s one step you can take this week to make your words more life- giving, encouraging, and Christlike?

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 8

Beyond Mountains

Select a Track

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Initial Reflections

Dig In

Matthew 5:1-12

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Matthew 5:13-16

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Psalm 141:3

Ecclesiastes 5:2-4

Ephesians 4:29

Colossians 4:6

James 1:19,26

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