Sustenance

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, Peter and Eden struggle through one of the most difficult moments in their lives — the loss of their unborn child. Peter is often away, travelling with Jesus. Eden and Peter hear and see things they do not fully understand. Their connection with each other feels strained, and their fragile faith is shaken. Do they truly understand Jesus? Eden goes to visit Rabbi Yussif.

What do you think of the psalm that Rabbi Yussif chooses to read to Eden?
What do you do when your faith feels small or fragile?
Rabbi Yussif advises Eden to pray for and with Peter. What do you do when you see someone struggling with their faith or feeling distant from God?

There are seasons in life when we clearly sense God’s presence, but also times when we struggle to see him at all. During these times, it can feel like he’s distant or even absent. The Psalms teach us a lot about putting words to our situations, questions, and emotions.

Let’s read Psalm 77 together.

Psalm 77

1 I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me.

2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted.

3 I remembered you, God, and I groaned; I meditated, and my spirit grew faint.

4 You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak.

5 I thought about the former days, the years of long ago;

6 I remembered my songs in the night. My heart meditated and my spirit asked:

7 “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again?

8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?

9 Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?”

10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.

11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

12 I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

13 Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God?

14 You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.

15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

16 The waters saw you, God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed.

17 The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth.

18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.

19 Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.

20 You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

What does this passage tell us about what we can do when we are in distress?
Do you feel free to express all your questions and emotions to God?
How does God’s Word, particularly the Psalms, help you in moments of doubt or difficulty?
What does Asaph do after crying out in his distress? How does his perspective shift in the psalm?
In verse ten, Asaph moves from lament into remembrance. How do you remind yourself and others of who God is?

When the disciples realise their faith is small, they ask Jesus to increase it. But Jesus explains that it is not about the size of our faith — it is about who our faith is in. Even faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish great things if it is rooted in God, trusts his promises and aligns with his will.

This comparison of our faith to a mustard seed may seem simple, but it holds profound truths.

Let’s split into small groups of three to four people for ten minutes to research information about mustard seeds. Take notes on a piece of paper or your phone and be ready to share them with the large group. Considering the following questions:

What does a mustard seed look like? What are its characteristics?
What happens when you plant this seed in the ground, and it begins to grow?
Why does Jesus use this seed as a picture of faith?
How does this relate to your life and faith today?

Return to large groups and ask the following questions.

What does this short reflection on “faith like a mustard seed” teach you about your faith and your place in the Kingdom?
Where in your life have you planted “mustard seeds” in faith? Where might God be calling you to plant the next seed or nurture one that has already been planted?

[Leader: If you are able, give each group member a small bag of mustard seeds to take home and place somewhere as a reminder and encouragement.]

In this episode, Zebedee, Salome and Mary visit Eden. They are not just dropping by for a casual chat — they bring genuine care and concern based on what they have noticed in her behaviour. Their questions are direct and honest, “How are you really doing? We think we see that … Is that true? How can we help you through this difficult time?”

It is not a perfect conversation, but it is authentic. They invite Eden to share her heart and encourage her to take time to grieve her loss. Mary encourages her to go to the synagogue. “It’s not about the rabbi there,” she says. “It’s about the words of God that he can give you. That’s what Jesus gave me” [16:20-16:48 min].

How would you answer the question: How are you really doing?
Do you have people in your life who ask you these kinds of questions? Why or why not?
Are there people to whom you ask these kinds of questions? Why or why not?
What role do God’s words play in these conversations?

Peter observes how Jesus is working in the lives of those around him and wonders if Jesus truly sees him and Eden. He asks hard questions: Why does Jesus go after Gentiles while his own people have problems? Why does he heal total strangers while my child died? I gave up everything to follow him! How can this happen?

Let’s read 1 Peter 1:3-7 and James 1:1-6 together.

1 Peter 1:3-7

James 1:1-6

What do these passages tell us about trials and their purpose?
Why does God allow trials in our lives?
What do you do when your faith is tested?

We live in a world that often avoids pain and suffering. But Jesus teaches us that trials, while difficult, are a part of life and can serve a greater purpose. In The Chosen, we see glimpses of people’s struggles behind closed doors. In real life, though, pain and grief are often invisible and unspoken.

Where do you see pain and suffering in your surroundings?
How do you handle pain, suffering and grief in your own life? How do you respond to it in the lives of those around you?
How can you create space for yourself and others to process and share the reality of pain, grief and trials?
How can you help each other hold on to God during difficult times? How can you support each other practically and spiritually in these moments?

When more than 5,000 people grow tired and hungry after a long day of teaching by Jesus, a young boy gives his lunchbox to Andrew: five loaves and two fish. The disciples wonder: What can we do with this?

Can you relate to the reaction of the disciples? How?
Have you ever felt like you gave everything you had, but it seemed far too little? How did that make you feel?

The Bible has a lot to teach us about giving — what it looks like and what it produces.

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

What does this passage tell us about giving?
What does Paul identify as the result of giving?
What does it mean that God loves people who give with a cheerful heart?
Do you give with a cheerful heart? Why or why not?

The young boy gave Jesus everything he had — without hesitation. It seemed like far too little to make a difference. But Jesus said, Together with the disciples, he used the boy’s offering to feed thousands!

Today, there are many people in the world who hunger and thirst — not just for food but for righteousness, hope and the truth of God’s love. There are many empty stomachs and many hungry hearts that need to be filled.

What is your role in responding to the needs of others? What is Jesus’ role?
How do God’s Word and Spirit guide you in your giving and serving?
How do you involve others in meeting the needs around you?
What do you do when your own reasoning — or the doubts of others — makes it hard to take a step of faith?
What step of faith will you take this week to give or serve, trusting Jesus to multiply what you offer?

In this episode, we see how Jesus shares the words of God, and the disciples echo those words. Their body language, tone and demeanour all shape the message they are echoing. Today, we will explore how we pass on messages — both with words and without — through a fun, two-part icebreaker.

Game 1: Precision Whispering

Let’s stand in a line, one behind the other. I will whisper a short message to the person at the back of the line, who will then whisper the message to the next person, and so on, until it reaches the person in the front. The last person will say the message out loud to the group, and we’ll compare it to the original.

[Leader: play at least twice with different group orders each time.]

What did you observe during the game? Did the message get through clearly? Why or why not?
Did the order of the group affect how well the message was transmitted? Why might that be?

Game 2: Speaking Without Words

I need seven volunteers to stand in a line about a meter apart. I will share a short message with the person at the back of the line, who will act it out to the person in front of them — without using words. This continues down the line until the last person acts out the message for the group and explains what they think it means. Then we will reveal the original message.

[Leader: play at least twice with different volunteers.]

What did you notice during this game?
Did you see a big difference between the two rounds?
How did each person’s individual interpretation or style impact the message?

God made each of us unique, and that is a beautiful thing! Each of us reflects Jesus’ story in a way that is specific to who we are. Some of us are bold and theatrical, while others are quieter and more reflective. Some take quick action, while others prefer to plan first. Together, we complement one another.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to “echo” him with our words, actions and lives. Let’s look at an example in the Bible where someone passed on what he discovered about Jesus.

Let’s read 1 John 1:1-4 together.

1 John 1:1-4

What is the life that John writes about in this passage?
What is the purpose of John sharing what he has seen and heard?
Think about your own experience of Jesus: What have you heard, seen and experienced of him? How do you share your experiences with others?

Asaph, the psalmist, is another example of someone who shared what he heard, saw and experienced of God. Through his words and music, he passed on God’s story to encourage others, “My prayer for this psalm is that […] it could be a comfort to God’s people for the generations to come.” “May it please the King …” [1:38-1:50 min].

What has God given you — whether it is words, a song, skills, resources or something entirely different — that you can use for his glory?
How can you pass on what you have been given as a comfort and encouragement to others, especially to the next generation?

SEASON 3 - EPISODE 8

Sustenance

Select a Track

I want to...

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Psalm 77

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

1 Peter 1:3-7

James 1:1-6

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

1 John 1:1-4

Respond

Find more on our Reading Plan

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