Promises

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In this episode, Elizabeth, Mary and Zechariah recall promises God gave them long ago. They bless each other and those around them by reminding each other of these promises.

Believing God’s promises isn’t always easy—especially when life looks different to what we expected. Despite their old age and years of infertility, Elizabeth and Zechariah remained faithful to God. Even so, when God’s messenger tells Zechariah what will happen, he struggles to believe.

What are some promises from Scripture that mean the most to you?
Are there any promises from Scripture that you struggle to believe are true for you?

The hard path John the Baptist had to walk was part of the blessing God placed upon his life. Sometimes we think blessing means ease, comfort or everything working out the way we hoped. But often, God’s blessing is hidden in the rough, uncertain or costly roads we must walk. He uses the journey to form us and draws us closer to him, walking with us, step by step.

John’s calling was to be the preparer of the way—pointing ahead to Jesus, the One who is the way to true life. His role reminds us that even the hard roads can carry a sacred purpose: to lead others toward the life only Christ can give. Let’s read Isaiah 55:8-9.

Isaiah 55:8-9

What does this passage tell us about God’s promises and timing?
What does it mean for you personally that God’s ways are higher than your ways?
How can this passage help reshape your perspective when you find yourself walking on hard or unexpected paths?
How do you hold on to God’s promises when it feels silent between you and God, or when his timing and ways don’t match your own?

God’s promises are meant to anchor us—especially when life feels uncertain. Holding on is an act of faith that shapes our hearts and strengthens our hope. In this episode, we see people holding onto promises through uncertainty and suffering.

Some promises in Scripture are unconditional because they are rooted in God’s unchanging character. Others are conditional, inviting us into obedience and trust. Both kinds of promises remind us of who he is: faithful, good and true.

Which message from this episode speaks most deeply to you?
What is one promise from God that you need to hold on to this week? How will you do so?
How can you encourage someone else—like Elizabeth and Mary did—by reminding them of God’s promises?

Take time to pray together, thanking God for his faithfulness and asking him to strengthen you to walk in trust, even when his ways are not clear.

In this episode, Thomas and Ramah wrestle with big questions: Should they move toward marriage, even though Ramah’s father does not approve? Are they allowed to do things differently than tradition teaches? And if so, what should that look like? Ramah thinks she’s found a way to move forward.

Thomas asks, “Can this really happen within our faith? It feels right, but is it?” He starts comparing their situation with others. Ramah responds, “Thomas. We don’t compare to them, but we do have Jesus to ask. He can decide” [28:33-33:44 min].

Their story raises questions for us too:

Who do you involve in your important life decisions?
How do you respond when parents or caregivers don’t agree with how you want to follow Jesus?
What helps you bring your questions directly to Jesus?
Who do you allow to speak into your life—and who might you sometimes prefer not to?

Jesus calls us to honour our parents. At the same time, he calls us to trust him above all else. Holding those two together can be difficult. Let’s read Proverbs 3:5-6 and Ephesians 6:1-2.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Ephesians 6:1-2

What do these passages teach us about making decisions?
What would it look like to honour your parents even as you disagree with them?
What does it look like to fully trust God when others may not understand your choices?
How might you apply these teachings in a situation you are facing now?

Following Jesus always involves relationships—with family, friends, mentors and the wider community. As we make decisions, sometimes that means we have to navigate tensions, while other times it means we find encouragement.

Think of one decision you’re facing right now—big or small. Who have you invited to speak into it?
How can you bring this choice honestly before Jesus, like Thomas and Ramah plan to do?
What might it look like to both honour your parents/caregivers and follow Jesus faithfully?

In this episode, we see how Zee has taken steps to reframe his identity and strength now that they are no longer defined by his past roles. While discussing what it means to obey Jesus, Zee says to Judas, “Well, I have to do something with my physical strength now that I don’t need it anymore. Or at least not the way I thought I would.”

Judas replies, “You see? You have it too. An old way of being in the world. And you left it behind. But you can’t really shake all of it. So, you’ve adapted it” [15:26-19:41 min].

Can you relate to Judas’s comment about adapting?
What was your “old way” of being in the world before Jesus? How has that changed as you’ve followed him?
Are there things in your life—like Zee’s training—that God is using in a different way than you expected?

Following Jesus isn’t just about adapting old habits to fit a new life. It’s about being transformed. Scripture describes it as a metamorphosis—leaving behind old patterns of thinking and living, and being made new in Christ. Let’s read Romans 12:1-8.

Romans 12:1-8

What is Paul’s challenge to followers of Jesus in this passage?
What’s the difference between merely adapting your old ways and being transformed?
This passage connects our transformation (verses 1-2) to our ability to use our God-given gifts in service to God and others (verses 3-8). Why does transformation have to come first?

Transformation isn’t just an idea or desire. It’s something we practise in real life. As we follow Jesus, he reshapes our habits, our choices and even the way we see the world.

Share a practical example from your own life of how God has transformed your way of thinking or living.
How might God be calling you to let go of “old ways” so that you can be made new?
What step of transformation can you take this week?

Close in prayer, asking God to renew your mind and shape you into the likeness of Christ.

In this episode, Judas and Zee are doing laundry together. Judas comments, “If our funds weren’t so low, we could hire people to do the washing—giving us more time for the real work and expanding the ministry.”

Zee’s response is sharp: “How would that look to people? … Judas, you are learned. But you are not wise. … You’ve dedicated your life to a teacher, yes? And yet you are overlooking his lessons to find fault in something you don’t understand.”

He reminds Judas that there is a lesson in everything Jesus asks of them. “If he wouldn’t want it, he wouldn’t ask for it” [15:26-18:22 min].

What do you think of Judas’s comment and Zee’s reaction?
How do you feel about mundane, everyday tasks?
What work and tasks feel “important” and meaningful to you? Could that even include doing laundry?
How does status affect how you value certain kinds of work?

Our faith grows when we learn to see the spiritual realities at work in ordinary, everyday things: Loving others. Serving with the right motivation. Being faithful in the small things, whether it’s studying, cleaning your room, or showing up at a job you don’t like. Let’s read Colossians 3:23-24.

Colossians 3:23-24

What is Paul’s challenge to followers of Jesus in this passage?
How does this passage change the way you see everyday tasks?
What lessons might Jesus be teaching us in the small, ordinary jobs of life?
How can faithfulness in the ordinary become a testimony to others?

Following Jesus doesn’t mean escaping ordinary life. It means living it with purpose. The “real work” is not only preaching, leading or doing visible ministry but also serving faithfully in the everyday tasks Jesus places in front of us.

How do you react when faced with mundane or repetitive tasks?
Where might Jesus be inviting you to see “the real work” in your own daily routines?
How can you connect with others and reflect Jesus even in the ordinary?

Close in prayer, asking God to give you joy, humility and faithfulness in both the small and the great tasks he entrusts to you.

SEASON 4 - EPISODE 1

Promises

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Initial Reflections

Dig In

Isaiah 55:8-9

Respond

Initial Reflections

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Proverbs 3:5-6

Ephesians 6:1-2

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Romans 12:1-8

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Colossians 3:23-24

Respond

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