Because of Me

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In this episode, the disciples are trying to process everything Jesus has just told them.

Peter feels Jesus is overwhelmed and doesn’t mean what he is saying. Andrew wonders if this is a test of their loyalty. Zee asks if it is a warning so they can prepare to rescue him. John reminds them that Jesus has been preparing them all along. Thomas feels deceived. Judas watches carefully, calculating what it all proves about Jesus’ identity.

Confusion is everywhere. And then Matthew quietly asks, “What if we take him at his word?”

Do you recognise yourself in one of the disciples’ reactions? Which one, and why?

During the years they walked together, Jesus taught his disciples many lessons. Some were clear and direct. Others were wrapped in parables and symbolism. Let’s read Matthew 7:24-27 and 2 Timothy 3:14-17.

Matthew 7:24-27

2 Timothy 3:14-17

What challenge does Jesus issue to his listeners in Matthew 7:24-27?
What does it look like for you to build your house on the rock?
What does Paul write about Scripture in his letter to Timothy?
How have you experienced Scripture functioning in these ways in your life? Can you share examples?
Paul urges Timothy to continue in what he has learnt and become convinced of. How do you do that?

Deepening faith means wrestling honestly, listening carefully and acting in faith even when we do not understand everything. As we grow, we learn how to read God’s Word—whether it’s poetry, parables, history or straightforward teaching—while asking the question: What is God saying to me through this?

Taking Jesus at his word does not mean having blind faith. It means trusting his character enough to live according to what he says, even in tension.

Do you take Jesus at his word, or do you tend to first filter it through your preferences and fears?
What place and authority does Scripture have in your daily life? Does it shape your decisions or simply inform your thoughts?
What tools help you understand and apply Scripture well? (e.g., learning about the context and genre; listening to trusted teachers; using Scripture to interpret Scripture, etc.)
What is one thing you already understand from Jesus’ teaching that you can put into practice today?

The disciples are shocked when Jesus tells them that one of them will betray him. Immediately, they begin questioning themselves and each other. Thomas wonders if his anger could somehow lead him to betrayal. Jesus responds gently, affirming that Thomas has been faithful despite his struggles.

Have you ever been angry with God?
Have you ever wondered, like Thomas, if you were failing or betraying Jesus in some way?
If Jesus looked at you in that moment, what do you think he would say?

As if the tension weren’t enough, another conflict arises. The disciples begin arguing about which of them is the greatest. In the shadow of betrayal and suffering, pride still surfaces.

Jesus turns their understanding upside down. In his kingdom, greatness is not about status but about humility. It is not about control, but about service. Let’s read Luke 22:24-30.

Luke 22:24-30

What does this passage reveal about human nature?
What does this passage reveal about Jesus’ nature?
Why do you think the disciples start arguing about greatness at this moment?
How does Jesus’ teaching challenge our ideas of influence, success or recognition?
What does it practically look like for you to lead by serving?

Jesus calls his disciples to do two things in this moment: trust and serve.

He encourages them to trust the Father’s plan, even when it feels confusing and unclear. And he shows them that true greatness is found in humility: choosing to serve rather than compete.

Living your faith with others means staying at the table, even when it’s uncomfortable, and choosing to love, serve and trust anyway.

What is upsetting or unsettling for you right now?
Where do you struggle to trust the Father’s plan?
What would it look like for you to choose trust instead of control?
What would it look like today to be the one who serves—at home, work, church or among friends?
In your community, do you tend to compete or serve?

Jesus repeatedly explains to his disciples what lies ahead—betrayal, suffering, death and rejection. He wants them to be prepared, but they are completely shaken. None of it fits their picture of what the Messiah should be. Some offer to protect him. Others seem to block it out. What they hear clashes with everything they expected.

In The Chosen, you see it in Jesus’ eyes—the loneliness of being misunderstood, even by those closest to him. He is surrounded, yet alone.

Do you remember a time when you felt alone or misunderstood?
How did you respond?

In the gospels, Jesus tells his followers three times what will happen to him. Let’s read Luke 9:43-45.

Luke 9:43-45

The disciples were filled with grief, yet they did not understand. The meaning was hidden from them, and they were afraid to ask.

What does this passage teach us about spiritual understanding?
Why do you think the meaning of Jesus’ words was hidden from them?
How can grief, fear or preconceived ideas keep us from truly understanding God?
In what ways might we also hear Jesus’ words but fail to really grasp them?

This moment shows that even Jesus experienced being misunderstood. He spoke truth and prepared his disciples, yet they could not fully receive it.

Sometimes we struggle to understand God because what he says does not match what we hoped for. We want clarity without suffering, answers without surrender.

Understanding Jesus and people around us requires humility—the willingness to admit, “I don’t get it, but I want to.” That desire is often the beginning of deeper faith.

How much effort do you put into trying to understand God and others, especially when what they say challenges you?
Do you listen to respond, or to understand?
How do you intentionally seek to better understand God?

On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus and his disciples pass the fig tree he had cursed the day before. Overnight, it has withered from the roots. The disciples are confused. Why curse a tree when it wasn’t even fig season?

Instead of explaining, Jesus points them to faith. He describes a trust in God so real that even a mountain—something massive and immovable—can be moved. Such unwavering trust makes room for God to act. Then he encourages them to pray with confidence, trusting that God hears and is at work.

Why do you think Jesus cursed the fig tree?
Why does he connect this moment to faith?
What “mountains” are currently in your life?
What challenges you about this story?

In that region, figs typically begin to appear before or at the same time as the leaves. So even if it wasn’t peak season, the leaves suggested that fruit should be there.

But when Jesus looked closer, there was nothing. The tree looked healthy from a distance but had no fruit. This connects to what just happened in the Temple, where Jesus confronted the religious establishment for the same reason. He tells his followers that he came to tear down what isn’t bearing fruit. Let’s read Mark 11:12-14, 20-26.

Mark 11:12-14, 20-26

What does this passage teach us about the nature of real faith?
What does it reveal about the connection between prayer and belief?
What warning does it give about outward appearance without inner fruit?
What might it mean that the tree withered from the roots?
How does this story challenge shallow or performative faith in our own lives?

The story of the fig tree is a mirror for our own lives.

Jesus makes it clear that his followers will face “mountains”—obstacles, fear, doubt, broken relationships and situations that seem impossible. Instead of giving us a way around them, he teaches us that faith can move them.

This kind of faith is active. It prays, trusts, forgives, obeys and produces fruit. After all, a tree is known by its fruit.

This story invites us to examine our own lives. None of us wants to be like a tree full of leaves—impressive on the outside, spiritually active in appearance—yet lacking real fruit.

What obstacles or impossible situations make it hard for you to pursue or trust God?
How do you usually respond when you face them?
Are there areas in your life where you have “leaves”—religious activity, good intentions, visible involvement—but little or no fruit?
What would it look like for your life to become more fruitful?

Optional Activity: Give each participant a sheet of paper and tape it to their back. Take time to walk around and write down one “fruit of faith” you see in each other’s lives—a quality, action or attitude that reflects real spiritual fruit.

SEASON 5 - EPISODE 5

Because of Me

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Initial Reflections

Dig In

Matthew 7:24-27

2 Timothy 3:14-17

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Luke 22:24-30

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Luke 9:43-45

Respond

Initial Reflections

Dig In

Mark 11:12-14, 20-26

Respond

Find more on our Reading Plan

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Matthew 4:24

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Unlawful

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Homecoming

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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

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The Upper Room (1)

The Upper Room (2)

The Chosen Connect