Watch
Before you watch the episode, ask folks to offer up highlights from Episode One.
Discuss
To start your time of discussion, take a moment to read the Gospel passage at the heart of this episode: John 1:43-50.
1. The creators of The Chosen imagine a backstory for Nathanael in which a dream he has for his life has fallen apart. What was a dream you had for life that was suddenly lost, and how did you view God in the midst of it all?
2. Nathanael cries out to God in deep anger and despair, which leads to some questions for each of us:
· Have you ever cried out to God in such raw, volatile fashion? If so, why and what did it look like? If not, why haven’t you had such a moment?
· Did it help the situation to cry out to God in such a manner? Did it hurt it? A bit of both?
· Did you ever feel like you “crossed a line” in crying out to God? Is it possible to “cross a line”—and if so, what is the line?
3. As it was true for Nathanael, it’s true for us: we are seen by God in these moments of despair. But do we see God? Do we see him at work? Here are some questions for each of us?
· Even if begrudgingly, where did you see God at work in the midst of a dream dying?
· Even if your dream was a good one, have you found that it was good for it to go away? Why?
· Did God chase away one dream to create space for another, better dream? What was that better dream?
4. This isn’t just the story of Nathanael, but of Philip, too—of a friend who helps a friend see God (and see that they are seen by God). Two questions in light of this?
· Do you have someone in your life that is gifted at helping you see God (and see that you are seen by him)? Who is it, how did you come to know them, and what are some things they’ve helped you see in God?
· Is there someone you need to help see God (and see that they are seen by God)? What are some practical, impactful ways you can help them see?
Pray
See the Discussion Guide for Season 2, Episode One for notes on our suggested approach to group prayer.[BL2]
Closing Question #1
If you were to offer a word of thanks to God for something that comforted you in this episode, what would it be?
Closing Question #2
If you were to ask God’s help in living life in a new way in light of this episode, how would you sum up this new way of life?
