Why I Chose The Chosen 🎥 💚

1. Can you name all 12 disciples of Jesus? …If you have seen the TV series The Chosen, I’m sure it’s a LOT easier to name all of the 12 disciples! 😊 When I was little, there used to be a song about the 12…” 🎶 there were 12 disciples, Jesus called to help them, Simon Peter, Andrew, James, his brother John, Phillip, Thomas, Matthew, James the Son of Alphaeus, Thaddeus, Simon, Judas, AND Bartholomew… 🎵 ❤️

Here is the list, just to make sure I didn’t forget any of them:

1. Simon Peter
2. Andrew
3. James (son of Zebedee)
4. John
5. Philip
6. Bartholomew
7. Matthew
8. Thomas
9. James (son of Alphaeus)
10. Thaddaeus
11. Simon the Zealot
12. Judas Iscariot

❤️ 🎶 I always loved the part where it said, “He has called us, TOO! WE are His disciples, I am one, are you?” 🎵

So…what DOES it truly mean to be a disciple of Jesus?

What It Means to Be a Disciple of Jesus: Insights from The Chosen TV Series

As we watch The Chosen, a TV series that portrays the life of Jesus and his disciples, we may wonder what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus. Discipleship is a central theme in the Christian faith, and yet it can be difficult to understand and apply in our modern lives. In this article, we will explore the essence of discipleship and how The Chosen can serve as a visual tool for understanding this concept.

At its core, discipleship is about following Jesus and becoming MORE like Him. It involves a lifelong journey of learning, growing, and serving others. Discipleship is not just about acquiring Biblical knowledge, but about embodying the LOVE and compassion that Jesus showed to all people. As we watch The Chosen, we can see how the disciples struggled to understand and live out this calling, just as we do today.

The Chosen offers a unique perspective on discipleship by portraying the humanity and diversity of Jesus’ followers. We see how they grapple with doubts, fears, and personal flaws, yet remain committed to following Jesus. Through their experiences, we can gain insight into our own struggles and questions about discipleship. By examining the themes and characters in The Chosen, we can discover practical applications for our own lives and deepen our understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.

Key Takeaways

• Discipleship involves following Jesus and becoming more like Him through learning, growing, and serving others.
• The Chosen offers a unique perspective on discipleship by portraying the humanity and diversity of Jesus’ followers.
• By examining the themes and characters in The Chosen, we can discover practical applications for our own lives and deepen our understanding of discipleship.

(Heads up: 😊 this page includes affiliate links. If you click and purchase on these links, I may receive a small commission as an Amazon Associate at no extra cost to you! I only recommended products that I absolutely LOVE myself! ❤️)

😊 I love what Dallas Jenkins, Amanda Jenkins, and Douglas S. Huffman have done with creating 4 different interactive Bible studies to go along with The Chosen TV series!

1. What does it mean to be Chosen? (Season 1)
3. Blessed are the Chosen (Season 2)
5. The Way of the Chosen (Season 3)
7. God’s Goodness for the Chosen (Season 4)

I’ve used them for my own personal study, and I am just starting to lead a group of high school students in Sunday School with the first season! (I’m anxious to study more about each episode and learn the powerful Truth in God’s Word AND I’m anxious to watch them again, 📀 as I started watching them when they progressively came out, starting in 2021!) ❤️

**You can watch all of these episodes for FREE on The Chosen app, however, if your internet isn’t as reliable as you’d like (like mine 😊), then you can watch each season on DVD!

1. Season 1 📀
2. Season 2 📀
3. Season 3 📀
4. NEW!!! Season 4 📀 (2024)

** 📚 If you are more of a reader, you can enjoy the different seasons by reading quietly to yourself! 📚

Book 1: I Have Called You by Name: A Novel based on Season 1 (hard back book)

Book 2: Come and See: A Novel based on Season 2 (hard back book) (the above pic is another front cover pic for book 2)

Book 3: And I will Give You Rest: A Novel based on Season 3 (hard back book)

Book 4: Upon this Rock: A Novel based on Season 4 (hard back book just released 2024!)

They also just released a Special Edition Boxed Set for Novels 1-3 in paperback!

I also love their devotional books…I just have Book 1 so far, (4o days with Jesus) but I’m anxious to invest in the others soon! 📕

Devotional Book 2

Devotional Book 3

Devotional Book 4

The Essence of Discipleship

Following Jesus’ Teachings

As disciples of Jesus, our primary aim is to follow His teachings. Jesus’ teachings are the foundation of our faith, and they guide us in our daily lives. We believe that the teachings of Jesus are the Truth, and we strive to live by them. We read the Bible regularly to understand His teachings and apply them to our lives.

Living a Life of Service

Being a disciple of Jesus means living a life of service. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to serve others. We believe that serving others is a way to show our love for God and to honor Jesus’ teachings. We actively seek opportunities to serve our communities, whether it’s through volunteering at a local shelter or donating to a charity.

Commitment to Spiritual Growth

Discipleship is a lifelong journey of spiritual growth. We commit ourselves to grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with God. We do this through prayer, reading the Bible, attending church, and participating in small groups. We believe that spiritual growth is essential to our discipleship and helps us become more like Jesus.

In summary, discipleship is about following Jesus’ teachings, living a life of service, and committing ourselves to spiritual growth. As disciples of Jesus, we strive to live our lives in a way that honors Him and reflects His love to others.

The Chosen as a visual for Understanding

Portrayal of Jesus and His Disciples

In The Chosen, we see a unique portrayal of Jesus and His disciples that is both relatable and authentic. The show’s creators have taken great care to humanize these biblical figures, showing their flaws, doubts, and struggles. This approach allows us to see Jesus and His disciples as real people, rather than distant historical figures.

One of the most striking aspects of The Chosen’s portrayal of Jesus is His compassion and empathy. We see Him interacting with people from ALL walks of life, showing kindness and understanding to those who are often overlooked. This emphasis on compassion is a powerful reminder of the central message of Jesus’ teachings.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Chosen also provides valuable insight into the historical and cultural context in which Jesus and His disciples lived. Through the show’s attention to detail in costumes, settings, and dialogue, we get a sense of what life was like in first-century Palestine.

For example, we see the tension between the Jewish people and their Roman occupiers, as well as the strict social hierarchies that existed within Jewish society. This context helps us to better understand the challenges that Jesus and His disciples faced in spreading their message, as well as the significance of their actions and teachings.

Personal Reflection and Interpretation

Finally, The Chosen invites us to reflect on our own understanding and interpretation of Jesus’ teachings. Through the show’s portrayal of the disciples, we see the different ways in which people respond to Jesus’ message.

Some, like Peter and Matthew, are immediately drawn to Him and become His followers. Others, like Nicodemus and Mary Magdalene, are more hesitant and require more time to fully understand His teachings. This diversity of responses encourages us to examine our own relationship with Jesus and consider how we can more fully live out His message in our own lives.

For me, personally, I was praying about whether or not Jesus wanted me to lead the children’s department at my church on Wednesday evenings. (Another gal had been doing it up until Covid). I love kids and I love teaching them (being an elementary school teacher), but I wanted to make SURE I was hearing God’s Voice if I WAS the one who SHOULD be leading them. (My husband is a Pastor, so there are a lot of different responsibilities that come with being a pastor’s wife, as I’ve been extra careful to not “just say yes” each time, especially since we just moved here 8 years ago).

So, when I saw Episode 3 of Season 1, where Jesus is simply sitting and talking to the children (who just seem to magnetize themselves to Him), teaching them God’s Powerful Word while talking about their daily activities, I KNEW that THAT was God’s specific answer to ME…as tears are streaming down my face! 😭 💜 😊

Practical Applications in Modern Life

Community and Fellowship

As disciples of Jesus, we recognize the importance of community and fellowship in our daily lives. We understand that we are not meant to live in isolation, but rather to be part of a larger community of believers. This community provides us with support, encouragement, and accountability as we seek to follow Jesus. This can take many forms, such as attending church services, participating in small group studies, or simply spending time with other believers in informal settings. By doing so, we can build relationships with other believers and grow in our faith together.

Challenges and Perseverance

As disciples of Jesus, we understand that following Him is not always easy. (Jesus says, “I have told you all this so that you may have Peace in Me. Here on Earth you WILL have many trials and sorrows, BUT TAKE HEART, because I HAVE overcome the World!” John 16:33)

We will face challenges, obstacles, and trials along the way. However, we also understand that these challenges are opportunities for growth and perseverance. Instead of avoiding difficult situations, we can approach them with a mindset of learning and growth. By doing so, we can develop perseverance in our faith.

We can also seek out guidance from mentors or spiritual leaders, participate in support groups, or simply reach out to friends for prayer and encouragement.

In summary, as disciples of Jesus, we recognize the importance of community, fellowship, and perseverance in our daily lives. By actively seeking out opportunities for fellowship and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, we can grow in our faith and become more effective disciples of Jesus.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ‘The Chosen’ series depict the life and calling of a disciple of Jesus?

In ‘The Chosen’, the life and calling of a disciple of Jesus are portrayed as a journey of transformation 🦋, sacrifice, and faith. The series emphasizes the importance of personal relationships with Jesus and with one another, as well as the challenges and joys of following Him.

In what ways does ‘The Chosen’ inspire viewers to understand and pursue discipleship?

‘The Chosen’ inspires viewers to understand and pursue discipleship by showing the transformative power of Jesus’ love and the beauty of living a life of faith. The series encourages viewers to deepen their relationship with Jesus and to seek community with other believers.

How does discipleship in ‘The Chosen’ compare to traditional biblical teachings?

Discipleship in ‘The Chosen’ aligns with traditional biblical teachings in its emphasis on following Jesus, growing in faith, and building relationships with other believers. The series also highlights the humanity and struggles of the disciples, making their journey more relatable to modern audiences.

What lessons on discipleship can viewers learn from ‘The Chosen’?

Viewers of ‘The Chosen’ can learn many valuable lessons on discipleship, including the importance of faith, community, and sacrifice. The series also highlights the transformative power of Jesus’ love and the beauty of living a life of faith.

Keep striving to be more and more like Jesus, my friends, and joyfully pass it on!