The Chosen – Episode 7

Date

March 23, 2021

Zoom – The Chosen – Episode 7 

Friday, Jan. 15 at 7:00

Here we are! Wonderful episode 7! I think the last scene of this episode, where Jesus calls Matthew, is absolutely amazing! Love it! Oh, & Jesus’ secret nighttime talk with Nicodemus is pretty amazing, too! Something that came to my mind after thinking on this episode: what if we were to try to consider Nicodemus as a representation of what many North American believers at times might have to push through a bit to get to Jesus (think money & possessions, reputation, family & church life). I would say, for me anyway, it’s fairly easy to feel for Nicodemus & even understand the mix of turmoil, questioning & wonder he has going on inside of him as Jesus’ unexpectedly appeared onto the scene. Whether we’re more like Matthew or more like Nicodemus (or maybe a little of both), I think it’s safe to say Jesus is so super ready to meet with us in this moment & to invite us to keep following Him into the reality of “for God so loved the world.” My thoughts, anyway! 

These are some of the Bible passages that episode 7 refers to:

Numbers 21:4-9 – The Bronze Snake
John 3:1-21 – For God so loved the world ...
Luke 5:27-28 – Follow Me!
( also Mat. 9:9 & Mark 2:13-14)


Things you can (but don’t need to) think about while watching:

Here's a photo of the wrist bands I often wear. The phrase on the black band is typically used as a negative statement. But in this case, on this wrist band, the phrase is actually meant to be a positive declaration. 
Does this photo at all remind you of someone in the 7thepisode of The Chosen? 
What does this phrase, any sporting event & Matthew in this week's last scene all have in common?


Why did Jesus come to be with people on this earth?


Why do you think the last scene in episode 7 is such a favorite with people who enjoy this show?
(Jesus invites Matthew to follow Him)


Here’s a string of some amazing little interactions, all from the last scene in episode 7, where Jesus invites Matthew to follow Him. The last line I’ve included is one of my favorite quotes of the whole season.

Jesus: Matthew, son of Alphaeus.
Matthew: Yes?
Jesus: Follow Me!
Matthew: Me?
Jesus: Yes, you!
Matthew: You want me to join You?


Simon: What are You doing? Do You have any idea what this guy has done? Do You even know him?
Jesus: Yes!


Gaius: Where do you think you're going?
Matthew: Gaius, let me go.
Gaius: Have you lost your mind? You have money. Quintus protects you. No Jew lives as good as you. You're going to throw it all away?
Matthew: Yes!


Simon: I don't get it.
Jesus: You didn't get it when I chose you, either.
Simon: But this is different. I'm not a tax collector.
Jesus: Get used to different.

OK, so this is the playlist that finally focuses on Matthew. It’s a bit longer than the others, but I just find Matthew’s reactions to Jesus so very cool! Thus, the extra emphasis on Matthew here!

I Can’t Live Without You (Matthew’s Song) – Owl Cityhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/1gTtG4UOSO8?enablejsapi=1&autoplay=0&cc_load_policy=0&iv_load_policy=1&loop=0&modestbranding=1&rel=0&fs=1&playsinline=0&autohide=2&theme=dark&color=red&controls=1&

all the thoughts in my head
spinning 'round like a hurricane
& life leaves me so confused


You reached down out of nowhere
& picked my heart up off the floor
You put my life back together
& i'm not broken anymore


You're my only wish for a dream come true
& it goes like this,will You come to my rescue?”
You're the Only Hope
that i'm clinging to
& i hope You know,i can't live without You!”

You’re Not Alone (Matthew’s 3:16 Song) – Owl Cityhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/DavJ9UKS2ps?enablejsapi=1&autoplay=0&cc_load_policy=0&iv_load_policy=1&loop=0&modestbranding=1&rel=0&fs=1&playsinline=0&autohide=2&theme=dark&color=red&controls=1&

i'm lost without You
You're Grace is beyond compare
& though when it rains it pours
You know all i have is Yours
You smile when You hear my prayer


You rescued me
& i believe
that God is Love
& He is all i need
from this day forth
for all eternity
i can hear You say,you're not alone!”


in the face of my depravity
for God so loved the world
He died for me
my fire burns
'til He returns
& takes me home 
beyond the galaxy

Everything (Matthew’s Worship) – Jesus Culturehttps://www.youtube.com/embed/Y6hVNWfIYV0?enablejsapi=1&autoplay=0&cc_load_policy=0&iv_load_policy=1&loop=0&modestbranding=1&rel=0&fs=1&playsinline=0&autohide=2&theme=dark&color=red&controls=1&

Find me here, speak to me
i want to feel You, i need to hear You


You are my purpose
You're Everything


how can i stand here with You
& not be moved by You?
would You tell me
how could it be
any better than this? 


cause You're all i want
You're all i need
Everything


Crazy (Another Matthew Song) – Newsboys

So, I’ve been going back & forth, whether I should include this song or not. Some of the lyrics may seem a little edgy, maybe even a tad bit rebellious. I don’t believe that’s the tone of this song. To me these lyrics so wonderfully fit Matthew & his experience with Jesus calling him.https://www.youtube.com/embed/dTQxlTqepQU?enablejsapi=1&autoplay=0&cc_load_policy=0&iv_load_policy=1&loop=0&modestbranding=1&rel=0&fs=1&playsinline=0&autohide=2&theme=dark&color=red&controls=1&

You turned the world on its head with Your words
said the first will be last & the last will be first
You loved the traitor those who spat in Your face
& You gave up a throne for a cross & a grave
i wanna be that radical fearless & fanatical


crazy!
i don't care if the whole world calls me
crazy!
I don't care if it looks like i've lost my mind
i'm alive 
to live a reckless righteous foolish life 
maybe, i was born to be crazy
some say strange
some say odd
i say child of the Living God!!