Episode 4: A Perfect Opportunity
MAIN IDEAS
In this episode, titled “The Perfect Opportunity,” Jesus forgives the sins of a paralyzed man before healing him physically, demonstrating the profound power of forgiveness and the priority of spiritual healing over physical restoration. The episode explores themes of faith, courage, and the transformative impact of Jesus’ love, as each character grapples with their understanding of sin, forgiveness, and the divine opportunities presented by Jesus’ presence.
OPENER
Share a time when you had a ‘perfect opportunity’ to show kindness or forgive someone
VIEW CLIP FROM THE CHOSEN, SEASON 2, EPISODE 3
DISCUSSION (30 Minutes)
Why do you think Jesus forgives the man’s sins before He heals him? What does this tell us about forgiveness?
How can forgiving someone be like healing them? Can you share a time when you or someone you know experienced this?
Different people in the episode react in different ways to Jesus’ forgiveness and healing. Which person do you think you are most like, and why?
SCRIPTURE (10 Minutes)
One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.” —Luke 5:17-26
How does this Bible story help us understand the scene we watched? What new things did you learn about forgiveness and faith?
PERSONAL REFLECTION (10 Minutes)
Spend a few minutes reflecting. Take some time to think about someone you need to forgive or ask forgiveness from. Feel free to write down thoughts or prayers.
CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK
Identify someone in your life whom you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from. Take a step this week to reach out, whether through a conversation, a letter, or a simple act of kindness, and offer or ask for forgiveness. Reflect on how this act of grace impacts your heart and relationships, and come prepared to share your experience with the group next week.
PREPARE FOR NEXT WEEK:
1. WATCH
The Chosen, Season 2, Episode 5: Spirit
2. READ
MARK 3:13-19
This passage details Jesus appointing the twelve apostles. In the episode, you see Jesus continuing to build His ministry and choosing His closest followers, highlighting the personal connections and spiritual preparation of the apostles.
LUKE 4:14-30
This scripture recounts Jesus’ return to Nazareth and His reading from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue, declaring the fulfillment of the prophecy. This moment is pivotal in the episode as it portrays Jesus’ bold proclamation of His mission, and the mixed reactions from those in His hometown.
MATTHEW 10:16-23
Jesus speaks to His disciples about the challenges they will face as they spread His teachings, including persecution and hardship. The episode uses this to illustrate the growing tension and opposition that Jesus and His followers begin to encounter.