Click below to watch The Chosen: Episode 5 of Season 2.
blob:https://watch.angelstudios.com/095bf140-26b4-4a36-a627-d880b63014e3
Let’s talk about what we saw, what we heard and what we learned.
JOHN THE BAPTIST and JESUS
John the Baptist visits his cousin, Jesus and tells Him about his dangerous plan to storm into Herod’s court to accuse him of sin.
John and Jesus are family, and both have a mission. John is calling all to turn from their sin and make way for the coming Messiah. Jesus is here to forgive sin and to save the world. JESUS is the Messiah.
They argue over the importance or non-importance of pointing out the actions or sins of the rich and those in power. John says it is a matter of Mosaic Law. Jesus says He is here for bigger purposes than the breaking of rules.
John reminds Jesus that he has been here for 30 years and he is anxious for Jesus to start doing what He came to do, to get to the point. He asks if Jesus intends to make friends with or be nice to the Religious Leaders. Neither do.
They discuss how things they have prepared for are becoming REAL. Jesus sadly anticipates John’s arrest and execution.
Jesus reminds John that wherever and whatever he does, he should “Listen to God’s voice.”
What did you think of the conversation between Jesus and John?
Whatever God calls us to do or say, we should always turn to Scripture and prayer and listen to God’s voice first and foremost.
MARY MAGDALENE and HER DEMONS
Mary sees Roman soldiers which triggers fear, anxiety, and memories. It also stirs up her past 7 demons and PTSD.
Mary discards the written scripture Matthew has given her to study and forgets the Scripture she had just been reciting. Psalms 139:8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.Mary didn’t take the Scripture she was learning to heart. She has a relapse. She lets her past get the best of her.
She starts acting out of character and even snaps at Rhema while teaching her to read Hebrew. Her head begins to hurt again as we saw in episode 1, season 1.
Mary confronts the Demon possessed man, has the courage to rebuke the demon saying her name is not Lilith and asks the man to say what his real name is. She isn’t strong enough and fails in her attempt to stand against the demon, Belial and is nearly overcome until Simon steps in and physically wrestles with the possessed man and Jesus casts out the demon. Afterwards she feels she has failed and is unworthy to stay with the others.
She seems to give up and returns to people tied to her past and to the bar to get the drink she used before.
How do we keep from feeling like Mary did? How do we resist falling back into old habits? How do we not give in to despair and feelings of failure?
When we meet and accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are saved but we still need to deal with the aftermath or consequences of our past. Even after we are saved, we still make mistakes, we sin and we sometimes fall back into old habits or create new ones, but it doesn’t mean Jesus won’t forgive us, heal us, guide us and lead us back on track.
Both Simon and Nathaniel said, “Once you meet Jesus everything changes.” Mary felt she was a failure and leaves.
Confronting our past, our sin and failures is hard. How do you handle when this happens to you?
We need to stay focused on Jesus and the truth. Talk to fellow Christians. Talk to God. Remember you are not alone. God knows and He is with you always.
JESUS CASTS OUT THE DEMON
Both Mary and Simon the Zealot tried to fight off the demon possessed man but Jesus steps or runs in and simply says, “OUT! OUT of HIM.” John the Baptist screams “YEAH!” John knows this is what Jesus is all about. He had never seen Jesus perform a miracle. The Disciples all see demon possession up close. Matthew, Thomas, Simon the Zealot and Mary all thought they could fight the demon on their own, but it took Jesus to cast it out.
When we are faced with what seem to be insurmountable circumstances, especially when we are facing the demons from our past, we need to call on Jesus. We can’t do it alone.
JESUS and SIMON, the ZEALOT
Jesus tells Simon that He has everything that He NEEDS but WANTS Simon with Him.
Jesus explains to Simon that the reason He healed his brother was to get Simon’s attention.
Simon says he has trained for years and is ready to do what Jesus asks. He believes he is to be a part of Jesus’ army against the Romans, but Jesus throws Simon’s knife away.
What did you think of their conversation?
Jesus is fighting against everyone’s assumption that He is a fighting Messiah. Simon Peter and Simon, the Zealot have a lot in common. Can you see the similarities?
We will not win people over or reflect Christ in our lives through violence or by being pushy. It is not by power or by might, but by God’s Holy Spirit working through us.
Who was John the Baptist?
Luke 3:1-18 Tells the story of John the Baptist.
Matthew 14:1-13 tells the story of John confronting Herod because he is marrying his brother’s wife. It tells how John is captured and imprisoned and how Herodias’ daughter dances for Herod and asks for John’s head on a platter in return.
Why Jesus Came
Luke 19:10 “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.
Jesus WANTS us close to Him
John 17:24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. known to them and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”
Following and Serving Jesus but Not by the Sword
Zachariah 4:6 So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.
Jesus casts out Demons
Matthew 8:16 That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.
Be Strong
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Joshua 1:9 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Psalms 139:8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
I pray you have been Blessed my Friends.
Until Next Time. VICTORIA
Believing Outside the Box 