Watch
This episode is quite different from any other in the Chosen library. Outside of a scene in which Jesus seems to reference the moment he encountered (and healed) Mary Magdalene, none of the plotlines established in Episodes One and Two are mentioned, and no characters from those episodes make an appearance (aside from Jesus). All this to say, a group recap isn’t needed. You might simply want to mention some of what we just mentioned with regard to the uniqueness of this episode.
Discuss
The children initially struggle to determine whether or not Jesus is safe to be around. Even as adults, we struggle to view Jesus as safe. Why?
The children’s fears quickly fade, and soon they quite literally run to be with Jesus. Thinking back on the episode, what are the many things about him that convinced them—and might convince us—that he is safe?
The goal is to help them see the prevailing quality of gentleness in Jesus that allows him to be seen as “safe.” It’s shown in his speech, his playful humor, his teaching, his manner of clothing, his simple means of living, his very commonness. It might be helpful to spend time in these passages: Isaiah 42:1-4, Luke 4:14-21, and Matthew 11:28-30.[1]
Still, Jesus does challenge the children, because his being gentle doesn’t mean he won’t confront and reshape. It’s simply that he does so gently. What did you notice about how he challenged them, and what does that teach us about how we confront and challenge others?
Many find it easy to view the Son (Jesus) as gentle and thus safe to approach, but struggle to see the Father (God) in the same way. Why—and how can such doubt and reluctance be overcome?
In all of this talk of Jesus’s gentleness, remember that there is a moment early in the episode where Abigail asks Jesus, “Are you dangerous?” He replies, “Maybe to some.” Who do you think he is talking about—and why might they find him dangerous?”
Pray
Here are two questions to guide your group’s closing prayer:
If you were to offer a word of thanks to God for something that comforted you in this episode, what would it be?
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?