The Chosen Season 1, Episode 1, titled I Have Called You by Name, introduces the lives of Jesus’ future disciples and followers, showcasing their struggles and transformation. Set in 1st-century Israel, the episode provides a cultural and historical context, highlighting Roman oppression and societal challenges. This study guide helps explore the episode’s themes, biblical references, and the intentional encounters of Jesus, offering a deeper understanding of His mission and message.
1.1 Overview of the Episode: “I Have Called You by Name”
The Chosen Season 1, Episode 1, I Have Called You by Name, sets the stage for the series by introducing key characters like Mary Magdalene and the disciples in their lives before meeting Jesus. The episode portrays their personal and societal struggles, such as Mary’s possession and the disciples’ hardships, while highlighting the cultural and historical context of 1st-century Israel. It emphasizes Jesus’ intentional encounters, showcasing His divine timing and purpose. The episode also includes a dramatic depiction of Mary’s deliverance, foreshadowing the redemptive themes of the series. This study guide encourages viewers to reflect on the episode’s biblical parallels and the transformative power of Jesus’ presence in broken lives.
1.2 Historical and Cultural Context of 1st Century Israel
The episode is set in 1st-century Israel, a time of Roman occupation and cultural upheaval. The oppressive Roman rule created a climate of unrest, with heavy taxation and societal divisions. Jewish communities lived under strict religious laws, with tensions between Pharisees, Sadducees, and other groups. The episode highlights the daily struggles of ordinary people, such as fishermen and marginalized individuals like Mary Magdalene, showcasing their longing for redemption. The cultural context of ancient Israel, including its religious practices and social hierarchies, provides a backdrop for understanding the significance of Jesus’ arrival. This historical setting helps viewers connect with the characters’ experiences and the broader biblical narrative.
Key Characters and Their Roles
2.1 Mary Magdalene: Her Struggles and Transformation
Mary Magdalene, portrayed in Episode 1, is shown entangled in a life of turmoil, reflecting her internal and external struggles. Her story highlights themes of redemption and divine intervention, as she encounters Jesus. This pivotal moment sets the stage for her transformation from a life of despair to one of purpose and faith. The episode emphasizes her emotional journey, illustrating how Jesus’ intentional encounters bring hope and healing to those in darkness. Her character serves as a testament to the power of redemption, resonating deeply with viewers and setting the tone for her role in the series.
2.2 The Disciples: Their Lives Before Meeting Jesus
The episode delves into the lives of the disciples before their encounter with Jesus, revealing their struggles and desperation. Simon Peter, for instance, is on the brink of losing his family, livelihood, and possibly his life, showcasing his dire situation. Similarly, Mary Magdalene is portrayed as trapped in a life of turmoil, highlighting her internal and external battles. These depictions humanize the disciples, illustrating their vulnerabilities and the challenges they faced. Their stories serve as a backdrop for the transformative power of Jesus’ presence, emphasizing the profound impact He would later have on their lives. This portrayal sets the stage for their journey toward redemption and purpose.
Major Themes of the Episode
The episode explores themes of divine intentionality, redemption, and the transformative power of faith. It highlights Jesus’ purposeful encounters and the profound impact of His presence on broken lives, emphasizing hope and renewal.
3.1 Jesus’ Intentionality in His Encounters
Jesus’ encounters in Episode 1 are marked by profound intentionality, showcasing His divine purpose. Each meeting, such as with Mary Magdalene, is deliberate, reflecting His deep understanding of individual struggles. His actions are not random but tailored to address specific needs, demonstrating His omniscient care. This intentionality highlights Jesus’ mission to seek and save the lost, offering redemption and hope. The episode underscores how Jesus’ timing and actions are purposeful, aligning with biblical narratives and emphasizing His role as a compassionate Savior. This theme invites viewers to reflect on how Jesus’ intentional love can transform their own lives, providing a model for personal faith and trust in His plan.
3.2 The Theme of Redemption and Miracle
The episode powerfully explores the theme of redemption and miracle through Jesus’ transformative encounters. Mary Magdalene’s deliverance from demonic possession and Simon Peter’s desperate need for a miracle highlight Jesus’ divine authority and compassion. These moments underscore God’s redemptive plan, offering hope to the broken and oppressed. The miracles serve as tangible expressions of Jesus’ love and power, illustrating His ability to intervene in human lives. This theme invites viewers to reflect on their own need for redemption and the miracles that manifest in their lives. The episode emphasizes that redemption is not just spiritual but also deeply personal, transforming lives in profound ways through Jesus’ intentional love and divine intervention.
Biblical References and Parallels
The episode connects to biblical texts like Isaiah 43, emphasizing God’s redemption, and reflects Old Testament themes, linking Jesus’ encounters to prophetic fulfillments and divine purpose.
4.1 Connections to Isaiah 43 and Its Fulfillment
The episode draws parallels to Isaiah 43, where God declares, “I have called you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1). This verse underscores Jesus’ intentional encounters, as seen in His call to Mary Magdalene and others. The fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy is evident in Jesus’ redemptive actions, reflecting God’s promise to bring light and hope to His people. The episode highlights how Jesus’ interactions are deeply rooted in biblical prophecy, emphasizing His divine purpose and the transformation of those He touches. This connection reinforces the theme of redemption and God’s sovereignty, linking the Old Testament promises to the New Testament realities.
4.2 Reflections on Old Testament Prologues
The episode subtly reflects on Old Testament prologues, such as the story of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 12:15-23, which is later referenced in Season 1. These prologues provide historical and theological context, bridging the gap between the Old and New Testaments. They highlight God’s consistent plan of redemption and His faithfulness to His people. By incorporating these reflections, the series underscores the continuity of God’s story, showing how Jesus’ ministry fulfills ancient promises. This approach enriches the narrative, helping viewers connect the biblical past with the present-day story of Jesus and His followers. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding Scripture as a unified whole.
Discussion and Reflection Questions
How does Jesus’ intentionality in His encounters challenge your understanding of divine timing? What personal struggles can you identify with in the disciples’ lives? How does the episode inspire you to apply its message in your life or group discussions?
5.1 Questions for Personal Reflection
What personal struggles or challenges do you identify with in the lives of Mary Magdalene or the disciples? How does Jesus’ intentionality in His encounters inspire your faith? Reflect on a time when you felt called or transformed by God—how did it shape your life? Consider the cultural and historical context of 1st-century Israel—how does it influence your understanding of the disciples’ journeys? What does the theme of redemption mean to you personally? How can you apply the message of this episode to your own life or relationships? Take a moment to journal or pray about how God might be calling you by name, just as He did for Mary and the disciples.
5.2 Group Discussion Topics and Bible Study
Discuss how Jesus’ intentional encounters with characters like Mary Magdalene and the disciples reflect His divine plan. Explore the cultural and historical context of 1st-century Israel and its impact on the characters’ lives. Analyze the theme of redemption and how it applies to modern struggles. How does the episode portray the transformation of characters before meeting Jesus? Reflect on the relevance of Isaiah 43:1 and its fulfillment in the episode. Consider the role of community and support in the disciples’ journeys. Consider the societal structures that trapped characters like Matthew and Mary—how do similar systems affect us today? End with a Bible study on John 1:14, emphasizing the Word becoming flesh and its significance.
Study Guide Elements
This section includes recommended reading, relevant Scriptures, and additional resources for a deeper understanding of Episode 1. It enhances personal or group Bible study experiences effectively.
6.1 Recommended Reading and Scriptures
For Episode 1, recommended reading includes Isaiah 43, which highlights God’s plan and redemption, and Matthew 4:18-22, detailing the call of the first disciples. Reflection questions encourage connecting biblical themes to personal experiences. Additional Scriptures like John 1:43-51 provide context on Jesus’ intentional encounters. These passages and reflections help deepen understanding of Jesus’ mission and the disciples’ transformations. The guide also suggests exploring Old Testament prologues, such as 2 Samuel 12:15-23, to see biblical parallels. This structured approach facilitates meaningful engagement with the episode’s message and its biblical foundations, making it ideal for personal or group study settings.
6.2 Additional Resources for Deeper Understanding
For a deeper dive into Episode 1, explore the official The Chosen study guides, which include biblical commentary, discussion questions, and historical insights. Video resources like Catholic commentary videos offer theological perspectives, while behind-the-scenes content from creator Dallas Jenkins provides insight into the production. Additional materials include devotionals, such as The Chosen: A Catholic Consideration, and reflections on Old Testament parallels like Isaiah 43. These resources enrich understanding of the episode’s themes and biblical connections, making them ideal for personal reflection, group discussions, or family Bible studies. They also provide practical tools for applying the episode’s message to daily life.
The episode highlights Jesus’ intentional encounters and transformative power, emphasizing redemption and divine timing. It invites reflection on faith, grace, and God’s purpose in our lives.
7.1 Summary of Key Lessons
The episode I Have Called You by Name underscores Jesus’ intentional encounters, revealing His divine timing and purpose. Key lessons include the transformative power of redemption, as seen in Mary Magdalene’s deliverance, and the importance of faith in overcoming societal and personal struggles. The episode also highlights Jesus’ ability to meet individuals in their brokenness, offering hope and restoration. Additionally, it emphasizes the cultural and historical context of 1st-century Israel, illustrating the oppressive environment and the longing for a Messiah. These lessons encourage viewers to reflect on their own journeys, seeking God’s redemption and purpose in their lives, while trusting in His timing and plan.
7.2 Application of the Episode’s Message
The episode’s message invites viewers to reflect on God’s intentional timing and purpose in their lives. It encourages trusting in divine plans, even during uncertainty, and seeking redemption from personal struggles. The transformation of characters like Mary Magdalene inspires believers to embrace God’s grace and pursue spiritual renewal. Viewers are challenged to identify areas in their lives where they need redemption and to trust in Jesus’ ability to bring restoration. This message can be applied through personal reflection, prayer, and community discussions, fostering a deeper relationship with God and a greater understanding of His love and purpose. It also reminds us that our brokenness is not the end but an opportunity for divine intervention and transformation.