Gospel Line Dance Ministry Meeting

We are meeting at the Point Loma Campus.

1st Floor, Room 144 (behind the community room)

After you enter the lobby, walk past the elevators and the community room, go through the double doors on your right, and walk all the way down the walkway almost to the end. Room 144 will be on your right.

Devotional (6:00pm-7:00pm) and line dancing (7:00pm-8:00pm).

During our devotional time, we will discuss The Chosen (study below). During our line dancing time, we will learn easy beginner level line dances.

THE CHOSEN: The Perfect Opportunity (Season 2, Episode 4)

Video: Click here to watch the video.

Scripture References:
John 5:1-16
Zechariah 8:20-23
Psalm 69:9
Exodus 20:8-11

Characters:
Jesus, the disciples, Simon the Zealot, Jesse (the invalid), Shmuel (Pharisee), Atticus (Roman inspector), Rufus (Roman procurator), Zealots

The Big Idea:
What is your one BIG idea from this episode? (What captured your imagination most, and what would you first share with someone about this episode and how God spoke to you through it?)

Bring to Group:
What quote from this episode was the most meaningful/impactful to you? Why?

Group Discussion Questions:
1. Which characters stood out to you most? Which were most interesting? Most moving?

2. This episode is rich in providing context and understanding of the Jews’ religious culture and history, helping us have perspective on the world Jesus ministered in. Some of the subjects covered are deep and worth further reading for your growth:
- Teachings about the Sabbath
- The Festival of Booths
- The Rise and Concerns of the Pharisees
- The Zealots and their goals
We encourage you to do further research on each of these and revisit them in your group.
In the meantime, what can you conclude about each of these based on this episode?

3. Simon the Zealot and Jesse (invalid by the Pool of Bethesda) are creatively connected as brothers by the series. How did the back story give you insight into the misery of Jesse whom John 5:5 tells us had been disabled for 38 years? How might his presence at the Pool of Bethesda indicate his desire to be healed?

4. What was the stated goal of the Zealots? Why were they able to justify murder? How can someone be so passionate for God and be so wrong as to how to please Him? (Freebie: Mark 15:7 hints that Barabbas may have been a Zealot.)

5. Simon, the Zealots and Pharisees all wanted to please God. Who are you praying for to embrace grace and turn from legalism?

6. As you witnessed the disciples’ preparation for the Festival of Booths, what thoughts did you have about the significance of religious tradition/heritage? About the importance of experiencing God in community?

7. Jesus knew who He was looking for at the pool. He went seeking Jesse. Who are you “looking for” to experience Jesus?

8. Jesus told Jesse the pool had nothing to offer him. What do we turn to that cannot satisfy/provide/help you? In what ways do you turn to a “pool” instead of Jesus?

9. As Jesse carried out his mat, he was confronted by Shmuel who accused him of working on the Sabbath. How did this example of legalism gone rogue impact you? How/when might you be guilty of a similar mindset?

Quotes:
“You're not coming back here. That life is over. Everything changes now.” - Jesus
“I know a thing or two about prophecies that sound impossible.” - Mary