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The Chosen: Jesus Journeys Toward Jerusalem
Winter Worship Series 2026
The fourth season of the series, The Chosen, depicts the major events that lead up to Jesus’ final entrance into Jerusalem where he knows death awaits. His teachings become more controversial as he confronts the religious leaders while his popularity continues to grow. In this series we will better understand what led to Jesus’ death and what was at the heart of his teaching and life. Come journey with Jesus toward Jerusalem through the eyes of The Chosen.
January 11
Family, Forgiveness, and Faith
Matthew 10:34-37, 16:13-20, 18:21-22
As Jesus continues his ministry, he uses everyday situations in the disciples’ lives to redefine the notions of family, forgiveness, and faith. When one of his disciples turns away from her father’s wishes to follow Jesus and become engaged, Jesus takes the opportunity to teach them about the cost of following him. When Peter and Matthew have a hard time forgiving one another for past and present hurts, he teaches them about reconciliation. When they take a detour to Caesarea Philippi, he distinguishes who he is among all the other gods and religions. How might Jesus continue to redefine family, forgiveness, and faith today?
Reflection Questions: What would you do if you had to choose between family or Jesus? Who might need your forgiveness for the 77th time? How is faith in Jesus different from all the other gods in our world?
Based on Episode 2 of Season 4 of The Chosen.
January 18
Luke 11:29-32; John 9 and 10 (select verses)
Jesus confronts the Pharisees more directly as he approaches Jerusalem. He intentionally heals on the Sabbath, breaks purity laws, and refutes the idea that this man or his parents or to blame for his blindness. Then he challenges them about keeping the letter of law but not the spirit of it, insulting them and accusing the to be full of greed and wickedness. Theological claims about the sign of Jonah, being greater than Solomon, and acting like a Good Shepherd spurs the Pharisees’s anger. Finally, when he claims that he and the Father are one, more then words are hurled at him.
Reflection Questions: How do we today put laws above people or blame them for their own misfortune? How would you describe the difference between keeping the letter of the law and the spirit of the law? What are the ways people do that today?
Based on Episodes 3 and 6 of Season 4 of The Chosen.
January 25
Unexpected Faith and Faithlessness
On the road to Jerusalem, Jesus encounters some unexpected people. While the Jewish religious leaders try to kill Jesus, one Roman centurion surprisingly demonstrates great faith in him. Asking for healing for his servant boy, this Roman citizen senses his own unworthiness in Jesus’ presence and believes Jesus only needs to say the word to perform this miracle. On the other hand, James and John who have followed him for almost three years, still don’t understand Jesus’ meaning of greatness or the kind of life he calls them to live. Faith and faithlessness come in unexpected ways.
Reflection Questions: Think of a time when you witnessed great faith from someone you least expected. Have you been disappointed in a strong believer who didn’t live according to Jesus’ teachings?
Based on Episode 4 of Season 4 of The Chosen.
February 1
Luke 22:39-45, Matthew 6:25-34
Theme blurb: This week we will center on the assurance that God meets us in the full range of human emotion—not only in joy and gratitude, but also in anxiety, sorrow, and fear. Rather than being signs of weak faith, these struggles are places where God’s presence is real and active, holding us as both sad and loved. Through the humanity of Jesus, we are reminded that God understands our pressures and pain and walks with us faithfully, calling us beloved in every season of life.
Reflection Questions: Where have you experienced the tension of joy and sorrow in your own life, and how might God be present in both at the same time? How might Jesus’ example of prayer, rest, and honest emotion invite you to care for your own mental and spiritual well-being?
February 8
Martha and Mary Memorable Moments
Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, who are siblings, have many encounters with their good friend, Jesus. On one occasion, when Jesus and his disciples stop by for a visit, Martha learns what’s really important. On another visit, Mary pours out her love for Jesus in the form of expensive perfume. How might you live more like Martha and Mary in these two stories?
Reflection Questions: What is the one important lesson that Jesus teaches Martha? How can you incorporate both “Mary times” and “Martha times” in your life? In what way have you witnessed an extravagant outpouring of love? How are you pouring out your love for Jesus in big and small ways?
Based on Episodes 5 and 8 of Season 4 of The Chosen.
February 15
A Foretaste of What Is to Come
John 11:1-44 (select verses)
Jesus intentionally sets up his greatest miracle not long before his entrance into Jerusalem. Although he gets word of Lazarus’ illness several days earlier, he waits until he knows Lazarus is dead before making the journey to Bethany. He grieves with Lazarus’s sisters upon arrival as they both question why he didn’t arrive earlier. Once all his disciples, family members, and grieving friends gather at the grave, Jesus brings Lazarus back to life. He provides a foretaste of what is to come in Jerusalem.
Reflection Questions: When have been instances in your life that you didn’t understand God’s timing? What are the parts of your life you would like Jesus to “breathe new life into”?