What Does It Mean to Be Chosen?: An Interactive Bible Study

by Amanda Jenkins, Dallas Jenkins, Douglas Huffman

The #1 bestseller in New Testament Commentaries. Over 200,000 copies sold!

This is the official companion study to season 1 of The Chosen, the groundbreaking television series about the life of Jesus.

What Does It Mean to Be Chosen? parallels each episode, connecting readers to the Bible in a brand-new way. It includes:
A deeper look at Isaiah 43 and its fulfillment in Jesus and the lives of His followers (including us!)
Script excerpts, quotes, and illustrations from the show
Guiding questions for groups or individuals

Being chosen by Jesus has beautiful and far-reaching implications--although it says even more about the Chooser than the choosees. We are loved because He is love. We are saved because He is merciful. We belong to the family of God because Jesus invites us, making the Bible and all its promises as true for us today as it was for God's chosen people.

What does it actually mean to be Chosen? To answer that question, we're going Old school--Testament that is--which leads us back to the New. Which always leads us directly to Jesus.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Religion, Faith, Christianity

135 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 21, 2021

About the author

Amanda Jenkins, before life as a homemaker and mother of four, worked in sales and marketing for a number of Christian retailers, as well as in visual communications and advertising. She spent ten years in L.A. alongside her film-making husband, surrounded by plastic surgery and high-falutin’ lifestyles, which is where she became convicted and inspired to write about her struggle with perfectionism. Amanda attended Northwestern Bible College and graduated with a degree in Biblical Studies and Communications. She has taught Bible studies for women of all ages for the past 14 years, and is passionate about communicating truth in a culturally relevant and humorous way. Today, she lives just outside of Chicago with her husband, Dallas, and their four young children, including their newly adopted son. She is also the daughter-in-law of Jerry B. Jenkins.

Reviews

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love The Chosen! I could watch every episode over and over (and I have), and never get tired of it! I have been eagerly awaiting season two to be released, so I was really excited to see that there was a Bible study based on season one to hold me over until then!

This study is broken up into 8 lessons, one to go along with each episode of season one. Each lesson starts out with a transcript from the episode to lead you into the lesson. It also includes "your turn" questions to get you reflecting and looking up scripture in your Bible. There is a section in each lesson called "Old Testament Context" which I love because it reiterates that the Bible is one ongoing love story from God, and that the Old Testament is just as important to read and understand as the New Testament. They are a package deal, and you cannot fully understand one without the other. The lessons use Mary Magdalene, Nicodemus, Matthew, and Simon's lives as examples in the lessons, and that really helps with application of the material. It was easy for me to see parts of myself in these people. The lessons each end with a prayer focus, and information for further study.

I really enjoyed this study, and usually spent a day or two on each lesson to make sure that I soaked in all of the information and application. It is a study that will help you dig deeper, require you to dust off your Bible, but it is also not so overwhelming that you will not be able to fit it into your daily quiet time. If you enjoy watching The Chosen, or are just looking for an engaging Bible study, this would be a great option for you!

I received a copy of this book, from David C Cook, in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Diane Estrella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it very much and how it coordinates with the TV show. I wish it had been more in depth, but great for new believers or those seeking God!

[Kim Gubbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome Bible study! It pairs with the show The Chosen.

[Lila Diller · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got excited & bought the bundle of the first 4 seasons' Bible studies. However, this was not helpful at all. 😞 It was made for newbies, those who had no Bible knowledge whatsoever. I understand why they felt they needed to start there, but the Preface specifically included "whether you're just starting out on the Jesus road or you're decades along..." It was not for seasoned Christians.
They also tried to tie every lesson (1 based on each episode) to a chapter in Isaiah, which didn't work.
The questions were often leading or confusing.
I thought the 2-page conclusion was the best part of the entire study!
I should mention that I read this with my sister, who has not seen the Chosen nor wants to. Since the Bible study included relevant pieces of script, we thought she wouldn't need to watch along. So I didn't watch along either. That might have been the wrong approach. Since starting the 2nd season's Bible study alone, I have been watching each episode before the lesson, and it's much better.

[Caitriona Riding · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent study. Enjoyed it more than the first season of the show it goes with, this was more rooted in scripture and actively Christian, biblical roots. It had you diving in the Bible a bit more, which is a great thing. Most of the questions though were either very obvious basic level type of questions, or very self evaluating questions. Which isn’t awful, but I don’t prefer being the main focus for me in a study. Some questions were good thought provoking questions, but there was also a couple throughout that were not well worded or put and a bit hazy. All and all this was decent. It wasn’t awful, I can see a newer believer enjoying this more and getting more out of it, than someone a bit more seasoned. Just my take on it personally.

[Joshua Riding · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really not the most ideal study plan, at least with the context of its publishing. It’s meant to be a partner with The Chosen TV show, which in itself has its own problems with biblical and theological accuracy, which is just what happens when you try to make “a fresh new take on the greatest story ever told;” it will not get told correctly.

But this review is about the study plan. The main problem I’ve found with it is in the questions and where the study plan focuses it’s attention, being on the individual rather than on God. Yes, it talks about God, it encourages you to place Him in your life, but there are other studies that do a better job of that without making God somehow only important because He chose you. He is important because He never needed to choose anyone; but He chose the people He has and continues to because He loves His creation, and loves nothing more than a lost sheep that is found. Would recommend to maybe someone who wants to dip their toes into Bible study, or likes the show, and wants to use it as an excuse to open the Bible, which is always good.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went through this study weekly with friends. I love the series and the discussions but thought this book was just okay. I was especially annoyed when the authors threw in hashtags and mic drops. I thought the connections between the Old and New Testament were thoughtful and helpful but some of the questions were poorly worded or were so basic that it wasn't worth pondering too much.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Read this alongside the book and re-watching season 1. It would have been even better if I discussed it with a group.

[David Rees · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 / 5 ⭐

I'm so grateful for this book, as it really helped me reflect on the teachings of each episode. A gem of a resource that I will continue to use for future seasons.

[Csilla Lukács-Lörincz · Rating 5 out of 5]

super good questions inside

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a watcher of THE CHOSEN, I found this to be a great study to correlate with the series. The group I chose it for is a group of fairly new believers, so it was perfect for them. If you are more mature in your faith, you might find it lacks the depth you hunger for.

Who can complain about a study that draws our eyes to Him?

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful Bible study. Having watched the episodes of season 1 of The Chosen many, many times, I loved digging into a Bible study built around them.

Robin’s Ratings
5🌟 = Out of this world. Amazing. Unforgettable. A personal favorite.
4🌟 = Excellent read. Couldn’t put it down. Will recommend to others.
3🌟 = It kept me engaged/entertained. Glad I read it.
2🌟 = The book was fine but not a favorite. Just a matter of personal taste.
1🌟 = For whatever reason, this book didn’t engage me.

[Geoffrey Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great way to start the day

This is a quick read, just over a week at a chapter a day, but it helps me to get my mind right to start my day and that’s something I need these days.

[Suzanne Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this Bible study! Awesome to do it the last few weeks with a great group of women.

This goes along with the Chosen television series, which is really excellent and so powerful!! 💗 Highly recommend!

The study has a lot of good reading in it, relating to the show, the stories from the Bible portrayed in the Chosen show, and weaving together: the prophecy of Jesus’ coming, the occurrences within His 3-year ministry on earth, as well as His relationship with his disciples, etc., and how that relates to our relationship with God today.

Very powerful and well done. Some of the writing, and it was even kind of funny and cheeky—all just relating to the amazement of how so much about Jesus is prophesied in the old testament, and how it all comes together and relates to us as Christians today.

Loved the questions, prayers and extras for each chapter as well. Great to do on your own or discuss with a group!💗

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated the return to Mary, Nicodemus, Matthew and Simon Peter during each lesson. I felt like I got to know these characters better by consciously considering their perspective as they walked with Jesus. The dialogue from the series was also good to see at the opening and closing of each lesson. Seeing it in print and reading it again, I often picked up something new.

At times, I struggled to put together what felt like three different pieces: the series, the old testament sections of the lesson and the themes (e.g. being called, resting, being cherished). It felt a bit complicated. But all the components were good even if I didn't connect them well.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best used after viewing an episode and then beneficial to view the episode after a discussion.
The introduction covers maps, time line, and sin cycle. A bit of Old Testament context is offered with the New Testament references. Should be helpful to adults at various stages of their faith journey.
Four main characters are introduced and their perspective is given in succeeding chapters: Mary Magdalene, Nicodemus, Matthew, Peter. Prayer Focus and Further Study suggestions are given. Throughout each chapter are questions for reflection or discussion with space for writing.

[Zee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Chosen and it was a great study guide. However, some of the views on the characters were not as I expected - I might've created my own version of Nico in my mind or Simon. That said, we had wonderful 8 weeks of weekly Bible study, and the questions they have asked in the book to ponder on were a good resource.

I also liked the connection with OT because it connected the dots between OT and NT and how Jesus' story actually was foretold a long time ago.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting and compelling Bible study. Many of us had already watched the Chosen so this gave us another opportunity to watch again and discuss. We all agreed that we picked up a lot of things we missed the 1st time around. The questions and additional readings worked well with our study.

[Carolynn Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very accessible study guide for fans of The Chosen—and for disciples of Jesus Christ. I thoroughly enjoyed studying the lessons with a group of interfaith friends and we are soon to embark on Book 2. I appreciated the thought-provoking questions and the writing style, which enabled us to easily apply lessons inherent in the Bible to our own lives.

[Marji Laine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so enjoyed doing this study this summer. I already know what my Bible study next summer will be - Season 2!

I will say that using the devotional book with this study along with some of the discussion on Youtube from Dallas Jenkins and the actors playing the roles made the study that much deeper. God has certainly taught me so much about His calling through these last 8 weeks!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series The Chosen has captured my heart, and I am delighted to have the devotionals written to mesh with the seasons of the show and dive deeper into the message.

The devotional is well done giving lessons, insight, background, plenty of scriptural references and thought-provoking questions to engage the reader.

I intend to do the devotionals for each season.

[Lisa Ticaric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This bible study has some lessons that are stronger than others, but overall, I enjoyed it and loved how it helped me have a deeper understanding of the show. It also gave me a reason to reflect upon Jesus's connection with the prophets of the OT and find connections to my life.

[Gerald K McEwen]

EXCELLENT

I would highly recommend this study to all those who have watched Season 1 of The Chosen. Excellent source of the prophecy of the Messiah in the Old Testament. . Good insights into Isaiah.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for sharing this great experience with us

We are using this for an eight week Bible study. We appreciate the wonderful quality and heart you all have put into these Bible tools!

[Bethany Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really makes you think. I enjoyed the videos alongside the workbook. I did this with a group and am extremely pleased with what we all got from the concepts and the study of the ot with the connection of Jesus.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fun, but not taxing, bible study to do as a small group. It sparked some interesting discussions on how we came to Jesus (how we were "chosen"), how we see ourselves growing, how we can encourage each other, etc.

[Michael V. Galarneau Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of the TV series, then this Bible study is a great addition. I have used it both for youth and adults were we would watch an episode together and then go through the Bible study tied to that episode. The lessons and questions are very thought provoking.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent study

Did this with a small group. Insightful and encouraging study that puts us in the shoes of the people in The Chosen and relates back to us, how we can walk closer with God. Would run the study again.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoyed The Chosen series, this devotional is for you. Taking each devotional from an episode of the show, it inspires you to think deeper about the content and situations viewed in the series. Great accompaniment for the show - works well alone or with a group.

[Andrew Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The questions were often basic and repetitive. The insights given were nice and the reference to each episode was fun. It was enjoyable to watch an episode of the chosen before each chapter of the book.