Hi. Welcome to my recap and reaction to The Chosen, the crowd-funded, first ever multi-season TV series about the life of Jesus and his disciples. You can find my prior posts about the show HERE.
THE QUICK AND CLEAN SUMMARY:
via wiki:
A businessman (Josh Zagoren) and his apprentice (Luke Dimyan) take advantage of land as they negotiate with the owner. Jesus and Matthew prepare the content of the upcoming Sermon. While the disciples fight amongst themselves, they spread the word and make arrangements for its location on the Mount in the Korazim Plateau. Shammai (Ric Sarabia), a high-ranking Sanhedrin member and rival of Shimon, is shocked by Shmuel and Yanni's reports on Jesus. Jesus discusses with Matthew the sections, such as salt and light and light of the world, leading to the Beatitudes being the introduction. Thousands arrive for the Sermon, including familiar faces. Simon reunites with his wife, Eden, and Big James and John reunite with their parents, Zebedee and Salome. The businessman and his apprentice, who had helped the disciples acquire the location, arrive, too. The apprentice meets the disciples once more and introduces himself as Judas. Jesus walks to the stage as he begins his Sermon on the Mount.
THE EXTRA DUSTY RECAP:
The episode begins with a business negotiation. Two men are negotiating to buy a parcel of land from a man descended from the tribe of Reuben. He is reluctant to sell to someone from the tribe of Simeon, however, his poverty is forcing him to do so. He asks what they want his land for and the younger of the two buyers explains that they wish to use it as a place to provide burial tombs for the middle class.
The older of the two buyers gives a final offer of 47 talents, but is interrupted by the younger, who says that the seller may be correct about there being valuable minerals beneath the rock. The older buyer agrees - in a rehearsed way - and increases the offer to 49 talents. The seller reluctantly agrees.
At Jesus's camp, Simon the Zealot is doing training exercises while the others gather wood. When asked why he is doing this, the Zealot asks what if the Romans change their mind and decide to do to Jesus what they have done to John the Baptist. Andrew is very distressed and tells him not to bring that up. John and the Zealot debate the relative importance of having a healthy body as opposed to a healthy mind.
StZ: How can you have a healthy mind if you don't have a healthy body?
A moment later, Simon wakes up and joins them outside. Philip and Thomas arrive with food. As they eat and talk, we learn that James, Thaddeus, and Nathanael have gone ahead to find a location for the sermon, and that Jesus and Matthew have left together while Jesus does sermon preparations. They discuss how to deal with the large crowds, including security and hecklers.
Mary Magdalene is teaching Ramah to read and write while the two study Scripture together (Psalm 139.) Ramah is impressed at Mary's scripture memorization, while Mary confesses that she has been studying hard to avoid letting what happened to her before, happen again. Ramah tries to tell her not to continue dwelling on what happened, but Mary redirects her back to their lesson.
Not too far away, Mary the Mother of Jesus explains to Tamar that they do not also need to learn to read. She adds that she thinks the two women felt left out and that Mary Magdalene was taught to read by her father when she was young. They are interrupted by Thomas announcing that he has food. When they come out, Tamar tells him that Ramah will probably not be coming out of the tent, because she is studying. She mentions also that Mary Magdalene has been crying off and on. Thomas tells her that Mary went through something bad and just needs some time. Tamar points out the other disciples, some distance away, who are loudly arguing, and asks about them.
Thomas: In the most generous explanation, we call that love.
She laughs and says that does not look like love to her, but he says they all love their rabbi and want to follow Him the right way. He adds that they cannot agree on what that right way is. Tamar agrees to carry food inside to Ramah. Thomas asks Tamar to tell her that while Philip found her apples, he found her apricots because he knows they are her favorite. Tamar, uncomfortable, agrees to pass that along.
The two businessmen from the beginning of the episode congratulate each other on their performances, with respect to the purchase of the parcel of land. The younger man does not seem proud of their actions, though, despite the older man telling him they purchased a salt mine for the price of a country plot. The younger of them reluctantly admits that the seller made a tidy profit on land he would not have ever known was valuable. The older man teases the younger for not having a sense of humor, but the younger still seems morose and regretful over what they have just done and the lives they are living. The older man gives the younger an advance and suggests he takes some time off.
Thaddeus, Little James, and Nathanael have specific instructions from Jesus about where He wants to give the sermon. When they come to a place that looks like His description, they are met with hostility by the land owner. Thaddeus comments that this is probably the spot.
Shmuel and Yanni meet with Shammai, a high-ranking Sanhedrin member and rival of Shimon, whose secretary declined to hear them regarding Jesus. Shammai is very pleased to hear their story and says he will have Shimon dragged for this. He instructs them to make a written record of their conversation with Shimon's secretary and to file it.
Shammai: When this Jesus of Nazareth attracts enough followers, and enough detractors, it iwll get Rome's attention, and then everyone will know.
Shmuel: Know what?
Shammai: That Shimon was well-aware of these offenses and dismissed them.
Shmuel tells him that it is not just Shimon, adding that they opened a case with the Sanhedrin which Nicodemus dismissed as immaterial. Shammai tells them that he has long since suspected the lamps were going dim in Nicodemus's house. Shammai instructs them to spread the word far and wide about what Jesus is doing. Shmuel and Yanni tell him more, including that Jesus has women numbered among His followers, that He consorts with Gentiles - naming the Ethiopian woman specifically, and that Jesus's ministry also has links to the Fourth Philosophy (i.e. the Zealots.) Shammai then instructs the two to spread the word of what Jesus is doing, including the things whereupon they do not have firm facts, but adds that they should not connect Shimon or Nicodemus to the case. He wants their dismissal to be brought up later, after an uproar has become sufficiently large.
A distance from the camp, Jesus is with Matthew and calls him over. He tells Matthew that Mary must have finished the written notices, regarding the sermon, and points out that they are now all leaving to spread the word. Matthew comments a wish that he hopes they can work together, and mentions how much the group has failed to get along recently. Jesus tells him that He has noticed, but says this is to be expected when starting a new thing, truly open to all, including Zealot, tax collectors, and those of all kinds of personalities and backgrounds.
Jesus returns to the sermon prep and invites Matthew to ask questions about what is prepared so far. Matthew comments on the sermon, noting how heavy-laden it is with ominous pronouncements.
Jesus: It is a manifesto Matthew. I am not here to be sentimental and soothing. I am here to start a revolution.
Matthew notes that telling people to love their enemies seems contradictory to that, but Jesus corrects him, saying He means revolution, not revolt. Matthew asks him about the beginning of the sermon, and what Jesus means about people being the salt of the earth. Matthew is concerned that people in the back will hear "salt the earth" and misunderstand Jesus's intentions. Jesus says that He wants a different beginning to the sermon, also, but for different reasons. He wants to begin His sermon with an invitation. Matthew asks Jesus what "you are the salt of the earth" even means, so Jesus explains. Jesus explains the metaphor to him, so Matthew asks why He just doesn't say that. Jesus laughs.
Jesus: Come on, Matthew. Allow me a little poetry, eh? Not everyone is like you. Some people like a little flavor.
Jesus points out that He is not going nearly as far with poetry and metaphor as Solomon and David. He tells Matthew that what He says will make sense to some, but not ot others. He adds that those who are truly committed will peer deeply into it, looking for truth. Matthew suggests beginning the sermon with the message about light. Jesus stares back toward the now empty camp, looking thoughtful.
Nathanael, Little James, and Thaddeus negotiate with the landowner for the use of his property in giving the sermon. The negotiation is in a public place, where the disciples have purchased him food and drink, but it is going poorly. Just as their discussion is coming to an unceremonious end, the older businessman who purchased the land at the start of the episode interrupts them. He suggests to the landowner that he is not considering product association, noting that if the crowd is as big, and the sermon as important as they are saying, then the pilgrims who visited his property to hear the sermon will think of him, and the experience on his land, later. The landowner finally agrees. As the three disciples celebrate, they look up to thank the businessman who helped them and find he is gone.
Outside, the older business man and his younger apprentice discuss what just happened, with the younger now seeing more clearly the value of the skill of negotiation. They both decide to see this preacher in person.
We next see a montage of the disciples building the staging area for the crowd and for Jesus's sermon. We also see others hanging notices about it, encouraging crowds.
Sometime later, the group returns to the camp. Andrew asks aloud, after noticing that Jesus is not there, whether they are advertising something that might not happen. The nervous discussion continues, as they wonder both what happens in the two opposite extremes wherein no one shows up or if everyone shows up. Simon suggests that they rest. Thomas says he will not be able to sleep, adding he wants to be sure he has done everything he can. Ramah speaks up saying that he always does. Simon comments quietly that Thomas will sleep well now.
The next morning, Jesus wakes Matthew early and tells him that He's got it. He explains He has a map, directions of where people should look to find Him. Matthew rises and follows Jesus outside of the camp. Jesus recites the Beatitudes to him as he takes notes on his tablet. When He finishes, Matthew asks him how it is a map.
Jesus: If someone wants to find Me, those are the groups they should look for.
Later in the day, large crowds begin to gather. Mary the Mother of Jesus calls Him over, as He goes over the sermon quietly to Himself. She, along with Tamar, Mary Magdalene, and Ramah suggest that he wear something colorful, over his tunic, so that he is more visible to the crowd. The four women are split even between whether he should wear blue or purple.
As Simon and Andrew stress over the crowds, Simon is surprised by the sudden arrival of his wife, Eden. Simon is over-joyed to see her. Jesus then calls to Eden, and asks her to come be a tie-breaker.
The business and his apprentice arrive at the gathering. The older of the two asks the younger to see if he can find one of Jesus's followers. He finds Barnabe and his bline wife, who invite him to join them to listen.
We see Roman soldiers watching as the crowd gathers.
Zebedee and Salome arrive and greet John. He admonishes them not to heckle, but Zebedee says he will make no promises.
Jesus has a private moment with His Mother before He begins. They think about how Jesus's father was unable to witness this. She tells Jesus she is proud of Him. Simon arrives to tell Jesus that it is time.
As Barnabee arrives at the disciples' camp, with the young business apprentice in tow. Nathanael recognizes the younger man as one of the two who helped them secure the location for the sermon. Nathanael calls Simon over and introductions are made. We learn the younger apprentice is named Judas.
Jesus walks from His mother to stand in front of the crowd. Just as He is about to speak, the episode ends.
REACTION:
It's kind of a minor thing, but prior to seeing this episode, I never really put any thought into whether the disciples of Jesus advertised His public sermons. It makes sense that they would have done so. I guess you could argue that this type of work is implied by Scripture, though not stated outright. The same is true for things like crowd control, staging, etc. Including aspect of Jesus's ministry was effective in grounding the episode in a relatable reality.
Another small thing: the episode includes a scene near the end wherein the women suggest that Jesus wear a blue cloth over his tunic, to be more visible. If you're familiar with the way Jesus is often illustrated in children's ministry, you're familiar with the look:
There is an actual historical explanation for this that goes back nearly to the time of Jesus (though as you'll see some of the details have changed somewhat in the modern depictions.)
via taylormarshall.com
Early Greek and Roman iconography depicts Christ wearing a red tunic as His inner garment overlaid by a blue mantle as His outer garment. I have read contradictory accounts regarding the reasons for these colors. For example, one Orthodox author will say that the blue represents the human nature wrapped in the red mantle of divine nature. Another author writes that blue signifies the divine nature (heaven) and the red signifies the human nature (earth or blood). The latter account seems more accurate to me; however, I'd gladly yield to an art historian on this matter.
Unlike depictions of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the depictions of the Mother of God are not as consistent. Eastern icons nearly always have the Mother of God in a blue dress and with a red mantle. This is the case in Greek icons in which she holds the Christ Child, her station at the Crucifixion, and even on her bed at the Dormition.
However, there are exceptions so that Mary wears red and has a blue mantle. This latter arrangement is more popular in Western depictions. For example, Raphael always pained Mary with a red dress with a blue mantle whether she be depicted in her espousals or in holding the Christ Child. Catholic depictions of Mary Assumed always have her wearing a blue mantle.
Notably, Our Lady of Guadalupe is wearing a red dress with a greenish/blue outer mantle.
So... the scene and its wardrobe choices has some ties to Christian tradition, if not Christian scripture. I would also encourage anyone interested in Jesus's clothes to read up on "the seamless robe of Jesus."
As for the episode itself, I thought it was good, though it also fell a little bit short of my expectations for a season finale. Season 1 ended with an outstanding climactic scene and moment, with Jesus meeting the woman at the well, having a powerful emotional moment, and launching His ministry. Here the episode builds to a sermon but largely ends on a note that feels like a cliffhanger. It never really felt like we got a payoff for Season 2's buildup, but instead we got a promise that Season 3 would provide the payoff. The Sermon on the Mount is an enormously important moment in history, and it felt a bit to me like the show avoided it (though maybe that will change in the Season 3 premiere.)
The Season 2 finale is actually just more build-up. We see the scheming of Shmuel and Yanni find fertile ground with Shammai. We see the last of the twelve, Judas Iscariot, meeting the other disciples for the first time. All of this is done really well, but it left me with more of an ominous feel than I anticipated. That might just be me bringing too many of my own expectations into the episode.
Judas is presented as a likeable character. It makes sense that he would have been likeable, too, inasmuch as he fit in well within his group. (It's not like the other 11 turned to stare at Judas when Jesus said one of them would betray Him.) We are introduced to him through his participation in a shady business deal that comes across a bit like a robbery. Judas and his business partner know this man's lands contain salt, for a salt mine. The man they buy the land from does not know. We are left to grapple with whether following the letter of the law is acceptable when it seems to be followed outside the spirit of the law (which is intended for love and the good of others.) Given what we know about Judas Iscariot, that feels like a good way to introduce him.
I am not sure how I feel about the way Jesus's sermon prep is presented on the show. In lieu of showing us the sermon, the writers pretty cleverly have Jesus discussing it ahead of time with Matthew (I say clever because it provided Jesus and the writers an opportunity to explain His metaphors.) That said, does a fully human Jesus need to organize His thoughts? I can go along with that to a point. It felt as though to me that the writers might have taken it too far, particularly in a moment wherein Jesus mentions messing up when speaking with His mother about the sermon. I think He was joking, but the presentation is not clear.
On the whole, I think the episode was good, though not the strongest of the season. The entirety of this episode is a set-up for later events. Hopefully some of those payoff well as soon as the Season 3 premiere. We now have all of the twelve disciples accounted for and the show has done a relatively good job of letting us get to know them. The group still has issues acting cohesively, with several of its members still struggling with their pasts. It'll be up to the writers to start moving some of these character arcs along in a way that is both interested and in alignment with the actual text.
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