The Chosen is a TV show about Jesus Christ choosing unlikely people to help Him with his ministry. We see Jesus though the eyes of his followers—specifically Mary Magdalene, Peter, Matthew, and Nicodemus. There’s artistic license of course, and it’s actually pretty neat. And coming from me, that’s a huge compliment since I tend to shudder at biblical fiction. But I recommend watching this show! (Visit http://www.TheChosen.tv and check out the show’s social media pages.)
In this post, I’ll share things that stood out to me about the characters’ portrayals as well as include links (which will be in red) within the text that go to certain clips from the show and background with the show’s director, Dallas Jenkins.
Jesus Christ
In many interpretations, Jesus has a sort of distance about Him, but when I look at Him in this show, the first word that comes to mind is “smiley.” He’s still serious about his message and confident, but He’s approachable.
Mary Magdalene
Talk about rock bottom! But a huge relief when the Savior stepped in to save her. Afterwards, we see her take charge of her life and become more confident. It was a nice touch that she hosted a Shabbat dinner, and that an important guest made an appearance. Her character shows how Christ respects women. (Click here to see the director’s discussion about Jesus and women.)
Peter
Peter is probably one of the most intriguing people in the Bible. The Chosen introduced the fisherman as a real fighter, but that’s all right since Peter will show a certain toughness and determination in his future experiences. I’m glad the show decided to feature Peter’s wife. The show gave her the name, Eden. Eden is an important character in the show. I have no doubt the wife of Jesus’ right-hand man was also extremely important to Peter in real life and was a main source of support to her husband.
Matthew
Much sympathy to the tax collector that probably didn’t have many friends. First, the show takes a humorous side to that aspect (sneaking to work covered in a cart), but you feel the darkness the real Matthew could have experienced. I can’t wait to see how Matthew makes friends and receives his invitation from Jesus.
Nicodemus
Prominent actor, Erick Avari, does an amazing job in showing how Nicodemus knew of his own importance, but allowed himself to be vulnerable. In the current episodes, the curious Pharisee hasn’t talked to Jesus yet, but instead talked to some other people that existed. Such meetings probably didn’t take place, but the actors played those conversations brilliantly. Oh, but the last conversation was the best! Actually, it was only the start of a conversation with a dynamic kin of Jesus. Then the episode ended, and I yelled, “WHAT?!?!”
Well done, and I can’t wait for episodes 5-8, and hopefully more seasons to come!