THE CHOSEN: SEASON 4 EPISODES 4-6

THE CHOSEN: SEASON 4 EPISODES 4-6, which has bene released to theaters, continues to amaze, entertain and lift audiences up to the highest level.

The season begins with the push back that arises from the public ministry of Jesus. By His own providence, Jesus walks the seemingly impossible line of fulfilling the Old Law, while turning everything on its head with the New Covenant. There is some violence, which includes the apostles carrying a deceased member of Jesus’s follower, along with some threats and a stoning which ends in injury. Caution is advised for younger children.

Episodes 4 picks up after Thomas’ wife, Ramah, is murdered by the Romans as Jesus delivers a public message. Episodes 4-6 follow Matthew Chapter 16, Luke Chapter 13, Mark Chapter 8 and John Chapter 10, where Jesus reveals to His Apostles that He will be handed over to his enemies to be condemned. The Apostles are stuck in their human way of thinking, rather than seeing everything from a divine vantage point. The Apostles still feel at the height of their fame and power with Jesus at their side. They can only see victory.

Meanwhile, urged on by their mother, John and James, who in Mark 3:7 Jesus names “Boanerges” or “Sons of Thunder,” ask Jesus to sit on His left side and right side when he enters His Kingdom. The Apostles fight over who will be the most important. Judas is blinded by all the potential wealth they could amass in donations. Thomas is overcome with grief and doubt over the death of his wife. Also, Mary complains that her sister Martha is not helping her serve Jesus.

Overall, the Apostles are failing to hear that their Savior is about to be put to death. Jesus is frustrated that He cannot seem to get His message through to them. The Apostles do not understand Him. He is left alone in His sufferings, save for His Mother Mary, who comforts, cares and listens to Jesus. He also comments to Mary Magdalene that she has been listening, because she recognizes that He is in great distress.

Tensions are high with the Scribes and the Pharisees. They are a calculating, strategic bunch. They think Jesus will upend decades of order, strategic planning, and power they have acquired. His very existence threatens their position and power. These leaders appointed to represent God on Earth seem to be motivated by political gain and image. Fueling the flames, Ramah’s father commits his life to exact revenge on Jesus and His Apostles for the death of his daughter. He stirs up unrest at every turn.

Zebedee receives news that the Jewish Leaders are watching Jesus closely, with plans to have Jesus arrested, and even killed. Jesus ignores the warning, and reveals his plans to head straight for Jerusalem, with a stop at Bethany along the way.

On the road, Jesus and His followers are met with Roman soldiers who press them into carrying their heavy equipment and bags. Roman Law permitted soldiers to force non-Romans to carry their possessions for up to one mile. An exhausted group of Apostles are relieved when the one mile is over. However, Jesus puts into practice His teaching in Matthew 5:41, “When someone presses you to go one mile, go with him two,” and offers to go another mile with the Romans. The Roman soldiers are moved. They volunteer to take some of the burden. Camaraderie and relationships are built along the way.

Finally, in Jerusalem, Jesus gives a wonderful, inspiring delivery of The Good Shepherd who comes to save, from Chapter 10 of John’s gospel. Sadly, the message invokes anger from the Scribes and Pharisees, which escalates into an attempted stoning of Jesus and the Apostles.

THE CHOSEN: SEASON 4 EPISODES 4-6 is extremely well done. The acting is superb. Set designs are aesthetically pleasing, with exquisite attention applied to historic detail. The storyline follows important Gospel messages almost to the letter. Some story elements are added to the biblical text for dramatic effect, but they don’t take anything away from the text’s primary meaning. In fact, the dialogue given to Jesus in the episodes clearly shows the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

SEASON 4: EPISODES 4-6 does have some violence, though, which includes the apostles carrying the body of Thomas’ murdered wife, plus some threats and a stoning that ends in injury. So, MOVIEGUIDE® advises caution for younger children.