I’m a huge fan of The Chosen’s production and storytelling. Like many people, I was a little slow to jump in and embrace a “Jesus Movie.” But from the first season through the most recent episodes, I LOVE how Jesus and His followers are depicted. Yes, I know the creators took some artistic liberties, and I am grateful that they did. When I watch Jesus relate to people on this show, I can totally feel Him relate to me.
“The Chosen” has taken the world by storm, offering a fresh and captivating portrayal of Jesus and His disciples.
This groundbreaking series has not only entertained millions but has also deepened our understanding of Scripture and brought the Gospels to life in unprecedented ways.
I’ve been profoundly impacted by the show’s storytelling and its ability to make Jesus and His followers feel incredibly real and relatable.
Here are three powerful lessons I’ve gleaned from watching “The Chosen” that have enriched my faith and perspective on the Bible.
- Jesus Meets Us Where We Are
One of the most striking aspects of “The Chosen” is how it depicts Jesus interacting with people from all walks of life. Whether it’s the tax collector Matthew, the demon-possessed Mary Magdalene, or the skeptical Nicodemus, Jesus approaches each individual with compassion, understanding, and a deep awareness of their unique struggles and needs.
This portrayal reminds us of the beautiful truth found in Hebrews 4:15-16: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
“The Chosen” brings this Scripture to life, showing us a Jesus who doesn’t wait for people to clean up their act before approaching Him. Instead, He seeks them out, enters their messy lives, and offers transformative love and grace.
This depiction encourages us to come to Jesus as we are, with all our flaws and struggles, knowing that He understands and is eager to meet us right where we are.
The show’s portrayal of Jesus’ interactions with His disciples is particularly powerful. We see Him patiently teaching Peter to control his temper, gently guiding Matthew through his social awkwardness, and compassionately helping Mary Magdalene overcome her traumatic past.
These scenes remind us that Jesus is not a distant, unapproachable figure but a loving friend and mentor who is deeply invested in our personal growth and healing.
- Community is Critical to Faith
Another profound lesson “The Chosen” imparts is the importance of community in our faith journey.
The series beautifully illustrates how Jesus intentionally gathered diverse individuals to form His inner circle of disciples. We see fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot, and women from various backgrounds coming together, learning to love and support one another despite their differences.
This depiction aligns perfectly with Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 12:12-14: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.”
“The Chosen” brings this concept to life, showing us how the disciples’ individual strengths and weaknesses complement each other. We see them challenge, encourage, and support one another as they grow in their understanding of Jesus and His mission. This portrayal serves as a powerful reminder that we, too, need a community of believers to walk alongside us in our faith journey.
The show doesn’t shy away from depicting the conflicts and misunderstandings that arise within their humanity. Yet, it also showcases how, under Jesus’ guidance, these challenges become opportunities for growth, forgiveness, and deeper unity. This aspect of the series encourages us to invest in authentic relationships within our faith communities, recognizing that it’s through these connections that we often experience God’s love and grow in our faith most profoundly.
- Jesus is Both Fully Divine and Fully Human
Perhaps one of the most impactful aspects of “The Chosen” is its nuanced portrayal of Jesus as both fully God and fully man. The series masterfully balances Jesus’ divine nature with His human experiences, making Him incredibly relatable while never diminishing His deity.
We see Jesus laugh with His friends, enjoy meals and a glass of wine, and experience physical exhaustion. At the same time, we witness His supernatural wisdom, His power to heal, and His profound connection with the Father.
This multifaceted portrayal brings to life the truth expressed in John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
By vividly depicting Jesus’ humanity, “The Chosen” helps us connect with Him on a personal level. We see Him navigate relationships, deal with family tensions, and face opposition—experiences we can all relate to.
This relatability doesn’t detract from His divinity but enhances our appreciation of the incredible love that motivated God to become man and dwell among us.
At the same time, the series doesn’t shy away from portraying Jesus’ divine nature. We see moments of profound spiritual insight, miraculous healings, and glimpses of His eternal perspective. This balance reminds us that Jesus is not just a good teacher or a historical figure but the Son of God who chose to enter our world and experience life as we do.
This portrayal of Jesus encourages us to approach Him with both reverence and intimacy. We’re reminded that He understands our human experiences firsthand yet has the divine power to transform our lives and reconcile us to God.
“The Chosen” has proven to be much more than just entertaining television. It’s a powerful tool that brings Scripture to life, deepens our understanding of Jesus and His disciples, and challenges us to grow in our faith. By portraying Jesus as someone who meets us where we are, emphasizing the importance of community, and balancing Christ’s humanity with His divinity, the series offers valuable lessons that can transform our relationship with God and others.
As we continue to watch and reflect on “The Chosen,” may we be inspired to draw closer to Jesus, invest in our faith communities, and live out the transformative love and grace we’ve received. In doing so, we’ll find ourselves on our own exciting journey of becoming chosen by and for Christ.
I’m confident that you will love this series. You can check it out HERE.
Go in Peace, Chuck
