This Is What Sets ‘The Chosen’ Apart From Other Faith-Based Projects

The series, set in the first century AD, follows characters such as Simon Peter (Shahar Isaac), Matthew the publican (Paras Patel), Mary Magdalene (Elizabeth Tabish), Nicodemus Pharisee (Eric Avari), Gaius the Roman centurion (Kirk B.R. Voller) and many others, including the rest of the future apostles of Jesus. When everyone interacts, collides and reacts to the miracles and teachings of Jesus that are revolutionary (only in a spiritual, not a political sense), the result is that the entire region is set on fire. Jesus quickly stirs up controversy among religious leaders and the Roman guard, and the series takes time to figure out what each of these conflicts could have looked like. It is definitely worth seeing, even from a historical perspective.

By focusing on the disciples of Jesus in addition to Christ himself, Chosen One is able to solve problems and motives that other projects on the topic of Jesus do not reach. The episode “Matthew 4:24” does this particularly well, exposing conflicts that likely occurred between disciples from different walks of life, namely between Simon Peter and Matthew. Matthew’s former status as a tax collector would no doubt have been outrageous to first-century Jews, who would have considered a man working for the Romans a traitor. This becomes especially true when Simon the Zealot (Alaa Safi) joins the group, believing that Matthew is part of their people’s problems. But the focus on students is not the only thing that makes Chosen One stand out, his image of Jesus does the same.

Jonathan Rumi Presents a More Personal Jesus

Make no mistake Chosen OneThe version of Jesus, like any fictional story about a historical figure, is only a reflection of a real person. Two thousand years before the original events, it is impossible to correctly convey every little detail and intonation, even if you strictly adhere to the script of the New Testament. However, Jonathan Rumi did a particularly notable job of bringing Jesus of Nazareth to life on screen—perhaps best seen in live action—making the Jewish Messiah feel less like a stained-glass icon than a human being. Even if it’s divine.

While some may criticize Rumi’s “funny Jesus” who laughs, jokes and displays a wide range of emotions, this is not a fault. Quicker, Chosen One fights to make Christ more accessible to the general public without sacrificing his message in return. By making Jesus recognizable, the series reminds us that he, too, despite being the Son of God, is equally human. While there is nothing wrong with iconic, “stained glass” images (indeed, some, such as Jim CaviezelV Passion of Christexcellent and highly commendable) Chosen One opens the door for casual viewers and non-believers to invest in character without being forced through church doors.

For example, the episode “Jesus Loves Little Children” takes the time to tell an unbiblical story (which means you won’t find it in your Bible) about Jesus meeting a group of children who became curious about His way of life. In this episode, Jesus teaches them Heavenly Father’s love for them and that God is creating something new through Him. As one of the show’s best episodes, it highlights what Chosen One Best: Tells new and fictional stories that, like Jesus’ own parables, ultimately point to the unchanging character of God.

“The Chosen One” balances the human and the divine

Showing the humanity of Jesus Chosen One reminds viewers that the biblical account says that God became a man in order to “be tempted in every way, just as we are, but without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). This Jesus is tired, hungry and weary. He has friends, family and even enemies. He is even tempted to react emotionally to them, but refuses. As in the Bible, Jesus lived a full human life. Although it was not particularly normal (virgin birth is not exactly common), Jesus did experience what it means to be human, and Chosen One often reminds us of such.

Of course, other images of Christ did this, but with disastrous results. Martin ScorseseX The Last Temptation of Christ The thought comes to mind of Jesus meeting Satan in the middle eastern desert. Of course, many people point out that Willem Dafoethe depiction is clearly heretical, but what its execution fails to do properly is correct Christ’s divinity with his humanity. Because of the identical human and divine natures of Jesus, they must be equally represented in character and action, not just one or the other. Mostly, Chosen One does it well, trampling on Scorsese’s extremely controversial look. Even Chosen One takes creative liberties (which he does), he still works to avoid heresy.

Luckily, the series doesn’t just make Jesus a pretty person with superpowers. We already have enough stories like this. Rather, the series makes it clear that Jesus is still the Son of God, and His divine power and influence continues to shine. “The hardest part of my role,” Jonathan Rumi (himself a devout Catholic) said of his time playing Jesus, “is not to be overwhelmed by the fact that I am putting on the sandals of the most important person in the history of mankind. I constantly strive to “empty” myself as much as possible to allow the Holy Spirit to work through me through the script I was given and the behavior I portray on screen.”

“The Chosen One” Doesn’t Replace Scripture

As stated at the beginning of the first episode (“I called you by name”), Chosen One does not replace the Bible. “… The entire biblical and historical context and any artistic imagination are called upon to support the truth and intent of Holy Scripture. Viewers are invited to read the gospels,” reads part of the text. Really, Chosen One made some changes not found in the biblical narrative, leading some to understandably criticize the series as an attempt to either replace scripture or contradict it. But while there are entire storylines and characters that are not in the New Testament text, the series makes it clear that this is nothing more than an entertaining doorway to a larger conversation.

Chosen One maybe about the life of Jesus, but it’s meant to draw you in to a book that will really introduce you to Him, not replace it. That’s why the show’s official store has Bible study materials and prayers that illuminate the scriptures themselves, rather than the show’s own storylines. Creator Dallas Jenkins has spoken of this countless times, emphasizing to the audience the necessity of self-reading the Bible and going to church to learn more about Christ. The end goal is clear, even despite the criticism. In many ways, while this independent series can be seen as a historical drama about Jews living under Roman occupation in the 1st century CE, “Jesus Christ.

As the series continues to explore the events of the four gospel narratives (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), it gets closer to a possible crucifixion that will no doubt be hard to watch. According to Jenkins, this will happen in Season 6, which means we have a little more work to do. I hope this brings the audience back to the original text to go into more detail about Christ’s sacrifice. While we know how this will eventually turn out (we’ve seen enough Jesus movies to know where it’s going), Chosen One sure to surprise us along the way, connecting the dots from the very first season that viewers may not have expected.

Where to watch The Chosen Ones

According to most biblical scholars, Christ’s ministry from the first public miracles to His ascension lasted approximately two to three years, a period of time that Chosen One hopes to embrace and expand over seven seasons. Seven, of course, is the number of perfection, as well as the number of days in the week that, according to the Bible, God established at the beginning of creation. So while not all seven seasons are here yet, the first three can be watched in full on Chosen One app and on their official website for free.

In addition, the series can be broadcast on various services. All three seasons can be viewed on Amazon Prime and Freevee (formerly IMDbTV), while the first two can be viewed on Fubo and Peacock. First season Chosen One can be found on Netflix, Tubi and Vudu, among other services. Unlike most shows, which are tied to only one or two services, Chosen One bypassed most streamers and will likely continue to expand as more content is released. At the moment, the premiere of season 4 is scheduled for early 2024.

If you prefer to catch Chosen One live, the series currently airs on The CW. Although the series can be found for free on the Internet, when it premiered in June 2023, the series attracted 520,000 viewers, beating out shows such as riverdale, Nancy Drew, and other CW staples. As it is now Chosen One airs Sundays at 8/7c on The CW and will continue to air all three currently produced seasons.