A few years ago, a friend of mine started talking about this new television series that was based on the life of Jesus and His disciples. She was so excited about it, and would frequently ask me if I’d seen it. Eventually I decided I’d give it a go, and I can honestly say I’m so glad I did. The Chosen, created, directed and co-written by Dallas Jenkins, has just wrapped up for its third series with more series to come, and I am sold – I love it! I wouldn’t say I cry very often watching television shows or movies, but I have cried many good and beautiful tears throughout the three seasons of The Chosen. It’s a crowd-funded project with raving reviews, and has brought the Bible to life for viewers all over the world. It’s free for people to watch, either on their website or on YouTube which I think is so great that they want everyone to be able to access the show, regardless of their financial position. Of course this show does not replace Scripture reading, nor does it claim to be perfect in its depiction, BUT this show has inspired me to read my Bible more than any other faith-based show has before.

I just want to take some time to reflect on my top 5 favourite moments from the show so far:

5. Jesus speaks The Beatitudes (Season 2, Episode 8): Don’t get me wrong, season 2 has some beautiful moments and one’s that really moved me, but The Beatitudes from Matthew 5 is some of the most beautiful passages in the Bible, and the way this part was filmed and sequenced while flicking to each of the disciples was so good. The way Matthew smiles at Jesus towards the end of this scene because he knows that finally someone understands him gets me every time.

4. Jesus Walks on Water (Season 3, Episode 8): I knew that Jesus walking on water immediately followed the feeding of the five thousand in Scripture, and I was hoping they’d include it in the season 3 finale. And yes they did! This passage in the Bible has always stood out as I want to have faith like Simon to step out onto the water and face my fears, and the way Jesus immediately reaches down to help Simon in his distress demonstrates His unconditional love and faithfulness, even in our distress and moments of doubt and fear. The emotional weight of this entire scene, finishing with Jesus comforting Simon in the boat was such a beautiful way to finish season 3.

3. Jesus talking with Little James (Season 3, Episode 2): Now this scene isn’t directly from Scripture, but the way it’s portrayed spoke to me deeply. Little James is such a sweet character and I know the actor (Jordan Walker Ross) who plays him experiences various physical difficulties in real life, and that that has previously limited him from obtaining other acting roles. But for this role, it has enhanced his character so I’m thrilled for the actor and his acting in this scene was perfect! I feel like I’ve asked God the same question that Little James asked, and the answer Jesus gives spoke to my heart.

2.Jesus heals the woman who was bleeding for 12 years (Season 3, Episode 5): As someone who experienced really bad periods and horrible bleeding to the point it interfered with daily life for a long time, this scene had me sobbing my heart out. The way Jesus affirms this girls exhaustion and pain and takes the time to kneel down and meet her where she’s at was so beautiful. That’s Jesus, the One Who takes the time to see us, meet us in our need, and help us, even when others couldn’t care less or take notice. This passage of Scripture always stood out to me, so it’s no wonder this was one of my favourite moments from the show.

1.Jesus calling Simon (Season 1, Episode 4): This scene gets me every. single. time! I don’t quite have a testimony like Simon, but I see myself in Simon during this scene every time I go astray or choose myself or sinful desires and just feel so wretched and awful. But Jesus is always willing to redeem and restore us, and all He asks of us is simple: Follow Me. The humour in this scene (the way Jesus and Simon look at each other just before the net is filled with fish), the music, the reaction from the bystanders (including Matthew), and the restoration and ultimately calling of Simon, Andrew, James and John make this my favourite scene so far in The Chosen.

Special mention to: The finale of season 1 where Jesus has a beautiful interaction with the woman at the well, the first episode of season 1 where Jesus redeems Mary Magdalene and calls her by her name, when Jesus calls Matthew in season 1, all the funny moments between Simon and Andrew in typical sibling style, the wedding at Canaan (the dancing here made me want to jump in and join in), episode 3 of season 2 where the disciples are arguing and then Jesus returns back to camp exhausted – a needed reminder of how easily we forget the bigger picture and become caught up in the trivial, and when Jesus teaches the disciples to pray in season 2.

Honestly, I could write many more blog posts about this show. I’m thankful for all the people who contribute and make this show what it is, and I love hearing from other people how much they enjoy it and how it’s caused them to go back to their Bibles and dive deeper into God’s Word.

Isaiah 40:8 – The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.

Love, Gracie.