“The Chosen” Returns January 12, 2025!
“The Chosen”, is a tv series about the life of Jesus and the lives of His followers. Beginning Sunday, January 12th our Adult Education Class will return to viewing, discussing (and, yes, debating) what we will see in Season Four!
We will meet beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Room 206 (a bit earlier than usual to accommodate the running time of the episodes).
A schedule of class dates—and the relevant episodes in the series to be screened and discussed—will be made available beginning Sunday, December 15th. Each episode runs between 50-60 minutes, sometimes more (in which case, it is curated for time) There are eight episodes in all.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
This series is a multi-season enterprise; for the 2023-2024 term we viewed Seasons 1-3. Season Four just ended airing—on cable—in June of 2024. Plans are in place for at least another season of the series, to air sometime late 2025. The series is produced and directed by Dallas Jenkins, a seasoned tv producer/director. Jenkin’s work is supported by the regular input of Bible scholars representing different faith traditions.
“The Chosen is based on the true stories of the gospels of Jesus Christ; some locations and timelines have been combined or condensed. Backstories and some characters or dialogue have been added. However, all biblical and historical content and artistic imagination are designed to support the truth and intention of the Scriptures. Viewers are encouraged to read the gospels.”
Class Schedule and Brief Synopsis*
January 12, 2025 Episode One: “Promises”
In Judea, 4 BC, Mary visits her elderly relatives, a pregnant Elizabeth and her mute priestly husband Zechariah. In Machaerus, AD 29, Salome practices her dance as part of the revengeful plan to execute John the Baptizer by her mother, Queen Herodias, during the birthday of King Herod. Joanna leaves for Capernaum after seeing John in prison, who encourages her that he has prepared the way. In the execution chamber, John appreciates the vision of a Lamb, and the executioner beheads John.
January 19, 2025 Episode Two: “Confessions”
On a road, Jesus teaches them about peace and a sword of division when Thomas and Ramah discuss their marriage plans. Jesus asks his disciples who the people and they say he is, receiving answers like Elijah and Jeremiah. Simon confesses Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus blesses and elevates Simon, renaming Simon to Peter, and establishes his church, giving the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. In Jerusalem, Shammai addresses the Sanhedrin, mentioning Shmuel's promotion, reports against Jesus, and John the Baptizer's recent death.
January 26, 2025 Episode Three: “Moon to Blood”
In Jerusalem, 980 BC, King David and Queen Bathsheba mourn their child's death after praying. In Capernaum, AD 29, Thomas gives a sundial to Ramah. Outside the synagogue on Shabbat, Jesus heals a born blind man named Uzziah with mud from saliva and well water, teaching as the Light of the World. Addressing healing Uzziah, Jesus confronts the Pharisees with woes and preaches to beware of their leaven, drawing a riotous crowd. Praetor Quintus arrives to arrest Jesus.
February 2, 2025 Episode Four: “Calm Before”
Jesus continues his ministry, including healing a demoniac, healing the blind beggar and traveling with rapidly growing groups of followers. Several months later, on Kislev, Thaddeus and Little James contemplate Jesus foretelling his death and resurrection, and Jesus foretells it again to them, deciding to leave Capernaum for Jerusalem. At Simon Peter's house, Gaius humbly requests Jesus to heal his dying servant-son, Ivo, believing even from a distance. . Before journeying on, Big James and John seek Jesus for high-ranking status and seats in his kingdom, upsetting Jesus and bothering the other ten apostles.
February 9, 2025 Episode Five: “Sitting, Serving, Scheming”
In Jerusalem, the Pharisees and the Sadducees debate their beliefs. Jesus and the disciples head to Bethany to stay with Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary, but the Romans demand them to carry their armor for a mile. Reaching one mile, Jesus goes a further mile. Arriving at the house of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, Jesus teaches the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard while Martha is busy preparing and serving. Judas Iscariot confusingly visits his former associate, Hadad, who incites him to scheming. Before the group leaves, Judas Iscariot secretly steals funds from the moneybag.
February 16, 2025 Episode Six: “Dedication”
In Perea, Jesus and the disciples celebrate Hanukkah or the Feast of Dedication by recounting Judas Maccabaeus and the Maccabees defeating the evil King Antiochus Epiphanes and his abomination of desolation with the Temple rededication, exchanging gifts, praying and reciting scriptures, and singing with music. Amidst the celebration, Jesus learns Lazarus' sickness. The group travels to Jerusalem where, on Solomon’s Porch, Jesus confronts the religious leaders, proclaiming himself as Christ, the Son of God, and he and the Father are one. The Pharisees and Sadducees attempt to stone Jesus and the disciples. Jesus learns about Lazarus' death, deciding to return to Judea to awaken Lazarus.
February 23, 2025 Episode Seven: “The Last Sign”
In the future, in Gaul, an elderly Matthew visits an elderly Mary Magdalene in a cave to deliver the complete account of his book. In AD 29, Jesus and the disciples arrive in Bethany, where Martha meets them and expresses her disappointing grief and belief in Jesus. Arriving at Lazarus' tomb, Jesus commands to remove the stone, reaffirming the need for faith. Jesus prays to his Father and raises Lazarus from the dead, disturbing a Sadducee, and John writes down the miracle. Several decades later, Mary Magdalene and Matthew reminisce about the last sign of Jesus.
March 2, 2025 Episode Eight: “Humble”
Several centuries ago in Jerusalem, King David triumphantly enters the city after defeating Ammonites and celebrates Passover with his wife and their son by anointing a sacrificial lamb. AD 30, six days before Passover, Jesus tells the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats and gives the New Commandment to love one another. After purchasing pure spikenard, Mary arrives and anoints Jesus, troubling Judas Iscariot and Shmuel. Over dinner, King Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate, and Queen Herodias discuss their interest in Jesus and his fame, alongside the plot to kill Lazarus. On Mount Olivet, Jesus sends Matthew and Simon Z. to borrow a donkey's colt to fulfill Zechariah's prophecy. As the crowds take palm branches to welcome Jesus, Jesus expresses his love for the disciples and prepares to enter Jerusalem triumphantly.
