First off, I want to thank you for the beautiful comments on last Thursday’s post:
I think sometimes we shy away from talking about hard issues, but in the end, those are the ones that need to be talked about the most. And that’s what that post was about. I’ll be posting a video of it later this week.
Anywho…
I’m going to mention something at the beginning of the post tonight, that I’m going to humbly ask you to mull over…and that is: suggestions for Gospel readings for our wedding Mass! Do you have any that stick out to you as really beautiful/about love/appropriate for a wedding ceremony? We’ve already chosen our Old Testament and New Testament readings…now we just need the Gospel! So any suggestions are greatly appreciated, and I figured…who better to ask than my favorite group of people who have walked with me through the entire relationship, and the season leading up to it!
OK — onto the real “meat” of the post!
I’ve been watching The Chosen on Netflix/Amazon Prime. (it’s free)
And I’ve gotta tell you – it is absolutely phenomenal.
Steven and I began watching it in Utah just a week or so ago, and since then we have flown through Season 1 and half of Season 2.
We just can’t get enough.
I don’t know what it is about it, but we’re addicted to the show.
Well…I actually do know what it is: we’re spending time with Jesus…and that’s what’s bringing us back for more again and again.
There’s something so powerful about putting faces and voices and settings and background music to all these familiar Bible stories that we have been hearing our entire lives. It makes it come alive!
And sure, I know that the show has taken a lot of artistic freedom when it comes to certain directorial choices they’ve made, and dialogue they’ve added. But far and away, this show has stuck to “The Book” quite literally. And the actor who plays Jesus, Jonathan Roumie, does an incredible job in his portrayal of such a profoundly significant figure. Roumie, himself, is a devout Catholic — a practicing Greek Orthodox. And he depicts Jesus with such holiness and reverence, yet approachability and personableness.
That’s what this series is doing such a terrific job at: making the Bible approachable.
That’s the sad reality of society today: this is the TikTok generation. We want everything in a 20 second, “snackable” video with cuts every 2 seconds, a snappy opening, and text-on-the-screen graphics…because we’ve lost the ability to focus on something for more that a few minutes at a time.
The Chosen is so artistically and entertainingly illustrating the Bible — and more specifically, Jesus’s life — in a way that is making people want to watch! Whether it’s the beautiful costuming, the breathtaking scenery, the captivating storylines that are woven through the Scriptural text we’re all so familiar with.
I find myself wondering when such-and-such Bible story will be shown? When will we meet the woman at the well? Will we see the Transfiguration? What about the sick person being lowered through the roof?
Though I don’t like they way they’re portraying Matthew, I cannot reccommend The Chosen enough!
In fact, this Sunday was the first Sunday we’ve had since we’ve started watching the series, and during the Gospel reading at church, I found myself actually able to envision the reading, as though it was an episode. I put the characters in a beautiful setting, James and John had faces and voices and personalities. It made the Scriptures come alive.
And that right there, is a great reason unto itself to applaud the series.
Not only have they brought Jesus into people’s living rooms, but The Chosen is bringing the beauty and power of the Scriptures to people who might not pick up a Bible, but are willing to pop on a show on Netflix. And that’s not a judgment statement, because I definitely fall into that camp.
So there you go. Consider this your personal invitation to start watching The Chosen. Like I said, it’s free on Amazon Prime, or they have a Chosen App. Although in mentioning this…I think I’m the late one to the Chosen party here!!
Are you watching it? What do you think? What are your thoughts on how they’re portraying Jesus and Mary? Do you think they’re staying true enough to Scripture?
And lastly…speaking of the Gospels…if you have any suggestions for Steven and my wedding…please don’t be shy!
Until Wednesday!
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39 responses to “I’m Late to The Chosen Party…”
So glad you showed up for the party! We have really enjoyed all three seasons.
Thanks very much for the invitation, Caralyn! ❤️
I can’t tell you how much I am enjoying The Chosen!!!!! You are so right about being able to put faces and actual personalities to the scriptural descriptions. I oarticularly love the depiction of Jesus’ lovevfor him mom.
Hi Caralyn. we have the Chosen over here free on Angel which is sort of a pay it forward system to finance more episodes. We love it too. My humble suggestion for the NT reading would be Ephesians Chapter 5:verses 22-33 or 1 Corinthians 13. Bless you.
I’ve been wondering if you’ve ever watched! I absolutely love The Chosen! I’ve seen all of seasons 1 and 2 at least 5 times. And season 3 three times. Just wait till you watch season 3! It will blow you away! I’m looking forward to watching it again. It’s the best series ever! Also, don’t miss The Shepherd and The Messengers! You have to see The Shepherd before you watch season 3. These were Christmas specials.
Scripture suggestions? Go with Steven’s favorites and your favorites for praise to God! Psalms 96, 98, and 100 are all great. When Prince William and Kate were married, James Middleton (Kate’s brother) read Romans 12:1-2, 9-18. These are wonderful verses about the manifestations of love–how to live it out where the “rubber meets the road” in the Christian life of living together in harmony! Blessings to both of you!
Hello and congratulations on your upcoming wedding! I’ve been following you for years but have yet to make a comment here. I was thrilled to hear that you had a special someone! And when I realized you are getting married… well, it’s been wonderful to read your posts through the years. The good, the bad, and the beautiful. It’s so, so good.
And then this post caught my eye immediately. I love the Chosen! You described pretty much my exact feelings about the show. I love it so much, I’ve started hearing Jonathan Roumie’s voice in my head when I read the Gospels! Haha! Thank you for making me happy with this post and with your perseverance and Faith.
God bless.
Gabby
You bet I’ve watched The Chosen! And love it! I even am captivated by the depiction of Matthew. Keep watching – he grows on you!
Gospel readings for your wedding? Let me get back to you … I have some favorites. 😃💕
I have great admiration for everyone involved in the making of The Chosen. They’re doing a tremendous job presenting the world’s most controversial subject – Jesus Christ. As for Matthew, I’m glad his character is eccentric because it’s realistic that if you’re going to get 12 men together for a cause there’s going to be at least one or two that are uniquely different from the norm. He’s a bit of a savant. I love watching him grow in self-confidence and grace as the series proceeds. And I agree with everything you expressed about it, too.
The Chosen is nothing short of fabulous. Every time I watch, I find myself saying “that’s my Jesus.” I say that because he is portrayed exactly as how I envision him being in real life… Kind, gentle, strong yet approachable, and also able to laugh and have some fun. I Love it.
Also, Jonathan Roumie does a great job in the movie “Jesus Revolution” which is in theaters now.
As for scripture, take a look at Matthew 19:3-6
Blessings,
Mel
In The Chosen, Matthew is a high-functioning autistic, meticulous in detail, highly intelligent, and devoted. It’s fascinating to watch the “behind the scenes” videos with Dallas Jenkins, the issues they faced, how they were resolved. I’m usually cautious about films depicting the life of Jesus, but so far the “theatrical license” has not veered far from scripture in who Jesus is – the Son of God, the Savior, the Messiah.
The Word is always the litmus test of such things.
Dear Caralyn,
I too am late to the Chosen Party. 🙂 It was a slow start in season 1 episode 1, but right off the bat, I am very impressed with the caliber of the writing and acting. Yes, you’re right, it does make Jesus and the Gospels much more approachable. I know they had to take a lot of liberties (but not too much) because the Bible is silent on certain matters. One: what’s Peter’s wife’s name?? Two: we know from the text how Jesus met some of his apostles, but what about the rest?
There were more major and minor things, but perhaps the most important one was that it showed so much of God’s love and patience even to the audience. Who hasn’t deal with recurring sins and problems? Who hasn’t tried to their best to improve, only to fall short? Mary Magdalene, Simon, and millions others who experienced brokenness, also experience grace. I cried manly tears. 🙂
Wishing you and Steven all the best.
I started watching The Chosen sometime late into Season 1 and immediately fell in love with it. Just finished watching Season 3 and will probably rewatch all three seasons again soon. It’s just that good! Can’t wait for Season 4, but that won’t be here till next year!
As far as scripture from the gospels, what about using your wedding to communicate the heart of the gospel itself, the words of Jesus as stated in John Chapter 3:16-17 especially, but maybe even through verse 21 (those are the verses in my ESV Bible): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
Gospel reading suggestion: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 10:6-9
Jesus said:
“From the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh.
Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.”
The Chosen – I can’t say enough about it.We are in Season 3. I have been very focused on Mary Magdalene. The actor who plays Jesus gives me a sense of peace that I can’t explain. I am a therapist and am constantly recommending it to clients. Thank you for sharing The Chosen on your blog.
Thank you Kelli! it is SO good! I agree – Mary’s character is really powerful. I definitely can relate to her story in a very deep way. amen to that! Hugs and love xox
Heard about it but have not got around to watching it as I’m very skeptical of Christian movies nowadays. Blessings and peace!!!!
Yes!!! Love it too. We find it so touching as Jesus meets the needs of each person.
[…] I’m Late to The Chosen Party… […]
Matthew 22: 35 – 40.
Mark 10: 6 – 9
John 2: 1 -11
John 15: 12 – 16
John 17: 20 – 26
I hope that these will help you Caralyn.
woooh! Binging Jesus, so refreshing to find a wholesome show! It’s becoming hard nowadays.
The chosen my favorite show! I’m in season 3, I was sceptical when I heard about it because sometimes creators of Bible shows/ movies can stretch the story until it’s out of context.
I love how the chosen has stuck to correctly portraying the gospels. I also love how the stories are written to fill in the gaps of what happened before we met the person in scripture.
Peter is my favorite- I love his charisma..he always cracks me up. He is on a journey like we all are. Matthew is quirky it’s so endearing to see his character…And Mary is all over us on a journey of faith and wholeness.
It’s so great to see the Apostles in their humaness it makes it possible to relate to them.
Hi friend! oh my gosh I’m so glad you’ve caught the Chosen “bug” too! it’s my favorite show as well! It is such a refreshing change of pace to have positive, faith-based content that is being welcomed with open arms! I agree – love Peter! His story is definitely one that I and many others relate to! Mary too!! I especially loved how they had the episode where she fell back into her old ways…”off the wagon” if you will — and I think it was so important for us to see that even when we fall, Jesus welcomes us and forgives us and still loves us. That was a beautiful message in that episode! Hugs and love xox
Yees! I have most definitely caught the ‘bug’ too😀
I loved the episode of Mary’s relapse because we are able to see …Recovery from anything is really a journey it’s never a one time event. We can all grace ourselves on our journeys too. Hugs and love xoxo ❤️
Hi there! 1 Corinthians 13 is always a beautiful message to read at weddings! God bless 🥰
Have only watched snippets of Chosen. Perhaps, its time to watch it fully.
Congratulations on your Wedding Caralyn. A text came to mind “Matthew 20:20-28”
In marriage, you enter a lifetime of commitment and service. It will take two servants to sustain a healthy union.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the show, but I’m really surprised you’re not happy with the portrayal of Matthew. For most of the women in my Bible studies, he is the favorite. He is just what Jesus talks about when he talks about one being childlike. I wish I could find the article I read a year or so ago about Matthew that was written by a Catholic priest. It pointed out how it is possible that Matthew could have been exactly as he is portrayed. Gospel scholars (and I learned much of this while earning my Certificate of Theology and preparing for a Master’s) point out that Matthew was highly intelligent, detailed-oriented, wrote a Gospel literally filled with number problems and numerical allusions, and was shunned by his family and friends as a tax collector. Was he autistic? Who knows. The fact remains that his portrayal in the show has blessed many people and led them to want to know more about Matthew and his Gospel.
I hope you enjoy the rest of the show. What amazes me the most is how CATHOLIC it is! No, not 100%, but in many subtle and not so subtle ways! But I’ll save this for the class I teach!
Oh! And the wedding feast at Cana has become by absolute favorite Gospel story as I’ve gotten older. I wish I had appreciated it more when I was planning my wedding and had chosen it. There are many messages in there that we often miss. That’s my suggestion for you!
Thanks, Caralyn I gotta check it out!
No spoilers from me, but I will say the episode with the woman at the well is a Kleenex box must. God’s grip – Alan
For our wedding, my husband and I chose the wedding at Cana from the Gospel of John. Not only is it his favorite scene from the Bible, but it’s a wonderful portrayal of how God blesses marriage: The first attested miracle of Jesus was a blessing to a wedding!
Ok, you’re not alone on this, I haven’t watched it. I thought you had to pay for it. I don’t think I’ve really seen a trailer for it. Is it easy to watch and follow? My son just turned 10 and I think he would be able to follow more with something visual rather than just reading. I remember when I was a kid, around Easter my mom would put on the old Bible movies… I always remember her saying, “It has Charleston Heston in it!” lol I don’t know if you can relate 😂 As a kid, I found them boring. It would be cool to watch something like this with him.
For your Gospel reading:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men… 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the [e]right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:2-4 & 12-13
Yes! My husband and I are enjoying the Chosen series. We had the story of the wedding of Cana read at our wedding and I’ve always loved it since. Imagining Jesus at a wedding making wine is incredible. The Chosen (spoiler alert) does a masterful job of this story.
I recommended your blog to a new friend whose daughter is 13!!!! —Yes, 13–and in a facility for anorexia. I know it will be a source of hope for her.
All the best to your wedding plans. When’s the big day?
A
Thank you for the suggestion. I will definitely watch closer to Easter.
I’m happy you found the series. My wife and I have been watching and I have to tell you, I’ve found myself crying at times thoughout. You are absolutely correct that the producers did an excellent job in bringing the Gospel to life. I’ve recommended The Chosen to my friends and I never recommend anything on TV.
May God bless you and Steven as you begin a lifelong journey.
Take a look at the beatitudes. Matthew 5:1-12 Good luck picking just one NT scripture.
I’m so excited that you and Steven are enjoying the Chosen together! Cuppycake and I also make sure we can watch it with one another and we are all up to date…anxiously awaiting Season Four! 🤣 I think once you have watched Season Three you may come to appreciate the way Matthew is being portrayed. It is quite moving, actually. Hang in there! It just keeps getting better. Hugs to you for joining the latest Jesus Revolution, giggles! (Yes, a shameless plug for Jonathan’s newest portrayal of a man walking in the ways of the Lord.)🥰
I wanted to add I’ve been an email subscriber of your blog for years and selected to reply now as I am ALSO late to the Chosen party. So far it’s a wonderful and engaging show and I don’t see significant departures from the scriptures, which is refreshing this day in age
oh my gosh thank you so much! 🙂 I’m so glad you’ve caught the Chosen “bug” as well! Steven is currently visiting his family, and he’s got them hooked on it too!! 🙂 God is good! Hugs and love xox