The Chosen Season 4

This past Sunday, Terri and I went to see The Chosen—Season 4 at the Strike & Reel movie theater in nearby Garland.

Although we haven’t fully experienced all that the Strike & Reel has to offer, it is our favorite place to go watch a movie (other than home; we are homebodies).

The Experience

It was early Sunday, around 10 a.m., when we pulled into the parking lot. We were two of four tickets sold. I imagined aloud that most people interested in The Chosen were probably in church, hence the abysmal ticket sales [Terri and I attend a 4 p.m. Sunday service].

There were tons of previews featuring lots of animated movies that were coming to theaters near us soon. They are mostly produced by Pixar or Disney and several seem to be original and entertaining.

Prior to the film beginning, we were treated to a drone flyover of the massive production set for The Chosen. That was followed by a quick intro by the show’s creator Dallas Jenkins.

The Chosen Series

For those of you unfamiliar with the concept and story of The Chosen, allow me to catch you up and fill you in on this fascinating phenomenon created by Dallas Jenkins.

The Chosen is a historic and ambitious project intended to bring an experience with Jesus to all the ends of the earth through visual storytelling.

Set against the backdrop of Roman oppression in first century Israel, The Chosen is a multi-season show seeking to share an authentic and intimate portrait of the revolutionary teachings and ministry of Jesus through the eyes of those who knew Him best.

Season 4 Episodes 1-3 Review

By far, bar none, the most emotional chapters of the series, episodes 1-3 of season 4 take us deep inside the relationship between Jesus and his cousin John the Baptist. We delve into the heart and mind of Christ as he experienced life here on Earth among us. We see Jesus love, celebrate, grieve, and live life on Earth. We witness Him experiencing joy through friends and relatives. We are invited to sit with Him as He prays with His Father in the most intimate and beautiful ways.

The initial three episodes take us on a rollercoaster ride emotionally while growing us spiritually in what we know about Jesus, the Messiah. We witness the disciples and followers of Jesus work through their faith as struggle with their unbelief and the challenges of trusting in a man claiming to be their long awaited Savior.

Things are not necessarily as they might have imagined. The people of Israel was looking for an earthly king, not an eternal one.

These episodes show us how easily we trust in the work of our own hands—-where we yearn to help God—rather than submitting fully to His will and trusting in His ways.

Spoiler Alert! The third episode ends on a sorrowful cliffhanger—one that I won’t fully reveal here. Suffice it to say that the ending will not only challenge you emotionally but undoubtedly spiritually as well.

In Closing:

If you haven’t yet discovered The Chosen, let me encourage you to give it a try. If you Google the show online, you will no doubt encounter rave reviews alongside harsh criticisms. But don’t let the world tell you what to believe. Make up your own mind. Come and see.

Afterwords, we had lunch at one of our favorite cafes before heading to church for the 4 p.m. service.

May our Lord bless you abundantly as you go out into the marketplace and wander out into the world. May people see and experience Jesus through you. May your life be a living testimony to Jesus and all that He has done!

Blessings,

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™