How we make theological decisions for fictional scenes in 'The Chosen'
“The show’s primary purpose is not to educate but to entertain — while remaining true to the source material.” - RNS
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I went to see Season 5, Episodes 6-8, which is in theaters now.
It depicts the Last Supper and the Garden of Gethsemane. I went in hoping that the foot-washing would be treated well. (I like the series, but I watch it continually nervous that they will mess things up.) Specifically, I was hoping the foot washing would happen prior to the meal, that it would include Judas, and that Jesus would discuss how it pictures sanctifying cleansing. They did it really well.
During Jesus' prayers in the Garden, He had a vision of walking through a valley littered with dry bones. As He approached Ezekiel, He said, "Ezekiel, can these bones live?" Ezekiel replies, "Oh, Lord, God, only you know." In reading this passage, this response has always seemed to mean, "I don't know, but you can tell me." But as they depicted it in the context of Jesus' struggle with accepting His death ("May this cup pass from me..."), it took on a meaning directed at God's decision to provide salvation through Jesus' death. In other words, "Oh, Lord, God, only you know what you are about to do on the cross." Quite beautiful.
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