“The Chosen” Takes a Bold Turn, Creating Debates on Jesus Portrayal 

“The Chosen,” a Bible-based hit series, has taken a bold turn this season, particularly in Season 4, episode 3.

The unexpected twist sparked a significant viewer reaction, fueling debates on its impact and Jesus’ portrayal in the series.

Season 4 of “The Chosen” explores biblical events like Lazarus’s raising and John the Baptist’s death.

It also depicts Jesus’ proclaiming, “Upon this rock, I will build my church.”

Notably, the season introduces the transformation of Simon into Peter. It also explores the conspiracies against Jesus by both religious leaders and Romans.

In Episode 3’s closing, Roman official Quintus, enraged at his failure to capture Jesus, takes a shocking and fatal action.

Consequently, there’s a shocking incident where Quintus, in his anger, fatally stabs Ramah, the on-screen fiance of the apostle Thomas.

As Ramah lies dying, Jesus briefly returns to the scene, expressing remorse but declining to resurrect her.

Thomas pleads with Jesus, and his tearful response is, “It is not her time. I love you, Thomas. He loves you. I’m so sorry.”

“This is a long game,” said the director

The scene has elicited a range of emotions from viewers.

Some expressed deep emotional connections, shedding tears and finding profound meaning in portraying God’s love in the face of tragedy.

However, others felt wounded, questioning if the scene accurately reflected the character of Jesus.

Dallas Jenkins, the series creator and director, has addressed the diverse reactions during a live stream.

He emphasized that the scene should be viewed in the context of the entire series, stating, “This is a long game.”

Jenkins highlighted that the purpose of the show is to reveal larger biblical truths, and the scene in question contributes to this overarching narrative.

The episode opens with a flashback to the Old Testament, featuring King David’s plea for his young son’s health.

When the child eventually dies, David accepts God’s will, showcasing the theme of faith amid suffering and loss.

Jenkins and his wife, Amanda, emphasize that such themes are deeply rooted in Scripture.

Some viewers were troubled by Jesus’ decision not to resurrect Ramah.

Jenkins pointed out that there are only three resurrections in the gospels, including Lazarus, indicating that such miracles were rare.

He also highlighted moments in the gospels when Jesus chose not to heal, underscoring the complexity of divine decisions.

A Deeper Exploration of Biblical Themes

A superfan expressed concern that Jesus lacked compassion in the scene and should have hugged Thomas.

Jenkins countered, suggesting that Thomas might not have accepted a hug and could have been angry at that moment.

The livestream also emphasized that Jesus performed miraculous healing in the same episode, showcasing the multifaceted nature of his actions.

Jenkins concluded by asserting that the scene was not written to shock viewers but was crafted with purpose and intention.

“There were times when towns wanted Him to come and heal. And He didn’t do that,” the director said. 

The goal is to provoke thoughtful reflection on faith, God’s sovereignty, and the complexities of divine intervention.

The controversial twist in “The Chosen” Season 4 Episode 3 has ignited discussions on faith and suffering.

Some viewers expressed deep emotional connections, shedding tears and finding profound meaning in portraying God’s sovereignty amid tragedy.

Others felt wounded, questioning if the scene accurately reflected the character of Jesus.