We begin a study of The Chosen, a new series produced by the Vidangel organization. "There's little doubt that THE CHOSEN will soon become one of the most well-known and celebrated pieces of Christian media in history." - says one reviewer. What makes it different from other series on Jesus? First off, it is produced from funds raised independent of commercial production sources. The production is now in its second season, thanks to "pay it forward" folks like us. Secondly, it is not a manger to the cross story, instead one that is told through the eyes of the people who knew Jesus, walked with him, and eventually came to follow him.

The first season consist of 8 episodes, beginning and ending with two women who figured prominently in the life of Jesus. The first episode, I Have Called You by Name, is the story of Mary Magdalene and Jesus' freeing her from the evil demons. The last episode, I Am He, is about his encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. This is a different study for us. There is no preparation or things to remember and check off. There might well be some discussion and should be. If anything, you should come away with a warm feeling, a glow, if you will, for having spent an hour with the Savior. It is a when we sit back, relax and enjoy being with our Lord, seeing him in the times in which he lived.   

 The Chosen app is a free download. All of the episodes can be watched from it. Here is a listing of the episodes along with a brief summary. 

Episode 1: I Have Called You By Name.  The Pharisee Nicodemus attempts to exorcise a demon-possessed woman in Capernaum's Red Quarter named "Lilith" but is unsuccessful, causing him to question his faith. The brothers Simon and Andrew, who are fishermen, struggle with their tax and gambling debts. Following a failed suicide attempt, "Lilith" returns to her father, who is unable to help. As she is leaving, she encounters Jesus Christ, who identifies himself as the Creator of humanity and calls her by her true name Mary Magdalene. 

Episode 2: Shabbat.  Matthew validates Simon's claims with Praetor Quintus. Investigating the miracle reported in the Red Quarter, Nicodemus discovers that Mary has been healed. When Mary reveals that she was healed by someone else, Nicodemus resolves to investigate the matter further. At a Shabbat dinner, Mary receives several surprise guests including Jesus.

Episode 3: Jesus Loves the Little Children. Jesus befriends and teaches the group of children who discover His camp on the outskirts of Capernaum.. 

Episode 4: The Rock on Which It Is Built. With his life and family under threat from Rome, Simon spends one last night fishing in a desperate attempt to square his debts. Andrew spots a familiar face waiting for them on the shores of Galilee.

Episode 5: The Wedding Gift. Nicodemus interrogates John the Baptist while Jesus and his students make their way to a wedding celebration in Cana. When the wine runs low, Mary asks her son to intervene on behalf of the bridegroom's family. 

Episode 6: Indescribable Compassion. After witnessing the healing of a leper on the road to Capernaum, a woman forces her paralytic friend through the crowd to meet Jesus.

Episode 7: Invitations. Matthew struggles to reconcile the miracles he has witnessed with reality. Nicodemus meets with Jesus by night. 

Episode 8: I Am He. Jesus and His students complete their preparations and leave Capernaum for Samaria. Jesus meets with a suffering woman at Jacob’s Well and announces that He is the Messiah.