We continue our study of The Chosen, a series produced by the Vidangel organization. The series is crowdfunded, i.e., it is produced independent of commercial sources. It was started by Dallas Jenkins and his team with the idea of producing a single season and then assessing the viability of the project. The enthusiasm and acceptance for Season 1 was overwhelming. They proceeded to lay out a storyline for seven seasons! To date the views across the world are into the millions. Tell me the stories of Jesus!!  

Season 2 starts where the first season ended, with Jesus telling the woman at the well that He is the Messiah. This was his first declaration of His divinity outside His group of followers. And it was to a Samaritan, a woman to boot. Season 2 continues with the recruitment of the disciples which will be completed by the final episode. We are also beginning to see more of Jesus' as a teacher as he begins to bring his message to the disciples and those outside the group. There are 8 episodes in this season beginning with Thunder, featuring brothers James and John in Samaria and ending with Jesus' preparation for the Sermon on the Mount, His first major public appearance. As before, there is no preparation or things to remember and check off. To be sure, there are plenty of discussions and the videos leave time for that. But mostly we are enjoying what the producers bring to us in the way of what it was like to be in the presence of the Savior.  

 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: Thunder.  Tension builds among the disciples as they wrestle with the increasing fame of Jesus in Samaria. Jesus rebukes Big James and John for their prejudice and, after a near-violent encounter, gives them a new nickname.

Episode 2: I Saw You.  A mysterious visitor seeks to meet Jesus, but the disciples are hesitant. Tension builds between Simon and Matthew. As the group heads to a new city, word arrives that Jesus’ fame is growing.

Episode 3: Matthew 4:24. A long, exhausting day turns into night as the disciples help Jesus deal with a large crowd hoping to be healed. Around the campfire, over dinner, the group tried to get to know each other better. But tensions erupt... 

Episode 4: The Perfect Opportunity. s Jesus and the disciples head to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, the Jewish authorities are troubled as they heard of a healing that took place during the Shabbat..

Episode 5: Spirit. After stirring the water, Jesus is now pursued by Simon the Zealot, Atticus, and Shmuel. John the Baptizer visits the group and tells Jesus his dangerous mission. Meanwhile, back at the camp, Mary Magdalene is devastated by an encounter with a mysterious and dangerous stranger.  

Episode 6: Unlawful. Matthew and Simon try to get along as they search for Mary in dark places. The group fears for Mary as they struggle with lack of food and bad news about John the Baptist. Meanwhile, Jesus continues to upset Pharisees across multiple regions.

Episode 7: Reckoning. After learning of Jesus' whereabouts, Quintus sends Gaius to arrest him. The disciples lose control as they argue about how to respond. While seeking information about where Jesus has been taken, Andrew and Philip encounter old friends.

Episode 8: Beyond Mountains. While Jesus and Matthew prepare the content of the big sermon, the disciples spread the word while fighting amongst themselves. A high-ranking Sanhedrin member is shocked by Shmuel’s reports on Jesus. Thousands arrive for the sermon, including familiar faces.