Discussion on the TV series 'The Chosen' and its unique portrayal of Jesus, exploring his emotions and interactions. Insights on Jewish life under Roman occupation and the role of Pharisees. Debate on the He Gets Us campaign and the relationship between faithfulness and success for Christians.
'The Chosen' humanizes Jesus through emotional depth, resonating with viewers and enriching faith journeys.
Following Jesus requires radical commitment, as seen in disciples leaving their livelihood to follow his transformative presence.
Deep dives
The Chosen Series and Portrayal of Jesus
The podcast discusses the impact of 'The Chosen' series in humanizing the figure of Jesus by depicting him with a full range of emotions and interactions. The actor, Jonathan Rumi, portrays a Jesus who displays laughter, kindness, pain, and warmth, resonating with viewers and reflecting the multifaceted personality of Jesus in the gospels. Through authentic scriptural accounts and added backstories, 'The Chosen' offers a refreshing and relatable portrayal of Jesus, enhancing the faith journeys of those who engage with the series.
Following Jesus: A Call to Discipleship
The podcast delves into the radical nature of following Jesus, drawing attention to the profound commitment shown by James and John when they left their livelihood to follow him. By analyzing specific gospel accounts like Mark 1 and John, the discussions highlight the deep personal knowledge Jesus had of individuals and the transformative effects of encountering his authoritative presence that inspired disciples to abandon their previous lives.
Navigating Political Division with Faith and Integrity
The episode addresses the upcoming political climate, emphasizing the anticipated divisiveness and urging individuals, especially those of faith, to remain steadfast in their convictions while releasing anxieties. Emphasizing the importance of grounding actions in the 'Jesus way,' the conversation underscores the need for maintaining deep convictions within a Christian context during a pivotal and consequential period in the nation's history, advocating for active engagement and endurance amidst political challenges.
Welcome to a special bonus episode of The Russell Moore Show!
Peter Wehner returns for a conversation about the television drama The Chosen, which began its fourth season on February 1, 2024. Wehner expounds on his recent article in The Atlantic, sharing how the series pleasantly surprised him as someone who historically avoided on-screen depictions of Jesus. He describes the ways that Jesus (played by Jonathan Roumie) in The Chosen has a fully-formed personality, displays emotion, and shows how intimately Jesus understood human nature—all elements that have led Wehner to love the show.
Moore and Wehner discuss how The Chosen sheds light on Jewish life under Roman occupation and the role of the Pharisees. They talk about another Christian media phenomenon—the He Gets Us campaign—and consider the wide range of responses to it. Their discussion covers political division, the relationship between the intellect and the heart in belief, and what it means for Christians to be called to faithfulness rather than success.