The Chosen - S2E3
Matthew 4:24
Summary
This episode begins with an incredible 13-minute continuous scene, shot in a single take. The camera shows a line of people waiting to see Jesus and the first disciples we see are Philip and Matthew discussing scripture, Psalm 139:8 specifically. Matthew is also busy taking notes regarding the miraculous ways in which Jesus is healing those outside their camp in Syria. The two men head into the camp to take their break.
We learn that the group walked four hours from Philippi in the morning and Jesus began ministering to those that were waiting immediately upon their arrival. While the disciples are setting up camp and taking shifts managing the crowd that has gathered, they discuss the miracles that are occurring, Jesus’s growing fame, and their expectations of the Messiah as children versus what they are witnessing now. Among the many conversations, there are two particularly powerful exchanges. Little James is conflicted and he confesses to Thomas that he is struggling as he witnesses Jesus heal these strangers while he continues to suffer from his paralysis. The other line comes after the disciples are discussing expectations. John and Big James thought the Messiah would only come when there is no longer unrighteousness and all is holy in the world. Mary Magdalene says, “I don’t think He’s waiting for us to be holy. I think He’s here because we can’t be holy without Him.”
Mother Mary arrives at the camp and the disciples clean up and prepare for the evening meal. The conversation continues late into the night around the campfire while the disciples wait for Jesus. Andrew confesses feeling out of place like he is trying to live up to the heroes of their history, but that he is not great or capable of great things. The others express similar doubts and insecurities. Mother Mary tells a bit of her story and explains that God always reassured her. She too struggled with her expectations and the reality of giving birth to the Son of God.
After Mother Mary steps away from the campfire to check on the others, the conversation gets intense. The disciples lament the struggles of being Jewish and the Roman occupation. They wonder why God has allowed their hardships for so long. Simon then turns on Matthew. Simon, Andrew, and Thomas become angry with Matthew because of his past role as a tax collector. Big James and John come to Matthew’s defense. Just as things are about to boil over between the two sets of brothers, Jesus enters the camp in visible pain, consumed by exhaustion. Mother Mary goes to help her son while the others quietly and humbly return to their seats.
Megan’s Insight
I was greatly impacted by Mother Mary during this episode. She arrives at the camp and immediately goes to work preparing a meal to serve the disciples. Around the campfire later in the evening, Mary gives a brief account of the Nativity. She admitted to the disciples that the birth of Jesus was different than what she had expected. The infant Jesus, the Son of God needed her, “a teenager from Nazareth.” Mary’s maternity and the humanity of Jesus are so real in this moment. Mothers cherish those moments when their children need them, and as Mary expresses, it’s easy to mourn that loss when they no longer do.
There are disagreements among the faithful about the birth of Christ. It is important here to acknowledge that we as Catholics believe that Mary was a virgin at the conception of Jesus and remained a virgin during and after His birth; virginitas ante partum, virginitas in partu, and virginitas et partum - virginity before conception, virginity during birth, and virginity during perpetuity. The Church has not authoritatively ruled on a specific interpretation of this middle piece, virginitas in partu. Did Mary experience pain? Was the birth “messy”? We simply do not have a definitive answer. Here are some interesting articles to read more on the topic:
Mary's Virginity During Jesus' Birth
Was Mary Free from Labor Pain?
The episode ends with Jesus returning to camp, utterly exhausted after a very long day of ministry. The four-hour journey as well as the physical and emotional effort of a day of healing had taken a toll on Him. He passes by the disciples and simply says, “Good night.” Mary goes to Jesus to wash His hands and feet. Her motherly heart humbles the disciples as they watch the Messiah helped by His mother once again.
Mitchell’s Insight
During the campfire conversation, the topic of Roman occupation comes to the forefront and while there is some hope that the coming of the Messiah will fix this problem, we can tell that the troubles of the Jewish people is weighing on the disciples.
This dialogue is set with a backdrop of Jesus ministering to those who need him. Jesus is loving those who have come to him for healing. He has sat with them all day performing numerous miracles while sharing His Good News. These people are not even fellow Jews. Jesus is ministering to foreigners and Gentiles. Christ has come to save all because He saves us from sin not Romans.
Simon begins to ridicule Matthew because unlike the others he has not suffered in the same way at the hands of the Romans from Simon’s point of view. Simon is not wrong that Matthew has done terrible things. He is not wrong that Matthew has not really asked for forgiveness. However, Simon goes too far and says it doesn’t matter if he were to ask for forgiveness because Simon would withhold his forgiveness.
Jesus enters the scene and is exhausted. He is sweating and bleeding. He appears to have experienced a good portion of the suffering and oppression the disciples have been referencing. In a way, that is exactly what Jesus has been doing all day as he has taken the weight of sins upon himself and forgiven those that have come to him. Sin harms us and those around us in very real ways. We must recognize this and seek repentance, but we also need to have compassion on those that have harmed us and be willing to forgive them so they may heal because that follows the example of Jesus.
Michael’s Insight
Throughout the episode, Jesus’s disciples contend with their expectations. Expectations of what they thought the Messiah would be. Expectations of what they thought their mission with Jesus would be like. Expectations of how they will be received by the people that they minister to. And they also take a deep look inward at what they expect of themselves.
The group spends most of the episode discussing their thoughts on their current situation. They talk about their surprise that Jesus was not a strong warrior who would overthrow the Romans by force. Many of them appear to be confounded by the fact that they have spent most of their time up until now just traveling around healing, briefly teaching, and then packing up to move on to the next town. Little James tells Thomas of his doubt about the faith of those Jesus is healing. He believes that their faith is potentially unstable and is contingent on their healing. Andrew expresses his regret over things that he desires and the feeling that he cannot live up to the prophets and heroes of the faith.
This is something that we are likely to see in his disciples throughout the show moving forward as they will never truly feel like they can live up to the standards Jesus sets for them. They will feel that they are not worthy of being one of Jesus’ disciples. But that is why we need him. Without him, we cannot achieve everlasting life. We also should not dwell on our expectations so much, and just live good lives and trust that God’s plan will be fulfilled.
Take to Prayer
Have you withheld forgiveness? Is there someone in your life now that you refuse to forgive?
Bible Verses
You are there
Psalm 139:8
Messiah as warrior
Zechariah 14:1-5
Jesus heals people in Syria
Matthew 4:24