The Chosen - S4E5
Sitting, Serving, Scheming
Summary
We open this episode with a package being delivered to the apostles on the road. There is mystery behind the sender and the contents until Zee hisses and scares Andrew away before revealing that it a chest of treasures from Joanna to help support Jesus’s ongoing ministry. Peter instructs Judas to divide the contents among the followers so they can fetch good prices for the wares and continue with their ministry.
Next, we see an old-fashioned biblical debate between the Pharisees and Sadducees over the truth of bodily resurrection / an afterlife. The Pharisees attempt to point towards the most convincing passages from the Psalms and Daniel, but the Sadducees either refuse to recognize the inspiration of the passages or claim that they are metaphorical descriptions of Israel. Shmuel who is overseeing the debate when he notices Yussif observing from the back of the room. He dismisses himself and joins his old Galilee comrade for a conversation about Yussif’s decision to come to Jerusalem and join the Sanhedrin. Yussif is less interested in discussing how he and Shmuel have arrived in these positions and more interested in what they are going to do with them. Shmuel shares that he has become less certain in his mission and offers to show Yussif around. Shmuel recognizes a change in Yussif, and they discuss the factions present in the Sanhedrin: scribes/lawyers, Herodians, Payot. Through their discussion, Shmuel and Yussif demonstrate a greater appreciation for each other.
While discussing what the apostles will do for accommodations in Jerusalem, Jesus arrives and tells them they will be going to Bethany first to stay with Lazarus and his sister’s. They set out on the road but are met by a group of Roman soldiers and are told they are being pressed into service. Peter begins to object, but Jesus is clear that they are to obey with dignity. However, as they walk, the apostles reflect on the deep humiliation of watching their rabbi be subject to disgrace by the Roman soldiers. Upon reaching the end of their one-mile forced march, Jesus shocks both his followers and the Romans when he says they will volunteer to carry the Roman equipment to the outpost an additional mile away. The attitudes of the soldiers immediately changes and some of His followers appreciate the actions of their teacher, but Judas grows in his outrage.
The Sanhedrin discusses an abnormal alignment of their desires with Pilate’s or at least Caesar’s. It is with this abnormal alignment that the members begin to discuss how they can take advantage of this for their own gain. Before getting himself in shouted down, Shmuel pulls Yussif aside and explains how he needs to determine what his goals are and narrow in on addressing those with his efforts. He decides on theorization of fulfilled late Babylonian-Exilic Prophecies. This will mean that Yussif is going to look into the Messianic prophecies of exile and what prophecies remain unfulfilled. When they return to the chambers, Yussif demonstrates his lack of political acumen as he is introduced to the other members of Sanhedrin.
Jesus thanks his followers for how well they handled their forced servitude, and they continue onto Bethany. When they arrive, Lazarus feigns outrage at the unannounced visit before happily welcoming them into the house as they await the Blessed Mother’s return from picking berries. Jesus takes advantage of the teaching opportunity by giving the parable of the vineyard owner. Martha serves Jesus and the apostles while everyone else sits and listens to the lesson. Martha eventually loses her patience with her sister, Mary, but Jesus explains that while her hospitality is a good thing it does not surpass taking in Jesus’s words. The group understands, assists Martha in her duties, and begins to celebrate the joy of their companionship. During the celebration, we see Lazarus reaching for his chest in pain as he steps away.
Meanwhile Judas leaves to see his old colleague, and Jesus joins his eema for a hair washing. He and the Blessed Mother spend time together discussing her new life in Bethany. You also see the genuine love between the greatest possible Son and the most caring mother. We also hear a little about the early life of the Holy Family in poverty, and Jesus shares that his apostles are poor in their understanding of his teaching. Jesus is frustrated about this fact. Mary is not surprised pointing to the humanity of His followers. In the end, Jesus expresses his discouragement in the fleeting nature of the human heart. Our Blessed Mother asks what it will take for them to understand. Jesus says that is a bitter answer to a bitter question. They then discuss that the best way to teach them may be a more direct method like the way in which he learned carpentry. They return to the party discussing Peter’s new name.
Next, we join Judas and his former mentor and witness a long dialogue going through all of Judas’s troubles. All of his struggles come from trying to map his expectations onto Jesus’s ministry. The advice Judas receives from his old mentor doesn’t help in understanding Jesus’s perspective. We end the episode with Yussif and Shmuel learning that some in the Sanhedrin are anticipating the imminent death of Jesus and Judas taking money from the group for his personal use.
Megan’s Insight
The story of Martha and Mary is found only in one Gospel and consists of just five verses. However, this particular story has inspired countless Bible studies, discussions, books, businesses, t-shirts, home decor, ministries, and apostolates. “Are you a Martha or a Mary?” has been used as an icebreaker more than any other biblical reference. Their names are synonymous with active apostolates and contemplative religious orders.
Sometimes, when reading this passage, we can mistake Jesus’s words as a rebuke of Martha. This interpretation is incorrect. Jesus does not rebuke Martha, and I love how this episode of “The Chosen” portrays His compassion for her. Jesus notices that Martha has worked hard to care for Him and His disciples. He acknowledges that hospitality is a special gift and that her contribution is important, but He reminds her that being in His presence and listening to His words are most important.
I think there are several lessons we can take away from this passage of Scripture even today. First, it is better for us to find our identity in our relationships, especially our relationship with Jesus, than to center our identity on what we do. Our contribution to the kingdom is diminished without a deep relationship with Christ. Second, we have all been created for a unique purpose and given different gifts. Hospitality is a gift from the Holy Spirit, one of the many charisms of the Christian faith (more on this subject here). When we acknowledge our gifts and embrace our role in building up the kingdom, we are free from envy and indignation, so that we are able to serve with joy.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my absolute favorite scene from this episode. I love the scene when Mary washes Jesus’s hair. Their relationship is depicted beautifully by Jonathan Roumie and Vanessa Benavente. When we reflect on their images in art and stained-glass windows, it’s easy to forget their humanity. Mary is the Mother of God, but she was also Jesus’s mom. Yes, I just repeated myself but consider the connotation. This scene emphasizes Jesus’s humanity and divinity, the hypostatic union. He wasn’t part human and part divine. He was a 200% person, 100% God and 100% human. This is a mystery we may never understand, but it is a critical tenet in what we profess to believe.
Mitchell’s Insight
A very popular form of Christian content online these days are debates regarding the faith. While many feature a Christian debating a non-Christian, there are also plenty of inter-denominational debates as well. In this episode, we get to see a small portion of the Old Testament version of that. The debate between the Sadducees and Pharisees in this episode is about the resurrection of the dead / the existence of an afterlife. Christians would unanimously be on the Pharisees side of this debate, so it might seem preposterous to all of us that this would be open to discussion. However, I think this opinion so blatantly ignores the problem with a key doctrine in Protestant doctrine, Sola Scriptura. Sola Scriptura being the belief that the Word of God can only be found in the sacred scriptures. No other entity exists today that can provide an inerrant statement from the Almighty.
While it is obvious that the debate depicted in this episode does not have the benefit of the 27 books of the Christian New Testament which shreds a tremendous amount of light on the eternal nature of the soul and life after death, the Old Testament scriptures provide definitive evidence to settle this question. Nonetheless, a large sect of the Jewish leaders at this time rejected it. In this episode, we are given a possible justification for this position; God / the Old Testament authors were speaking metaphorically. “What the writer really meant was, ‘Blah, blah, blah.’” Ever heard this before? They are debating the inerrant scriptures. They are all fallen men capable of virtue and vice. They maintain leadership positions in God’s old leadership structure. Presumably, most of the characters will be a part of condemning Jesus by the end of this series. To me, it seems like this is nearly identical to any two Christians debating the Sacred Word today. An inerrant scripture does not assure a faithful follower from getting things wrong. Christ’s Church was to be led into all the truth. A follower of Jesus in the 21st century should be steeped in the Sacred Word found in scripture, but they should trick themself into believing that they can surmise the meaning found within it, every time, without error. They shouldn’t rely on themself. They should rely on His Church.
Michael’s Insight
“Rabbi what are we doing? Why would we just help Romans?”
Judas is confused and outraged by Jesus’s willingness to help the Roman soldiers. Jesus reminds Judas of the Sermon on the Mount where Judas first heard Him speak. Jesus tells him to think on the message of that sermon whenever he is troubled.
There are a few parts of this sermon that apply to this situation, beginning with several of the Beatitudes:
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
“Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
The next relevant part is contained in Matthew 5:14-16:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
We see the immediate effect that Jesus’s good will and generosity have on the Roman soldiers. The men who just seconds before were mocking and mistreating Jesus and his followers, not even treating them like human beings, suddenly show concern for them and relieve them of their physical burden. The next part comes in Matthew 5:38-42:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.“
Philip and Andrew immediately recall this part of the sermon. But arguably the most important part of the sermon that Judas needs to meditate on is the section that follows this one.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Take to Prayer
Have you let your heart be changed to take in the teachings of Christ or would Jesus be saddened by how many times you have let his words pass before your eyes or preached into your ears without them taking hold?
Bible Verses
Eternal Life - Daniel 12:1-4
Pressed into Service - Matthew 5:41
Martha and Mary - Luke 10:38-42
Parables of the Workers in the Vineyard - Matthew 20:1-16
Judas is a Thief - John 12:6