Luke 24:45-49
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He
told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise
from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins
will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You
are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father
has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power
from on high.”
I’m a little late to the game.
A couple of months ago, my daughter and grandson asked me if
I had watched The Chosen, a television series depicting the life of
Jesus and the disciples. They told me how much they enjoyed it, so I tuned in.
I soon discovered I’d been missing out on one of the best portrayals of the
Bible I’d seen. The show closely follows scripture and reveals the lives of the
men and women who followed Jesus as well as the ones who denied him as the
Messiah.
To see them and relate to them left me wanting more of Jesus
and His experience with people. Although I read about them in the Bible, seeing the actors portray the disciples and give credence to their faith, and yes,
their confusion at times, makes the stories I’ve heard for sixty years more believable.
Matthew, the tax collector, portrayed as anxious and intelligent, writes
everything Jesus says down on parchment. Peter is emotional and ready to fight
for Jesus, while Thomas questions everything, and John keeps a cool head.
Mary Magdalene’s heart shines after Jesus heals her and forgives her.
I don’t usually enjoy television that tries to portray the
Bible, but The Chosen, so far, has captured the scripture and portrayed
the men and women as believable.
I’m sharing this because in my heart, Jesus is as real as
you and me. To see Him portrayed on the screen as a kind, caring man who bears the
ultimate burden has increased my faith. We all know God moves in mysterious
ways, and for me it has been through diving into my Bible as I watch The
Chosen, checking references and moments against scripture. Because I long
to grow in my faith every day, I’m open to opportunities for the Holy Spirit to
fill me. Did I mention the grandson who loves this show is thirteen? A
teenager. And that makes my heart sing. I’m so glad I can share this with him.
This isn’t an endorsement for the show, but rather one more
way I’ve found to connect to scripture. Maybe it’s for you, maybe it’s not, but
I urge you to continue to find what does make you want to read God’s word and
talk to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you delve into His word and
seek His truth.
