Dallas Jenkins, creator of the hit TV show The Chosen, is defending a scene from the show's upcoming new season.
of Controversial and tense scenefrom the unreleased fifth season, depicts Jesus talking to Judas before his betrayal.
In this scene, Jesus tells Judas that he has a “choice”: “Who do you belong to? Who does your heart belong to?” Then Jesus says, “I want it too, and I have had it before. You have been willing to follow me.'' Judas replies to Jesus, “There is nothing more I desire than that,'' and Jesus says, “Then I will pray for you.''
On-site generated widely spread backlash On social media, the scene has been criticized as: “Super unbiblical”
As evidence of this, critics have highlighted several passages in the Gospel of John.
- John 6:64: “'But there are some of you who do not believe.' For Jesus knew from the beginning which of them would not believe and which would betray them.”
- John 6:70-71: “Then Jesus answered, “Did I not choose you twelve? Yet one of you is the devil!'' (He was referring to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. (Although Judas was one of the Twelve Apostles, he later betrayed him.)
- John 17:12: “Nothing is lost except that which is destined to be destroyed so that the Scriptures may be fulfilled.”
Therefore, critics suggest that Jesus never had the heart of Judas, and that Judas was never a true follower of Jesus because he was predetermined to be cursed.
The problem with this scene is that it suggests that Judas was once a follower of Jesus, suggesting that salvation may be lost, and that Jesus may pray that Judas would not betray him. critics argued. It goes against God's plan of salvation. Critics also pointed out that the scene was not depicted in the Bible.
Yes, there are no controversial scenes in the Bible. But most of Jesus' life, all of his interactions, teachings, and conversations, are not recorded in the Bible.
Earlier this month, Jenkins responded to the controversy in a new video denying accusations that his show was committing heresy.
“We're not implying that we're going to pray for Jesus to change Judas' mind,” he said. “Yes, Judas' betrayal is part of the Father's will. It is part of this story of death on the cross and ultimately of salvation. So Jesus said in that scene, 'Judas, your He didn't say, 'I pray for you, change your heart.''' Whatever you're trying to do. ”
Regarding Jesus' statement about praying for Judah, Jenkins points to Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-28, where Jesus commands his disciples to love and pray for their enemies. are.
Ultimately, Jenkins revealed that the show believes that Judas was actually once a follower of Jesus, but not at the time of his betrayal, which Jenkins described as “God's will,” and that Jesus He explained that he believed he prayed for his enemies, including his enemies.
Whether you agree with Jenkins or not, it is important not to misunderstand the Bible or the Chosen One. In this case, I think the critics of the scene have partially misunderstood the purpose of both.
First, the Bible does not “tell history” in the same way that modern people expect history to be told (i.e., surveillance camera style).
Although the Bible is true because it is the inerrant Word of God, each of the Gospel writers had special motivations for writing their own stories. They show that Jesus of Nazareth is in fact the long-awaited and promised Messiah of the Jews. And importantly, the Gospel authors are asking you the same questions that Jesus asked his disciples. “Who do you think I am?” (Matthew 16:13-16; Mark 8:27-29; Luke 9:18-20).
What the Gospel writers did not intend was to tell the story of Jesus in the same way that we read history in modern textbooks.
So we should expect creative license to be taken with movies and TV shows that depict Biblical stories.
Yes, there are no controversial scenes in the Bible. But most of Jesus' life, all of his interactions, teachings, and conversations, are not recorded in the Bible. This fact raises important questions. Is it fair or right to expect the Bible to tell the story of Jesus in a way that God did not intend, that is, in line with our modern assumptions and expectations about historical narratives?
Second, given that TV shows like “The Chosen” have to use creative license to actually develop a coherent plot, you have to ask: “The Chosen” is faithful In the scriptures?
“The Chosen” viewers and its critics are divided on the answer to this question, but Jenkins has repeatedly said he and his team are trying to faithfully portray the Biblical story. .
In the show's first episode, “The Chosen” tells viewers:
“The Chosen” is based on a true story from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Some locations and timelines have been combined or condensed. Added backstory and some characters and lines. But all the Biblical and historical context and all the artistic imagination are designed to support the truth and intent of the scriptures. Viewers are encouraged to read the Gospels.
Therefore, the mission of the “Chosen One” is clear. The goal is to faithfully portray the life and ministry of Jesus and lead viewers to the Bible and God.
You can agree or disagree with the added backstory and dialogue fidelity. However, the “Chosen One” chose a worthy mission. It is something that every Christian should pray for God to use to bear fruit for the kingdom.
