THE CHOSEN: Episode 2.7: Reckoning
The time has come for prayer, courage, and doing God's will.
Should You Watch It?
This episode is beautifully written, acted, and directed. It prepares viewers for Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount while showing opposition beginning to gather around Him and His disciples.
Its strongest note is spiritual. The episode promotes prayer, overcoming fear, and doing God’s will rather than our own, even in the face of trouble and opposition. Jesus’ teaching that prayer helps put “the heart and the mind right” gives the episode an inspiring center.
If you want an encouraging, faith-centered drama for the whole family, this is WORTH THE TRIP.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESAs Jesus prepares to deliver the Sermon on the Mount, His disciples work to make the event go smoothly. But Roman officials are beginning to investigate Him, and Jewish Pharisees are seeking information about His miracles.
When Jesus is taken to a local Roman leader for questioning, the disciples must face their fear and decide how to respond. Along the way, Andrew and Philip encounter two old friends.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this episode succeeds across the board. The source review praises it as beautifully written, acted, and directed, with Jesus’ questioning by the Roman leader described as especially effective.
The episode also handles the contrast between human thinking and Jesus’ way of seeing things superbly. Its inspiring emphasis on prayer, courage, and obedience gives the drama both emotional and spiritual weight.
The Worldview
This episode presents a very strong Christian, biblical worldview. It exalts prayer, courage in the face of opposition, doing God’s will rather than our own, and the greatness of God the Father.
Jesus teaches His disciples to pray in both good times and bad. He begins teaching them the Lord’s Prayer and tells them that prayer is the first step in getting the heart and mind right. The episode also shows the disparity between what people think and how Jesus thinks and sees things.
The episode’s central longing is for a life ordered by prayer and obedience to God. Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, “Your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
Very strong Christian, biblical worldview stresses prayer, overcoming fear, doing God’s will rather than our own, and the greatness of God the Father, and Jesus tells His disciples to pray in both good times and bad times and starts teaching them the Lord’s Prayer and wants Matthew to write down his upcoming planned Sermon on the Mount
Foul Language
No foul language
Violence
No actual violence, but Roman soldier does threaten two men with a sword, and a Roman leader tells Jesus he doesn’t want to have to kill him
Sex
No sex
Nudity
No nudity
Alcohol Use
No alcohol use
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
No smoking or drugs;
Miscellaneous Immorality
Nothing else objectionable.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Jesus teaches His disciples to pray in both good times and bad. When is prayer easiest for you, and when is it hardest?
Philippians 4:6–7 · 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18Peter reassures Andrew when Andrew is afraid. How can you help someone who is facing fear?
Isaiah 41:10 · Galatians 6:2The episode contrasts what people think with how Jesus sees things. Where might God’s will differ from your own plans?
Proverbs 3:5–6 · Romans 12:2Jesus begins teaching the Lord’s Prayer. What does this prayer teach us to ask God for?
Matthew 6:9–13The Final Word
This inspiring episode gives families a beautifully made story about prayer, courage, and doing God’s will in the face of opposition. Its strong Christian worldview and all-ages content make it an excellent choice. WORTH THE TRIP.
