What the story covers
According to the series overview, The Chosen follows Jesus of Nazareth as he teaches and performs miracles, drawing followers from many backgrounds who volunteer as disciples. The overview also notes that Roman authorities grow uneasy about the gathering movement.
The series focuses on biblical figures including Peter, Andrew, Matthew, Mary Magdalene, John, and Nicodemus. Its biblical setting draws on Matthew chapters 4–14 and John chapters 1–6, which cover the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, the calling of early disciples, the Sermon on the Mount, conversations with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman, feedings of the multitude, and Jesus' teaching on being the bread of life.
Where it is in the Bible
- Matthew 5:17-18Jesus says he came not to destroy the law or the prophets but to fulfil them, and that not even the smallest stroke of the law will pass away. This frames his teaching as the fulfilment of Israel's scriptures.
- Matthew 11:28-30Jesus invites the weary and heavy-laden to come to him for rest, describing his yoke as easy and his burden as light. This captures his offer of rest to those who follow him.
- John 1:1John opens his Gospel with the declaration that in the beginning was the Word, who was with God and was God, grounding the story of Jesus in the creation narrative of Genesis.
- John 3:16John records Jesus' words that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
- John 6:35Jesus declares, 'I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall not hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst,' making a central claim about his identity in John's Gospel.
How it differs from the Bible
The series presents the life of Christ through named individuals such as Peter, Andrew, Matthew, Mary Magdalene, John, and Nicodemus. Because these figures appear at different points across the Gospels, viewers can compare how the show arranges their meeting with Jesus against the order found in the relevant passages.
The overview highlights tension with Roman authorities, suggesting later conflict is foreshadowed. Readers of the Gospel accounts can watch for how the show portrays the gathering of early followers alongside Jesus' teaching, and compare the pacing and emphasis with the order of events in Matthew 4–14 and John 1–6.
Discussion questions
- 1
How does Matthew 5:17–18 shape the way we read Jesus' teaching in the series?
In Matthew 5:17–18, Jesus says he came not to destroy the law or the prophets but to fulfil them. This frames his teaching as the fulfilment of Israel's scriptures, a lens to bring to any scene of instruction.
- 2
What does Matthew 11:28–30 reveal about who Jesus invites to follow him?
Matthew 11:28–30 records Jesus inviting 'all ye that labor and are heavy laden' to find rest in him. The series features disciples from varied backgrounds, a picture to compare against this open invitation.
- 3
Why does John begin his Gospel with John 1:1, and how does it connect to the rest of John 1–6?
John 1:1 places Jesus as the Word who was with God and was God from the beginning. The following chapters, including John 3:16 and John 6:35, unfold who this Word is: the giver of eternal life and the bread of life.
Where to watch
Availability is for Canada and changes over time — check the platform before watching. TMDb ↗
Reflections on Matthew
After watching, read the passage itself — you will find details no film has time to show.