The Chosen Season 4 – Episode 1 Rewind

The fourth season of The Chosen doesn’t tiptoe into the story—it charges straight into the life of one of Scripture’s boldest voices: John the Baptist. From the very first moments, the episode sweeps you through his life like a fast‑moving river. We see him before he’s even born, leaping in Elizabeth’s womb the moment Mary arrives. Even as an unborn child, John can’t help but respond to the presence of the Messiah. The Holy Spirit fills him, Elizabeth is overwhelmed with joy, and Mary learns that Zechariah is still speechless—literally—after doubting the angel’s message that he and Elizabeth would have a son in their old age.

Then the tone shifts. The camera moves from quiet joy to calculated ambition. A young woman rehearses a dance, every step sharpened by her mother Herodias’ intense coaching. A birthday banquet is coming, and Herodias is clearly preparing more than a performance. You can feel the tension building long before anyone speaks.

Meanwhile, Joanna senses trouble. Her husband Chuza warns her to behave at the banquet, which is never a good sign. Joanna tries to visit John, hoping to understand what’s happening, but she’s turned away. John is being moved to the lower deck—either toward freedom or toward death. Joanna knows which direction this story is leaning.

Before the darkness settles, the episode gives us one more flashback, a moment of pure joy. Baby John is brought to his circumcision, and Zechariah finally declares his name. The instant he obeys, his voice returns. After months of silence, he erupts in praise. Everything the angel foretold has come true, and John’s mission is set prepare the way for the Messiah.

Then comes the banquet. Herod’s birthday celebration is lavish, loud, and dripping with political theater. The dance is performed, Herod is delighted, and in a moment of foolish pride he promises the girl anything she desires. Herodias seizes the opportunity. Her daughter asks for John the Baptist’s head on a silver platter, and Herod—bound by his own reckless vow—grants the request. The prophet who prepared the way is executed.

It’s heartbreaking. No one wants to see John die. But the show gives us a final, quiet moment that reframes everything. John looks out a small window, watching sunlight spill across the sky. There’s peace in his eyes. He knows his mission is complete. He knows he’s going home. No more chains. No more darkness. No more suffering. The man who spent his life pointing others to the Lamb of God is finally stepping into the presence of the Father.

As we begin Season 4, I invite you to walk through each episode with me using the free study guide attached. Together we’ll trace the Scriptures behind every scene, every character, every moment. Let’s dive in and see how the gospel comes alive.