Category: The Chosen

It’s here—the final episode—and wow, does it deliver! After seven episodes walking through the Last Supper, this one opens with the final song sung at the table. I wasn’t sure if we’d revisit the Supper again, but instead, we’re swept straight into the Garden with Jesus. And honestly? That shift felt right. The tone changes, the tension builds, and things get real.

Jesus heads out with Peter, James, and John, asking them to keep watch while he prays. Simple enough, right? Except… they fall asleep. Repeatedly. Three times, Jesus comes back to find them snoozing. Peter even gets called “Simon,” which stings—like a gentle but pointed reminder of his old self. You can almost hear Jesus thinking, Come on, guys. Just one hour.

Meanwhile, the show gives us a peek into other corners of Jerusalem. Atticus and Pilate are deep in conversation—Pilate wants peace, Atticus wants Rome to look good. Claudia’s still haunted by dreams she can’t shake. And the religious leaders? They’re in full-on debate mode. Caiaphas pushes for Jesus’ arrest, but not everyone’s on board. Then, in walks Nicodemus with a dramatic entrance, trying to defend Jesus. It’s bold, it’s heartfelt… and it’s just too late. Judas has already made his move.

Back in the Garden, Jesus begins to pray—and this is where the episode takes a powerful turn. He has three visions. The visions come from scripture, but creatively imagined for the screen as we don’t know for sure that Jesus had these visions while he was in the garden:

1. Abraham and Isaac – Jesus watches Abraham prepare to sacrifice his son, only for God to provide a ram. The irony is thick: Jesus is about to be sacrificed, but no ram is coming for him.
2. Valley of Dry Bones – Straight out of Ezekiel 37, Jesus stands among lifeless bones as God promises to breathe life into them. Resurrection imagery? Absolutely. It’s a quiet nod to what’s coming in three days.
3. Joseph’s Comfort – Jesus is embraced by his earthly father. It’s tender, grounding, and deeply human.

Then comes the moment we’ve been dreading: Judas steps out from behind the Roman guards and kisses Jesus. That kiss—so simple, so loaded—is the signal. The betrayal is complete. The disciples are stunned. We’re stunned. And just like that, the season ends.

There’s a lot of scripture packed into this episode, and if you’re ready to dig deeper, the study guide has you covered. This is your last chance to dive into the Word alongside the season. I hope this journey has helped you grow—whether in your understanding of Jesus, your love for scripture, or your connection to God.

Want the full study guide with bonus material? Grab it through the link attached. It’s been a joy walking through this season with you.

https://www.lulu.com/shop/brittany-mcgaffin/the-chosen-season-5-bible-study/paperback/product-7k8k7g5.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Let’s address the elephant in the room: if you’re squeamish about feet, this episode probably made you squirm. We’re not talking pedicures—we’re talking dusty, calloused, road-weary disciple feet. And Jesus? He got right down and washed them. All of them. That includes Judas—the guy about to hand him over. If humility had a face, this was it.

The buildup to the Passover meal is full of intrigue. Jesus sends two disciples ahead with cryptic instructions involving a man with a water jar. Of course, it unfolds exactly as he says—because when doesn’t it? They find the house, and it’s ready for them, just as foretold. In a creative twist, the show introduces a boy named Mark who’s scrubbing graffiti off the walls: “Jesus Is Messiah.” Not exactly in scripture, but it’s a clever way to mark the spot—pun intended. Is this Mark the future gospel writer? Maybe. Maybe not. But the name drop doesn’t feel accidental.

Then the episode takes a turn—a memory lane detour. We see several disciples caught in flashbacks as they journey to the supper, stirring up backstories we didn’t get in Season 1 and 2. Little James and Thaddeus (in the next episode) finally get their origin moment, while Zee, Nathanael, Andrew, Thomas, and Matthew each get emotional highlights that bring depth and closure to their stories. It’s not pulled from scripture, but it definitely adds some flavor.

And then there’s Judas. His scene with his sister packs a punch. She tells him his name will be remembered forever—a prophecy of pride dressed up as praise. Of course, history took that sentiment and ran with it in the darkest direction possible. Caiaphas says Judas is the last of his line, destined to be forgotten. How wrong they both were. Judas would become one of the most infamous names in human history, etched into scripture—not as a hero, but as the betrayer.

Ready to geek out a little? Dive into the study guide and explore the scripture that anchors this episode. You’ll spot the overlaps, catch the creative detours, and flex that spiritual discernment like a pro.

The entire bible study is available for purchase at Lulu.com. See the Shop icon on the homepage or click the link below to purchase your own copy. https://www.lulu.com/shop/brittany-mcgaffin/the-chosen-season-5-bible-study/paperback/product-7k8k7g5.html?q=brittany+mcgaffin&page=1&pageSize=4

If you thought the last episode packed a punch, this one throws the knockout. Picking up right where we left off, two major storylines unfold—and neither goes the way you’d expect.

First surprise: Nicodemus is back! Could he rescue Jesus from the Romans? Convince the Jewish leaders He’s the real deal and save Him from death? Not quite. Turns out, Nicodemus isn’t the hero of this episode—or this story. His moment with Mary is a letdown. When she needs someone to speak up for Jesus, Nicodemus shrinks back. If you were rooting for a redemption arc, it’s going to have to wait.

Second surprise: Judas meets with Caiaphas. His reasoning? If he betrays Jesus, maybe that’ll force Him to finally claim David’s throne. But as the conversation deepens, cracks appear. Judas isn’t just scheming—he’s struggling. By the end, those doubts win out, and he makes the trade: 30 pieces of silver for the whereabouts of his Master.

Then comes the heart of the episode—the Last Supper. Communion, as we know it, begins right here. Seeing Jesus explain the bread as His body and the wine as His blood brings an entirely new weight to the ritual. Next time you’re in church, you might just picture that table more vividly than ever.

We also meet a couple fresh faces. First, there’s the mysterious stalker who’s been lurking in the background for a while—he’s Matthias, Nicodemus’ spy. Turns out he’s been quietly documenting miracles and sermons for the Teacher of Teachers. Then there’s Barabbas, whom Simon the Zealot recognizes as a fellow rebel. They crossed paths seasons ago when Barabbas tried to take Simon out for choosing Jesus over the cause. Interestingly, scripture doesn’t identify Barabbas as a Zealot, but you’ll find notes on that in the study guide if you want to dig deeper.

And here’s the question that’s still bouncing around in my head: could Matthias be the same guy who replaces Judas as a disciple later on? Maybe. Maybe not. Only future seasons (and some creative storytelling) will tell.

Want to separate truth from adaptation? The attached study guide dives into the biblical backbone of this episode—so you can decide what’s scripture and what’s creative license.

We’re halfway through Season 5, and things are heating up faster than a Galilean summer. This episode is pure setup—but in the best way. The tension is rising, the foreshadowing is thick, and the creative liberties? Let’s just say they’re starting to take a few leaps.

First up: flashbacks to the Last Supper. Jesus drops the bombshell— He warns the disciples that someone is going to betray him, hmmm I wonder who that will be? He also warns that they will face trials and persecution after his crucifixion. Wait a minute, what? His crucifixion? The disciples are confused about that one.

Now the cursed fig tree makes its comeback—and spoiler alert—it doesn’t. Turns out, Jesus wasn’t bluffing. No fruit, no future. The tree withers away like yesterday’s leftovers. Moral of the story? Don’t be useless around Jesus.

Then we jump to Pilate’s household drama. His wife is freaking out—nightmares, ominous visions, the works. She wants out of Jerusalem, and she wants out now. But Pilate? Not thrilled. Letting her leave would make him look weak, and if there’s one thing Pilate cannot afford, it’s a dent in his fragile reputation. The creators are clearly setting the stage for something big here. Next season, anyone?

Now for a plot twist that isn’t in scripture—so buckle up. Mary’s approached by a stranger on the street who wants to take her somewhere… without telling her where. Red flags everywhere. She’s blindfolded and whisked off to an unknown location. When the blindfold comes off—bam—a familiar face from Season 1 reappears. Did you remember who it was? This reunion has zero biblical backing, but it’s juicy enough to make you wonder where they’re headed with it.

And we end on a high-stakes cliffhanger: Judas, cloak billowing, heading off to meet… someone. The scene mirrors Mary’s mysterious journey, except this time we get our answer. The final frame reveals Judas face to face with Caiaphas. Talk about dramatic timing. The credits roll, and we all sit there going, “Yikes.”

Next episode? Expect fallout. Betrayal is in the air, and Jesus’ warnings are inching closer to reality.

Want to dig deeper into the episode? Download the study guide I put together—it’s packed with scripture references and questions to help you reflect on the final days of Jesus’ life and this intense chapter of the season.

If I had naming rights, I’d slap a bold label on this episode: Frustration. That word practically hums beneath every scene. It’s in Judas’s furrowed brow, Caiaphas’s clenched jaw, and yes—even in the rustle of fig leaves that dare not bear fruit.

Let’s talk Judas. He’s watching Jesus take questions and twist them into truth, but it’s not the kind of truth Judas had in mind. That famous “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s” line? Not exactly the political thunder Judas wanted. Things aren’t lining up with his idea of success, and he lets it show—in a conversation with Peter that’s not in the Bible but feels entirely plausible. Then comes a bold pitch to Jesus himself. Judas offers up his strategy, trying to help Jesus—yes, help Jesus—be more effective. You can practically feel him leaning forward: “Let me handle the optics, Rabbi.” It’s not in scripture, but based on what we know of Judas, it’s not a stretch either.

And now… the fig tree. Jesus is hungry, the tree’s barren, and it’s about to become the most cursed plant in Judea. Is this a rare glimpse of frustration from Jesus? Maybe. But in true rabbinic style, there’s always a deeper meaning coming. Think of it as the parable before the parable.

Meanwhile, while some are scheming and others are sulking, we get a beautiful contrast: the Dayenu moment. The women gather around Jesus to share a Seder meal—not a scene pulled straight from scripture, but one crafted with thoughtful intention. If Jesus was in Bethany before Passover, wouldn’t he break bread with those closest to him? The Dayenu prayer, spoken during the Passover meal, is a cascade of gratitude: Even if You had only done this one thing… it would have been enough. That line hits different when you picture these women reflecting on how Jesus has walked with them, listened to them, and seen them.

This scene doesn’t just add warmth—it reframes the whole episode. While leaders plot and Judas fumes, the faithful respond with thanks. Frustration is part of the story, but gratitude, as always, gets the final word.

Now it’s your turn. Check out the Bible study guide for this episode, dig into the scripture references, and maybe—just maybe—craft a Dayenu of your own. What would have been enough for you?

Jesus had just flipped some tables in the temple in episode 2—and now he’s flipping the script on the Pharisees in episode 3. The Jewish leaders think they’re going to trap him in front of the crowds. Really? Do they not realize who they’re dealing with? The Son of God doesn’t trip over his words even if they do keep interrupting him. He teaches with fire, finesse, and a whole lot of truth—even when they keep trying to throw him off.

This episode dives into some heavy teachings, and Jesus doesn’t hold back. Parables start flying, taxes come up, commandments get ranked, and even the disciples jump in to help act out the stories. It’s scripture brought to life in on the big screen. And the parables? They’re not just bedtime stories. The talents and the tenants? They hold deeper warnings and challenges—especially to those in power who aren’t listening.

Then comes the showdown. After being interrupted again and again, Jesus lights up the scribes and Pharisees with the seven woes. He’s not just calling them out—he’s pulling back the curtain on hypocrisy. Straight from Matthew 23:1-36, this is Jesus in full prophetic mode, saying what needs to be said.

Next, he takes a smaller group—Peter, John, James, and Andrew—to the Mount of Olives for a late-night conversation about the end times. And here’s the twist: not even Jesus knows the day or the hour. That’s how big this mystery is. So, he urges his disciples—and us—to stay awake, stay alert, and not wait around. Because when that day comes, it won’t just be about headlines. It’ll be eternal. Got friends or family who haven’t heard the Good News? Now’s the time.

There’s a curious moment in the episode when Jesus sees a vision of David playing his lyre. That’s not pulled from scripture, but it’s a clever touch—maybe a little nudge for viewers to dig into the Old Testament and rediscover David for themselves.

Want to go deeper into the verses from this episode? Grab the study guide and walk through it with us. Jesus wasn’t just silencing critics—he was opening eyes, stirring hearts, and schooling the Pharisees without breaking stride.

Wow, Jesus doesn’t hold back! In this episode, we meet a different side of Him—less “turn the other cheek, walk an extra mile,” more “clear out this circus.” And make no mistake: everyone at the temple felt it. The chaos of animals, haggling merchants, skewed exchange rates—it was all just too much. Jesus had seen enough. The temple, meant to be a place of prayer, had morphed into a money-making machine, and He was done playing nice. Let’s just say Jesus didn’t win any popularity contests that day.

And speaking of disapproval… did you catch Judas’ reaction? His disappointment is practically palpable. Jesus standing up for the integrity of God’s house while making some people mad, didn’t sit well with him—and that tension is only growing. From this moment forward, opposition to Jesus starts picking up speed. Even at the Last Supper preview, Jesus warns the disciples: following Him is about to get tough. When He tells Peter that he’ll deny Him, Peter pushes back. But we all know how that story unfolds.

Now, let’s talk creative liberties. There are a couple of moments in this episode that aren’t pulled directly from scripture, but they add depth:

• Flashback to Ramah, Thomas, and Kafni: It’s bittersweet seeing Ramah again. In the vision, Kafni is warm and affectionate—but present-day Kafni? Not so much. Grief and bitterness have turned him against Thomas and Jesus, and he’s not keeping that anger to himself. He’s recruiting others to his cause.
• Leander and friends visit Jerusalem: These characters from the Decapolis give us fresh eyes on the temple layout. Their perspective exposes the injustice happening right outside the temple doors—unfairness that fuels Jesus’ anger. It’s through them that we really grasp just how far the place had fallen.

This episode gives us more than drama—it gives us clarity. The Court of the Gentiles, that sacred outer area meant for all nations to worship, had become a noisy marketplace. And Jesus cleared it out with passion and authority. That same passion for God’s house? You can have it too.

Download the Episode 2 Study Guide to dig deeper. It’s packed with scripture references and includes a visual breakdown of the temple layout so you can see exactly where Jesus turned the tables—literally. Let the fire in Jesus’ heart fuel your own faith as we walk through this powerful moment together.