#getusedtodifferent
When we started listing all the things about the show and the movement that makes “The Chosen” so unique, the list is long and distinguished. Honestly, 22 is the short list, but we’re addressing only a few today and #1 has to be JONATHAN ROUMIE playing the role of Jesus. It’s been said by many, “He’s the best Jesus on screen I’ve ever seen” and we agree.
If the goal was to create a tv show that was unlike ANYTHING the world has ever seen, they hit the mark. We’ve never seen this level of an approachable, down-to-earth, but still direct and yet, mysterious Jesus. On the contrary, it’s easy to see Jesus as a very religious figure and why the world has been challenged to see Him as a God that can also be a friend (#comeandsee). The Bible says Jesus came to “take people out of darkness and into His glorious light,” prophesied by Isaiah and repeated by Jesus. Jonathan portrays The Messiah so well it’s as if he’s carrying a Jesus-type anointing and it inspires us to want to follow Him. I think that’s what people are feeling from Jonathan—and perhaps it’s why Jonathan has said that he had a “born again” experience as he began playing this role.
Pretty awesome to have the Holy Spirit show up bigger than you ever imagined because you said yes to the right acting gig. To think he “never wanted to be on screen.”
#2—The cast—if you try to pick just one other favorite (besides Jesus) and why you love a particular character, maybe it’s Simon Peter and his strong and cocky I-got-this-handled personality we can all relate to. To think he will lead the charge after Jesus is gone. He’s got the grit and he’ll make a few big mistakes (like denying Jesus a few times) that will continue to humble him enough to lead the tribe of disciples in the future. That was beautifully played, Lord!
OH BUT MATTHEW—Ok a bit controversial, was he a bit autistic and so Type A? Only God knows. But, it’s not at all far-fetched to see how he would be hated or shunned as a tax collector by his family and the other disciples. “Don’t you know who this guy is?” Simon says. I love that scene when Jesus calls Matthew. The dynamics of these two characters alone and how Jesus gracefully helps Matthew through it all and sort of snickers in some way at Simon. It makes you think Jesus just might be rubbing his hands together thinking “Oh this is going to be fun!” The personality dynamics amongst the characters are awesome—they make the show binge-worthy (#BingeJesus). The experience of seeing the unveiling of the disciples from ordinary, sinful, despised or religious men, as they learn to follow Jesus, brings so much hope for the rest of us. Only Jesus can take us from selfish, self-righteous and blind, to becoming friends and followers of Jesus.
#3—Creative Evangelism—superbly designed by a combination of the Holy Spirit and the willingness to say yes to creative ventures and ideas. I’m quite certain that Dallas and his team of producers didn’t have every piece of this tv production figured out with a perfectly designed plan. However, I see strategy—the strategy to do their best to tell the greatest story ever told with a unique and down-to-earth narrative.
Did they really know just how big this show would be? Did they know it would become a movement? Did they know God would also shine a huge light on many of the creative players or that God’s only getting started? I don’t think so. I believe Dallas put his time into the industry and kept doing what he does as a director and leader of a creative crew and God prepared the way and prepared the man. I believe when Christ calls those of us sent to the media and entertainment mountain He prepares us for awhile, perhaps years or decades. He humbles us and provides plenty of “red sea moments” so we’ll rely on Him.
He’s been orchestrating things behind the scenes because it’s not about us, and it will never be. Truly, when it comes to being a creative for God, we have to learn how to get out of God’s way because His creation is so much better than ours. Being a creative Christian requires tapping into God and trusting Him for the unique edge each of us have that will make the difference.
Success of this magnitude is never about one person—there’s always a team behind the scene that makes the dream work, and like I said on #18 of the list—Amanda is the wife that makes the man (wink wink). Without question, sacrifices have been made and tears have been shed to do the work of the ministry—in this case, “The Chosen—A Global Phenomenon.” Although Dallas perhaps wouldn’t call The Chosen a “ministry,” it doesn’t matter. He still used the 5 loaves and 2 fish God gave him and the harvest is just beginning to come in. But, he didn’t do it alone and none of us do.
We knew a long time ago when we interviewed Dallas back in 2019 in Issue 6 that this show would have a massive global impact in the Christian world, in the area of creative evangelism and in the lives of all those involved. We knew we would advocate and pray and intercede for the success of the show and all the workings and people behind the scenes that may never get the accolades that some will. It’s been our honor to be part of it, sharing it with kingdom leaders in our small but influential world. Honestly, every person I meet and every meeting or engagement I attend, people are hearing about this tv series. I do what I can to spread the love because Jesus has His fingerprint all over this.
As many of you know, our heart here at Megamorphosis Magazine is to encourage the risk-takers, the creatives, the filmmakers, the song-writers, the poets, the artists, the entrepreneurs and all creative Christian leaders to be diligent in pursuing what God has placed in your heart. To stay in your lane and don’t ever stop unless God says it’s time. Keep pushing toward that high calling in Christ Jesus through your creative gifts, like Dallas, like Jonathan, like Matt Nelson and Dan Haseltine (the composers) and so many others (including me) that are constantly asking God to raise our personal bar for excellence and uniqueness in our creativity.
We’ve all seen way too many films in Christian filmmaking (if we didn’t shut them off first) that we’re embarrassed about. We’ve all wanted to hide when we didn’t quite hit the mark on our standard of excellence, and most Christian actors have played a role they wish they hadn’t. Let’s have some grace because we’re all a work in progress. Still, we’ve been chosen for such a time as this and have the same goal, to show people that Jesus calls us all and sees us all. Lastly, we’re excited to have a section that’s all about what God is doing to change lives and create unity and love through The Chosen movement. We want phenomenal success for this show and for Dallas as a creative risk-taker because it means millions of lives will see the real heart of Jesus, and experience Him as a loving Father, perhaps for the first time.
The Full List
Not in order of importance
- The most resonating Jesus on screen
- Creative evangelism through entertainment
- The much-needed dialogues regarding faith differences and worship
- The backstory of the characters
- The love of the fans
- The production quality and cinematography
- The breathtaking music by Matt Nelson & Dan Haseltine
- The hashtags—#BingeJesus #comeandsee #againstthecurrent #getusedtodifferent #itstime
- The example of brotherly love expressed between Dallas Jenkins & Jonathan Roumie
- The willingness of Dallas to accept questions and criticism and address people’s concerns
- The easy to grasp and modern day style of the script
- The superb job of casting the actors
- The scene of Brandon Lake singing his breathtaking song “Gratitude” in “Christmas with The Chosen, The Messengers”
- The ornery Simon & the odd and quirky Matthew
- Christmas with The Chosen on the big screen
- The show coming to Netflix and Amazon Prime
- The table discussion with “The Women of The Chosen”
- Dallas’s wife, Amanda, and how Dallas honors her publicly
- The Monologues from “The Messengers” production
- The movement that’s happening
- The Bible studies, books and merch
- And … we love the building of anticipation of what’s next