The Chosen Adventures Series Review
Having recently finished the new Amazon Prime series, 'The Chosen Adventures', Heather shares her thoughts on it.
The Chosen Adventures on Amazon Prime
The Chosen is a multi-series TV show created and directed by filmmaker Dallas Jenkins. The show centres around the life and ministry of Jesus and His disciples; using Biblical, cultural, and historical research to present a raw, intriguing, entertaining and, at times, challenging interpretation of the Gospels. Having released five seasons to date, we have met characters such as Mary Magdalene, Jairus, the Woman at the Well, Joanna, Pilate, Nicodemus, and more! These characters are not mentioned in great detail in the Bible, so it is interesting to see this imagining of how Jesus impacted each of their lives. In addition, we see the reality of life as a fisherman or tax collector, the struggle of ministry on the road, the building plot against Jesus by the religious leaders, and, most importantly, the impact that the teaching and actions of Jesus had on all people.
Since I began watching The Chosen in 2020, I have loved digging into the Bible and picking up on little details I had rushed over on previous readings, reading the accompanying 40-day devotionals, working through the accompanying Bible studies as a congregation, and having countless conversations around the artistic license, heart, and lessons of The Chosen. However, as a children’s worker with questions on how to make The Chosen accessible to children, what has excited me recently is the release of the brand-new show inspired by The Chosen aimed at children: The Chosen Adventures.
Available to watch on Amazon Prime, The Chosen Adventures consists of fourteen 11-minute episodes around the life of Abby, her best friend Joshua, and her pet Sheep. Each episode beautifully navigates the curiosity of Abby, taking the viewer on her discipleship journey of meeting Jesus and learning what it means to live as a follower of God. The series tackles topics such as honouring your parents and the Sabbath Day, trusting in God on the bad days and in the storms, returning rudeness with kindness, and how God is always with us.
One of my favourite episodes is when Abby’s Abba meets Jesus. Abby’s admiration for Jesus as the greatest Rabbi means her Abba is struggling to find his place as her mentor and teacher. Jesus shows Abba how he is still important in Abby’s life as a father, teacher, and witness, saying, ‘You’re raising Abby in a home that loves God. Continue to teach her everything good that you know, and for everything else, just show her where to find the answers. Being a good teacher isn’t just about teaching what to learn but how to learn.’ (S1, E9). A reminder to us as Christians that, even though we ourselves are always learning, we have an important role to play in the faith development of our children and young people.
Dallas Jenkins has made it clear that the aim of The Chosen and the Chosen universe is not to replace Scripture: but to point people towards Scripture. The creative liberties are to help viewers empathise with the characters, consider the stories through a different lens, and to capture the excitement, hope, joy, and agape love which is evident throughout the Bible. Watch The Chosen Adventures with your children but do so alongside exploring the Bible together, asking your children, ‘What does God want [us] to hear [through this Bible story]?’ (S1, E4).
Ultimately, let’s continue to pray for the children and young people of this Connexion; that they will be transformed by the love and grace of God to become wholehearted followers of and for Him.
‘The most spectacular miracle is when a heart changes from something it used to be.’ (S1, E14).
- Heather Bailie
The Chosen Adventures is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video, which is a subscription based service. For more information, head to The Chosen Adventures.