The Last Sign

Mary Magdalene Poem: Darkness is not the absence of light that would be too simple it is more uncontrollable and sinister. Not a place but a void I was there once more than once. And although I could not see or hear you, you were there. Waiting...Cause/guess the darkness is not dark to you, at least not always. You wept, not because your friend was dead, but because soon you would be and because we couldn't understand it, or didn't want to, or both. The coming darkness was too deep for us to grasp, but then so is the light. One has to come before the other, it was always that way with you, it still is. Tears fell from your eyes and then ours before every light in the world went out and time itself wanted to die with you. I go back to that place sometimes or rather it comes back to me uninvited. The night that was eternal until it wasn't bitter and then sweet. And somehow the bitter remained in the sweet and has never gone away. You told us it would be like that, not with your words but how you lived. The man of sorrows acquainted with grief. That grief wasn't what we wanted to see, so we tried to look away and in so doing fulfilled your very essence, one from whom people hide their faces. But soon, we couldn't hide from it anymore than we could stop the sun from setting or rising. I remember you wishing there could be another way, and looking back I do too. I still don't know why it has to be this way, the bitter often mingled with the sweet. Maybe I never will. At least not this side of...

In The Chosen Season 4, Episode 7, titled "The Last Sign," the series delves into a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry as the disciples witness the mounting tension between His teachings and the growing resistance from religious authorities. The episode captures the rising stakes as Jesus performs a final miraculous sign, stirring both hope among His followers and fear among His detractors. This episode stands out for its intense atmosphere, as the title suggests, hinting at a significant turning point for the narrative, one that signals an impending confrontation.

The episode opens with Jesus and His disciples traveling through a small town where they encounter a group of people desperately seeking healing. As tensions build among those witnessing His miracles, the religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees, grow increasingly hostile. Their skepticism reaches new heights in "The Last Sign," as they begin to view Jesus not only as a threat to their authority but as a danger to the social and political order. This conflict is the core of the episode, creating a palpable sense of foreboding as the disciples begin to realize the gravity of their situation. The tension is further heightened by the reactions of the crowd, some of whom are filled with awe and wonder, while others express fear and confusion at the miracles they witness.

The direction in this episode is particularly effective at capturing the emotional complexity of these moments. Dallas Jenkins makes excellent use of close-ups to draw the viewer into the internal struggles of key characters, especially Jesus and the Pharisees. The contrasting reactions of wonder and suspicion among the crowd are also skillfully portrayed, with sweeping camera movements that emphasize the growing divide between belief and doubt. Jenkins ensures that each moment feels deliberate and weighty, contributing to a slower but tension-filled pacing that builds toward the climactic event of the episode-Jesus performing what is hinted to be His last public sign before tensions boil over.

The performances in "The Last Sign" are deeply compelling, with Jonathan Roumie's portrayal of Jesus remaining central to the emotional depth of the episode. Roumie embodies both the serenity and the underlying sorrow of Jesus, particularly in scenes where He reflects on the cost of His mission. These quiet, reflective moments are contrasted with powerful, commanding performances during the more intense scenes of conflict. The interplay between Jesus and the Pharisees, led by actor Giavani Cairo as Shmuel, is especially striking. Cairo's portrayal of Shmuel captures the character's growing frustration and fear, providing a stark contrast to Roumie's calm certainty. Among the disciples, Paras Patel's portrayal of Matthew is a standout, as his character continues to struggle with reconciling the miraculous with his logical nature, creating a compelling internal conflict.

The cinematography and visual composition of this episode are top-notch, with "The Last Sign" making full use of its setting to convey both the beauty and danger of Jesus' journey. The landscapes, captured in sweeping wide shots, create a sense of both isolation and expansiveness, reflecting the vastness of the mission Jesus is undertaking. Meanwhile, the darker, more intimate moments-particularly the scenes where the Pharisees gather to discuss their concerns-are framed in tight, shadow-filled spaces, visually representing the growing conspiracy against Jesus. The lighting choices in the episode also deserve praise, particularly during the final sign, where natural light is used to dramatic effect, enhancing the spiritual significance of the moment.

The writing in this episode is another strong point, with the dialogue exploring complex themes of faith, fear, and authority. The script does an excellent job of humanizing both the followers of Jesus and His detractors, showing how both sides are motivated by deeply held beliefs and values. The Pharisees, in particular, are not portrayed as mere villains, but as individuals grappling with the implications of what they are witnessing. This nuanced writing elevates the conflict, making it feel more like a tragic inevitability than a simple good-versus-evil confrontation. The theme of belief is central to the episode, with characters on all sides questioning the nature of truth, authority, and the miraculous. This thematic depth adds layers to the episode, encouraging the viewer to consider the broader implications of Jesus' ministry and the societal structures it challenges.

In conclusion, "The Last Sign" is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged episode that highlights the growing divide between Jesus and the religious authorities. The direction, acting, and cinematography work together to create a sense of escalating tension, while the script offers a deep exploration of faith and fear. Though the pacing is slower in this episode, it is intentionally measured, allowing the emotional and thematic weight to fully land. The episode sets the stage for the final confrontation, leaving the audience with a sense of anticipation and unease. Overall, "The Last Sign" is a standout episode in the season, marking a critical moment in both the narrative arc and the personal journeys of the characters.

I have been an avid Bible student since I was 21 years old. Prior to that I lived my life without caring what my Creator thought about my choices. My Bible study has only increased in the 40 plus years since I first started reading the Gospel accounts.

I know the Bible very well and am thoroughly enjoying The Chosen series. Naturally, since I am so familiar with the Bible account, I have some opinions about this series. I believe it is important to point out that less than 10% of each episode of The Chosen is actually from the Bible accounts. Ninety percent of these episodes are embellishments; the producer's ideas of how the Bible characters may have spoken, looked and acted, beyond what is written in the Bible. I have no problem with most of those embellishments. As a matter of fact, I appreciate and enjoy much of the non-biblical inventions by the writers of this series.

I would like to speak about the good and the not so good embellishments created by the writers of this series. I hope you will not be offended by my critique.

Season 4, Episode 7 - Lazarus was dead; similar to being asleep. Half of this episode is a 10, but sadly, the other half is a 1.

Jesus taught his true followers to pray for 'God's Kingdom to come and will to be done ON EARTH as it is in Heaven'. The Apostles all wrote about the future coming of God's Kingdom in the NT for decades after Jesus was killed and resurrected by his God and Father.

The #1 thing that Jesus spoke of the most when he was on Earth was the coming Kingdom of God. He taught us all to pray for that Kingdom to come and all of the things that he did during his ministry were examples of what he will do for all of mankind when God establishes His Kingdom "on Earth as it is in Heaven".

If one reads the Bible, they can plainly see that Jesus never once neglected to heal or resurrect anyone with faith. If James The Less were not just short of stature and actually had an affliction, Jesus would have healed him. The Bible does not say James The Less had an affliction. That is made up by the writers of The Chosen. In the Bible account, Jesus never once neglected to heal or resurrect anyone with faith. If there were such a person as Ramah, Jesus would have resurrected her. If Peter's wife were pregnant, Jesus would not have allowed her to miscarry. But none of those things are in the Bible.

In the Bible account, Jesus never once neglected to heal or resurrect anyone with faith; why? Because he was not only sent to proclaim the good news of his God and Father's intention to restore mankind to God's original purpose of perfect life in Eden, Jesus was also demonstrating exactly how he would rule over that Kingdom. When he fed the 5,000 with 2 fish, he was showing how there would be no hunger, food shortages or starvation in God's Kingdom when it is established "on Earth as it is in Heaven". When he stopped the violent storm that was going to kill the Apostles in the boat, he was showing how there would not be any more weather disasters in God's Kingdom when it is established "on Earth as it is in Heaven". When he healed everyone he met who had faith, he was showing that everyone would be perfectly healthy in God's Kingdom when it is established "on Earth as it is in Heaven". When he resurrected the dead, he was showing how all of our dead loved ones would be resurrected in God's Kingdom when it is established "on Earth as it is in Heaven".

All the make-believe stuff about Thomas being betrothed to a woman named Ramah and James The Less being crippled and Eden having a miscarriage is NOT IN THE BIBLE. So, Thomas (and earlier in the series Peter) throwing a fit is not in the Bible either. Neither is there anything about James The Less having any affliction whatsoever. All those inventions of the writers of The Chosen make Jesus look inadequate to rule God's Kingdom. The reality is that, in the Bible Jesus proved and demonstrated that he, as the appointed King of God's Kingdom, is going to fix everything, just as he did in the Bible account. In the Bible account, Jesus never once neglected to heal or resurrect anyone with faith.

Biblical content 10% John 11:1-46.

This episode could been so good! A 10! But, it was marred by the drama that began at the end of episode 3. Ugh. Why!? Why not more emphasis on the miracle? Why not more emphasis on the sacred? It could've been so much more beautiful and truthful!

Just plan on fast forwarding through the drama that is not in the Bible and focusing on what is. That drama drags the story down and distracts completely from what is holy. You'll have a much better experience watching this episode if you skip the irrelevant drama.

Hopefully, the writers will get this fixed in Season 5. Take the focus off the make believe and put it back on Jesus snd His teachings where it belongs.