The Chosen: Season 4 Episode 2 Recap
Dream Sequence and Jesus’ Awakening
Episode 2 of The Chosen starts with a dream sequence where we see Jesus and his cousin John the Baptist. He breaks free from his chains and tells Jesus to walk towards a snowy mountain. Jesus then wakes up from his sleep.
Following this, Andrew visits Jesus to see how he’s doing. Jesus mentions how the saddest moments are the ones we laugh at the most. When Andrew mentions that Jesus is a mystery, it inspires him to continue the Shiva for John. Jesus then asks Andrew to gather the disciples.
Yussif’s Discovery
While reciting a verse, Yussif stumbles upon a key. He looks at it for a few seconds and then shuts it. The next scene includes a man named Nathan, and Yussif mentions their forefather’s anguish in his bones, offering to pray for him daily. He mentions a man who performs miracles (Jesus) but holds back. Soon after Nathan leaves, Yussif inquires about his daughter’s well-being. Jairus then announces the promotion of Shmuel to the Sanhedrin and the apparent absence of Nicodemus. They fear that the rumours of Decapolis (feeding of 5000) will cause problems.
Quintus And Atticus
In the next scene, we see Quintus’s face being sculpted. Meanwhile, Atticus arrives and asks about the latest intel on Jesus of Nazareth. Atticus senses it’s the beginning of a war. He warns Quintus and says the only thing keeping him in Caesar’s good graces is the revenues, urging him to take action.
Jesus’ Teachings And Disciples’ Journey
Meanwhile, Jesus and his followers walk towards Mount Hermon. Thomas and Ramah approach Jesus, and Ramah asks if he could be his witness and spiritual father. Jesus then speaks about his purpose, saying he did not come for peace but to build divisions between households and beyond. He means that if someone chooses to follow him, it can lead to division, and they may be hated by their members. He commands them to love God more than their mother and father. Later, Ramah tells Thomas she doesn’t need any wedding gift, encouraging Simon to take Thomas aside and explain marriage to him.
Shmuel’s Promotion And Doubts
Shmuel receives new robes on his promotion. He then talks to Yanni about his experience meeting Jesus and their prayer time together, explaining how his view of Jesus has changed. Shmuel wonders whether the Sanhedrin are truly dedicated to making their nation better or if they’re all talk and no action. When the disciples finally arrive at the Gates of Hell, they are disgusted by the pagan worship that involves goat sacrifices.
The Meeting At Sanhedrin
At the Sanhedrin meeting, Shmuel is applauded by Rabbi Shammai for his work as an eyewitness exposing Jesus. Shammai reveals that John the Baptist is dead, creating doubt and guilt in Shmuel because he handed over John the Baptist’s whereabouts. Tensions rise, and senior leaders in every district are urged to expose Jesus. The High Priest asks to avoid the Law of Moses and let the Romans deal with Jesus. Shmuel is uncomfortable and not at rest.
Jesus’ Declaration And Simon’s Naming
Jesus and the disciples arrive at the altar, and Andrew asks the reason for bringing them there. Following this, Jesus questions whether they should avoid dark places out of fear or be a light to them. Jesus then asks the disciples who the Son of Man is. Simon confidently says he is Christ and the Son of God. Jesus, proud, names Simon (Peter). He says that he is building the church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. He urges the disciples to be as fearless and obedient as John the Baptist was.
Shmuel’s Realization
They send four horsemen to trap Jesus. Shmuel, still processing John the Baptist’s death, meets Yanni, who suggests that Shmuel will be the one to find Jesus. After this, Shmuel confronts the realization and embarks on his journey.
Disciples’ Doubts And Reconciliation
Later that night, the disciples question the decision to name Simon (Peter) and whether he is the “chief” or the favoured one. Matthew privately speaks to Jesus, questioning his decision and expressing his pain, given how rude and cruel Peter has been to him. Jesus makes Matthew realize how he’s been unfair and how he almost handed Simon (Peter) to the Romans, making him realize the hurt he’s inflicted on Simon (Peter). Jesus says the group will never be at peace if they hold resentment against one another.
Matthew’s Apology
The next day, James and John continue to discuss Jesus’s decision. Meanwhile, they buy pistachios. Tamar notices something is off with Matthew. Jesus then nods as a sign for Matthew to apologize. Matthew apologizes, but Simon walks away.
Yussif’s Decision
Yussif decides to leave Capernaum and use his father’s influence and wealth to become a member of the Sanhedrin. He uses the mysterious key to retrieve his pouch.
Simon’s Struggle and Jesus’ Advice
Simon (Peter) lies in bed with Eden, thinking about how he struggled and went against God. He then goes to Jesus and questions whether he should forgive Matthew. Jesus tells Simon (Peter) to forgive not seven times but seventy times seven. Jesus makes Peter realize that Matthew’s actions led to him meeting Jesus. However, Simon (Peter) is still not ready to accept this.
Quintus’ Frustration And Gaius’ Concern
Later, Quintus is seen frustrated and demands that the Tent City be removed within a week. Gaius, tense, leaves the meeting room and bumps into Matthew. Matthew notices that Gaius is stressed over his family and is anxious, urging him to follow Jesus. Gaius, uninterested, advises Matthew to tell Jesus to refrain from preaching publicly due to growing tensions.
Simon’s Forgiveness
Later, John offers to help Thomas by gifting Ramah some of his mother’s pastries. Meanwhile, Simon (Peter) marches towards Matthew, hugs him, and tells him that he forgives him and the fight between them is over. Following this, Matthew tears up and is happy.
The Chosen: Season 4 Episode 2 Review
Episode 2 of The Chosen seems to have a slow start, but it picks up speed later on. The episode seems to cut short the story of John the Baptist’s death, including the grieving scenes. The disciples could have grieved and asked Jesus if they would suffer like John the Baptist, and Jesus could have preached about the cost of following him.
The portrayal of Simon’s (now Peter) and Matthew’s relationship perfectly captures their mutual anger and resentment. The Chosen also does a fantastic job of showing flashbacks from previous episodes and how their wrongdoing caused resentment towards each other. Both perspectives make us feel for them. The show does a fantastic job of portraying repentance and forgiveness for past actions.
However, the story of Quintus and his family seems ignored and fails to pick up from where it left off. The connection between Simon (Peter) and Gaius was done well, but now the story has shifted to Matthew, which makes it seem absurd. They could continue the Simon-Gaius storyline, considering Simon saw the child and could use it as a medium to help Gaius seek help and increase his faith in Jesus.
Shmuel’s story picks up from Season 3, where he sits to pray with Jesus. The show wonderfully portrays how emotional and human Shmuel is and creates doubt about the Sanhedrin and their hypocritical words and acts. The realization and guilt make Shmuel’s character more compelling and relatable to someone who has strayed away from Jesus and is guilty of his actions.
That said, Atticus’ story appears to be frequently overlooked. It feels like he only has a cameo in every episode to make Quintus realize he needs to take action.
When Jesus names Simon Peter, the Chosen effectively portrays the challenging dynamic between James and John. At times, it is humorous, and Andrew, who acts as an icebreaker in every episode, adds to the humour.
What are your thoughts on the Episode 2 of The Chosen? Did we miss any interesting moments? Let us know in the comments down below!
