I’d like to remind
you that to watch the actual episodes, you are going to need to go to “thechosen.tv” to watch
them.You can watch on a browser, or
better yet, download
the free app, and you can watch on your mobile device, and some Smart TVs now have an
“Angel Studios” app as another way to watch all the episodes for free.
Again, let me repeat, due to new copyright changes, we are not going to be
showing the actual episode here on our YouTube channel.
So you will need to watch the episode either on
the website or one of the apps.
I’d like to
encourage you to be sure to turn on “Closed Captions”.You’ll get a lot more out of the episode if
you do.
It’s our hope that this little introduction we give each week will give you
a little bit of a boost so that you can better enjoy the series.
First, a segment we call…
In the
Scriptures
You may want to jot down some of these verses so you can look them up
later.
Psalm 139
We’ve already heard
one verse from this Psalm of David quite a few times during Season Two:
(Psalm 139:8 NKJV) If I ascend
into heaven, Youare there;If I make my
bed in hell, behold, Youare there.
Tonight we will hear a bit more of this Psalm,
though you won’t be told that’s what’s being read.So read up on Psalm 139.
Matthew 5-7
This is the passage we
call the “Sermon on the Mount”.
The entire episode is leading to Jesus giving this special sermon.
You are going to want to read these chapters several times.I wish you could have read them before the
episode, but hey, afterwards is ok.
The writers are going to give you little snippets of the sermon and
sometimes with Jesus’ own comments on what they mean.
In
particular, spend time reading Matthew 5:3-12, which is the
passage we call “The Beatitudes”.
This is the passage where every line starts with … “Blessed are …”, like
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God”
Pay close attention when you hear Jesus saying each line.The writers are going to give you an idea of
what each line means by who is on the screen at the moment.
It’s one of the most moving parts of the episode.
I mentioned last
week that I do not believe Jesus gave this “sermon” just once.I believed He repeated parts of the message
throughout His ministry.
Don’t be too disturbed if you hear Jesus talking about bits and pieces of
the message apart from the entire sermon.Jesus would have talked about each of the sections of the sermon at
various times and various places.
If you want extra credit, look at Luke 6:17-49
You’ll see bits and pieces of the same sermon, some of it in a different
order than in Matthew.
You’ll also notice that the time and location of the sermon was different
than Matthew.
As with the
previous episodes, some of this episode will introduce things with which we
have no record of Jesus or the disciples saying or doing.
But the
principles that are being laid out are generally very consistent with the
character of Jesus as well as the cultural background of how people lived in
the first century.
In a way, this is not much different from when a pastor teaches you about the culture and language of the
Bible.There is a lot to be learned when
it comes to the background of what we read in scripture.
But … if your only ideas about Jesus come from watching “The Chosen”, you
are cheating yourself.
As the producers
of “The Chosen” will encourage you, make sure you are reading your Bible, and
especially the gospels, for the best information.
It’s the Bible we build our lives on, not “The Chosen”.
Now, for our section we call …
Terms and
Practices
Property Title
When God
brought Israel into the Promised Land, He told them that the land belonged to
Him, and He was giving it to the tribes. His desire was for the land to stay within the
possession of each family and each tribe.
If a family became poor and needed to sell a piece of property, the sale
was not to be a permanent one, but only to last until the year of “Jubilee”,
when all property reverted back to the original
family.
(Leviticus 25:23–24 NKJV)
—23 ‘The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is
Mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with Me. 24 And in all the land of your possession you shall grant redemption
of the land.
“Redemption” means that a family could buy back their own ancestral
property.
Another
interesting slant on property title concerns the daughters of Zelophehad in the
days of Moses.Their father had no sons,
and at God’s direction, the daughters would inherit their father’s land as long as they married within their father’s tribe…
(Numbers 36:7 NKJV) So the
inheritance of the children of Israel shall not change hands from tribe to
tribe, for every one of the children of Israel shall keep the inheritance of
the tribe of his fathers.
Property title was supposed to stay within each family and each tribe.
Tribal Land
You might be curious
to find that the tribe of Reuben
was given property on the eastern side of the Jordan, alongside the Dead
Sea.The tribe of Simeon was to be
scattered within the tribe of Judah, which was in the south of Israel on the
western side of the Jordan.
Covenants and Abraham
A covenant is a contract
between two individuals.
One way these contracts were initiated was to sacrifice an animal, cut the
animal in two, and have both parties walk between the two pieces.Making the covenant was in Hebrew, literally “cutting a
covenant”. The idea was that if the contract was ever broken, you’d become like
one of those animals…
Genesis 15 is a strange chapter where Abraham is told to prepare a
sacrifice made up of various animals cut in half.Abraham goes into a deep sleep and sees a picture of God walking
through the middle of these animals.God
is the one who was “cutting” the contract.The contents of that contract are found in …
(Genesis 15:18–21 NKJV) —18 On the same day the Lord
made a covenant with Abram, saying:“To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of
Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates—19 the Kenites,
the Kenezzites, the Kadmonites, 20 the
Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, 21 the
Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the
Jebusites.”
God had made a
contract or “covenant” with Abraham, promising the land of Israel to Abraham
and his descendants.
Hellenism
This word is based on the Greek word for “Greek”.It refers to the culture of the Greeks.Good Jewish boys don’t get involved with Greek culture.
Four Philosophies
You’ve heard this phrase before.There were four “sects” or “denominations” within Judaism in Jesus’
day.They were:
Sadducees
The priests like
Caiaphas were of this group.They had a
liberal theology and didn’t believe in resurrection or miracles.They only believed the first five books of
Moses were Scripture.
Pharisees
These are who you see most in the series.They believed the entire Old Testament was Scripture.There were two divisions in the Pharisees, the “house of Hillel”
and the “house of Shammai”.
Essenes
… was a group that had departed from the other groups to live down at the
Dead Sea at Qumran.They believed Temple worship had been
corrupted. They were expecting Messiah to come soon.They were the ones that preserved what we
call “the Dead Sea Scrolls”.
Their teachings were very similar to John the Baptist and Jesus.
Zealots (also
called “the fourth philosophy”)
Simon the zealot had been one of their number.They believed they needed to rise up
and overthrow the Romans.They were
violent, secretive, and lived in the caves near Galilee.
Geography
Several places are mentioned and it doesn’t hurt to see them on a map. They are all located on
the northern section of the Sea of Galilee
Chorazin
…is up in the hills about two miles north of the Sea of Galilee.Today nothing is left but ruins.We have visited it just about every time we’ve been to Israel.It’s where there is a “seat of Moses” in the synagogue.
Tiberias
We have no record of Jesus visiting Tiberias.It was a Roman city in Jesus’ day and the Jews didn’t spend time
there.When you see Jesus near the Sea
of Galilee, and a city is across the lake, it is probably supposed to be Tiberias.
Today, Tiberias
is a decent size city.Some of you were with us on
the night time boat ride on Galilee, we left from Tiberias.
Magdala
This would be where Mary Magdalene was from.
In recent years
the synagogue dating back to Jesus’ day has been uncovered.Some of you have visited it with me. One of the special finds
there is a stone with carvings of the menorah dating back to Jesus’ day.
“Mount
Beatitude”
There is a hillside on the north shore of Galilee about a mile from Jesus’
home base of Capernaum. It’s eight miles from Magdala and eleven miles from
Tiberias.
(video) It seems
to be a likely spot for where the Sermon on the Mount was given.
There’s a
gorgeous church that was built on the hillside by Benito Mussolini in 1938 (gulp
– yes Mussolini the ally of Hitler).
We’ve been on
the hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee in the spring where there are lots
of green grass and flowers.We’ve been there in the
fall when it’s all dried out.
Lastly, a section we refer to as…
Characters
I’m hoping that
by now you are quite familiar with Jesus and the disciples.Tonight we will add
a few and remind you of a few …
Salesman and
Apprentice
You will meet a land
developer and the young man who is apprenticing under him.
One of these men might turn out to be someone special.
Romans
You’ll catch a glimpse
of our friends Atticus and Gaius if you look carefully
Pharisees
Our old friends
Shmuel and Yanni show up and this week they will meet with …
Shammai
If you recall, the Pharisees were divided into two “schools”.
The school of Hillel (who is dead) is more compassionate, and was headed up
by a man named Shimon, who is the son of Hillel.
The school of Shammai was very strict and legalistic.
You are going to meet old man Shammai tonight.
Little James,
Thaddeus, Nathanael
Are disciples we’ve known for some time, but this week they will play a
more significant role in the episode.
Solomon
… isn’t really a character in the episode, but Jesus will make an offhand
comment about Solomon
and his “poetry”.He’s most likely
referring to the “Song
of Solomon”, which
even by today’s standards is perhaps a bit “R” rated.
Old Friends
We are going to see some old friends of Jesus and the disciples from last
season.
Barnaby is a
cripple.
Shula is blind.
Zebedee is the
father of James and John.
To find out more
about the Chosen…
…and watch tonight’s episode…
Open your
browser and go to “thechosen.tv” on the web, or download
the free app for
your mobile device.If you are on a SmartTV, you may be able to add an “Angel Studios” app to
watch the episode.
Be sure you are
watching … Season Two, Episode 8 titled “Beyond Mountains”
We also encourage
you to give your financial support to this project.We do.
We’d like to
also encourage you to think about hosting a “watch” party.Even if you’ve already seen each episode, we
are finding it’s so much more fun and edifying to watch with others.
After you’ve watched the
episode, head back to the church YouTube channel. We will follow up each
episode with a live discussion in our office studio, unpacking and exploring
some of the themes and ideas that came up in the episode.
We’ll start as the credits are rolling.
If you have any
questions or comments you’d like to share during our post-episode discussion, just text the
church office at 714-879-3314
We will do our best to address as many of the comments as we can.
So here we go.Go and watch the episode, and we’ll see you
back here afterwards for our discussion …
… in about 45 minutes…
Episode Notes –
Beyond Mountains
Opening sequence
Property salesman and apprentice trying to buy property from old man
The Jewish law about land staying in the family
(Leviticus 25:23–24
NKJV) —23 ‘The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is
Mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with Me. 24 And in all the land of your possession you shall grant redemption
of the land.
Where is the land of “Reuben”?
The “Promised Land”
49 talents – more than ten years’ wages
“Covenant” to finish the land deal
“Covenant” – God’s promises to Abraham
Abraham and the Lord make a covenant – walking through cut up animal pieces
(Genesis 15:18–21
NKJV) —18 On the same day the Lord
made a covenant with Abram, saying:“To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of
Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates—19 the Kenites,
the Kenezzites, the Kadmonites, 20 the
Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, 21 the
Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the
Jebusites.”
4:54 Brothers cutting wood – James, John, Andrew
Exercise smack of “Helenism”
Simon comes in late, sleepy
Philip & Thomas bring apples for breakfast
They wonder why Matthew always goes with Jesus when He disappears in the
morning
7:15 Mary and Ramah in tent
Ramah is reading Psalm 139
Mary shares that she has memorized it because she needs “more words”, more
“tools”
(“what do we do when we are afraid? We say the words…”)
She doesn’t want to stumble again
9:10 Mary (mother) and Tamar in tent
Tamar wants to know if the women all have to learn
to read
Thomas comes with apricots
Tamar says Ramah is busy studying
Tamar wants to know why the other disciples are arguing – Thomas calls it
“love”
“They all love our rabbi and want to follow Him the right way, they just
can’t agree what that right way is”
Thomas brought apricots because they are Ramah’s favorites
11:03 Salesman and apprentice in a tavern
Congratulating themselves for buying a salt mine for the cost of a country
plot
Judas seems sad that they took advantage of the man
Sad it was a “calculated deception”
Judas – an orphan and a poet (an orphan apprenticed to the salesman)
Judas has a desire to do something special, to be proud of
They decide to take weeks off to enjoy life
14:02 Disciples looking for “the place” of the sermon
Little James, Thaddeus, Nathanael
Chorazim mentioned
They want someplace that’s a day’s walk from Tiberias and Magdala (show
map)
They find a shepherdess and sheep – “no trespassing”
Thaddeus says “this must be the spot”, why? “it’s
completely repellent”
15:35 Pharisee meeting
Shmuel and Yanni meet with Shammai
Shammai is thrilled to have a way to discredit Shimon (his rival)
Shammai tells them carefully and exactly what to do to attack Jesus of
Nazareth
Mentions “Essene”
Reviews the list of things against Jesus
Zealots mentioned as well (“the Fourth Philosophy”)
19:00 Matthew and Jesus
Matthew is organizing notes
They watch the others down in the camp
Jesus knows all about their arguing
It’s what is bound to happen when you open something to all, all people.
They talk about how many sections in the sermon
Jesus asks Matthew about his opinions
Matthew talks about the “bad” or difficult parts of the sermon
Jesus calls it a “manifesto”, starting a revolution, radical shift
They talk about the beginning and the end, salt of the earth
Jesus wants a better opening
Jesus explains “salt of the earth”
Matthew asks why Jesus can’t speak plainly.Jesus wants to do a little poetry. Not like Solomon
These things will make sense to some, not to others.Jesus wants active followers who are seeking
and willing to dig into the truth.
Jesus looks at the camp again – Jesus is going to need time.
25:14 Back at the Tavern
Little James, Thaddeus, and Nathanael is talking to the owner of the
property
Salesman and apprentice are listening in
The property owner is reluctant
Salesman speaks up – “product association”, assistant speaks up too
They talk about the advantages of having life changing things happening on
his land.
The property owner agrees
The salesman leaves before he can be thanked
They talk about wanting to see the preacher as well
27:55 Outreach
Disciples are in the city handing out flyers
Nathanael designing structure
Mary talking to homeless man
Jesus and Matthew quiet and thinking
Even strangers handing out flyers
Quintus getting a flyer – Atticus, Gaius watching
29:45 Back at camp
They wonder where Jesus and Matthew are
Andrew wonders if it’s going to happen
They are upset that they haven’t been seeing Jesus (except Simon Z)
Simon P tells everyone to get sleep and get ready for the morning
30:36 Nighttime
Jesus and Matthew
Jesus has “the opening” – it’s a map, where people should look to find
Jesus
Jesus is looking over the camp
The Beatitudes – notice each disciple referenced
Poor in spirit – Nathanael crying under the fig tree
Those who mourn – Andrew weeping over John the Baptist
Blessed are the meek – Little James and Thaddeus
Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness – James and John
Blessed are the merciful – Ramah and Mother Mary
comforting Mary M
Blessed are the pure in heart – Thomas and Ramah
Blessed are the peacemakers – Philip
Blessed are those who are persecuted for
righteousness’ sake – John the Baptist
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you… - Looking at
Matthew
“How is that a map?” – If someone wants to find me, those are the groups
they should look for.
Then … “you are the salt of the earth…”
34:20 Morning
Single lady walking through a field … then another … then dozens
Jesus is rehearsing
The ladies want Jesus to pick a color
Jesus mentions a prophecy about His appearance (Isaiah 53
Blue – symbol of peace
Red – symbol of passion, blood, sacrifice, love
Purple – royalty, kingship
Gold – warmth, wisdom, light, sun
Jesus polls the women
Simon and Andrew talk about the size of the crowd up to 3,000
Eden shows up – she gets to be the tie breaker
Salesman and apprentice show up
Judas runs into Barnaby & Shula
Romans show up – Atticus, Gaius
Crowd control
Zebedee shows up, with wife
Jesus and Mary – talking about missing Joseph, she is proud of Jesus, Jesus
is joking
“If not now … when?”
Barnaby and Shula show up backstage, teasing
Nathanael recognizes the “apprentice” – we learn his name is “Judas”
Jesus walks out to the crowd
44:20 End
After Episode
Discussion –
What was your favorite part of tonight’s episode?
When Mary and Ramah were in the tent practicing Ramah’s reading, Ramah is
curious about why Mary has been working to memorize even more Scripture (she
seems to have known Psalm 139 by heart).
Do you recall what Mary’s response was?
Mary shares that she has memorized it because she needs “more words”, more
“tools”
(Remember her father saying to her as a little girl, “What do we do when we
are afraid? We say the words…”)
Mary doesn’t want to stumble again
What do you think about Jesus working to “prepare” His sermon with
Matthew?Did Jesus need to “prepare”? How
did Jesus prepare for His sermon?
Matthew asks Jesus about the sermon, why can’t Jesus just speak
plainly?How did Jesus respond?
Jesus wants to do a little poetry.
These things will make sense to some, not to others.Jesus wants active followers who are seeking
and willing to dig into the truth.
Matthew asked Jesus about all the arguing the disciples were doing.
Jesus knew all about their arguing
He says, “It’s what is bound to happen when you open something to all, all
people.”
How could this statement impact our little church?
How does this impact how we few other parts of the church around the world?
Jesus talked about the Beatitudes being a “roadmap”.
What did He mean by that?
(If someone wants to find me, those are the groups they should look for)
During the episode, the disciples go to the cities and roadsides and hand
out “flyers”.There is no mention of
this in Scripture.Do you think this
really happened?
How did Jesus draw such large crowds?
Jesus and His mother repeated a line from the first season … “If not now,
when?”
Do you remember where you first heard that line? (Wedding at Cana – Mary
said it to Jesus when He balked at performing a miracle)
Jesus and Mary realize He is crossing another significant road marker in
His life.
What did you think of meeting Judas Iscariot?
Did he seem “evil” to you?
Now that you know that the apprentice was Judas, you might want to rewatch
the episode and listen carefully to the things that Judas was saying and
thinking.
There seems to be a sincerity in him about the things of God.At least for now.