Show notes
You’ve heard of The Chosen, right? I know many of my friends have watched all 4 seasons of the show and some have even been part of the show in the episode of Jesus feeding the crowd of people. For real, we had some BIG Life girls in the literal crowd on the show.
Watching The Chosen has impacted countless people, myself included. It’s helped me see Jesus in a way I’ve never seen him before. I’ve simply never seen Jesus portrayed in such a beautiful human form with divine power and yet loving gentleness.
I’m completely stricken by this man Jesus. And to think, this is the one who loves me!
“The Chosen” doesn’t follow the normal timeline of most Jesus movies. It doesn’t end at the cross or the resurrection. Each episode is an in depth, detailed account of a familiar story in the bible. If you’ve struggled to understand scripture or apply it to your life, or you’re just looking for something positive to watch, find the series on Prime and start watching. I’m setting it as a goal to watch a different episode each week in August and actually study along in my Bible, journaling what God is showing me. (Maybe that’s a goal you would like to write too!)
Episode 4 in season 1 is still my favorite. It’s the account of a man in trouble and in over his head in John 21: 3-14. Simon Peter had a tax bill he couldn’t pay, a wife angry over him hiding it from her, and only one thing he knew how to do … fish. In desperation he spent the entire night fishing. His friends joined him that night in an effort to help bring in enough fish to pay his debt.
But, the entire night was spent dragging in empty nets. They were exhausted and Simon was desperate, knowing the deadline was now here and he had nothing.
This is what you call “the end of your rope.” When you’ve done all you can do and it still isn’t enough. When you’ve run out of time and out of resources, and definitely out of luck.
I have to wonder if anyone is there today? At the end of your rope? Where what was bad got worse and you don’t see a way out? You have a need, a true need.
This is where Jesus shows up. Jesus responds to need. His place is smack dab in the middle of your need.
Now I know the story of Jesus showing up on the shore after Simon’s night of futile fishing. I know what happens next, but watching it unfold in this series impacted me like never before.
I’m not a professional fisherman by any means. I don’t so much like fishing as I like catching. I’m all in if I’m reeling them in, but sitting for hours without a bite isn’t necessarily my idea of awesomeness. My husband on the other hand, well he can fish for days on end and find pure bliss. Catch or no catch, he’s just happy to be fishing.
I’ve been guilty of growing inpatient and throw out a hail Mary prayer like it’s a long shot and ask God to give me a fish. Bring a big one right to my hook and let me reel him in. I know God could do that. It’s not ridiculous to think it’s possible. But it’s never happened.
But maybe that’s because I’m not in NEED of a fish. I have no true need of catching a fish, I’m just bored from my unsuccessful attempts.
Jesus responds to NEED. What is it you NEED?
Simon needed fish. Fish were his livelihood, not just his weekend fun. Without a catch, he did not have what was needed to survive, and his entire night of fishing had left him without a single fish. Nothing had worked.