Dallas Jenkins Explains How a Season 5 Scene That Some Found Uncomfortable Illustrates the ‘True Purity’ That Jesus Brings

the chosen last supper
George Xanthis as John the disciple in Season 2 of "The Chosen." Screengrab from YouTube / @TheChosenSeries

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A scene from Part 1 of Season 5 of “The Chosen,” which released in theaters March 28, has some people squirming. Others, however, have found it amusing and appreciate how it illustrates the characters’ “humanity” [Editor’s note: This article contains spoilers for “The Chosen: Last Supper”]. 

In the scene in question, the Apostle John, played by George Xanthis, has to admit he cannot enter a room because he is unclean. It’s implied that the reason for his uncleanness is that he had a nocturnal emission.

In a statement on Facebook, the show’s creator, director, and co-writer Dallas Jenkins described several reasons why the writers included that scene, one being they were contrasting the Jewish leaders’ obsession with ritual purity with the “true purity” Jesus was bringing.

RELATED: Dallas Jenkins Responds to Criticism of ‘The Chosen’ With ‘Great News’: Viewers Read the Bible ‘More Than Ever’

“We always want to remind you of the Jewishness of the story. The prayers, the laws, the rituals are important to understand. And interesting,” Jenkins said. “It’s important to stress how the religious leaders were focused on the wrong things.”

“[The Jewish leader] is obsessed with making sure John and Zeb are ‘pure,’” said Jenkins, “when he’s talking to two Christ followers with the Messiah in town. And he can’t see the Truth because of his obsession.” 

“We want to contrast their perspective with our heroes,” the director said.

‘The Chosen: Last Supper’ References Levitical Laws

Season 5 of “The Chosen” is titled “The Chosen: Last Supper.” The recently released Part 1 includes Episodes 1 and 2. Part 2, which is the next three episodes in the series, will release April 4, and Part 3, the final three episodes, will release April 11. Fans will have the ability to watch all eight episodes the following week, which is Easter weekend.

 

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Part 1 of Season 5 saw the best theatrical debut “The Chosen” has had yet, grossing $11,755,197 domestically and nearly $13 million worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. The show came in third at the box office behind “Snow White” and “A Working Man.” 

Jenkins told Deseret News his “heart is full.” He said he had tried to keep his expectations for opening weekend low and that he was prepared “to be really happy” with $10 million. “If you’re one of the faces we saw in theaters this weekend: thank you,” he said. “Your support sends a huge message to media and makes it easier for storytellers like us to share impactful stories.”

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Jessica Lea
Jessica is a content editor for ChurchLeaders.com and the producer of The Stetzer ChurchLeaders Podcast. She has always had a passion for the written word and has been writing professionally for the past five years. When Jessica isn't writing, she enjoys West Coast Swing dancing, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.

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