Mary

As someone who has dedicated their life to studying the Bible and teaching adults for over four decades, I've found that the series, Chosen, truly captures the essence of the Messiah. Every Sunday afternoon, we gather as a church family to watch this series, and the insightful questions it sparks are truly remarkable. This portrayal of Jesus is something that needs to be seen by as many people as possible. In American churches, our preaching has often been skewed, focusing on one aspect of the Savior over others. But we're called to follow Jesus as he is, not a version we've created for ourselves. To do otherwise is simply idolatry. The Chosen has done an exceptional job of presenting a holistic view of Jesus, the only one truly worth following. It's a series that strikes at the heart of what it means to be a follower of Christ, challenging us to see beyond our preconceptions and embrace the full measure of the Messiah.

When The Chosen first came out, I watched the first season and thought it was pretty good. But that was it, and I moved on. Then, while listening to a podcast sermon, the pastor mentioned The Chosen as his favorite show about the life of Jesus that wasn't corny. He talked about a scene in episode 4 where Jesus told Peter to "get used to different." I couldn't remember that scene, so I went back to re-watch episode 4. I watched it multiple times but couldn't find that specific scene. It must have been in a different episode. So, I started from the beginning with episode 1 and re-watched the whole season. This time, something amazing happened. With each episode, I noticed more and more of the beauty and intricacies of the story, and it really touched my heart. Finally, at the very end of episode 7, I found the "get used to different" scene. By then, I had watched every episode three or four times, searching for that one line that caught my attention. It felt like God was trying to get my attention. Since then, I've been fully invested in The Chosen. I support it financially, share it with as many people as I can, and have been fortunate enough to participate in extra opportunities in Texas and Utah. I've watched every live stream and special that has been created. My life has already been incredibly blessed, but The Chosen has given me a platform to share Jesus with others, something I've always wanted to do but struggled with. I'm grateful for what has been accomplished so far and excited for the impact it will continue to have worldwide. I'm proud to be a small part of this amazing effort.

I've spent my entire life as a Christian, consuming every portrayal of Christ in film and television that I could find. Yet, it wasn't until I watched "The Chosen" that I felt a profound connection to the authentic Jesus. From the very first episode, when Jesus called upon Mary Magdalene, I was hooked. I knew this was something special, something different. The series ignited a passion within me, a dedication and determination that I had never felt before. I was compelled to treat it with a reverence that was new to me. I wanted to see this series reach every corner of the world, just like the shepherd boy in the first episode who declared the birth of Jesus, insisting that people must know. From that moment on, I was all in, and I've remained so ever since. "The Chosen" has had a profound impact on my life, deepening my faith and bringing me closer to the Jesus I've always sought to know.

My husband, Joe, passed away in June of 2022 after a long battle with cancer. We were married for 35 and a half years and ran our own business before retiring. Throughout our marriage, we were inseparable, spending every day together. In 2000, Joe was diagnosed with his first cancer, and over the years, he faced a total of 10 different cancers. One of the most challenging battles was against stage 4 metastatic lung cancer in 2015, which he fought with immunotherapy and successfully overcame. However, his last cancer was MDS, an incurable blood cancer, and he also had Congestive Heart Failure. Despite all the health challenges, Joe never gave up. In addition to the cancers, he endured three heart attacks, bleeding ulcers, and Heart Bypass Surgery in the final six years of his life. Every day, for 22 years, he fought with unwavering determination, becoming an inspiration to many. When asked about how he felt, Joe would always respond, "Better than yesterday but not as good as tomorrow." This simple statement reflects the strength and positive attitude he carried with him each day. Fast forward to December of last year, six months after Joe's passing. Usually, during Christmas time, I enjoy watching all the festive shows and movies. However, last year, I wasn't in the right frame of mind to do so. A friend recommended The Chosen to me, and I decided to give it a try. Every evening, I would watch an episode, and it brought me immense comfort. Going to bed each night, I felt a renewed sense of strength. The Chosen became a turning point for me in my healing journey. Earlier this year, during a Bible study, I told a friend who hadn't watched The Chosen yet, "You will LOVE Jesus...Well, of course, we already LOVE Jesus, but you will understand what I mean when you watch the series." My faith has been my anchor throughout the past 22 years and the challenging year following Joe's passing. The Chosen has also sparked a newfound interest in learning more about the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible. I have already watched all three seasons three times, and I plan to start watching it again soon. Each time I watch, I discover something new that I hadn't noticed before. Saying "Thanks" to The Chosen doesn't adequately express the depth of my gratitude for the series. It served as the catalyst I needed to continue on my path of healing, bringing me to where I am today. In this picture taken in April 2022, Joe's spirit for life shines through, capturing his resilience and strength.

The release of 'The Chosen' felt divinely timed. Its portrayal of Jesus and Mary Magdalene deeply resonated with my personal journey with Jesus. The acting and casting were impeccable, and it felt like watching my own story. But what makes it even more special is watching it with my 88-year-old mother and brother. My brother endured a 12-year ordeal in an Indonesian prison, unjustly sentenced to death. It seemed like an insurmountable situation, but through global prayers and divine interventions, he was miraculously released in 2021. The simple act of us sitting together, watching any show, is a miracle. Watching 'The Chosen' together is indescribable. Seeing my brother, alive and moved by the show, fills my heart with joy. Thank you, Dallas, for your faith and obedience in creating this show. Your dedication is evident in every interview and story. To God be the glory for the way The Chosen is making history around the world and in my life. Blessings, Monique Amado. P.S. Here's a video of our reunion at the airport after his release: https://youtu.be/swO_7zkdWUA?si=BH3TUXLyy9v6zBz-