The seventh episode of The Chosen begins with loud hammering.

Sparks from glowing hot metal precedes the conversation between two men who turn out to be Moses (Stelio Savante) and Joshua (Advait Ghuge).

While Joshua argues respectfully with him, Moses is smelting something, beating the metal into a shape that avid bible scholars are quite familiar with; the bronze serpent.

The episode is titled “Invitations”.

“Anyone who looks upon the bronze serpent and believes in the power of Yeshua, will live. It is an act of Faith, not reason.”

In this episode, we see Matthew visiting a woman who appears to be his mother, her caution toward him and mention of Matthew’s father show that even amongst his family, Matthew is considered a traitor and therefore, an outcast. All the while, Matthew shows signs of inner contemplation.

Erick Avari, whom we have come to love and respect, is magnificent with his portrayal of Nicodemus. Nicodemus is pressured by the Roman side to put a stop to Jesus of Nazareth.

He opts to talking to this Jesus instead, and the ensuing conversation is the stuff of Christianity’s most memorable sermons.

The philosophical juxtaposition between the Kingdom of God and the Roman occupation of the time of the story is so displayed that we are piqued to ask ourselves:

What would you do in old Nico’s shoes?
Do you sympathize with Jesus?
Would you follow Jesus when you hear him call?

The meeting between Jesus and Nicodemus is often told but not with such detail and background. The famous conversation around being “born again” is dramatized as Jesus speaks with compassion and analogy.

The hug between Nicodemus and Jesus is a strong statement about God’s love.

Episode 7 ends with the dramatic call of Matthew, the tax collector.

One sentence that sticks with us is “Get used to ‘different’ ”.

PS: To watch this episode, download The Chosen app here.


Please read our review of The Chosen’s Ep 6, Indescribable Compassion.