Remember that mediate simply means to “think deeply upon” something. This can range from something physical to an idea or thought.

• The episode starts off with a scene we get from — Luke 2:41-52
  • A young Jesus at the age of 12 is in the temple listening to the temple teachers and answering questions.
  • Both in “The Chosen” series and in Luke, when he is found in the temple by his parents he states, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
    • In the series both his parents look at each other with understanding of what he means.
    • However, in Luke, it is written that they did not understand these things, but his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
    • We have to remember that Luke is taking in the account of those who were with Jesus at this time. Meaning, Luke likely interviewed Jesus’ mother (eema) Mary. Luke was not part of the 12 disciples but there is a good chance he was one of the 500 (Corinthians 15) who saw Jesus the Christ/Messiah after the resurrection. 
    • Jesus’ response this early also clearly informs the reader that he was aware of who he was and what his purpose was.

• Nicodemus and John in jail
  • The dynamic between these two is an excellent contrast.
  • It is not written in the word that Nicodemus comes and visits John in jail to enquire about miracles, but as with time, we learn that Nicodemus helps with Jesus’ burial process after his crucification.  https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/ivp-nt/Joseph-Nicodemus-Bury-Jesus-Body
  • The series uses this discourse to show that not all Pharisees and those of Sanhedrin opposed coming messiah.
  • “The Chosen” does an excellent comparison between the world and Jesus as the coming king. Matthew, Mark, and Luke paraphrases Isaiah 40:3. John quotes this first to Nicodemus to show how the current world treated Cesar as king and in the same way how Jesus will be treated.
  • John the Baptist continues with quoting Proverbs 30:4, the Sayings of Agur — https://www.gotquestions.org/Agur-Proverbs.html
  • Nicodemus’ response is that God has no son except Israel, not Jacob but the people of Jacob/Israel.
  • Adjudicate — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adjudicate
  • Read John 3:19 here: https://www.bibleref.com/John/3/John-3-19.html
  • Then click [expand] button under the section labelled: What does John 3:19 mean?
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• Water to wine miracle: Read John 2
  • Read the first two sections from this link which cover the wedding.
  • https://learn.gcs.edu/mod/book/view.php?id=5605&chapterid=328
  • My hour has not come yet.
    • Why is this stated here?
    • Is this his first sign? If so, that would conflict with Mary of Magdalene being healed first in the series. Remember, it is important that we do not become too systematic or legalistic with the signs. If the order of the signs excluding the resurrection bother’s you, ask yourself why? What are you bothered by? Is frustration from God or yourself?
    • In the series, the interaction between Jesus and his mother (eema) shows us a human response of considering what the act will do. Like it is an acknowledgement of a point where he chooses to act in the public eye. 
  • In John 2:11 is states, “What Jesus did here in Canva of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. – Again with splitting hairs… “The Chosen” series likely has Jesus perform Mary’s miracle first to build her character and to show that he, Jesus, travelled with women. That he wasn’t limited to confines of the current culture or man’s way of reducing female humans. But rather, we are brother’s and sisters in a family.

• • What is significant about transforming water to wine? Why use ceremonial water?
    • Read: https://learn.gcs.edu/mod/book/view.php?id=5605&chapterid=328  – Ceremonial water turned into wine.
    • One argument is, this symbolized a transformation in (not of) Judaism, even the fulfillment of ceremonial washings. Imagine wha would happened if guests wanted to wash their hands again — They would have to go to the water pots and find everyone of them filled with wine! There would be no water for their ritual. The spiritual  cleansing of Jesus’ blood superseded ritual washings. Jesus has fulfilled the rituals and replaced them with some thing much better — himself

• • Thomas’ character is well defined here. Like many we live on structure and order. We understand how the world works and functions. We can manage it and guide it in the way we want it. But once he sees the miracle, it upends everything he could control or comprehend. And yet, it brings out an excitement of curiosity and child-like wonder. Of what is actually possible. Of how life could actually be more than the limited construct we make it out to be.

• • The episode’s narrative on stone masonry while Jesus transforms the water to wine is beautifully crafted. Take a moment to rewatch it. Starts at 44:50. I will continue to praise the scene as Jesus pulls his hand from the wine and it drips away like drops of blood signifying the beginning and end all at once.

• • Difference between “The Chosen” and the account in John 2. In John 2, the master of the banquet pulls the bridegroom aside. In “The Chosen” the master of the banquet stops the wedding to declare it to all the guests.
    • Contextually, would this have a different response or affect?
  • An interesting part of this scene is when the bride’s father sips the wine, stares at the glass, and responds to his wife that he was wrong. It’s like the narrative is foreshadowing the blood that washes away the sins of man also gives insight, understandings and discernment. Hence, opening the eyes of the blind.

• • The end of the episode concludes with Thomas talking to Ramah about what he should do. To follow or to not. Thomas says he doesn’t know what to think. Raman’s response is to not think. This response could easily frustrate many because God does not ask us to follow him blindly. But we must’n take this out of context. Ramah’s response is for Thomas to not limit himself in the way to he perceives things. To not use only his knowledge. Highly intelligent people and deep thinkers can be compared to the parable of the rich man and eye of the needle. It is difficult to let go of your worldly knowledge just like the worldly wealth and seek God’s knowledge and wealth.