Illustrated Summary of The Chosen: Season 4, Episode 2: Confessions

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We see Jesus from a long way off in a wilderness with mountains in the background. As He gets closer into view, He turns and then breathes shakily. We soon see why: coming towards him is the recently executed John the Baptizer with heavy shackles on his wrists. As John gets closer, he easily breaks the chain connecting the shackles. Jesus can't help laughing in relief. John stops and then gestures forward with a shackled arm. Jesus involuntarily shudders but nods His head affirmatively. Just then Jesus wakes up from what has been a dream. He is in a large, well-decorated room with heavy curtains blocking out much of the sunlight. Jesus sits up and breathes heavily.

Andrew is just outside the room. Hearing that Jesus is awake, he volunteers to set down food and drink for Him, but Jesus invites Andrew to sit with Him. Jesus asks, "How are you holding up?" Andrew is unsure how to answer, but manages to say, "I thought I would be far worse. You knew John far longer than any of us, but then You're ..." "I'm what?" asks Jesus. "You're a mystery," Andrew replies. Jesus reaches over to eat some bread crisps Andrew brought. They both share a laugh over how stale they are.

Andrew wonders, "Can we be laughing?" "Why not?" says Jesus. "You know, some of the moments in which we laugh the hardest come around the time of a funeral. Our hearts are so tender, all our emotions right at the surface: laughter and tears, closer than ever. Believe Me, I sat many a shiva with John when we were kids and he could not hold a sullen mood for 7 straight days!" Andrew chuckles but then says, "I feel guilty: I should be in shambles." "No," says Jesus. "You've already experienced much grief when John was arrested. Falling to pieces again would not honor John's memory any more than feeling nothing at all."

"So, you say I am a mystery," continues Jesus. Andrew stammers, at a loss for words. Jesus seeks to help him by asking, "Who did John say I am?" Stammering again, Andrew manages to respond, "John said You are the One." Jesus immediately rises and opens a curtain, having made up His mind about something important after this discussion. He says to Andrew, "You've given Me an idea. Where do we traditionally sit shiva?" Andrew correctly answers, "The home of the deceased." Jesus asks, "And where was John's home?" "The open road," says Andrew, who then smiles with understanding. Jesus says, "Gather the others."

Meanwhile, Rabbi Yussif is preparing for the new day. As he dresses, he recites from the biblical Book of Ecclesiastes, also called Qoheleth,  which means the teacher or preacher: "The words of Qoheleth, son of David: Vanity of vanities, says the preacher. All is vanity.... I have seen everything that is done under the son, and behold, all is vanity. and a striving after wind.... A time to seek, and a time to lose. A time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to tear, and a time to sew. A time to be silent, and a time to speak.... He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income." Before putting on his robe, Yussif wraps the long leather strap of a phylactery Scripture box around his left arm and fingers. He takes a long look at a small key in his desk drawer before replacing it.

In the Capernaum synagogue Rabbi Yussif is listening to a man burdened by many anxieties and a general feeling of dread. Addressing the last point Yussif suggests, "The anguish of our forefathers lives on in our bodies: Egypt, the 40-year wilderness wandering, the exile in Babylon. All of that pain and fear is passed on in our blood, our bones, and our stories." The man, Nathan, responds, "I just want to be able to sleep. I cannot change my blood or my Jewishness." Yussif says, "No, you can't, but you can pray. You can visit me every day and we'll pray together." Nathan nods his head affirmatively and Yussif begins by quoting Psalm 91: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."

When Yussif sees Jairus, the synagogue administrator, looking concerned, he stops and thanks Nathan for coming in. Nathan politely rises and says, "Thank you, Rabbi." Yussif escorts him by Jairus and says, "If only I were a miracle worker!" Nathan says, "There is one I've heard about," but says no more when he notices a startled look in the eyes of the others. Rabbi Yussif names Nathan's wife, Ila, and says to give her his best before Nathan leaves with the double Shalom farewell of perfect peace.

When Jairus and Yussif are seated, Yussif inquires about Jairus's life at home. Jairus answers loudly, "She was only sleeping, Yussif." Quietly he utters, "You know that's all we can say." Yussif says in a low voice, "Can you imagine what your life would be like if you were assigned to a different post?" Jairus answers, "I don't want to" and tells him the reason for his visit: "News from Jerusalem: Rabbi Shmuel has been promoted to the Sanhedrin. Rabbi Shammai is set to address the assembly today." Yussif expresses hope that Rabbi Nicodemus, who supports and actually believes in Jesus, will be there as well, but Jairus informs him that apparently Nicodemus has missed multiple sessions. He also reminds Yussif that they never sent the letter Yussif wrote Nicodemus giving a faithful and reverent account of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount. Yussif thinks that news may pale compared to the new report of Jesus miraculously feeding multitudes. Jairus points to the news dispatch he handed Yussif, informing him that the Sanhedrin has already heard about that.

In the administrative center of Capernaum down the street from the synagogue, Praetor Quintus is posing for a bust he is paying to have done. As the sculptor attempts to work his likeness into the clay, Atticus, the Roman imperial cohort, strides in and dismisses the sculptor so he can speak in private. Quintus objects, but when Atticus threatens to topple the bust, he relents. Atticus seems agitated and warns of war brewing. He flatly states, "I am not going to do your job and make life difficult for the people who follow Jesus. I will not break up their gatherings or expel the pilgrims." Quintus remarks, "Something's spooked you. I know my Jews better than you do. What is going on with you?" Atticus tells him, "Right now, the only thing keeping you in Caesar's good graces are your revenues. They're up. Spettacolare, Dominus," he congratulates Quintus in Latin, "but you really need to do something! Don't become infamous for overseeing the town where a revolution started. Hail, Caesar!" Atticus marches out of the room. Quintus, looking puzzled, utters a weak hail.

Jesus leads His disciples north by the Jordan River. Judas wonders if it will be by the waters of Merom. When Mary Magdalene inquires about that location, Simon the former Zealot (Zee) tells her that is where God helped Joshua fight a victorious battle against the Canaanites. Judas says, "Maybe it's where big things are really going to start happening!" Matthew observes, "Many big things have already happened." Nathanael says, "I bet we're going to Mount Hermon." Phillip reflects, "I haven't seen snow in ages!" Simon begins reciting Isaiah 1:18 and others happily join in: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." Big James, thinking about the purpose of this journey north, wonders what it has to do with John the Baptizer. Little James suggest waiting to find out, but Big James and his brother, John, are eager to know now how far since they are taking turns pushing a cart with heavy things.

Thomas and Ramah are talking together at the end of the procession. Thomas tells her Jesus said they could talk to Him on the way, but Ramah reminds him that this time is about John the Baptizer, not them and their courtship. Thomas says, "I'm just telling you what He said. He actually smiled!" Ramah, encouraged, replies, "All right. Let's go then. No time like the present!" She runs ahead with Thomas following. Nathanael, always forthright, says to Thomas as he passes by: "Go for it! It will probably work." Simon shushes him.

Thomas says, "Rabbi" when he and Ramah are on either side of Jesus, keeping pace with Him. Jesus responds, "Ah, there you are. I was waiting for you. How was your visit with Kafni?" When He notices the looks on their faces, He says, "I suppose if it went well, we would all know by now." Thomas tells Him, "But there is another way." "The kiddushin?" inquires Jesus. "You're familiar, of course," replies Thomas. "I am," says Jesus. Now Ramah speaks: "Rabbi, I left my father to follow You. I endured many harsh words from him for choosing to do so." Jesus reminds her, "You know, I got a taste of that Myself." Ramah continues, "You're the closest thing I have to a father right now. John has agreed to stand as the male witness for Thomas." Jesus stops respectfully and looks at Ramah, who asks, "As my spiritual father, will You give me away?"

Jesus is quiet, looking thoughtful. Thomas speaks up in what feels like an awkward silence: "We don't mean to burden You. Kafni's refusal to sanctify our union isn't what You came to do." "No," says Jesus. Ramah nods her head quickly and looks down, but Jesus continues: "No, Thomas. You're wrong. Everybody gather round." Ramah looks up. "People seem to know why I'm here," says Jesus. "Do you think I've come to give peace on earth? I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. I mean division within households and beyond. When someone chooses to follow Me, it may mean that in one house, five may be divided: three against two and two against three." "Why?" asks Zee. "We see it with Ramah and her father," answers Jesus. "It is not My intention to divide families, but the cost of following Me can mean that people will be hated by those closest to them because of their unbelief."

Andrew inquires, "But isn't honoring father and mother one of the Commandments?" Jesus replies, "Honoring your parents is one of the highest social and spiritual obligations, but it is not higher than following God. Whoever loves father and mother more than Me is not worthy of Me." Thomas says with resolve, "We choose You over family," gently suggesting, "It is decided then?" Ramah finishes the thought: "You will sign the letter and stand as my witness?" Jesus answers, "Let's talk about the details after this trip and the completion of shiva for My cousin."

On a more lighthearted note Jesus asks, "So Thomas, what are you preparing to give Ramah as mohar?" Thomas says, "Oh, well, we already agreed. She made it clear she doesn't need any ..." Simon speaks up: "Thomas, Thomas" then he puts an arm around Jesus and says, "I'm going to borrow Thomas for a moment." Leading Thomas to the side Simon tells him, "That's a bad idea. Not giving your wife a gift? Specifically, taking her at her word when she said she doesn't want a gift. No, no, no. Take it from your married friend, hmm? These words do not mean what you think they mean. Let me explain something to you." Calling out to Jesus, Simon asks, "Rabbi, do You still need him?" "No," says Jesus, "Please set him straight. The rest of us will keep going."

In Jerusalem Rabbi Shmuel is being fitted for his elegant Sanhedrin garments. While this is going on Shmuel prays, "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has given us life, sustained us, and allowed us to arrive in this moment. One generation shall commend Your works to another. I will meditate ..." His colleague Yanni, oblivious to the prayer, boasts, "All the way from the harbor villages of the Upper Galilee! Capernaum—can you believe that, Moishe?" he says to the tailor. "Moishe, I tell you, the day this kid arrived in the Holy City he still smelled faintly of fish and naivete. Mm, bergamot!" adds Yanni, referring to a delicate citrus aroma. Shmuel finally gives up on his prayer. Yanni goes on to praise the co-mingled scents of jasmine and balsam from the shores of the Dead Sea, adding, "Take my word, Moishe, you are holding the robes of a rabbi whose name will be remembered in history!"

Shmuel speaks up: "Is that all this is about for you, Yanni—being remembered? Special robes and expensive perfume?" Yanni says, "If they are befitting." Shmuel presses on, "Anyone could have alerted the elders," but then thinks to ask Moishe to step out. He looks Yanni in the eye and tells him he prayed with Jesus, whom He informed on. "You what?" says Yanni. "You never told us." Shmuel says, "He wasn't what I expected or whom I remembered from Capernaum. He seemed to be sincere and gave me much to consider." Yanni dismissively says, "Sincerity can be cunning." Shmuel counters, "I didn't detect the evil I expected." Yanni says, "Only God can discern the heart of man. It is not for you to say." Shmuel wants to know why, therefore, he is being given a coveted post on the Sanhedrin. "No one is giving you anything," asserts Yanni. You've earned your seat." Shmuel asks, "How? I studied, I wrote reports, I met with the leaders of feuding traditions, and what is there to show for it? How is our faith, our nation, improved in any way?" Yanni replies reassuringly, "You're overwhelmed.  It's normal to be nervous, lots of feelings ..." "Yes," states Shmuel firmly, "I am overwhelmed by how empty this entire exercise is by the posturing and congratulating." Yanni cuts him off: "Shmuel, I promise when you hear Shammai's address, everything will make sense."

Jesus and His disciples walk past a mile marker for Caesarea Philippi, a site of notoriety to the Jewish people. Some of the disciples look concerned. Andrew, thinking about John the Baptizer, asks Philip how he is doing regarding John's death. Philip, like Andrew, was introduced as a disciple of John the Baptizer before becoming an apostle of Christ. Philip says, "I am at peace. John would have wanted that." Matthew stares at an idol and shrine on their way down. Thaddaeus and Little James explain, "The Canaanite god of rain, Baal, used to be worshiped in many places, but especially here because of the water. A spring pours out of a cave in the side of the rock face. To sound out the depths of the spring, a rock was let down on a rope. It never reached the bottom."

The group stops with Jesus, facing a pagan temple and gaudy cave entrance. "Welcome to the Gates of Hell," announces Philip. As Jesus leads them closer, the reek of the sacrifices leads Him to say, "Doesn't the thought of our tasty kosher food sound better here?" The disciples look increasingly uncomfortable as they approach this notorious location.

In the Sanhedrin, Rabbi Shammai himself motions Shumel to a prominent seat before their meeting begins with Shammai's address: "We travel north to Capernaum for the fresh fish, not to discover great minds." The crowd laughs. "Yet as unlikely as it seems," Shammai continues, "from a backwater village in the Upper Galilee has arisen an intellect so enterprising, probing, and formidable that we cannot help but rejoice in our good fortune in finding Shmuel bar Yosef and welcoming him to this highest council, where he succeeds Rabban Seled in the 70th chair." The crowd applauds again. Shmuel rises, bows, and quickly sits down. "Unless you've been living in a tomb the past 6 months," says Shammai, "Jesus of Nazareth—once the subject of speculation, curious observation, gossip, and hearsay—has, through Shmuel's diligent reporting and confirmed eyewitness accounts, emerged a portrait of the most damning and dangerous figure in this nation since Ahab and Jezebel. Jesus has not only shown contempt for the Holy Law and tradition, He has amassed a devoted following by doing so. He travels and mingles closely with tax collectors, sinners, degenerates, and a member of the Fourth Philosophy [the Zealots]. He counts among His disciples multiple women, one of whom is a Gentile from Ethiopia. Not one but two of His disciples are followers of the late blasphemer John the Baptizer."

"Late?" says Shmuel, shocked. Shammai, not noticing, drones on, "We have Shmuel to thank, in part, for handing over the whereabouts of the Baptizer to Roman authorities." A member of the Sanhedrin rises and demands to know why the council was not notified before cooperating with and handing over one of their own to Rome. Shammai sneers at the son of his rival, Hillel, saying, "Sympathetic to the Baptizer, are you, Shimon? He called us a brood of vipers—murderers of our own mothers!" Shmuel covers his face in shame, remembering he uttered the same complaint when he was more hardhearted. 

A cold voice from behind says, "Shammai! You've gone on too long." It is the high priest Caiaphas. He walks slowly toward the podium and Shammai instantly backs away, like a cautious snake. Caiaphas states, "The time for patiently observing is long past. The acts and whereabouts of Jesus of Nazareth shall be reported to this council immediately. Senior leaders in every district should question and expose Jesus. Listen carefully to what He says and seek to entangle Him in His own teaching. If we corner Him into exposing Himself by His own teaching in a way that people will easily recognize as heresy, they will turn from Him. We can dilute His influence. As to what happens if He is trapped and brought into us, even if we find Him blasphemous, I encourage you to resist the urge to enact the justice of the Law of Moses. Stoning is not only a messy business, but stoning a preacher of the people risks chaos we cannot afford. We must convince Rome that He's worthy of their attention and concern. As much as their occupation has been a source of endless pain to our people, we must be sober in admitting that our colonizers are better at tracking and killing people than we have the resources or the energy to be. We must keep our houses of power separate. We cannot afford to be perceived as hoping for disorder in any way. Pilate, as young and in over his head as he is, will never allow that and we cannot give him another reason for doing something rash. Let Rome enforce its own man-made laws and if it works in our favor, fine. We will concentrate our efforts on preserving God's Law and the sacred traditions of our faith. Am I clear?" 

Shimon shakes his head in disgust. Caiaphas finishes by ordering that a decree be written and presented to him by nightfall. Shimon speaks up: "Caiaphas, this report is bloated and skewed with a biased agenda." Caiaphas moves forward, stating, "I said we are finished here, Shimon." Shammai stands up and stares menacingly at Shimon. Shmuel looks distressed.

At Caesarea Philippi, Jesus brings His disciples near  the pagan altar. He is about to address them, but Simon and Andrew speak up, wondering about being brought to what Andrew describes as an abomination. Jesus chuckles and says, "That's a pretty strong word, Andrew." Philip questions the propriety of being there during shiva for John the Baptizer. Jesus responds, "Should we avoid dark places out of fear or should we be light to them, like Simon and Judas were on their mission? Do you think my cousin would be afraid of this cave? Do you think he would be so appalled by what happens in that temple over there that he couldn't stand to be in this place?"

Matthew takes out his writing materials to record what he can tell will be an important teaching from Jesus, who then asks, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" John responds, "Some say you are Elijah, the one who preaches repentance." Andrew says, "Others say Jeremiah because he was rejected by the leaders of his time." Big James adds, "And still others say one of the prophets, those who spoke on God's behalf." Nathanael, when prompted, says, "Some say John the Baptizer." Philip quips, "Which obviously isn't true!" Jesus sums up, "Okay, that's everyone else. But who do you say that I am?" After a few moments of silence, Simon speaks up: "You? You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. These carved statues of Baal and Pan and other idols that we passed? They're dead and decaying, but we worship a living God! And You—You are His Son."

Jesus, looking pleased, steps toward Simon. He places His hands on Simon's shoulders and says to him, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father in heaven. All your life you have been called Simon, one who hears, but today I call you Peter: rock." Stepping back and gesturing toward all His disciples, Jesus continues, "And it is on this rock that I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Gesturing toward the temple and cave of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus explains, "This is a place of death. I have brought you here to tell you that death has no power to hold My redeemed people captive. Because I live, you also will live. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven. You have the authority to declare the truth to others that I am declaring to you: that the repentant have a place in the Kingdom of heaven. You have confessed that I am the Christ, and you will influence many others to make the same confession in time, but I will explain more later. For now, you must all keep this quiet. I strictly charge you not to tell anyone."

John says, "Rabbi, some already know that You are the Messiah. Why keep this silent now?" Jesus answers, "In some places, for some people, it was important that they know and believe. But right now, if all our people of this region hear the Messiah has come, they will rise up in multitudes, preparing to join a military figure in war against Rome." Judas is disturbed to hear Jesus say that since it is exactly what he has been hoping for. Jesus continues, "I want people to follow Me based on My true identity, like Peter here, not based on some misguided understanding of the title I hold. Judas says, "Teacher, our people are ready to believe in You and fight with You! Why else bring us to this place of death if not to defeat it?" Jesus, looking sad, responds, "That will come in time. I brought you here to honor John by showing you what he was here to do. He was preparing the way for this," stretching His arms toward His disciples: "for Me to build My church, a church that will never be stopped, even in a place like this. John was fearless of evil and obedient everywhere, and so must you be, even at the gates of hell." Jesus walks up to Simon Peter and says, "Are you ready to walk in his footsteps and Mine, even if it leads to a place like this?" Peter looks Him in the eyes and nods affirmatively. Jesus then looks at the rest of His disciples and says, "That is all. We should be going."

Peter and Andrew look reflective; Judas and John look upset. As the group turns away, Andrew and Peter are the last to leave. Andrew cradles Peter's shoulders and says to him softly but with enthusiasm, "Peter, the rock!" and follows the others. Peter is silent and still.

Shmuel and Yanni walk down steps into a courtyard. Yanni points and says, "Four horsemen waiting to send out the message to the whole of Israel, all because of you! Your work created this." Shmuel, looking stricken, says, "He is dead." Yanni, in an opposite mood, says flippantly, "He will be once he makes a false move and runs afoul of Rome!" "No," says Shmuel, "I mean the Baptizer. Shammai said it. I'm the one who first gave him over to the authorities." Yanni responds, "That's because you are prescient: you have eyes to see consequences far in the future that others are too distracted to consider, and now the entire Sanhedrin will know of your talent. I really think you should be the one to bring Jesus before the Sanhedrin yourself. You're from Capernaum, you know people who follow Him, you've spoken with him twice. You should try to find Him." Yanni apparently succeeds in redirecting Shmuel's guilty conscience at least a little because Shmuel agrees and walks away.

At night around a campfire, Jesus's disciples are sitting and talking. Jesus Himself is at a separate location nearby. John and James say to one another: "Any one of us could have said it. Why didn't you?" "Why didn't you? I thought it was the sort of thing where Jesus asks us a question as part of the teaching. Simon just spoke up first." "I'm not sure we can even call him Simon anymore." "Jesus gave us a new name, but we still go by James and John. What are we going to tell Eema?" "We can't tell her anything!" Simon Peter walks up with a bundle of firewood, drops it, and says, "That should be enough for the night, no?" Nathanael says, "Yes, and considering that Philip is out getting more, that will be plenty." Thomas offers Peter an apple before Peter walks toward his tent.

Nathanael says to the others, "I don't get it. Is Simon—sorry, Peter—really the best disciple?" Judas asks, "Did Jesus say best?" Matthew answers, "I have it written down. The word best was not used." Mary Magdalene asks, "Does it really matter?" Nathanael suggests, "I haven't been here as long as some of you, but it does seem like Peter is the best—one of the top three or four." John, already agitated, bursts out, "Who are the other three?" Judas says calmly, "By what measurements are we determining this ranking?" Big James, also agitated, insists, "Who said anything about ranking? What is this, the military?" Mary answers, "The opposite, I believe He indicated." Andrew ventures to say about his brother, "I don't know. It is clear he is to be a leader." Thomas asks, "Does that mean the rest of us are less important?" Little James says humbly, "No one asked my opinion, but I think we all just need some sleep." John, still stewing, crosses his arms and insists, "I'm not going to get any sleep tonight!" Andrew, taking advantage, says, "Great! You can take the third watch!" That spirals into a petty argument between those two. Matthew, annoyed, walks away.

Jesus is warming His hands by a fire as Matthew approaches. Jesus asks him how everyone is settling in for the night. Matthew diplomatically answers, "I don't know if settled is the right word." Jesus says warmly, "You know, I love that about you: always looking for the right word. What about you? Are you unsettled?" Matthew expresses reluctance to interrupt Jesus now, but Jesus invites Matthew to sit with Him. Looking towards the arguing disciples and sitting, Matthew begins, "Rabbi, today You seemed to elevate Simon—I mean Peter." Jesus gives him a thumb's up for using the new name. "I guess I'm not sure I fully understand his new position and what it means." Looking toward Peter, who is standing by himself, Jesus says, "Yes. Well, I'm not sure he fully understands what it means." Matthew observes, "He was quiet the rest of the day, which for me—I must admit—was a welcome change."

Matthew decides to revisit a painful memory, saying to the Lord, "I'm not sure You heard most of it, but that long day in Syria, Simon ... Peter screamed at me across the fire. He said that I spit on the Jewish faith, that he would never forget what I did to him, and that he could not ever forgive me." Jesus responds, "Have you asked for forgiveness?" Matthew inquires, "Why would I when he said he wouldn't forgive? It's pointless." Jesus explains, "You don't apologize to be forgiven. You apologize to repent. Forgiveness is a gift given from the other person." Matthew confesses, "I guess I'm finding it hard to accept that the person You would formally assign leadership to of a group with the keys to the Kingdom of heaven would be someone so temperamental. I know the term is a metaphor, but he does not act like a rock." Jesus chuckles but then says seriously, "I make people what they aren't. You know that better than most."

Matthew humbly replies, "You can choose whomever You want, and Your ways are often very different from other people's ways, but Rabbi, I must confess: it hurts. You have no idea how cruel he has been to me. Maybe You do know and You chose to elevate him anyway, which makes it even more painful." Jesus says, "You're right. There have been times where Peter has been overly harsh with you, and that has not pleased My Father in heaven, nor has it pleased Me." "Then why?" asks Matthew. "I will say this is not always the consideration," answers Jesus, "but I would simply ask who harmed the other first?" 

That question elicits an abstract response from Matthew, but Jesus gently presses him to answer in fact, leading Matthew to admit, "By turning my back on our people and then by spying on him for Quintus, and even coming within hours of turning him over to Rome, possibly ruining his family's life ..." He stops speaking and gasps, eyes opened wide in more ways than one. Jesus speaks quietly into the silence: "And you've never apologized for this?" Matthew suddenly rises, agitated, saying, "No, I just want to forget about that time, the same way Mary Magdalene wants to forget about her time! And I want to keep the peace. Apologizing to him would only cause an argument. The group already has enough of those." Jesus tells him, "There is no peace when two of My followers hold resentment in their heart towards one another. You know what you must do. It has been a long day. Good night, Matthew," He says, stooping to kiss his forehead before retiring to His tent. Matthew responds, "Good night, Rabbi. Thank You for listening."

Matthew sighs and looks at Simon Peter, working alone by his tent. Peter then walks over to the group when he hears them beginning to separate for the night, saying, "Andrew, our tent is ready too. I heard raised voices over here. Are you arguing about something?" John volunteers, "About who's going to take the third watch." Peter asks, "Isn't it Andrew's turn?" Andrew answers, "John is going to take that for me." "Very kind of you, John," says Peter. He then inquires about the others, including Matthew, making sure he has a place to sleep. When Matthew walks by, Peter says, "Matthew, you were with Jesus. Is He settled?" "Yes, He went to sleep," says Matthew briskly before heading to the tent he will share with Little James.

Peter says good night to them all and starts a prayer they join in on: "Lie us down, Adonai our God, in peace; and raise us up again, our Ruler, in life. Spread over us Your sukkah of peace, direct us with Your good counsel, and save us for Your own Name's sake. Shield us: remove from us every enemy pestilence, sword, famine, and sorrow.  Remove all adversaries from before us and behind us, and shelter us in the shadow of Your wings. For You are our guarding and saving God—yes, a gracious and compassionate God and King. Guard our going out and our coming in for life and peace, now and always." Matthew looks on, obviously troubled in conscience.

In the morning Jesus is leading His disciples as they walk two-by-two together. John, still jealous of Peter, says to his brother, "The rock may be the foundation of a building, but it's not what is seen most prominently, so maybe we can ask Jesus that if Simon is going to be the main rock on which His church is built ..." Thaddaeus redirects that train of thought by stating, "I'm pretty sure Jesus is the main rock." John, revising, says, "One of the main rocks on which His church is built, then perhaps we could be the flags, flying from the tallest parapets?" Nathanael, the former architect, asks, "What about parapets?" Big James says, "Nothing." Thomas adds, "I think I know and I don't like it." Zee understandably asks, "So now that there aren't two Simons anymore, can I have my name back?" They all chime out, "No." Zee is a nickname that has stuck.

Jesus, holding wildflowers in one hand, is first to approach a road vendor, whom He greets: "Good morning, My friend. What do we have here?" The vendor answers, "We have carobs, mulberries, pistachios." Hearing the latter Jesus says, "Pistachios would be wonderful this morning. Judas, do we have enough in the purse for 16 servings?" Judas looks and says somewhat dejectedly, "Probably only if they're in shell." Jesus says cheerfully, "The shell is no problem at all!" Turning to the vendor He politely requests 16  servings and instructs Nathanael and Thaddaeus to distribute them. "They look delicious. Thank you so much, sir," Jesus says to the vendor, giving him a friendly pat on the arm as He leads His disciples onward.

Nathanael finishes dividing his bag of 8 servings among Andrew, Peter, and himself. He expresses concern that the nuts are salty and will make them thirsty so he asks, "Simon, is your canteen full?" "Peter, name's Peter," replies Simon Peter. "Right," says Nathanael. "You do know it's going to take us all a little time to get used to Peter? We're only mortal." Peter responds, "To answer your first question: yes, this canteen is full." Nathanael, having said what he wanted to say, replies, "All right then," and moves up the line.

Andrew, in a playful mood, says to Peter, "So my brother is the rock. It feels like I should walk a little straighter!" Peter, not amused, responds. "Uh huh. Yeah, in more ways than one. You know, you're going to have to stop bottling up your panic to the point that it all comes exploding out at the most inconvenient time." Andrew says evenly, "I think I handled John's death better than I would have a year ago." Peter continues, "And I'm going to have to start—I don't know where to start. Jesus didn't give any details." Andrew counters, "He did, but they were cryptic. Like in Hebrew school when Rabbi Mordecai would read that passage from Shemot where God met Moses at the lodging place and tried to kill him. And then his wife circumcised their son, touched Moses's feet with the foreskin, and said, 'Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me!'" Peter joins him in the quotation after quipping, "Strangest passage ever!" They complain that their rabbi just moved on without explaining anything, but Andrew observes, "Jesus isn't Rabbi Mordecai." Peter says, "We're not little boys fidgeting and wanting to play outside. This is real."

Peter, feeling reflective, reminds Andrew of the hard time he had after he and Eden lost a baby through miscarriage. Andrew reminds him, "But you had the faith to step out of the boat onto the water." Peter humbly replies, "And sink. Nathanael was right: we're only mortal. If I mess up again, will Jesus change His mind and give the title to someone else?" Andrew says, "Don't think about that!" "But I do," says Peter. "Didn't you notice me tossing and turning all night?"

Further up the line Tamar is walking with Matthew. She asks him how he decides what to record in his notes on what Jesus says and does. He tells her Jesus gives him a look that indicates to him he should take up his stylus pen. Tamar then notices Jesus staring Matthew's direction, asking, "Is that the look?" Matthew says yes, but realizes it means he is to do what Jesus last told him to do. He asks Tamar to excuse him and walks toward Peter at the back of the line, who is still with Andrew.

After Matthew gets permission from Andrew to speak privately with Peter, he says nervously, "I'm sorry for what I did to you. It has been over a year now and I realize I never actually apologized for my role in your plight with your tax debt and for colluding with Quintus on reporting your activity." Peter stops walking and faces Matthew, who continues, "It's strange: after the big sermon I immediately went to my parents to apologize for my actions. I should have gone to you next. And now my feelings are worse and they won't be better if I don't ask for your forgiveness so that's what I'm doing now." He quickly corrects himself: "Actually I'm just saying I'm sorry. Forgiveness is a gift you can give. Or not give." Peter, listening quietly with an unreadable face, rocks back and forth  for a few seconds before walking straight ahead without a word. Matthew, looking sad, watches Peter move briskly away from him.

A messenger arrives at the Capernaum synagogue with the edict sent by High Priest Caiaphas. Jairus acknowledges receipt of the stern message against Jesus. Speaking privately with Yussif, Jairus states, "They named Him, Jesus of Nazareth, specifically for a challenge of blasphemy! How could this have advanced through the council so quickly?" Yussif says, "I think we both know." Jairus states, "I cannot envisage a positive outcome." Yussif throughout this conversation is moving rapidly, collecting items on a table. He announces, "Jairus, it's time: I'm going to leave Capernaum and go to Jerusalem." "Where you will ...?" inquires Jairus. "Do something I swore I would never do," replies Yussif. "You are a resourceful man. I assume you're aware of who my father is?" "I am: Arnan," answers Jairus. "Then you know his resources, his influence?" asks Yussif. Jairus quickly looks behind him and says in a low voice, "Normally I would insist you not abandon me here with Rabbi Akiva, but that would be selfish. You will do more good as a member of the Sanhedrin than you can in Capernaum." Yussif tells him, "I didn't believe that until now. Can you expedite the paperwork?" "I can and I will," answers Jairus. Yussif thanks him before walking away swiftly. Jairus, watching him, says, "Adonai be with you, my friend."

Rabbi Yussif enters his private quarters in the synagogue, removes the key from his desk, and opens a  wall safe hidden behind a tapestry. He takes out a large pouch of money that he secures in his cloak, obviously intent on leaving Capernaum at once.

At night, Peter and his wife are in bed, talking. Eden asks, "So do I call you Peter too or is that just Him?" Peter replies drowsily, "Ah, I think everyone from now on. Forever." Eden says, "There are so many Simons in this world. I've never met anyone named Peter. It suits you: one of a kind." She kisses him and wishes him a good night, rolling to one side. Peter, now wide awake, stares at the ceiling. Visions come to mind of how he complained bitterly to God when fishing all night to try to pay off his tax debt. He looks at Eden, who seems to have fallen asleep, and decides to get up.

Peter walks through Capernaum to its outskirts, where Jesus is praying by His tent. Peter observes Him silently, not wanting to disturb His prayers, and turns to leave. Jesus hears and  faces him, saying, "Peter, it's pretty late." Peter says he could say the same to Jesus and asks, "Is something keeping You up?" Jesus replies He could ask the same. Peter rightly interprets that as an invitation to come over and join Him by His campfire.

Jesus waits patiently for him to speak. Peter says, "What do I do when there is someone who has sinned against me egregiously, repeatedly, and without repentance?" Jesus jokes, "I can't imagine who that would be." Peter enumerates on his fingers, "The betrayal of our people by working for Rome, that was one thing. That was a sin against all of us and our heritage. Then he showed no mercy when Andrew begged him for extra time to pay his tribute debt and even charged an extra 60 percent on what was past due! He was going to let Rome seize our boat as collateral, which would have taken away our ability to work and landed us both in jail—meaning Eden could have starved! He didn't even hesitate when Quintus asked him to spy on me. I'm up to 7 and I haven't even gotten to the fact he was fully ready to turn me in the morning that ..." Jesus asks him gently, "The morning that what?" Peter says, "You know." Jesus replies, "I do. He may have been ready to turn you in, but it didn't come to that. So for the moment, let's keep it at 7, a number of completion." Peter says in a resentful voice, "He sins against me 7 times and I'm supposed to forgive that?"

Jesus surprises Peter by responding, "No, not 7 but 77 times." Peter briskly replies, "I suppose I could stack them up that high if I broke down each offense and the consequences." Jesus chuckles and says, "You know, I don't mean literally 77 times but 70 times 7, completion times completion: endless forgiveness without limits." Peter is quiet for awhile and then responds, "A couple of days ago You gave me a new name and made big proclamations, but whether my name is Simon or Peter, I'm still the same man I was the day before that. I'm still human and I can't do it. I can't and no one would blame me!"

Jesus tells him, "You mentioned the consequences of Matthew's actions. Remember the circumstances they put you in?" "Yeah, that's all I can think of," says Peter at once. "But after that," Jesus continues, "when the sun rose ..." Simon Peter pictures in his mind the morning he met Jesus, who rescued him from his tax debt by providing a miraculous catch of fish and called Simon to follow Him. 

Jesus says to him at the campfire, "I know it's hard." "Why does everything have to be?" asks Peter. Jesus responds, "Man makes it much harder when he leans on his own understanding." Peter rises and says, "I'll leave You alone now." He strides away quickly, pausing to release pent-up frustration by breaking a big stick over his knee and tossing away the pieces. Jesus, still kneeling by the fire, lifts His eyes upward.

In the morning Praetor Quintus says contemptuously to Gaius and Julius, "You know why they're still here? I'll tell you: because they're comfortable. You may not think so because they live in a tent city while you live in houses with solid roofs over your heads. If they really had a problem sleeping on the ground in squalor, they would have left a long time ago." Gaius replies, "We cannot affect what the pilgrims are willing to endure for even the faintest chance they'll get to hear more teaching from Jesus of Nazareth. They are intractable." "Wrong!" shouts Quintus. "That's the problem with you, Gaius. You accept everything as given. The pilgrims may be intractable now, but use your imagination. One week from today I want every last one of them gone and someone else's problem entirely. Do you understand?" "Yes, dominus," replies Gaius, who is then ordered to leave. As he and Julius obey and are out of earshot, Julius asks, "Where do we start, primi?" Gaius tells him he will think of something.

As he and Julius go their separate ways, Gaius happens to face Matthew. Gaius wishes him a good morning, but observant Matthew replies, "It does not look like a good morning," referring to the concerned look on Gaius's face. Gaius says, "It's just work. I'm fine, Matthew." Matthew ventures to say in a loving tone, "You have some talent, Gaius, but you are not an effective liar. It is clear you are not fine. Is your family in trouble?" Irritated by this personal intrusion, Gaius quickly counters, "What do you know about families?" Realizing he has come across too harshly, Gaius softens his tone and tells Matthew, "Look, I am glad that you have people now, but home is complicated. I'm helpless." He chuckles at his own vulnerability.

Matthew responds with humble helpfulness: "You are right, Gaius: I don't know families very well and I complicate everything, but my teacher, He makes life very simple. Every morning I wake up, my ideas and fears are jumbled. I feel overwhelmed with doubt and regret." Gaius, listening intently and obviously relating, says, "Yes." Matthew continues, "But if I just pause for a moment and remember ..." Gaius asks eagerly, "What? Remember what?" Matthew answers, "I have only one thing to do today: follow Him. The rest takes care of itself." Gaius says, "Uh, I'm happy for you." Matthew offers, "You could come to see Him. He might give a sermon soon. Maybe tomorrow." "No, no," Gaius says firmly. "I would not advise any public appearance, not for awhile." "I do not decide when or where," says Matthew. "If you have any influence," presses Gaius, "use it: it's not safe." Gaius adds, "We should not be seen talking," urging Matthew take care of himself before walking away.

Other disciples are busy at a table pouring oil into containers. James and John are securing jars in their cart. Ramah steps out with tools and announces, "We need 3 men to help in the olive grove today with pruning." Thomas is quick to volunteer with 2 other men, but James and John hold Thomas back. Seeing Matthew join them John informs him, "The women need help with pruning in the olive grove." "I suppose I could help," replies Matthew, who walks over to learn what to do.

John tells Thomas quietly, "Simon's right." "Peter?" asks Thomas, "Whatever," replies John, who explains that he and James talked with their father, who thinks that in 10 years' time, Thomas and Ramah will regret his not getting her a special betrothal gift. Thomas brings up their lack of money, but James uncovers a batch of their mother's delicious cinnamon cakes. He suggests they use them as a start for enterprising bartering.

Peter looks deep in thought as he gradually makes his way toward where the disciples are working. He stops when he sees Matthew standing with the other men who will be pruning the olive grove as Ramah hands them baskets and tools. Matthew holds all the baskets. Peter exhales, gives a little nod, and moves forward with a determined stride, not stopping until he embraces Matthew firmly, baskets and all. The others look on, stunned, including Matthew. Mary and Thaddaeus smile. Peter, still hugging Matthew, tells him, "I forgive you." Matthew drops the baskets, begins to weep, and embraces Peter with both of his arms. Peter tells him gently, "It's all forgotten." Matthew nods his head affirmatively, choking back his tears. Peter lets him go and then puts his hands around his neck affectionately, saying, "To the ends of the earth, right?" Matthew nods yes, looking into his eyes. Peter turns from him and addresses the others: "It's over."

Illustrated Summaries of All The Chosen TV Series Episodes (Quotes, Links, and Photos)

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