Season 1, Episode 5 - The Wedding Gift

Episode 5 of The Chosen weaves together past and present as it sets the stage for some of the most pivotal moments in Jesus’ early ministry. It opens with a flashback to Mary searching for young Jesus. When Joseph finds Him speaking with the elders in the temple, Mary’s concern is evident. Her remark, “It’s too early for this,” and Jesus’ response, “If not now, when?” become a thread that runs throughout this episode. This moment from Jesus’ childhood foreshadows that His calling is not something He can delay.

When it goes back to the present (for the show) timeline, the episode shifts between Nicodemus visiting John the Baptist in prison and the unfolding events at the wedding in Cana. Nicodemus is wrestling with reports of miracles and what it could mean. He questions John, trying to understand if these signs, including the miracle surrounding Mary Magdalene’s transformation, are the work of John himself. John’s response is both shocking and convicting: “The miracle worker is the Son of God.” This declaration shakes Nicodemus, whose rigid understanding of the Messiah is challenged. His reluctance to fully believe is an echo of many who expect the Messiah but cannot accept Him when He doesn’t fit their preconceived mold.

Meanwhile, Simon grapples with the miraculous catch of fish from the previous episode. His attempt to explain it to his wife, Eden, is filled with both awe and uncertainty. Peter is still learning to trust in what he cannot explain. But when Jesus calls him to follow, the invitation is unmistakable. It is a moment that requires full surrender, something Peter struggles to do - sound familiar? His willingness to drop everything and follow Jesus marks a profound shift in his life.

One of the most heartwarming sequences of the episode is the wedding at Cana, where Jesus, His mother, and His small but growing group of followers celebrate together. The interaction between Jesus and Mary is tender and filled with meaning. And when the wine runs out, she subtly urges Him toward His first public miracle by bringing His words back to him: If not now, when?

I love the humanity wedding scenes, from job to dread (bride's parents worried about having too little).  We see Jesus enjoying the wedding feast, laughing, and even dancing with His disciples. I love it when Peter comments that Andrew’s dancing looks like “a donkey walking on hot coals,” and, later, when Jesus sees him dance, He jokes that helping him may be beyond even His power.  These scenes subtly point out that following Jesus isn’t just about solemn dedication; it’s also about rejoicing in His presence.

The episode also introduces us to "Doubting" Thomas. We see the seeds of his skepticism already present. As a wedding coordinator, he is focused on logistics, order, and control. But his encounter with Jesus at Cana begins his journey toward belief, setting the stage for his role in Jesus’ ministry.

Every time I watch this episode, I can’t help but feel personally convicted. I all too often find myself hesitating, placing conditions on when I will do more for Jesus. Instead of asking, “If not now, when?” I find myself asking, “Do I have enough time left to do anything meaningful after…?” and then filling in the blank with trivial concerns—retirement, health issues, or personal insecurities.

But Jesus doesn’t wait. His time is now. And perhaps, so is mine. Ultimately, this episode asks us the same question Jesus posed as a child: If not now, when?