Author Darlene J. Conard

One of my favorite scenes from the series, The Chosen, is when Matthew reconciles with his parents.

His character depicts the struggles of autism. The Bible doesn’t give indications Matthew did; but it also doesn’t deny any possibilities. The possibility opens a space for one to imagine, what if?

From the script writer’s point of view, Matthew is disconcerted with anything out of order. The last thing he finishes before heading out the door of his mansion is making sure he has clean handkerchiefs to avoid contact with his hands. Lined on the floor of his mansion are neatly stored sandals that are innumerable. Before going out the door he slips an extra pair into his satchel. Throughout the series he is seen doing what he does best, cleaning, speaking his mind, fearless, without further ado, starts putting his mathematical skills to work.

As time goes by, he has the privilege of being an eyewitness to the absolutely impossible. The fisherman’s nets overflowed the net causing the boat to sink. Fellow fisherman in hast run to help Simon (Peter) and his men.  

Matthew couldn’t believe what he had just witnessed. The very thing challenged logicality. He for once in his life couldn’t use mathematics to compute the massive catch. It troubled him greatly. Thus, it smashed his security gate wide open. Of course, that means Matthew needed to know who this Jesus was. He begins chasing after Him only to witness more and more. He didn’t realize he was Jesus’ fish. Fisher of men was the point. (Matthew 4:19)

Matthew lost interest in his occupation, instead he developed a hunger to know God. As time passed by the old ridged Matthew chipped away piece by piece. Jesus’ message of forgiveness crumbled Mattew the tax collector. Standing in the midst of thousands of believers Matthew the scribe transpired. It summoned a humility that lay dormant in him.

He hoped that mercy would be present during the visitation of his parents. “Blood money,” is what his ema called it. He had what he had collecting taxes. His parents disowned him for that.

Here is the grand scene that brought me to tears. After all was forgiven, Ema pulls her son into her embrace. Matthew untwines his fingers wrapped tightly around the handkerchief letting it drop on the table to unite with her love. Matthew was once again their son.

The handkerchief no longer became his focus. Being in the presence of the Lord transpires in many wonderful ways!

(Matthew 9:9-17 as tax collector)

The writer of this series Dallas Jenkins explains that not all content is Biblical but does not go against the harmony of the scriptures.

Ema is Hebrew for mother

(This scene was not scripted yet it made a great impact on so many.)

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