Summary of The BEMA Podcast Episode 424: The Chosen S4E7 — “The Last Sign” (Bonus Episode)

Release Date: November 18, 2024
Hosts: Marty Solomon and Brent Billings
Podcast: The BEMA Podcast by BEMA Discipleship

1. Introduction

In Episode 424 of The BEMA Podcast, hosts Marty Solomon and Brent Billings engage in a comprehensive analysis of Season 4, Episode 7 of "The Chosen," titled “The Last Sign.” As they near the culmination of Season 4, Marty and Brent delve deep into the episode's dramatic events, character developments, and the intricate blend of biblical context with historical traditions.

2. Episode Structure and Theatrical Release

Marty opens the discussion by reflecting on the unique theatrical release of recent episodes. He notes the growing length of episodes and the seamless way they’ve been presented in theaters. Marty shares, “The episodes keep getting longer and longer” ([00:27]). Brent clarifies that Episodes 7 and 8 were shown together without rolling credits, though Marty recounts the inclusion of a possible intermission: “I think they had a five-minute intermission with a countdown on the screen” ([00:46]).

3. Overview of "The Last Sign" Episode Plot

The episode begins with a cart journey where Matthew is introduced, accompanied by Mary and Ediana hiding in a cave. Marty explains, “Mary and Ediana are hiding in this cave, which according to Dallas in the roundtable is supposed to be in France” ([01:22]). This ties into one of the church traditions regarding Mary Magdalene’s final days, though Marty and Brent acknowledge the various traditions, including Ephesus.

4. Character Dynamics and Developments

Matthew and Mary
Marty highlights the evolving relationship between Matthew and Mary, emphasizing her role as the first reader of Matthew’s gospel: “Mary's going to be the first to read it, which I thought was a fascinating tidbit” ([03:26]). This dynamic underscores Mary’s significant influence in the early dissemination of Jesus’s teachings.

James and Thomas
A substantial portion of the discussion centers around the death of little James and the confusion surrounding his identity. Brent questions, “Which James would that tie him to?” ([04:42]), leading to a debate on the various James figures in the New Testament. They explore the portrayal of James and Thomas, considering historical references like Acts 12:2, where James, the brother of John, is martyred by King Herod.

Judas and Nathanael
The hosts delve into Judas’s frustration with the increasing fame of Jesus and the disciples' struggles. Marty cites a pivotal moment where Jesus asserts, “Only Jesus knows what true glory looks like” ([12:53]). This line resonates deeply with both hosts, highlighting the tension between worldly recognition and divine purpose.

5. Biblical and Historical Context

John 11: The Raising of Lazarus
Marty and Brent meticulously analyze the depiction of Lazarus’s resurrection, referencing John 11. Marty praises Catherine Lidstone’s portrayal of Mary, stating, “I could not believe how good that was... authentic to my core” ([19:07]). They discuss how the show remains faithful to the scripture while adding layers of emotional depth.

Psalm 13 and Deuteronomy 30
The conversation touches on Psalm 13, where little James interprets sleep and death metaphorically: “Sleep and death are used interchangeably a lot” ([09:20]). They also reference Deuteronomy 30, exploring themes of life, death, and divine purpose.

Isaiah 53 Allusion
Brent notes, “They basically are using the ESV in most cases... they are referencing Isaiah 53,” connecting the episode’s themes of suffering and redemption to the prophetic texts ([38:54]).

6. Theories and Interpretations

Multiple James Figures
The hosts discuss the complexity of identifying which James is referenced in various biblical accounts. Brent shares his theories but acknowledges the lack of consensus: “My crazy theories... they're not that crazy” ([06:49]). They consider how "The Chosen" navigates these ambiguities without making overt historical errors.

Mary Magdalene’s Traditions
Marty expresses interest in leading a BEMA trip to France, reflecting on the traditions explored in the episode: “Mary and Ediana are hiding in this cave... they were filming this” ([01:22]). They acknowledge the debates surrounding Mary Magdalene’s final location, whether in France, Ephesus, or elsewhere.

7. Acting and Direction Highlights

Catherine Lidstone’s Performance
A standout moment in the episode is Catherine Lidstone’s portrayal of Mary Magdalene. Marty gushes, “I could not believe how good that was... authentic to my core” ([19:08]). Brent echoes this sentiment, praising the scene’s realism and emotional weight: “Especially when Jesus breaks down and starts weeping... very relatable” ([19:34]).

Portrayal of Grief and Emotions
The hosts commend the show for its nuanced depiction of grief. Brent remarks, “They don’t overuse a musical score... it would have changed the scene more” ([19:37]). Marty adds that the authenticity of the performances makes the audience forget they’re watching a show: “She just broke through all of my skepticism” ([21:05]).

8. Symbolism and Scriptwriting Choices

Tomb Stone Symbolism
Brent delves into the historical accuracy of tomb stone movements: “A Jewish tombstone is very hard to close but very easy to open” ([24:24]). This symbolism underscores the themes of resurrection and the difficulty of letting go of grief.

Representation of the Last Miracle
The episode’s title, “The Last Sign,” refers to Jesus hinting at the finality of his miracles. Marty interprets this as Jesus anticipating the end of his earthly miracles: “The idea that this is the last sign” ([35:20]). This notion adds a layer of urgency and solemnity to the narrative.

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Marty and Brent reflect on the intricate portrayal of disciples’ struggles and the show’s ability to mirror real-life faith community dynamics. Brent summarizes, “This is kind of like a microcosm of what we do all the time in our world” ([42:52]), highlighting how the series authentically captures the tensions and misunderstandings among the early followers of Jesus.

Marty concludes by appreciating the show's balance of faith, historical context, and character depth, reinforcing why "The Chosen" remains a compelling narrative that resonates with listeners and viewers alike.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Marty: “The episodes keep getting longer and longer” ([00:27]).
• Marty: “Mary and Ediana are hiding in this cave... supposed to be in France” ([01:22]).
• Brent: “Jesus is the one that knows what true glory looks like” ([12:53]).
• Marty: “I could not believe how good that was... authentic to my core” ([19:07]).
• Brent: “A Jewish tombstone is very hard to close but very easy to open” ([24:24]).
• Brent: “This is kind of like a microcosm of what we do all the time in our world” ([42:52]).

Final Notes

For listeners seeking deeper insights, Marty and Brent recommend exploring additional resources such as the Gospel of Mary and their James addendum video, available in the show notes at baymontussups.com. They encourage engagement through their contact page, fostering a community of learners eager to reconstruct biblical narratives through historical lenses.