The Chosen Season 3 Episode 2 Review: Two By Two
On The Chosen Season 3 Episode 2, “Two By Two,” Jesus informs his followers that He will split them up to cover more ground. This decision confuses them and causes great fear.
Often, we have a difficult time seeing ourselves able to do great things. Our lack of self-worth hampers our ability to act in courageous ways. Jesus’ followers are no different.
When Jesus gathers His men across the table, they expect Him to announce the next destination for another powerful sermon. They come with high expectations, but they are not prepared for what He is about to tell them.
Jesus turns to them to further His message on their own. They have seen how He presents the message, and they are to do likewise. This is a large task in and of itself, but it is the next two requests that blow their minds.
First of all, the apostles are given the authority to heal others of their sicknesses. Yes, that’s right, they now can heal the lame and exorcise the possessed.
As Jesus tells them this, they must be terrified. Can you imagine going up to someone and telling them they are healed? What if you do it wrong and accidentally make the person worse?
Although they have seen Jesus perform many miracles, they have never shown any gifts nearly as spectacular. It’s one thing to watch something incredible done, but it’s completely different doing it yourself.
The second thing they are told to do is refrain from packing for their trip. Although not as strange sounding, this request is possibly even harder to follow.
None of Jesus’ followers are independently wealthy as it is, but at least if they could bring a couple of comforts of home into the mix, things might look a bit brighter.
Yet Jesus tells them to not even bring a pair of backup sandals for the inevitable.
Jesus: I’m sending you out two by two.
Over the years it’s hard to believe you haven’t heard the saying, “Fortune favors the prepared.” It simply means that being ready when the time comes pays off in the long run. Strangely, Jesus is saying the opposite.
If they go out on their mission fully prepared for every last scenario, then they won’t trust in their Heavenly Father to guide their paths. Without their faith, the apostles are just lost men searching for a new home and rabbi.
Everything they need is supposed to be supplied by the people they minister to. Food, clothing, and even money will be provided by the people they serve, but if they aren’t, God will provide them more than tenfold.
Several of Jesus’ followers are taken aback by His requests, and they wait until they are alone to request He change His mind. James doubts himself more than the others, especially when it comes down to physical abilities. After all, how can a disabled man be expected to heal others?
Jesus listens to each of their concerns and doubts. He understands what they are feeling but refuses to change according to their fears. They can’t see the big picture as He does.
Our views are very limited. We can either see straight forward or directly behind — everything else is guesswork.
Jesus, being one with God, can see all things even before they are presented before Him. He knows what will work and what won’t.
If He has faith you can do something, trust that you can.
The rest of the episode consists of small segments of the apostle’s daily lives, never adding too much excitement. That is if you don’t count Matthew’s reconciliation with his parents.
Matthew finally understands that he has sinned against them. His need for power in a strange world drove him to extreme measures, destroying his family’s reputation and good name.
It is clear to see that Matthew is completely down-stricken. He doesn’t expect his father to listen to him or even humor him. But that is far from the truth.
Matthew’s father also recognizes the sins he has committed against his son. He should have never disowned Matthew publically.
Although originally awkward, father and son break down the barriers between them when they discuss Jesus.
Jesus’ words ring true in both of their hearts, creating a bond that instantaneously destroys the hurt they both have because of each other. This is one of the most beautiful scenes we’ve seen in a while — Matthew and his dad’s love for each other feels truly authentic.
With only two segments being something to write home about within the 71-minute runtime, the rating of the episode can’t go much higher than a three. Too many moments that mean very little make the plot seem transparent at best, and lukewarm at worst.
Right before the credits roll, my eyes drift from the screen, and I fall into a daze. Once I snap out of it, it seems irrelevant to rewind the few moments that were missed. Lacking overall cohesion between plot points, this episode of The Chosen comes off as random and unnoteworthy in the grand scheme of things.
What did you think of this episode of The Chosen? How would you uphold Jesus’ requests? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The Chosen airs Sunday at 8/7c on The CW.
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Charles E Henning
Charles E. Henning lives in a quaint town of Illinois with his ever-loving wife since 1998. He is new to writing reviews, but has over thirty years of fictitious writing for his own personal fulfillment. His interests range from science fiction to character-based dramas, but he is a sucker for anyone in a cape.