Does Jesus Heal Everyone? Dallas Jenkins on the Theology of Healing and Suffering

Dallas and Amanda Jenkins discuss how 'The Chosen' series brings a 'real' and 'human' portrayal of Jesus and his disciples, fostering a revival in Bible engagement despite personal challenges and theological debates about healing and suffering.

• The Chosen depicts Jesus and his disciples in an authentic, human way, driving a significant increase in global Bible engagement.

• The show explores the complex theology of healing and suffering, asserting that God can heal but sometimes trusts individuals with maladies for greater purpose.

• Dallas Jenkins emphasizes a leadership philosophy of focusing on God's will and serving others, which helps navigate criticism and foster spiritual growth within the show's production.

Dallas and Amanda Jenkins, creators of 'The Chosen' series, share insights into making Jesus and his disciples relatable, human, and authentic, moving away from traditional 'stained-glass window' portrayals. They emphasize the show's significant impact on global Bible engagement, contributing to a reported 20% increase in Bible sales and app searches. Despite personal struggles, including their daughter's chronic illness and spiritual warfare experienced by the show's team, they maintain a theology that God can heal but also allows suffering for a higher purpose, focusing on eternal perspective and fostering a culture of humility and service.

Portraying Jesus' Humanity

• 00:04:47 The 'real' and 'human' portrayal of Jesus and his disciples in 'The Chosen' series is a key factor in its impact, moving away from stiff, inauthentic biblical entertainment. The show depicts Jesus chuckling with friends and performing miracles as favors, which paradoxically draws viewers closer to his divine nature by showing his Emmanuel ('God with us') aspect. This approach aims to help audiences understand the Bible's stories more freshly by presenting them as authentic, historical events with flawed, relatable characters.

Impact on Bible Engagement

• 00:09:50 God has created a global hunger for Him, leading to a significant increase in Bible sales and reading, with 'The Chosen' playing a key role in this revival. The American Bible Society reported a 20% rise in Bible sales, directly attributing it to shows like 'The Chosen'. A notable example is a surge in searches for 'Nathaniel' on the YouVersion Bible app after his introduction in Season 2, Episode 2, demonstrating how the series prompts viewers to engage directly with scripture.

Theology of Healing & Suffering

• 00:20:08 The show grapples with the theology of healing and suffering, portraying that while God has the power to heal and still does, He also allows and can be involved in suffering. This concept is explored through Little James, a physically handicapped disciple, who asks Jesus why he is not healed while healing others. Jesus explains that faithfulness during suffering can lead to even greater miracles and ministry, urging an eternal perspective on healing, which will ultimately come in heaven.

Storytelling & Redemption

• 00:15:36 In contrast to mainstream entertainment's focus on anti-heroes, 'The Chosen' offers a redemptive narrative that avoids sugarcoating reality. It portrays the authentic need for God by not shying away from deep struggles like chronic illness, addiction, or abandonment, thereby showing God as present even in profound devastation. This approach aims for viewers to connect with the authenticity of the struggles and, consequently, with the hope and answers found in Jesus.

Jesus and Division

• 01:16:55 Jesus remains a polarizing figure because he proclaimed his divisive nature, stating he came 'with a sword' to divide families. This division arises because Jesus demands complete surrender and acknowledgment of one's own sinfulness, challenging the human desire for self-gratification and autonomy. Additionally, people often co-opt Jesus for their own political or social agendas, leading to tribalism, where disagreement is seen as betrayal rather than a difference of opinion, mirroring the tribalism of 2,000 years ago.

Behind-the-Scenes Impact

• 01:03:37 'The Chosen' fosters a culture of kindness and servant leadership, creating an environment where cast and crew from diverse faith backgrounds experience profound personal and spiritual impacts. There are numerous instances where actors, even non-believers, have been emotionally overwhelmed while performing scripture, leading to unexpected weeping. Many crew members and actors have found or deepened their faith, with one actor even getting baptized on the 'Sea of Galilee' set, highlighting the show's primary ministry focus on its internal team.