The Chosen Season 5 Last Supper Episode 8: Recap, Review & Analysis
- Kevin Keating
- Apr 13
- 15 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Episode 8 of The Chosen Season 5 Last Supper (Part 3) depicts Jesus and the disciples praying in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46) and Judas betraying him to the chief priests and Temple guards with a kiss (Matthew 26:47-49). As always, be warned: SPOILERS AHEAD. Below, I’ll provide a detailed summary of what happens in The Chosen Season 5 Episode 8, as well as a review and analysis of the episode’s key themes and messages. Also be sure to check out my recap, review, and analysis of Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6, and Episode 7 as well as our upcoming discussion of The Chosen Season 5 Episodes 6-8 on YouTube.
What Happened in Episode 8 of The Chosen Season 5: Last Supper (Part 3)
The Cold Open
Episode 8 opens with Thaddeus’ journey to the Last Supper. Like the other disciples, he has a flashback to his old life after he sees a hammer. As he works on a new latrine as a stone mason, he discovers that the carpenter he normally works with has been replaced by a new worker – Jesus. The two end up eating lunch together and Thaddeus is intrigued by Jesus’ time in Egypt, a wonderland for stonemasons like himself. Jesus points out that, while a few of the Egyptian monuments may still be around in a thousand years, most buildings, like the latrine they are building will be completely forgotten. Revealing that he is a rabbi, he invites Thad to join him in establishing a kingdom not built by human hands, a fortress stronger than stone.
At first, Thaddeus thinks Jesus is talking about a literal building and is confused, seeing as how Jesus doesn’t have land or money. When it becomes clear that he’s not talking about literal construction, Thaddeus questions whether he can do anything besides stonework and what Jesus can pay. Jesus insists that the kingdom they will build will have eternal value and will lead to a family bound together by a different kind of blood, with some of the most interesting, unfettered, funny, driven, brave, smart, strong, passionate, fiery, loyal, loving, imperfect people to ever walk the earth (we get flashes to each of the disciples). Jesus promises that he will see and do things he can’t even imagine, being adored, hated, needed, lost, found, and loved, finding a home everywhere and nowhere, losing all his friends and even his own life, going to the ends of the earth, beginning the greatest movement has ever known, as people call them fools, liars, heretics, frauds, and saints. But the point is that he’ll get a chance to say yes to the world’s no, hoping against hope, believing against all belief, surrendering everything, and holding fast to end. And with this, Jesus invites Thaddeus to follow him.
Returning to the present, we see Thaddeus being led by Mark into the upper room. The disciples are all standing around waiting for Jesus, questioning whether they are ready for what’s ahead. Then Mark brings Jesus in, bringing us to where Episode 7’s cold open left off.
Mark in Episode 8 of The Chosen Season 5 Last Supper (Part 3)
After the cold open, we jump ahead as Mark listens from his first floor room to the disciples singing Psalm 118 at the end of the Last Supper. After the song is over, Jesus tells the disciples that it is time to leave and Mark hears them all filing out of the Upper Room. Mark gets up, intent on following the disciples.
Pilate, Atticus, & Claudia in Episode 8 of The Chosen Season 5 Last Supper (Part 3)
Having summoned Atticus, Pilate questions why he’s been provoking Kafni’s rabble to turn public opinion against Jesus, concerned that it may ruin a peaceful holiday. Atticus insists that the three criminals that they are planning on executing are not enough to make an impression, since everyone – Romans and Jews – will be happy to see the Zealots executed. He goes on to explain that Kafni’s men will be chaotic and artless in their anger. When Rome swoops in to keep the peace, it will make the empire look good. Pilate is not convinced, sensing that Jesus’ unique presence is going to bring a reckoning upon the city. In response to Pilate’s suspicion, Atticus explains that his loyalty lies not with Pilate or even with Emperor Tiberius but only with Rome itself and he urges Pilate to not let anyone distract him from Rome’s interests this week.
After Atticus departs, Claudia enters, looking quite exhausted after having not slept for days. She questions Pilate why he didn’t reveal to Atticus the real reason for his disquiet – her portentous dreams about Jesus. While he did allude to how the chaos has touched on every area of his life (i.e. their marriage), he insists that he can’t look weak and needs to win. Pilate urges her to try to sleep, but she insists that she cannot, because of the terrible things she will see. When Pilate asks what she’s been seeing, she ominously notes that he will soon see himself.
The Religious Leaders in Episode 8 of The Chosen Season 5 Last Supper (Part 3)
When the Sanhedrin is gathered for a late night meeting, Shimon objects that doing so goes against normal laws and procedures. When the others insist that Jesus poses a national emergency, Yussif tries to push back but is shouted down. Caiaphas insists that they are outnumbered and the deliberations are finished – only for Nicodemus to arrive and declare that they are not finished.
Meanwhile, Judas arrives at Caiaphas’ home and is greeted by Malchus – just barely returning within the deadline. Malchus sends a messenger to Caiaphas and then takes Judas to meet a troop of guards. Noting how they don’t know what Jesus looks like, he asks Judas to find a way to point him out without escalating tension.
Jesus and the Disciples in Episode 8 of The Chosen Season 5 Last Supper (Part 3)
As the disciples leave the Upper Room, Peter and James pick up the two swords that Simon Z brought, insisting that Z has no need for one, since he is a weapon in human form. Peter asks John if Jesus told him who the betrayer was and John reveals that Jesus said it was the one he shared bread with – just before he gave bread to Judas (John 13:25-27). But the two dismiss Jesus’ words about Judas and Peter as an obscure metaphor, convinced that Judas wants to see the movement grow and not be stopped.
Traveling by torch through the country, they arrive at a walled garden gate, where Jesus leaves most of the disciples, taking in only Peter, James, and John. (Matthew 26:36-37). Inside the garden, Peter, James, and John are alarmed when Jesus almost collapses. Jesus confides in John how sad he is – even to the point of death. This is very concerning to Peter, who wants to send for a doctor, but Jesus insists that he will entrust himself to the great physician. Reminding John once again to be near him, Jesus leaves the three disciples, instructing them to stay awake and keep watch while he prays (Matthew 26:38).
Going further into the garden, Jesus leans on a rock, recognizing that the time has come. As he begins praying, he struggles, insisting, “I don’t think I can do this. You ask too much of me. I can’t,” but eventually moves on to pleading, “Make me stronger” as he weeps. His prayer is interrupted by the sound of wood being chopped. Nearby an older man is cutting a branch and is soon joined by a younger man – we soon recognize them as Abraham and Isaac, preparing wood for the sacrifice. When Isaac asks Abraham where the lamb is for their sacrifice, Abraham insists that God will provide the lamb” (Genesis 22:3-8). Jesus encourages Isaac not to worry, recalling how he and the Father spared him, since it was only a test of Abraham’s faith.
Moved by this vision, Jesus questions whether his Father can let his cup pass, since all things are possible for him and he was able to spare Isaac. Even so, he insists, “Not my will but yours be done” (Matthew 26:39) and prays a shortened version of the Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6:9-10), declaring, “I trust you” to his Father.
Returning to Peter, James, and John, Jesus finds them all sleeping. Sighing, he rebukes them for failing to watch for even an hour and they apologize (Matthew 26:40). He reminds them of how, in the Lord’s prayer, he taught them to pray, “Lead us not into temptation” (Matthew 6:13) and promised the Helper (e.g. John 14:15-16) and urges them to do so now, since “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). Leaving them again, he returns to pray.
Back at the rock, Jesus acknowledges that he has asked if there could be another way but insists that if the cup cannot pass unless he drinks it, “your will be done” (Matthew 26:42). As he does so, a strange fog creeps up around him. Entering the fog, he emerges in the valley of dry bones, meets the prophet Ezekiel, and asks, “Son of man, can these bones live?”, and Ezekiel replies, O LORD GOD, only you know” (Ezekiel 37:2-3). The two embrace, as Jesus weeps.
Returning once more, Jesus finds Peter, James, and John asleep again (Matthew 26:43). Suddenly, he sees them as young boys and is moved by compassion for them. Without waking them, he returns to continue praying.
Inspecting the fruit of a tree (Genesis 3), Jesus returns to his rock and prays the same prayer as before (Matthew 26:44), his hands shaking in fear. Suddenly, a hand touches his back to comfort him. Rising, he sees step-father, Joseph, and the two embrace. Joseph assures Jesus that he will be waiting for him.
Returning again, Jesus awakens Peter, James, and John again and announces that the hour has come for the Son of Man to be betrayed into the hands of sinners, since the betrayer is at hand (Matthew 26:45-46). Although they are confused and alarmed, they follow him out to the garden gate and see the Temple guard, religious leaders, and Kafni’s mob approach with torches (Matthew 26:47). Simon Z steps forward and urges Jesus to flee but Jesus orders them to stop and stay back.
Tension mounts as Malchus appears at the back of the troop, followed by Judas. Peter and the other disciples look on in shock and anger, as Judas approaches, shamefaced. Hesitating, he is urged on by Malchus and approaches Jesus, whom he acknowledges as, “Rabbi.” Jesus replies, “My friend, do what you came to do” and Judas kisses him (Matthew 26:49-50).
The Chosen Season 5 Episode 8 Review
Episode 8 brings The Chosen Season 5 to a close with some brilliant touches:
Performance: This episode rests largely on Jonathan Roumie’s shoulders and he does an excellent job. The reactions of the disciples to Judas are also quite well done.
Jesus’ Invitation Thaddeus: Jesus’ invitation to Thad is a beautiful and moving encapsulation of the joys and struggles of following Jesus. And Jonathan Roumie’s delivery is spot on.
Dismissing Jesus’ Warning: I like how Peter and John brush off Jesus’ clear warning about Judas, in part because Peter isn’t willing to take seriously the prediction about his own failure.
Garden-Temple: In the Gospels, it’s clear that the Garden of Gethsemane is meant to make us think of the Garden of Eden, which was the original Temple. The walls and gate of the Gethsemane in this episode evoke the idea of a temple, which led me to reflect on how the three layers of the Tabernacle/Temple (outer court, Holy Place, Holy of Holies) correspond to where Jesus leaves the disciples, where Jesus leaves Peter, James, and John, and where Jesus goes alone. I love when The Chosen is able to draw out insights like this that are latent in the biblical text.
The Three Vision Concept: I generally like the concept of the three visions, which I believe correspond to the need for a substitutionary sacrifice, resurrection, and incarnation/union with God. Out of the three, I found Joseph’s appearance to be the most moving and effective. The Valley of Dry bones was a pretty cool visual, and the Abraham-Isaac story was kind of a no-brainer, especially how that story basically occurred at the same place.
Child Peter, James, and John: Seeing Jesus look upon his three disciples as young boys was quite moving. It’s a reminder of how God sees us in light of the whole of our lives, much as parents often say they’ll always see their children as kids. It’s probably my favorite moment of the episode.
The Reveal of Judas: The episode does a great job of letting tension build before finally unveiling Judas to the other disciples. The moment they see him is devastating.
Iconography: The depiction of Jesus praying on a rock as moonlight broke through the clouds is clearly influenced by works in the Western artistic tradition like Heinrich Hofmann’s painting of Christ in Gethsemane.” While it looks a little more stylized/artificial than The Chosen usually does, it felt appropriate for the moment.
I did have a few issues with the episode:
Atticus’ Plot: I like the Atticus character but continue to be frustrated by his overly-convoluted and contrived role in events. It would be better if he and Pilate were more or less on the same page. Having him remain so elusive, even while in friendly company, adds unnecessary confusion. Also: a very similar double-beat of Atticus-Pilate having a tense conversation about what to do about Jesus and Pilate-Claudia having a tense moment about her state just happened in Episode 5. While things have gotten more tense, this felt like too much of a retread.
Abraham and Isaac Vision: The performances and set up of the Abraham vision felt a little hokey. Not quite up to the show’s normal standards.
Repetitiveness: While the three visions are a cool concept, the narrative that surrounds them feels a little repetitive. After Jesus struggles his way through to “Not my will but your will be done” the first time, it’s hard to regain a sense of tension. It would have been nice to have gotten the sense that Jesus was dealing with different temptations or feelings. Although this could be done poorly, I wonder if the show could have drawn a connection to Jesus’ three temptations by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11). This would have given the narrative a sense of progress or movement.
Losing Track of the Disciples: While I like most of the time spent with Jesus, I wonder if we could have cut away even briefly to some of the other disciples – not a whole storyline, but just a quick reminder of who Jesus is doing this for and of the anxiety that they must have been feeling during this whole time.
In spite of these issues, I still felt Episode 8 was a fairly strong end for The Chosen Season 5 and it certainly left me eager for what’s ahead in Season 6.
Key Themes of The Chosen Season 5 Episode 7
The Spirit is Willing but the Flesh is Weak
Humans are naturally drawn to things of strength and permanence. That desire leads us to build monuments, fortresses, and towers that reach to the heavens. However, as Jesus points out to Thaddeus in the cold open, buildings made of wood and stone aren’t as strong and permanent as they seem in the moment. Things built by human hands will ultimately fade away and their builders will almost certainly be forgotten. The flesh is weak and impermanent and can build things that are weak and impermanent. But the Kingdom Jesus invites his followers to participate is not built by human hands – because it comes from God, it is far stronger than stone and has eternal value.
Even so, this Kingdom is made up of flesh and blood humans – beautiful, interesting people but people who are also quite imperfect. They hesitate, struggle, question, and doubt, just as Thaddeus does in his conversation with Jesus. But Jesus isn’t surprised by the weakness of our flesh. He knows better than to expect perfection in his disciples. What he does expect, though, is a willing spirit – that we say yes to the world’s no and are willing to hope against hope and believe against all belief. If we are willing to trust him, Jesus is able to take weak fleshly beings like us and build us into something truly permanent and enduring.
Atticus’ loyalty to “Mother Rome” seems to be driven by this desire for things of strength and permanence. At the time, Rome had been around for hundreds of years and it must have seemed like it would continue on forever. Atticus’ commitment to Rome itself is far more logical than Pilate’s petty commitment to himself or even the commitment of some to a specific imperial figure or dynasty. Humans are, after all, quite weak and impermanent on their own. But from our own historical vantage point we know that even Rome, with all its glory, ultimately faded. A Stone not cut by human hands, a Kingdom that shall never be destroyed broke the Kingdom of iron and clay into pieces (Daniel 2:44-45).
Even after the Last Supper, Jesus’ disciples are still thinking that they need to build a Kingdom through the “strength” of the flesh – with swords and human weapons like Simon Z. They continue to be in denial about what Jesus plans to do in order to build his Kingdom.
Entering into the Garden, the three disciples are alarmed to see the weakness of Jesus’ flesh, as he nearly collapses on the ground and reveals that he is sorrowful to the point of death. They want to summon a doctor to help strengthen Jesus’ flesh, but Jesus recognizes that the real battle ahead is spiritual and urges them to pray with him. The disciples underestimate the weakness of their own flesh and quickly succumb to the temptation of sleep on multiple occasions, instead of remaining steadfast in prayer. Of course, Jesus isn’t surprised. Though the three may seem like strong men in the eyes of the world, in his eyes they are still weak little children, worthy of compassion.
The time Jesus spends praying reveals the tension between his own weak flesh, which doesn’t feel strong enough for the task ahead, and his willing spirit, which endures and keeps saying, “yes” to his Father, that is, “not my will but yours be done.” It’s not a coincidence that as he leans on the Father spiritually through faith and prayer, he is literally leaning on a rock – a symbol of permanence that can hold up his own ailing body.
Jesus’ vision of the valley of dry bones is a reminder of the impermanence and weakness of flesh. Bones cannot live on their own – it is only by trusting God and receiving his Spirit that they can be built back into things of permanence.
The confrontation at the end of the episode distills two visions of strength. On the one hand, we see the Temple guards and Kafni’s mob, armed with the “strength” of the flesh. On the other hand is Jesus, already struggling to stand because of his weak flesh and yet leaning fully on the strength of his Father in his spirit.
The Power of Presence and Prayer
Though it’s a well-known part of the story, it’s easy to overlook the fact that Jesus brought his three closest friends to be with him in these final moments before his suffering and death. The Chosen has already established how Jesus finds strength and encouragement through the physical presence of his followers (see, for example, Season 4 Episode 4). It seems clear that he hoped to receive that same encouragement from Peter, James, and John. Unfortunately, due to their weakness, the three are not able to provide the comfort and encouragement he seeks. This is why Episode 8 has God send Ezekiel and Joseph to physically embrace and strengthen Jesus.
The other well-known and easy to overlook dimension of the story is the fact that Jesus leans on his Father through prayer. He does not exercise strength independent of the Father. Rather, he needs to present himself before the Father in weakness in order to receive supernatural strength. The disciples, who Jesus encourages to pray but show no signs of doing so, will fail the tests ahead in part because they lack the supernatural strength that can come through prayer alone. How much more do all of us need to seek God when preparing to face our own trials and tribulations.
Abba
Because it’s become so commonplace for Christians to call God their “Father,” it’s easy for us to not appreciate how Jesus’ prayers to God are indeed a conversation with his one and only Abba. Episode 8 tries to help us feel the significance of the Father-Son relationship between Jesus and God by highlighting two parallel Father-Son relationships. First, we see Abraham preparing to sacrifice “his only son” Isaac, just as the Father is preparing to sacrifice Jesus. This brief scene highlights the trust that Isaac had in Abraham – which in turn draws attention to the even greater trust Jesus has to have in God. Later, Jesus is then visited by the spirit of his adopted father, Joseph, who comforts and encourages him. Joseph is sent by Jesus’ true Father in heaven – a tangible medium that the Father uses to communicate his own comfort and encouragement to the Son.
What did you think about Episode 8 of The Chosen Season 5? I’d love to hear your reactions, questions, and theories in the comments below. Also be sure to check back soon for more content!
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I agree with what you liked about the episode. However, I thought the Abraham and Isaac scene, and the Jospeh scene were an unforced error by Dallas Jenkins. Those things did not happen in the Garden of Gethsemane and would be absolutely confusing for new believers or people who have never read scripture. It was not biblical and never happened. When I saw the fog roll in, I honestly expected an angel to appear to tend to Jesus and strengthen him (Luke 22:43). Joseph wiping Jesus forehead of the blood drops that he had sweated, had me thinking "where do they get this from?" Was it a Catholic tradition nod? Or what? What advisors on set gave that …
There is no episode 8
I thought this was a beautiful ending to the season. The whole Gethsemane scene was so powerful and will stick with me. I too noticed the slight artificial quality of the visuals in that scene, almost like a stage set with the lighting and the smoke-machine fog rolling in. Given the high production values of the rest of the season I have to assume that was an artistic choice, which I'm not sure of the reason for, but I don't mind it.
The completion of Judas' betrayal was handled well. Even knowing how the story goes, I still felt the tension and shock.
As I mentioned in the comments on Ep. 6, I hope there's more payoff to the Kafni…
“I don’t think I can do this. You ask too much of me. I can’t" seems questionable at best, given what we know about Jesus's reverence (Hebrews 5:7-8) and what we read about doubt. (James 1:6-8, Exodus 4:11-14).