The Chosen Season 5 Episode 1 Recap: Entry

Season 5 of ‘The Chosen’ finds Jesus and his disciples finally arriving at the Holy City of Jerusalem in the build-up toward the much-anticipated Last Supper. In episode 1, titled ‘Entry,’ we see the Messiah fulfilling an ancient prophecy by riding into the city on a donkey. Much of the crowd received his arrival with fanfare, with chants of adoration and praise. However, despite the exciting air surrounding the town, John the Apostle and Mary Magdalene can’t help but notice something somber about their leader’s disposition. Meanwhile, as Jesus shares his teachings with his devotees, a mysterious cloaked figure continues to jot down the growing Ministry’s every move. SPOILERS AHEAD!

Jesus Arrives at Jerusalem

Jesus and his followers progress in their journey with Jerusalem right on the horizon. They can hear the cheers and chants of celebration from the door, as excitement buzzes in the air regarding the return of the Son of David. However, this enthusiasm isn’t mirrored by the city’s Pharisees, including a hesitant Yussif. They warn him that he would only be walking into his death if he sets foot in Jerusalem, riding atop a donkey and subsequently laying his claim on the prophetic title of the Land’s King. The Roman Empire will see the act as a challenge to their sovereign rule and swiftly deliver Jesus to his fate. Nonetheless, the Messiah, who insists he is after no material crown or title, decides to move forward anyway.

Thus, the Pharisees go their own way to ensure they don’t associate themselves with the Ministry, while Jesus rides in through the joyous crowd. Although Yussif also walks away from the festivities, he later joins the crowd dressed in incognito plainclothes. In time, Jesus has amassed a big crowd who are eager to receive his teachings. He announces to the congregation that the hour has come for him to be glorified as the Son of Man. However, at the same time, something seems to be troubling his heart, and he wonders if he should ask the Father to rescue him. In turn, the sky thunders with a roar that sounds like a heavenly voice that only some can make out.

John and Mary Grow Concerned About Jesus’ Fate

Jesus’ tendency to speak in metaphors results in some doubts about the meaning behind his arrival in Jerusalem. He often talks about the harm that awaits him at the hands of priests and the city elders. Furthermore, he speaks about how the sacrifice that a grain makes of falling into the Earth before bearing fruit. Still, most other Apostles are inclined to take his words for what they are, tangles of metaphors and nuance. Although they don’t know it yet, in a few days, Jesus will reveal the intent of his actions in simple and direct words as they preside over the Last Supper. Even so, for now, things continue as they are.

Nonetheless, John the Apostle and Mary Magdalene notice the little things and grow concerned about their Messiah. Notably, the former mentions Jesus’ decision to enter the city through the gates used for sacrificial lambs and what that means for his future. Meanwhile, after telling his followers to spread their Ministry’s preaches across the city before Passover, Jesus himself takes off. His wanderings lead him to a moment of celebration over a young couple’s marriage. Although he’s able to participate anonymously for a moment, the crowd soon recognizes him. As such, he leaves shortly after but not before blessing the couple and their union.

Jesus Prepares For the Future Ahead

Soon after Jesus leaves the wedding festivities and continues roaming around the city, he receives a vision that has been plaguing him since his arrival at Jerusalem. He sees the walls of the city weeping in bloody trails. This sends him into a full-blown vision that awaits the town in its future. In his mind’s eye, he witnesses Roman armies laying waste to the streets and their temples, killing every citizen as their homes are burned to the ground around them. Afterward, he returns to his Ministry, which has been provided with a luxury shelter by Joanna, the Roman palace worker. While his followers slumber, he awakens Zebedee and asks him to take his mother and her sisters away from Jerusalem and back to Lazarus’ home.

After making his request, Jesus retires to another part of the house. However, by then, John had managed to wake up and hear his leader’s strange request. Thus, he decides to shadow the Messiah and witnesses him working on a whip, seemingly in preparation for obscure future intentions. Meanwhile, the pilgrims, including Kafni, who believe Jesus to be a false prophet, deliberate whether or not Herod will do something about the Nazareth-hailing man and his Apostles before Rome inevitably intervenes. This, paired with the momentary peek into the future, where Jesus and his followers come together for a last supper before Passover, sets up the Messiah’s great sacrifice to come in future episodes.