How Did "The Chosen" Mess Up John 3:16?

The Chosen Reimagines John 3:16

In the 7th episode of The Chosen, the show reimagined the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus as found in John 3. This is where it is written for God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

This is such a well-known gospel verse that show creator Dallas Jenkins wanted to be accurate. But if you compare the scene with John 3, 1 -18, you'll see the two conversations are quite different. Even the setting has changed.

Changing the Context of Jesus and Nicodemus

Lines have been added and moved around so that when Jesus gets to the words of John 3, 16, they have an altogether different context. At one point Nicodemus asks, is the kingdom of God really coming? And Jesus says, what does your heart tell you?

What is this, Disney? At the end of the scene, Nicodemus bows before Jesus to confess he is the Christ. But Jesus says, what are you doing? You don't have to do that. Everyone has to do that. The Bible says every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

The Chosen's Response and the Problem of Accuracy

When The Chosen was confronted about this, they said, did it happen? We don't know. But it's very on-brand.

What?

When did Jesus ever tell anyone they don't have to bow? This response is a great slogan for their show, Did It Happen? We Don't Know. Let's see them put that on a t-shirt. One of the shirts they sell has this line from their Jesus, Get Used to Different.

A Different Christ Than the Christ of the Bible

Ironic, since this is a different Christ than the Christ of the Bible. Accept no substitutes when we understand the text.