Plot to kill Lazarus among scenes in The Chosen Season 5

Dallas Jenkins, the director of The Chosen, released two previously unseen scenes from the show’s upcoming fifth season on Tuesday night. During the two-hour livestream, Jenkins also gave details about the March 27 theatrical debut of Season Five’s first episodes and other future releases.

What was depicted in the two newly released scenes? The first scene shows a meeting between Pharisees and Sadducees—the two adversarial Jewish religious sects—who are trying to determine their response to the rising popularity of Jesus of Nazareth. In the scene, Rabbi Schmuel, a recurring fictional character in Jenkins’ series, attempts to rally the two groups behind a plot to assassinate Lazarus, whom Jesus recently raised from the dead. Schmuel’s fellow Pharisee and friend, Rabbi Yussif, another fictional character, vocally opposes him.

The Biblical plot against Lazarus is referenced in John 12:9-11.

The other scene shows a fictional private meeting between Jesus and a frustrated Judas. Judas criticizes past statements Jesus has made about Roman taxes. Judas demands to know when Jesus, as the Jewish Messiah, will overthrow the Roman occupation and seize the throne of David.

What did Jenkins say about Season Five’s release? Jenkins said the first two episodes of Season Five will be released in theaters on March 27—a slightly earlier release date than the April timeline he previously indicated. Shortly after that, episodes 3-5 will also have a theatrical release, followed by episodes 6-8. He said the Season 5 episodes will run slightly shorter than those in Season Four. The Season Five episodes will be released for free online streaming after their theatrical run.

Season Five, which now has the tagline “The Last Supper,” is expected to cover the events of Holy Week, including Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and his cleansing of the Jewish Temple. Jenkins plans to depict the crucifixion in Season Six. He said he is in the process of going over early drafts of scripts for Season Six now. Filming is scheduled to begin in April, when the Season Five episodes will still be in theaters.

Wasn’t there some controversy around the show? The Chosen is a multi-season drama meant to depict the life of Christ. Jenkins says that the storytelling format requires the writers to invent extra-Biblical backstories for certain characters, including the disciples. While the show includes dialogue from key moments in Scripture, it includes made-up dialogue as well. Jenkins insists the show should not be considered a replacement for or equal to Scripture, and encourages viewers to regularly read the Gospels. He has said that he consults three scholars—a Messianic Jew, a Catholic priest, and an evangelical Bible professor—to ensure the show follows the facts and intention of Scripture.

But some vocal critics like John MacArthur, pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, Calif., have argued that the show’s extra-Biblical material violates the Biblical warning against adding to or taking away from Scripture.

Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s report about a contract dispute that slowed the release of The Chosen’s fourth season.