‘The Chosen’ Director Says Jesus Transfiguration Not Important: ‘What Purpose Would it Serve our Story?’
‘The Chosen’ Director Dallas Jenkins has responded to fans wanting him to include the transfiguration of Jesus in his hit TV show about the life of Jesus, saying he’s confused why fans would think it would be an important scene to show, particularly because it wouldn’t “serve our story.”
We’ve written about Jenkins in the past, with our posts Dallas Jenkins Says Mormons are Saved : ‘I’m Going to Die on That Hill’, as well as Dallas Jenkins Doubles Down on Controversial Mormon Comments, Straight up Lies and Dallas Jenkins Affirms Mormons are Christians in ‘Definitive, Final’ Video.’
Jenkins made these particular comments in the The Chosen Fans: Memes, BTS, Fan Art Facebook page in this post, when someone asked
To which Jenkins replied:
While Jenkins can do whatever he wants with his TV show, it’s a bit of a strange response, given the transfiguration of Jesus is considered one of the most significant and awe-inducing miracles in the entire bible. Appearing Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–8, Luke 9:28–36, as well as referenced in 2 Peter 1:16–18), CF Moule explains “The transfiguration is one of the five major milestones in the gospel narrative of the life of Jesus, the others being baptism, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.”
One commenter wrote:
“The Transfiguration is VERY important. First of all, it reveals Jesus in FULL divinity. He did this to give Sts. Peter, James and John consolation and hope so as to strengthen them during his coming Passion and Death. Second, it also shows that Jesus IS the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.”
Up to to his point, Jenkins has taken great pains to show Jesus in his humanity- as a teacher, a rabbi, a friend, a son. This would be one of the few times in the gospel narratives where Jesus appears in his full glory, the godhead on full display, and it’s strange he considers this ‘unimportant’ in his portrayal of Jesus’ life and ministry or to showing who he truly is.
While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Matthew 17:1-8
Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
I can’t help but wonder if Jenkins is more ignorant of biblical truths than we assume. Maybe he doesn’t have a strong personal history of studying the Bible himself.
Why else would he allow ecumenical “experts” (Rabbi, Roman Catholic, Traditional-Protestant leader) guide so many of his decisions? I.e., avoiding controversy and placating diverse religious audiences takes precedence over including specific Biblical truths: the baptism of Jesus shows the Trinity (omitted); the Transfiguration shows the divinity of Jesus (omitted); showing the siblings of Jesus as younger offspring of Joseph and Mary shows that Jesus is the legal Lion of Judah, instead of that being unfulfilled if Jesus had older brothers via a made up prior marriage of Joseph (omitted). In addition, the incorrect and all-too-often scripted discussion among the apostles about “Peter the Rock” (omitting, in fact overwriting, the differentiation: Peter is “stone”, the confession is the “rock”). In addition, the all too often scenes elevating Mary as the intercessor for Jesus (Catholic undue influence — which, it appears Dallas Jenkins is either too ignorant or too compliant to notice).
The Mormon and the Catholic audience remains happy, but the truth of the Gospel suffers by becoming just another ecumenical/catholic-leaning show, not unlike “Jesus of Nazareth “ or “The Passion.”