To the First Century for Lunch

To the First Century and Beyond

My sister, Sally, and I took an adventure into the 1st century this week. We flew to Midlothian, TX to join the cast of the tv series The Chosen in the filming of the feeding of the 5,000. Recorded in the Gospel of Matthew 14:13-21, it is the only miracle of Jesus, along with the resurrection, that is recorded in all the Gospels. It is proof that God can, does and will use the ordinary things we bring to Him to reveal His extraordinary truths in  our lives. 

He’s been especially leading me in just such ways this past year so to be a small part of bringing this truth to life is a profound, soul refining blessing.

Our day began at sunrise as we donned our 1st century costumes complete with a covering of our uncharacteristic blond hairs. After satisfying our Screen Actor’s Guild requirements, we, and the lot of our new friends, were bussed to a Salvation Army camp. 

Before us was a large field; the dry yellow grasses moved in unison with the hot, humid breezes. The sky began overcast, shielding us from the scorcher it promised to be. The crew anticipated our needs as Jesus did all those years ago. There were tents for our 21st century feeding, for shade, for photo ops, for entertainment. Umbrellas and hats were plentiful  in anachronistically odd contrast to our costumes. 

We were filmed in waves: some waiting at basecamp and while others making the trek over the hill to the filming site. At the filming site, we were spread out in family groups complete with our overseeing Roman Guards on horseback. The crew mingled in and around us, instructing and staging with large cameras on cranes placed strategically. Dallas Jenkins in a turquoise t-shirt directing it all with the cast off to my right. There, life-sized, were Jesus, Simon, Judas, Andrew, and Big James, to name a few, gathered under umbrellas, holding paper drink cups, smiling and laughing as they waited, as well, for their cues. It was strange and beautiful all at once.

Several scenes were filmed, mostly short snippets that culminated in the feeding. The disciples gathered in a huddle which expanded into a circle of hand raising joy as they witnessed the miracle. They then rushed into our crowd to deliver it. I, myself, was handed a piece of bread by Andrew as he called out “only 4000 more to go!”

Though it may have been hot and uncomfortable, I was filled to overflowing, like the fish and loaves baskets, with gratitude.

What a privilege and an honor and a thrill to be part of the show that proclaims the name of Jesus in authentic, tangible ways. #F5K.

Anne

June 8, 2022