I’m walking around in what looks like a busy marketplace. There are people selling caged birds and other livestock, and I hear the chink of coins as money changers exchange currency. Suddenly a loud shout fills the air: “Get out!” A man with a whip is pushing over tables and pulling open animal pens, letting the animals run amok. People begin to gasp and briskly walk away to avoid being in the centre of the uproar.

Although I’ve read this account from Matthew 21:12-13 so many times, it was a very different experience being filmed as part of the crowd, witnessing Jesus cracking a whip and driving moneychangers and merchants out of the temple. This well-known scene (which gave me goosebumps) was part of an episode in season 5 of the Bible-inspired TV series The Chosen.

As of August 15, season 5 is also available on Netflix where you can find all five seasons (it’s free on the main website). Season 5 is collectively titled The Chosen: Last Supper and portrays the events of Holy Week, with notable events such as the triumphal entry, Jesus cleansing the temple and the events surrounding the last supper.

Created by Dallas Jenkins, The Chosen is a crowdfunded multi-season drama. The storytelling brings out the socio-political tensions of the first century, showing how different groups reacted and clashed when Jesus of Nazareth rose to prominence.

I was a volunteer background extra for some of the crowd scenes when season 5 was filmed last year. This year, I went to the United States again to film with The Chosen as a background extra for season 6 which covers the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.

My motivation? This series makes the story of Jesus vivid and relatable, and being involved in the production gives me some great conversation starters I otherwise wouldn’t have. I now have more natural opportunities to share the show with friends who may not take up my invitation to visit my church, but would watch a show on Netflix.

If you haven’t heard of The Chosen, or have only seen snippets of it online, here are five reasons to get started on (or re-watch) this dramatic series that’s already being watched by 250 million viewers worldwide.

1. It’s a great companion for Bible study

The Chosen brings Gospel contexts, events and characters to life.

Whenever my small group watches The Chosen together, we make it a point to ask small group members to read the Bible passages upon which that particular episode is based on so that they’re able to distinguish the segments that had creative license applied to them.

Having a visual companion together with the source material helps hone the imagination and picture the context in which the scene took place.

In addition, the show gives insights into how Jewish festivals such as Hanukkah and Passover were observed. As Gentile believers, these are observances which some of us may not be familiar with, and the show gives us a sense of how significant these events were in Jesus and the disciples’ lives.

While the show is not intended to be a replacement for reading the Bible (watch it for meaningful entertainment, not to replace your quiet time), it can definitely spark a lively discussion during your small group session.

For example: during one of our watch parties, we viewed a particular episode which had a tragic ending. It opened up an opportunity to talk about the sovereignty of God and grapple with the topic of unanswered prayer.

2. It serves as a creative bridge for curious hearts

Creative media can act as a gentle platform for evangelism.

The Chosen has its own free app (available for both iOS and Android) which allows viewers to change the language in the app to their native language. The show has an ambitious goal of being translated and dubbed into 600 languages in order to reach a global audience.

During one of my day trips in the US, I met a man from Hong Kong who asked why I had travelled to the States. I told him I had just been filming a TV show and suggested that he check out the show.

I opened The Chosen app and played an episode that was dubbed into Cantonese. His eyes widened when he heard the show in his own language.

Sometimes a direct conversation about Jesus can feel heavy or intimidating for friends who are still exploring faith. What’s beautiful about The Chosen is that it gives them a chance to encounter His story in a format they’re already comfortable with — a drama series.

For us in Singapore, the app has Chinese subtitles and entire episodes dubbed into Mandarin, and there are also options for Malay and Tamil as well. The show’s availability on Netflix also certainly helps lower the barrier to access.

3. Its stories balance creativity with biblical fidelity

There are some concerns that the stories presented in The Chosen are not a word-for-word retelling of the Gospels. The series does comprise several characters who are fictional.

The Chosen’s creators have stated: “The Chosen is based on the true stories of the Gospels of Jesus Christ. Some locations and timelines have been combined or condensed. Backstories and some characters or dialog have been added.

“However, all the Bible and historical context and any artistic imagination are designed to support the truth and intention of the Scriptures. Viewers are encouraged to read the scripture and the Gospels.”

The Chosen director Dallas Jenkins has emphasised that the focus of the show is to convey authenticity and relatable human experiences.

And so the intention of the writers is for people to go back to Scripture to examine the Gospel accounts for themselves, and also to help viewers imagine the myriad of responses and emotions people had after their encounters with Jesus.

4. Many moments in the show point to deeper biblical truths

Even fictional scenes and fictitious characters not directly in the Gospels can reveal truths about Jesus, faith or human nature.

We have read some of these accounts in the Gospels so many times that we sometimes forget that these were real people who experienced real emotions.

In an earlier season of The Chosen, we see the rollercoaster of emotions Jairus goes through before Jesus raises his daughter from the dead (Mark 5:21-23). We also get a glimpse of the pain and isolation the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:24-30) experienced before she reaches out in faith to be healed.

While their emotions are not recorded in the Gospel accounts of these stories, their desperation, grief and subsequent relief and joy after meeting Jesus are feelings that we can resonate with and can teach us something about faith.

While filming some difficult scenes from season 6, which depicts Jesus’ suffering, one of the staff reminded us that we would be filming scenes that would make our hearts sad, but to remember that we are seeing victory personified.

I remember feeling overcome with emotion at some moments, but also overwhelmed with gratitude at the same time. Even as a nameless extra in the crowd, I was reminded that Jesus’ pain and suffering were not just a plot for a TV show – but the very real proof of how much He loves me.

5. It’s a growing body of work with more to come

The Chosen is a growing resource that can be used for sermon illustrations, small group studies and outreach events. Earlier seasons can be re-watched with Bible in hand to compare the text to the scenes, and to discuss themes and topics that point to the character of Jesus or other biblical truths.

Season 6 will be a highly emotive one, especially in its depiction of the suffering of Jesus, with the season finale episode being a standalone feature length film. Season 7, due in 2028, will focus on the resurrection of Jesus.

The Chosen’s creators have also confirmed there are plans to tell other stories in serial form including Joseph of Egypt, Moses and the book of Acts.

In essence, The Chosen is highly accessible and compelling storytelling. It’s a great conversation starter and a good resource for churches and small groups.

As season 5 hits Netflix and more discover the series, my own journey as an extra – from walking in the bustling temple courts in season 5 to the sombre scenes of season 6 – has reminded me of this simple truth: these aren’t just stories from the past.

They’re moments that continue to point us back to the person of Jesus. And that’s what makes The Chosen worth watching, discussing and sharing!

You can watch all seasons of The Chosen on Netflix. You can also watch them for free online or by using The Chosen app on the App Store or Google Play. (Note: Season 5 of The Chosen debuts on the app starting September 28)