Season 4 of The Chosen delivers a powerful and emotionally charged conclusion that sets the stage for the events of Holy Week. The finale delves into Jesus’ deepening conflict with religious authorities, particularly highlighting his confrontation with Shmuel, who becomes increasingly disillusioned with Jesus’ actions and claims.
The resurrection of Lazarus serves as a pivotal moment, intensifying the Sanhedrin’s resolve to act against Jesus, with Caiaphas interpreting a prophecy to mean that Jesus must be sacrificed to protect the nation. Judas grapples with his expectations of a triumphant Messiah and begins to question Jesus’ approach.
Season 4 ends with love, tension, and a path no one is ready for (Photo: The Chosen Season 4/The Chosen LLC)This foreshadows his eventual betrayal. The season culminates with Jesus’ poignant declaration of unwavering love for his disciples as he prepares to enter Jerusalem, symbolizing his acceptance of the path ahead.
This finale masterfully intertwines personal struggles and escalating tensions, offering a profound analysis of faith, sacrifice, and the human response to divine purpose. YouTubeThis particular episode captures the final hours Jesus spends in Bethany before heading towards Jerusalem.
The concluding scenes mark the start of a journey that will lead to his crucifixion. The episode also portrays the anticipation among the Jewish people who are looking forward to welcoming Jesus during the Passover celebrations.
It builds momentum for the next season, which is expected to focus on Jesus’ time in Jerusalem and the events leading up to his death.
Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem is paired with a flashback of King David’s entry
The opening scene of the final episode begins with a flashback showing King David’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, taken from the Old Testament. Just like the celebration Jesus receives later, David is welcomed by cheering crowds singing Hosanna.
At his palace, David reunites with his wife Abigail, and their son Daniel. Together, he and Daniel go outside to select a lamb for the Passover sacrifice. David carefully explains why the lamb’s feet are to be anointed with oil six days before it is sacrificed.
Later in the night, David and Abigail carry out more Passover traditions with their son, who listens closely and learns from the moment. During this flashback, David is seen with a bridle that, as shown in the final scene, will be passed down through Joseph and eventually used by Jesus.
Veronica and Jesse wait expectantly for Jesus to arrive in Jerusalem
Shortly after the episode title appears, the camera moves to Veronica and Jesse, who had both experienced healing through Jesus. They sing praises about him outside the Temple in Jerusalem while a growing crowd gathers. A Sadducee stops by and wonders aloud if Jesus will arrive in time for Passover.
The pair return at the end of the episode. As they stand with the excited crowd outside the Temple, they hear from a servant that Jesus is close by—this same servant had just given up his donkey to Jesus’ disciples.
Hearing the news, Veronica’s joy spills over as she sings Hosanna to the Son of David and leads the crowd toward the Temple’s eastern entrance to welcome Jesus.
Roman officials observe the Passover festivities with concern and political calculation
As Jewish families travel long distances to reach Jerusalem for the Passover celebration, Pilate watches the crowd with amazement. But Atticus quickly reminds him that Emperor Tiberias expects full control over the situation throughout the festival.
Their conversation then changes to the increasing popularity of Jesus and the stories circulating about Lazarus rising from the dead. Elsewhere in Jerusalem, King Herod hosts a dinner attended by his wife Herodias, his household manager Chuza, Chuza’s wife Joanna, and his mistress Cassandra.
Pontius Pilate and his wife Claudia also join the gathering. Midway through the meal, Herod receives a message from the High Priest Caiaphas, warning him that Jesus could spark a revolt similar to the Maccabean uprising from 200 years prior.
After the meal, Joanna and Claudia step outside to discuss their admiration for Jewish faith and perseverance. Their conversation also touches on Chuza’s affair with Cassandra. This moment of clarity encourages Joanna to take a stand and leave her unfaithful husband.
She joins the Jewish crowd in celebration, distributing palms in honor of Jesus’ approach.
Mary of Bethany performs a bold act of honor and love for Jesus
Mary’s first appearance in the episode shows her purchasing a rare and expensive ointment, known as nard, which is traditionally used to anoint royalty in distant lands like India and China. She spends 300 denarii—equivalent to a full year’s income—on a full flask of this valuable perfume.
Upon arriving at her home, she finds Jesus surrounded by his disciples and new visitors, Shmuel and Yussif. Mary walks straight to Jesus, anoints his feet with the ointment, and dries them with her hair. While Shmuel criticizes her lack of modesty, Judas accuses her of waste.
Despite their disapproval, Mary speaks to Jesus directly, calling him “King of the Universe” who brings unity to all things. Only Jesus and Lazarus truly grasp that she is preparing him for burial through this symbolic act.
Shmuel, Yussif, and Judas struggle with their thoughts on Jesus’ identity
Rumors of Lazarus rising from the dead spread rapidly, prompting the Sanhedrin to meet and deliberate. Shmuel offers to meet Jesus in person to determine if he could be Elijah, the prophet known to bring the dead back to life.
At the same time, Caiaphas tells the Sanhedrin about a prophecy that says one man must die to protect Israel. He applies this message to Jesus, saying he must be handed over to the Romans once Herod arrives in Jerusalem.
Lazarus’ return sparks a crisis that pushes faith and fear to the edge (Photo: The Chosen Season 4/The Chosen LLC)In Bethany, Shmuel and Yussif go to see Jesus at Lazarus’ home. Jesus welcomes them warmly, though his disciples remain cautious. During the meeting, both men warn Jesus of increasing resistance from the Sanhedrin.
Shmuel asks if Jesus is the Messiah, but feels conflicted after hearing Jesus describe himself as the fulfillment of the Temple, its feasts, and its sacrifices. His unease grows when Jesus allows Mary to honor him like a divine figure. Disturbed by what he sees and hears, Shmuel leaves feeling unsure of what to believe.
Before departing, Shmuel and Yussif encounter Judas. He encourages them to speak positively about Jesus before the Sanhedrin. Judas is convinced Jesus is the true Messiah, though he wishes Jesus would focus more on rallying the Jewish people to drive out Roman rule and rebuild Israel like in David’s time.
Judas and Shmuel both feel uneasy about how Mary acted toward Jesus. They agree to meet again in Jerusalem to continue their conversation.
Jesus prepares to face destiny in Jerusalem
Back in Capernaum, Simon Peter’s wife Eden, along with Salome, Shula, Barnaby, Jairus, and others bid farewell to Gaius before heading to Jerusalem. They later reunite with Jesus and his disciples in Bethany, joining the caravan headed for the city.
Before setting off, Jesus instructs Simon Z and Matthew to find a donkey that has never been ridden, fulfilling a prophecy from Zechariah 9:9–10 which describes the Messiah arriving on such an animal. They find a servant who owns a suitable donkey and explain the purpose.
The servant willingly gives it to them and quickly rushes ahead to Jerusalem to share news of Jesus’ approach. Meanwhile, Atticus watches them and proceeds to report to Pilate. Before the trip begins, Jesus shares a quiet moment with his mother.
She gives him the bridle once owned by King David. Aware of the pain she must be feeling about his future, Jesus expresses his concern. Mary reassures him by holding his hand and confirming that she will travel with him.
While Jesus waits for Simon Z and Matthew to return with the donkey, the remaining disciples gather around him. He reminds them of how deeply he loves each of them and promises to keep loving them to the very end. With this, Jesus and his disciples begin their journey to Jerusalem to complete the mission that lies ahead.
