Feeding the “Fried Thousands”
June 2022 – We arrived on the set of The Chosen, full of excitement to have another two-day opportunity to be part of a life-changing experience. Surely the June heat would be nothing compared to the “blizzard” conditions of February during the filming of the Sermon on the Mount, but we had again grossly underestimated the unpredictability of Texas weather.
The experts called the weather sweltering as the temperature soared above 100 degrees. The humidity comfort level was referred to as oppressive. An occasional cloud floated past but no trees to offer shelter from the sun’s burning rays. We were grateful for the advice to bring sunbrellas that blocked the intensity of the sun. Just as the actors received directions, we also received directions. Before each new filming segment, the director shouted, “Umbrellas down!” And as soon as the take was completed, he shouted, “Umbrellas up!” In between filming, we looked like a sea of umbrellas.
They generously passed out water, electrolytes, and Gatorade. Pallets of water bottles were delivered on semi-trucks, enough to keep over 12,000 people hydrated. In spite of all the liquid we consumed, many had to be evacuated off the field due to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The ones who remained tried to cool down by removing layers of heavy costumes while still preserving the modesty of 1st-century customs.
In typical Chosen fashion, we were well-fed and entertained. Noontime delays in taking us out into the field were put in place with the hope for a drop in temperature. While waiting for a night shoot, they pulled air-conditioned buses up and allowed us to cool down during the intense heat of the afternoon. They did whatever they could possibly do to care for all the extras.
Now that I am back home and recovered, my reflections have turned to the original people who came to hear Jesus. They had no expectations other than to hear him teach. They traveled many miles by foot, not by air-conditioned cars and buses. The clothing they wore was probably more oppressive than the modern materials we used to create our costumes. They had no one constantly passing out icy cold water bottles to quench their thirst, no umbrellas to shield them from the sun, no tiny electric fans to stir the air. And yet they came and stayed…5,000 men plus women and children, the Bible tells us.
How hungry am I to hear the Word of God? What comforts would I be willing to give up to hear Jesus? I don’t ever want to take for granted how easy it is to open my Bible and let Him speak to me. Unlike the people of ancient days, I can have as much of Jesus as I want.
Being part of the Chosen filming was more than an exciting day on a movie set. It was a time for recalibration—a time for sitting in that hot field, imagining what it must have been like on the day Jesus actually fed the hungry throng with spiritual and physical food. And I was filled with gratitude that He still feeds us today. We just have to come hungry.
Can you see me?
