Was Matthew autistic? The Chosen makes it plausible

What if we could determine that people were autistic even thousands of years ago? What if we learned that someone from the Bible was on the spectrum? 

The idea is entirely plausible and has become even more plausible through the talents and creativity of Dallas Jenkins, the creator and director of the popular television series The Chosen, which depicts the life of Jesus and his followers.

When working on the back story of each character, Jenkins, who has a child on the spectrum, considered what the Bible says about Matthew - the tax collector for the Romans who became a follower of Christ and later authored a gospel.   

Jenkins explains, “I saw three things that stood out. One, he was a numbers guy, obviously, as a tax collector. Two, he was a facts guy; his whole first chapter is a genealogy in three equal sections of 14 names. Finally, he chose a profession that made him a social outcast.

Jenkins thought it plausible that Matthew could be autistic. “I know the special needs, particularly the spectrum world very well, so we just write him as completely straightforward and with an inability to deliver or receive much subtext. The rest is just normal writing and plot development.” 

His faith has also helped Jenkins dealing with autism in his family. “My faith has for sure given me more patience and allowed me to trust that God has a plan for our family. It’s also allowed me to recognise some of the traits of those on the spectrum that can be almost divine. There’s a purity of thought and emotion in many on the spectrum that allows, for lack of a better term, a less hindered connection to God than what more ‘typical’ folks allow themselves to have. But most importantly, I believe my faith has given me more of a desire to study, understand, and help the special needs community.” 

Matthew in the mirror

Artist and musician Kaelyn Reese, 22, contacted Jenkins after watching the show and realising how much she related to Matthew and his character. Reese, who is on the spectrum, wrote to Dallas, explaining how the show impacted her life, and asked if they needed a cello player. 

Kaelyn explains, “I instantly connected with Matthew. I felt like Dallas and Paras [Paras Patel plays Matthew] were able to capture what I was experiencing so accurately. I just always want to make sure people know how much impact they have and thank them for their hard work, and this was the reason I reached out to Dallas. At the end of my letter, I offered to play cello for the show. I guess it was my way of giving to the project in what Dallas refers to as our job to provide our ‘loaves and fishes.’ Money wasn’t something I could provide, but cello was!” 

Kaelyn’s parents, Jeffrey and Rebecca Reese, added. “Her offer to play cello was genuinely wanting to give back and not receive any credit. Honestly, we weren’t sure he would write back.” They thought she might receive a form letter from an assistant, but they were impressed that Dallas took the time to personally write. “He has communicated with us several times since, including sending her a personalised congratulations video for her graduation. He is the real deal!” 

Kaelyn explains how her love of music began. “When I was nine years old, I was watching an orchestra on TV. I immediately fell in love with the cello. Around a year later, I had three or four lessons and received my very own cello for Christmas, but then my teacher left for college, so I went on a self-learning path.

“A short time after, I joined the Gulf Coast Homeschool Fine Arts Orchestra and was able to hone my skills under some great instructors.” Kaelyn played with the orchestra until her graduation and also mentioned her love for singing and leading her youth band in worship at her church.

After hearing from Kaelyn, Jenkins decided, “We should get her to Nashville. It just all made sense to me, and I thought it would have a great impact on others. My wife, Amanda and I just have a natural affinity for and understanding of those on the spectrum, so we saw the potential. We also thought, I bet she’s great on the cello.” 

Kaelyn and her parents met with Dallas and two of the composers for the show, who asked her to play a piece they had written for an emotional and pivotal scene between Jesus and Nicodemus. Her contribution was included in the series. 

While Kaelyn’s exquisite musical and artistic abilities have helped her to stand out and shine, some on the spectrum have trouble assimilating in social situations. Matthew experiences some taunting by some of the other Apostles, in part because of his lack of social awareness and quirkiness.  

Through Patel’s ingenious acting, we sympathise with his character, and some fans have come to his defence, overlooking some of the thoughtless or unkind behaviours he previously displayed. Jenkins comments, “Matthew has made some choices that have caused great hurt and difficulty for those around him. He’s not oblivious to that, even if his calculations are different than others’ are. He owes some apologies, and until he gives them, viewers shouldn’t be horrified by the resentment from others.” 

Kaelyn, who recognised some of Matthew’s traits within herself, explains the connection. “I do have a few different things that I’m really skilled at and somewhat obsess over. I struggle with many other life skills, like Matthew.  

“Matthew was an outcast, and he was misunderstood by most. I also know what it feels like when people don’t understand you, and because of that, they leave you out, although in many cases, I don’t think they do it consciously. They just don’t know how to connect with me.” 

“I have definitely felt different growing up and wondered what was wrong with me. I was never made fun of, exactly, but I was left out of a lot of groups. People would avoid me because I always tried to join their conversations in hope for friends. 

“I struggled with this mostly in my teen/early teen years, but once I stopped trying so hard and finally surrendered to God and found my identity in him, I was able to grow. And God also brought new friends into my life. Being homeschooled has also been a big part of me growing up on a foundation in Christ. Like Matthew, I also gave my life to Jesus, and without Jesus, I would probably be going through depression and still struggling in friendships.”

Embracing the gifts

What advice does Kaelyn have for others, especially those on the spectrum? “When you’re struggling and when life feels so hard, and when it feels like no one understands you, look to God. He understands you and knows exactly how you’re feeling, and he will work out his plan for your life and use your struggles for his good. You’ll understand it one day.

“Embrace your natural gifts – don’t try to fit into someone else’s mold. My parents would support my interests. I would never have been able to learn the cello if it wasn’t for them investing in the dream, which eventually led me to The Chosen and many other amazing opportunities!” 

Jeffrey and Rebecca Reese add, “Our faith has been very helpful in working through these challenges. When we realise that God has specifically made Kaelyn to see things in a way that we can’t, it helps with our frustration. Her keen senses allow her to see beauty in things that we typically see as mundane.  

“When we slow down to her speed, and ask questions, we often get to see life through her perspective. We’ve been able to connect with other parents and counselors who are believers, and that has helped us tremendously.” 

Dallas Jenkins shared, “Everyone has things they struggle with or aren’t good at. Everyone. People on the spectrum tend to struggle with more things than the typical person, but they also have some unique characteristics that others don’t, and access to certain thought patterns that others don’t have. 

“The key is to find and nurture those gifts. I firmly believe that the best chance someone on the spectrum has of overcoming challenges is to learn how to struggle and push through barriers.”