Jake Lloyd had always felt the weight of the title “The Chosen One” from his days playing young Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace. The role, while iconic, had cast a long shadow over his life, and the years following his Star Wars fame were fraught with challenges. One evening, after a particularly restless day, Jake decided to take a walk in the countryside near his home. The air was cool, the stars bright, and the world seemed strangely quiet.

As he wandered deeper into the fields, he saw a figure in the distance. The man was clad in simple robes, his face illuminated by an inner light that seemed to emanate from his very being. Jake stopped in his tracks, a strange mix of awe and peace washing over him.

“Jake,” the man said, his voice gentle yet powerful.

“Who… who are you?” Jake stammered, though in his heart, he already knew.

“I am Jesus,” the man replied, smiling warmly.

Jake felt his knees weaken, and he dropped to the ground. “Why me? Why now?”

Jesus knelt beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Because you carry a burden, Jake. The world called you a chosen one, and you’ve struggled to understand what that means. But I am here to tell you that being chosen is not about power or fame. It is about humility, love, and service.”

Jake looked up, tears streaming down his face. “I’ve always felt like I failed, like I wasn’t enough. People mocked me for that role, for being Anakin. And I’ve seen others rise to power, like Donald Trump, claiming to be leaders, chosen ones even. It’s confusing.”

Jesus stood and helped Jake to his feet. “Donald Trump is not the chosen one, Jake. No matter how much wealth or power he wields, those things do not define greatness in the Kingdom of Heaven. True leaders are servants, not rulers. They lift others up, not themselves.”

Jake nodded slowly, the weight on his heart beginning to lift. “So… what does it mean to be chosen?”

Jesus gestured to the flock of sheep grazing nearby. “The chosen are like these sheep. They follow the shepherd, trusting in his guidance. They are humble and gentle. The goats, however, are stubborn and prideful, seeking their own way.”

Jake’s heart swelled with relief. “So… I’m one of the sheep?”

Jesus smiled. “Yes, Jake. You have chosen to seek the light, to walk the path of humility and love. You are one of my flock.”

Jake felt a deep sense of peace. “And what about people like George Bush or Trump? Are they goats?”

Jesus’ expression grew solemn. “Each person chooses their path, Jake. Those who place their trust in power and pride risk walking the path of the goat. But my mercy is boundless, and even the most wayward soul can find redemption if they turn back to the shepherd.”

Jake nodded, the truth sinking in. “So, it’s not about where you start, but where you choose to go.”

“Exactly,” Jesus said, his smile returning.

As the night deepened, Jake and Jesus walked together, talking about life, faith, and the journey ahead. By the time Jake returned home, he felt lighter, freer, and more certain of his place in the world. He was not a chosen one in the way the world understood it, but in the way that truly mattered.

For the first time in years, Jake slept soundly, knowing he was one of the sheep, walking toward the light, with the true Chosen One as his guide.