Get off!
Lie still!
Gimme your arm!
Is this what happens to rebels?
- Papa! - No, Judas.
Papa! Papa!
Judas...my son.
- Get back. - Judas.
Let go!
(ALL CRY OUT)
O God. You are my God.
For you I long. For you my body yearns.
For you my soul thirsts.
What's this?
A Roman in the temple is sacrilege.
(TRADERS CALL OUT)
Serpents!
- How was work? - The same.
Selling wine, it's unworthy of you.
Unworthy. And what would be worthy of me, Mother?
Carpenter? Tax collector?
How can any man succeed under the Roman yoke?
Judas, listen. You were born for greatness, like your father.
The man was a visionary, a hero.
Your time will come.
Ask the rabbi, he'll know.
Yesterday in the temple I saw the high priest give a tribune a bag of silver.
May I please just have my wine?
May you choke on it.
- Bastard. - Careful, Judas.
He's a friend of the high priest, Caiaphas.
I don't care.
Caiaphas has betrayed us all by colluding with the Roman bloodsuckers.
Caiaphas is under intense pressure. Do you think he gave the silver willingly?
Pilate wants to build an aqueduct,
but he's afraid to ask for funds, so he's pilfering the temple treasury.
We give that money for the glory of our people, not his projects.
They have always exploited us. We must retaliate.
Retaliate?
There are secret societies, zealots, who'll fight for liberty,
who yearn for a leader.
I say we join as one, rise up and protest.
Against an entire cohort of seasoned soldiers? Don't be idiotic.
- Are you afraid, Eliakim? - No, practical.
For 500 years, someone or other has conquered us,
and every time we rise up we get butchered.
That's our heritage and our fate. Accept it.
- At least until the Messiah comes. - How long must we suffer until then?
How many more young lives will grow old without ever knowing freedom?
Well, your wait may be over, Judas.
There's a man preaching by the Jordan River who people call "The Baptist".
- He could be the Messiah. - Let's go!
- I haven't the time. - Or the interest. You're never satisfied.
You're like dogs. A Roman whistles, you roll over. Well, not me.
- Where are you going? - To the Jordan River.
Get ready. Clear a path. Make the crooked road straight.
- For the new kingdom is coming. - Truly he speaks.
Salvation is within our reach. Oh, yes.
I come to share the good news.
Repent your sins and you will be forgiven.
- Are you the Messiah? - I'm not the Messiah.
I'm preparing the way for his arrival.
I baptise with water. Plain, ordinary water.
But the one who's coming, he will baptise with Aroch, with fire.
Yes, fire.
The chaff will burn in a flame that never goes out.
- Where can I find him? - Be patient. He'll find you.
- When? - Soon.
I need to find him now.
Do you know who I am?
You're the high priest, Caiaphas.
And I know who you are:
Judas lscariot, the agitator.
Tiberius Caesar has granted special privileges to Judea.
The rest of the empire is forced to offer sacrifices to Jupiter and the other gods.
We are allowed to practise our religion freely and openly, with one caveat:
no rebellion, no sedition, no public demonstrations.
That is not to say that we Sanhedrin are happy with current events.
Of course we'd prefer the Romans vanquished and our rights restored,
but since any wise man can see that is not going to happen soon,
we must protect those blessings we do have.
A slave by decree is still a slave.
You make the same noises as your father,
a brave but foolhardy man.
I wonder how much you take after him.
Let's go.
Get out! This is my Father's house,
a holy place, not a haven for thieves!
You bleed the poor. You lie, you cheat them!
Get out! All of you, out!
I'm afraid it's not much of a meal. My mother's visiting a sick friend.
Thank you for your generosity.
Blessed are You, our Father.
- You live here with your mother? - Yes.
My father died when I was a boy.
- No brothers? - No brothers, no uncles, no cousins.
I guess I'm the end of the line. And you, are you from Judea?
I was born in Bethlehem but my family's from Nazareth in Galilee.
Nazareth? That's not much of a town.
I was impressed by what you did at the temple.
Don't be. I was trying to make a point, I lost my temper.
You can't change a man's heart by yelling, by humiliating him,
by taking away his livelihood.
Who cares? We need to get rid of the bastards.
Yes, but in a perfect kingdom there are no masters or slaves.
We see God in everyone and serve him there.
The Roman system of governing is based on domination.
Pilate's legions aren't just going to leave.
They must be forced out, pushed into the sea.
I'm sorry, I asked some friends to meet me here.
Judas, this is Peter and his brother Andrew,
- James and his brother John. - Hello, rabbi.
I don't have any more food, but I have a little wine.
- Wine sounds good. - No.
We're not staying, but thanks for the offer.
- How long will you be in the area? - Not long, I hope.
I hate Jerusalem, it's crowded and filthy.
The streets are lined with the hungry and unhappy.
After the calm of Galilee, our hectic pace must be overwhelming.
Are you making fun of my brother, our home?
James...
- I hate when folk treat us like peasants. - We are peasants!
You're welcome to join us.
Join you? Where are you going?
- Where you need to be. - What?
Back to Galilee, where, as you said, life is calm.
I'll pass.
- Thank you again. - Welcome.
- Goodbye. - Take care.
- Let's get going. - It's good to see you again.
Your Excellency, we should prepare for civil unrest.
The people are desperate for the arrival of the Messiah.
The Messiah? What in the name of sweet Minerva is a Messiah?
I've read some old documents
which predict a king will come to lead the Jews out of bondage.
All I need is another rabble-rouser.
Maybe he's that fellow who's baptising everyone.
- Claudia, would you get me some wine? - Of course, Pontius.
Gather all the suspected agitators. Jail them, interrogate them.
As you wish, Governor.
Here you are, my sweet.
This is the place, Commander.
Open this door. I command you in the name of the emperor.
- Open up! - Break it down.
- Get that agitator! - Jeshura...
- Where are you going? - Galilee. I hear it's calmer there.
My mother showed me how to make those...
I'm looking for a man named Jesus.
- The Nazarene? - You've heard of him?
He's here in Capernaum, causing quite a stir.
- He has cured Jeremiah of blindness. - Cured him? How?
He put his fingers over Jeremiah's eyes and said, "You are healed",
and Jeremiah could see.
He was born blind but now he can see.
This morning, Jesus cured Ditimus the leper.
"You are whole in body and soul," he said.
In minutes, all his sores were gone.
That's not possible.
If I hadn't seen it for myself, I wouldn't believe it either.
You are the light of the world. People don't put a lit lamp under a bowl.
They put the lamp on a stand so its light reaches every person in the house.
You must let your light shine so that all men will see your good deeds
and praise your Father in heaven.
(JUDAS ) Excuse me, I have to get through.
- Jesus! - Judas.
- Oh, no, the Judean. - Welcome.
- Imagine you in lowly Galilee. - And covered in dirt!
I hear you are doing incredible things. This is what we need.
If what they say is true, the people will flock around you.
They will claim you king, and together we can overthrow the Romans.
We will be free. Show me your magic.
There is no magic.
God is in me. God works through me.
OK. Well, let's see.
Make fire appear.
- (LAUGHTER ) - Poof!
I'm not being funny.
You've been searching your whole life for someone to believe in,
someone who'll believe in you. I am that someone.
Follow me and the misery you have known
will be replaced by something far greater.
lt'll be as if you've been reborn.
Have faith in the power of God
and you will sit by my side in the new kingdom for all eternity.
Join me. Trust me.
What's happening?
Grab him.
The room was so crowded that I couldn't get inside.
I figured this was the quickest way to reach you. Heal me.
- Your sins are forgiven. - Huh (!)
In the name of my Father, I say get up!
Walk.
(PEOPLE GASP)
Praise God.
Thank you.
I want you to spend eternity with me, with my Father.
What do you say? It's not too late.
It's never too late.
I do trust you.
We'll have a wonderful meal waiting for us.
John. Tell them about the first time you met these people.
Come on. The first time you were together.
(LAUGHTER )
Your son is an extraordinary man.
Yes, I know.
Even as a child, he was extraordinary.
Together, he and I could do great things for our nation.
But?
Jesus is constantly invoking his father as if the man's still alive.
But your husband Joseph is long dead, right?
Yes. God rest the good man's soul.
Jesus' enemies will do everything to discredit him.
If there's any question about his past, his paternity,
it's important for me to know now.
Yes.
When I was sixteen, a heavenly being appeared before me.
He said, "You have found favour with God.
"You will give birth to a son. His name will be Jesus.
"God will give him the throne of David
"and he will reign over Jacob's house forever. His kingdom will never end."
And then the spirit of the Lord overshadowed me and I was with child.
- I see. - Do you? Do you, Judas?
Mother...
I have terrible news. Cousin John's been arrested.
- No! When? Where? - I don't have any details.
I'll go to the garrison to try and find out.
- I'll go with you. - No, stay here.
Serve the others and say nothing of John until I get back.
Travelling all over Galilee, Judea,
meals and lodging will be expensive, especially with the taxes.
- The Romans take and take. - And give nothing in return.
- What about the costs? - How will we pay for these trips?
- And you think we should... - Charge for miracles.
Charge what, Judas? Ten denarii for a cripple?
A hundred for a mute? A silver talent to raise the dead?
No, we ask those we help to pay what they can.
- Jesus will never agree. - If we all approach him, maybe he will.
- We're here to learn, not manipulate. - I'd never try to manipulate him.
- What have you found out? - John is accused of treason.
- He's in the dungeon at Herod's palace. - No!
I'm sorry, Mother. Come inside. Come lie down.
John, I don't trust Judas. For all we know, he could be a spy.
A spy? For who?
Pilate. Herod.
Judas has a dark soul, but he hates the Romans too much to conspire with them.
- I think his feelings are genuine. - His feelings could be the undoing of us.
I say we have Jesus send Judas away.
- Agreed. - No.
Jesus asked him to join us. Who are we to argue?
You'll regret those words, Peter, when Judas stabs you in the back.
I've been thinking.
We need a rabbi to verify the healings according to Moses' laws.
That's a good idea.
- Then we should head for Jerusalem. - So soon?
The sooner the people see your miracles, the sooner they'll rally to our cause.
I think we should be cautious.
- Caution's not one of my virtues. - I've noticed.
What are your virtues?
- I'm intelligent, practical, thrifty... - Modest.
Here.
I'm no good with money, I tend to lose it.
- Speaking of income... - No.
You haven't heard what I was going to say.
- I won't charge for cures. - Then how will we live?
God takes care of the lilies and the birds.
He'll help us too, through the generosity of strangers.
A king should not be taking handouts like a beggar.
What do you suggest?
We could send the others to fish.
No.
We could open up a tavern.
- Or we could become bandits! - Bandits?
Your money or your life.
Bandits!
(GRUNTING )
- I really like you, Judas. - Not many do.
- I know I can be irritating. - Like a pearl in an oyster.
I wish you could see in yourself what I see.
I wish you'd love yourself as I do.
I'm losing patience. You said the Baptist was the Messiah, now you say he's not.
The talk now is about his kinsman, Jesus.
They say he's curing the sick, walking on water and...raising the dead.
Great. All I need are dead Jews strutting around!
Governor. Look who's here!
- Highness. - Your Excellency.
I was in the vicinity, thought I'd pay a call on you and your delectable wife.
Just in time for lunch.
- You know my tribune Flavius. - Yes. Hail Caesar.
- King Herod. - Be seated.
- We were discussing the Baptist. - A pain in the arse.
I have him shackled to the wall in my darkest dungeon
and still he's causing trouble.
He says I was wrong to marry my sister-in-law.
Because you stole her from your brother? Outrageous!
- Execute him. - We Jews are not as quick to kill as you.
That's why we conquered you.
King Herod, what have your informants discovered about this Jesus?
Another fringe demagogue who'll end up howling at the moon.
I hear he's very handsome.
Strange, our spies inform us that Jesus is gaining momentum every day
and that the miracles he performs are real.
The best thing about him raising the dead is that we get to tax them again.
I hadn't thought of that.
Next. How about you?
- You're three denarii short. - It's all I have.
Look, Amos, everyone's got the same excuse.
- If you don't pay your taxes... - I can't.
...you'll end up in jail. At your age, jail means death.
Hand me three denarii.
- We only have ten left. - I don't care.
You put me in charge of the finances.
Give Caesar what is due Caesar, give God what is due God.
You saved me.
- What's your name? - Matthew, son of Levi.
- Are you happy, Matthew? - I have everything I could want.
Having doesn't have to mean happiness. You could own land from here to Gaul,
what good would it do you if you'd sold your soul?
Join me.
Matthew, where are you going?
I don't know.
What?
(JESUS ) Love your enemies. Do good to those that hate you.
Bless those that curse you.
Pray for those that spite you.
When a man hits you on the cheek, offer him your other cheek as well.
If he steals your coat, offer him your shirt too.
Treat others as you would have them treat you...
Welcome, Matthew.
...only then can you be the children of your eternal Father,
who makes the sun rise on good and bad,
who pours down the rain on the honest man and the liar.
We can't beat the Romans by turning the other cheek. They'll cut off our heads.
Then we will all die, happily, and meet again in heaven.
So every Jew must die before we get what is rightfully ours?
What is rightfully ours is the unconditional love of God,
as his sons and daughters, the joy of knowing that, the peace that love brings.
I'm sorry. I hear your words but I don't believe them.
Because you've kept a part of your heart hidden from me.
- Soldiers. - Romans. They'll kill us!
- You're Jesus of Nazareth, yes? - I am.
We've done nothing wrong.
Easy. Be quiet.
My boy had a riding accident yesterday. He's paralysed from the neck down.
He's in massive pain. The physician says there is nothing he can do.
- I'll come with you. - No.
My house is not worthy of you.
As a commander, when I order a soldier to attention, he snaps to attention.
When I order him into battle, he raises his sword.
Give the word and my boy will stop suffering.
I will tell you this:
nowhere, not even among the chosen few, have I found such faith.
Go home. Your son will be standing in the doorway when you arrive.
He will walk to greet you.
How can faith do that?
You say I kept a part of my heart hidden from you. Well, this is why.
- How could you help that Roman beast? - How could I not?
Listen to me. There are men in Jerusalem,
men who are ready to die for freedom if the right leader comes along.
But I'm telling you, they will not understand your subtleties.
- We have to hit the Romans hard. - You have to believe me, Judas.
That is not the way we will win.
Then how? You don't even have a strategy.
I do. My Father has fully revealed all that he expects of me.
- Which is? - You're not ready to handle the details.
I'm sorry, none of you are. Not yet.
Remember,
while you love our enemies, your cousin John rots away in one of their prisons.
I'm leaving, unless you start doing what I say.
- Judas, my Father... - I don't want to hear about him.
He's as dead as mine.
Judas! Judas, wait!
Judas! Thank God you're safe.
When I got back from Beth Habara the front door was kicked in.
- I thought the soldiers had taken you. - I escaped.
- I went in search of the Messiah. - Did you find him?
No... No.
- Didn't I tell you to behave yourself? - What do you want, High Priest?
- You've been following this Jesus. - How do you know that?
Eliakim. You betrayed me.
One man's betrayal is another man's salvation.
I serve the greater good.
I'll let you go free. Return to Galilee...
I won't spy for you.
Judas... Judas, your mind is so small.
I don't want you to spy. I don't think you'd be very adept at it, anyway. No.
Tell your friend the Sanhedrin is not opposed to what he's doing.
Yes, some of his statements are troubling,
but eventually we can iron out the differences in our positions.
It's a matter of semantics.
At present we can't endorse him publicly,
but if he tones down the rhetoric and keeps performing these miracles,
when the moment arrives, we'll support his claim to the throne.
- You'll declare him king? - However,
if he decides to continue attacking traditional values,
he'll end up like his cousin.
John. What happened to John?
He's dead. Beheaded. We just received word.
Herod served up the Baptist's head on a silver platter to Princess Salome.
I loved John.
Loved his voice, the way it would shatter the stillness.
Such a joyful noise.
You've freed many men from their graves. Do the same for John.
- Why not? - Because this is what my Father wants.
I can't, I won't change His plan.
John's death is a warning. Unless we strike fast, we will be executed.
You must show Herod, the Pharisees,
the Romans, the people, just how powerful you really are.
- By doing what? - By giving all twelve of us your powers.
If ordinary men see that it is possible for each of them to share your glory,
they will raise you up in the name of the Most High.
I give you God's gift.
Now you too can heal, raise the dead, cast out devils.
I want you to bring this message to the people: the kingdom of God is now.
Proclaiming the kingdom, helping God to build the kingdom, this is your goal.
When you get to a village, stay with a good-hearted person,
because to welcome you is to welcome me and the one who sent me.
But if no one offers shelter, as you leave, shake the dust off your feet,
for one day that town will suffer worse than Sodom.
Heaven be praised!
Yes, yes!
Finally Jesus is ready to wage war, to exterminate the Romans.
- Is that what he was saying? - Yes.
He sent us out, two by two, to raise a great army in his name.
Sometimes his words do go over my head.
I'm glad he paired us up. I wouldn't want to go it alone.
Do you really think we can perform miracles?
We're about to find out.
The new king,
who will bestow upon those who join us great wealth, great prosperity.
But those fools who do not will suffer retribution.
- What does he mean? - Nonsense.
Are you a coward? Are you afraid to die for your nation?
If you die in battle, Jesus will bring you back to life.
We can bring you back to life.
My wife passed away yesterday. Revive her and my household will be yours.
Bring me to the woman.
Oh, God. If we don't succeed, we'll be stoned to death.
I can do this, Andrew. Watch.
Maybe you need to keep your hands on longer.
Oh, God. What is worse than the smell of a decaying body?
- I remember once, there was a man... - Shh, I'm concentrating.
Get up, lady.
- I wonder if there's a back tunnel. - I'll get us out of this.
How?
- I'll say we need to stay here all night. - What?
They'll go home, then we'll sneak out of town.
Good idea.
- Stay. - Alone?
With her?
- What's the matter? - Nothing.
Some miracles take a while. I need to ask a few questions about your wife.
How did she die? Was she ill a long time?
Rachel!
- Aah! - (CROWD GASPS )
(CHEERING )
- What happened? - I just opened myself up to God.
I told him he'd better get busy.
Then I remembered Jesus taught us a prayer.
I said the words and I was filled with his spirit, it was like he was with me.
I just touched the woman and she...
Tell me the words.
"Our Father who art in heaven,
"Hallowed be Thy name
"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done On earth as it is in heaven
"Give us this day our daily bread
"And forgive us our trespasses
"As we forgive those who trespass against us
"And lead us not into temptation
" But deliver us from evil
"Amen"
- Well done. - Where's your wife?
At the bazaar. The latest scarves have arrived from Persia.
I want to discuss this Jesus. He's gathering followers.
- I don't like it. Who is he? - Some say John the Baptist.
Herod decapitated him. Or did he come back to life?
No. My point is, there's all kinds of conjecture.
- Others say he's Elijah. - What do you say?
Cults are like a bonfire. They blaze brightly, then quickly burn out.
I know about cults, I've studied them all.
But if you met this man, you'd see he's different.
- Flavius is infatuated with him. - Has he converted you?
No, of course not.
I am first and foremost my emperor's servant.
But Jesus, he...helped my son.
I think... I don't know, he's inspiring.
I think I know a tribune who needs a transfer.
Don't blame Flavius, Your Excellency. I hear Jesus is quite captivating.
I look forward to meeting the young fellow.
There you are.
- Wait till you see this. - Are we disturbing you?
No, not at all. It's great to have you back.
The trip was extraordinary. l...
I want to introduce you to Mary.
She's from Magdala. This is Andrew and Judas.
- Hello. - Jesus has told me about you.
The response is better than I dreamed. A thousand men followed us.
Thousands more followed Matthew and John, and Peter and James.
Mary, come see.
Jesus!
Blessed are the poor, for you will receive the richness of God.
Blessed are those who hunger for what is right, for you will feast.
Blessed are the sad, for you will laugh.
Blessed are those who men hate because of me.
Rejoice in that day,
for when you get to heaven, God's love will be endless.
The question is, how do we arm 5,000 men? That will cost plenty.
Judas, are you blind?
After Jesus' sermon, he told us to feed everyone
but all we had were five loaves of bread and two fish.
He took the food, looked to the sky and there was enough to feed everyone.
If he wants us to have swords, we'll have swords.
Are you men helpless? You almost let the fire go out.
This woman, the townspeople say she's possessed by demons.
She was, I cured her.
Even so, she's bad for the cause.
The Pharisees think we cavort with prostitutes.
- Let them think what they want. - We need them.
- Do we? - They're essential.
If we show up in Jerusalem 5,000-strong, Caiaphas will support us.
- The Pharisees will declare you king. - I don't need them to validate me.
You can't fight the Romans and the Sanhedrin. That's suicide.
What's that?
A knife. What do you intend to do with this?
Whatever needs to be done.
Judas, in all this time, you've learned nothing.
It's not me who's learned nothing.
Who am I?
You are the Messiah, son of the living God.
Peter, child of Jonah, your faith is like a rock,
and on that rock I will build my church.
The fury of hell will melt before its power.
I will give you the keys to my kingdom.
Whatever you decree on earth, whatever you forbid or allow,
will be the same in heaven.
Peter. Congratulations on your elevation.
Thank you.
You must be overwhelmed by the responsibility.
Yes. Yes, I am.
I'm surprised he didn't pick you.
I am not well liked by the others. And I'm in charge of the money.
Jesus didn't want to give any one of us too much power.
And he's teaching me a valuable lesson in humility.
- You've talked this through with him. - No, but I know his mind.
I'm here to tell you that I'm behind you, whatever you need.
Thanks again.
Have you noticed a change in Jesus?
A change?
Ever since John's execution, he's spending most of his time by himself.
Praying.
No.
He's grown melancholy,
and a melancholy mind can't make clear decisions.
We have the men we need to obliterate the Romans, yet we do nothing.
How long till the 5,000 grow restless and wander away?
What can I do?
You're second in command. He looks to you for counsel.
Don't be afraid to speak your mind when he is wrong.
I will tell you now what my Father has revealed of our future.
First we must send the 5,000 back to their homes.
These good people have heard what they needed to hear, for now.
- To keep them would mean hardship. - Jesus...
Let me finish.
Within the year, we will go to Jerusalem. We will enter the city triumphantly...
...but the scribes and the Pharisees, in fact all of the elders and priests,
will reject the word we bring.
- I will then be arrested... - What?
- ...tortured... - No.
- ...and put to death. - No!
- May I speak? - Yes.
I too have been concerned about what might happen in Jerusalem.
About security.
- If attacked, we will protect you. - (ALL) Yes!
I purchased these.
We'll defend you with our lives. We'll massacre your enemies!
Be silent, Satan!
You think as men think, not as God does.
None of you understands.
Not one of you.
Peter, what happened?
So that's God's big plan.
You're executed and Peter becomes king.
Only through my dying and return will those that believe be saved.
Another riddle. Another turn of phrase.
With you it's all parables. Can't you ever speak clearly?
All right, Judas. I'm afraid.
Afraid of what's to come. Afraid to die.
- Then why go through with it? - Because this is my Father's will.
And therefore it's mine.
He will raise me up again.
And if he doesn't, what good will you have done anyone?
This is your chance. Run.
- No. - Why not?
I don't know.
All I see coming is doom.
Yet...
...I am drawn to you like a thirsty horse to a river bed.
Keep me safe, O God, in You I take refuge.
(ALL) Keep me safe, O God, in You I take refuge.
(JESUS ) I say to the Lord, "You are my only God".
(ALL) I say to the Lord, "You are my only God".
(JESUS ) Keep me safe, O God, in You I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, "You are my only God".
Jesus of Nazareth, come forward.
You, sir, Isaac, stand here.
Jesus... Today is the Sabbath.
Does God allow you to heal on the holy day?
If your lamb fell into a ditch on the Sabbath, would you leave it to die?
A man is worth more to God than a lamb, so, yes,
you can do a good deed today without offending Him.
Then cure Isaac.
Don't, it's a trap.
What do you say about that? Isaac is whole again.
- There's no doubting it now. - I have seen many healers in my time.
I don't deny that such events are possible,
but that does not change that Jesus broke the fourth commandment,
set down by Moses himself, "Keep holy the Sabbath."
The Sabbath was made for man's sake, not man for the Sabbath.
Therefore the Son of Man rules over the Sabbath.
I'm looking for Jesus, the Nazarene.
- I am Jesus. - I bring a message from Bethany,
from your friends Mary and Martha. Lazarus is dying.
Lazarus has already died. I'm glad I didn't see his soul depart,
but I long to be with him now. We're heading back to Judea.
Caiaphas will set the people against you. Return and we'll be crucified.
If you're afraid, Judas, stay here.
I am afraid, but not for me. For you.
If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could move a mountain.
You say you have faith,
but I say your rage against the Romans is a mask
to hide the hurt, the emptiness that dwells inside your heart.
That's not true.
- Don't leave me. - It's you who've left me.
- I thought I was special to you. - Everyone is.
- If we're all special, we're all the same. - Yes!
Damn you, Jesus. Damn us both.
- Let his sisters through. - Jesus, please!
It's all right. Remove the stone.
- Lazarus...come out. - No.
(CROWD GASPS )
Mary!
I'm fine. Don't cry. Thank you, Jesus.
Great. The emperor is furious with me.
He says I'm ineffective controlling the rebels in our midst.
He says if he hears any more reports of trouble, he'll transfer me...to Albania.
- Where is Jesus now? - He's headed for Ephraim.
Good. Maybe he won't come to Jerusalem for Passover after all.
Even so, we ought to have a contingency plan.
- How many soldiers do we have here? - Four hundred, sir.
Four hundred? That's all?
My officers have been here three years past their tour of duty.
I suggest we send word to the legate in Syria,
ask if he can spare a century.
I will not beg Vitellius, that arrogant equestrian,
who would love to expand his domain south.
Besides, to do the job we'd need another full cohort.
If the Jews see troop movements, they may think twice.
I was not born to high rank, I had to struggle, and I will...
I will not lose everything that I have fought so hard for
because of this stupid Nazarene.
- How many days till the Passover? - Six.
Let's just hope Jesus has sense enough to stay out of town.
(CHEERING )
(CROWD) Hosanna! Hosanna!
The Messiah! Jesus!
- Governor... - Flavius, we are occupied.
I apologise, Your Excellency, I have urgent news.
- Jesus has entered the city. - What?
Followed by a great multitude.
- Arrest him. - No, Pontius!
- Stay out of this. - Of course, I know my place.
But crushing Jesus will only stir up more bad blood.
I say fix it so that the Jews themselves are responsible.
That is a good idea. How?
I'd provoke Caiaphas. Tell him Rome needs a scapegoat
and you've decided he's the perfect fit.
Yes. Flavius, prepare a message for the old fellow.
That Roman snake. He's looking to lay the blame off on us.
I can play that game better than he.
Eliakim, seek out your old friend Judas.
I need to know every step Jesus plans from sundown to the end of Passover.
Thank you.
Judas, it's so good to have you home.
You know, the neighbours are gossiping about your friend Jesus.
So, when can I meet him?
You could invite him for Passover.
Thank you.
I'm tired. It's been a long journey.
Yes, I'm exhausted myself.
Maybe...Jesus could cure me of that.
Happy Passover.
Why aren't you with your friends?
Jesus' name is on everybody's lips.
I would've thought you'd be right by his side.
If only he'd listened to me, things would be different.
But once again he ignored me.
You heard him at the temple today.
Not only did he offend Caiaphas but every single member of the Sanhedrin.
As a result, he will sink into the quicksand of oblivion...
...and I will be sucked down with him.
It doesn't have to go that way, my friend. At least, not for you.
Jesus said I lacked faith.
He was wrong.
I did have faith.
But it's gone.
It's dead.
He betrayed me.
Then get revenge.
No.
(GOAT BLEATS )
(SOBBING )
You have a visitor.
Judas. How's your mother?
I'm sorry, son.
I know she'd been ill, but...
Perhaps you should tell Jesus. He'll bring the poor woman back to life.
For what reason?
So she can suffer more of the unhappiness she endured her entire life?
Contrary to what Jesus says, death can be a greater reward than eternal life.
She wanted to meet him.
I couldn't even give her that.
Well...
...at least you'll be able to afford a proper burial.
What do you want of me?
Just a little information.
Then we are agreed. You will handle this as an internal religious matter.
Yes. We will bring Jesus to trial before the Sanhedrin.
Excellent.
- But you must do your part. - What is that?
- You must arrest him. - Why?
I have no soldiers, nor the authority.
Unless, of course, you are now saying that I can arm my men.
No. No.
- All right, I'll send some men. Where? - Tomorrow morning...
I can't seize him in daylight, he has too many followers.
This must be done discreetly.
He'll be at Gethsemane later this night.
- Take 20 soldiers and grab him there. - Your Excellency...
...I refuse.
You refuse an order?
I've served my country well, my emperor faithfully.
But this I will not do. This is wrong.
- I will court-martial you. - You should.
- Flavius, don't be a fool. - Centurion...
Place me under arrest.
- Commander... - Do as I say. Now.
Pity. When you have Jesus in custody, send him to me.
Today we celebrate the passage from slavery to freedom...
...from death to life.
I wanted to eat one last meal with you all before I die.
The next nourishment I receive will be from my Father.
- One of you is about to betray me. - Who?
- Not me. - Not me.
- Or me. - Is it me?
Do you mean me, Jesus?
The words are yours.
Take this and eat.
This is my body.
Drink from this cup, all of you,
for this is my blood, the blood of the new covenant.
I shed my blood for you, for the many,
so that your sins may be forgiven.
Judas! We just learned that Flavius won't lead the arrest.
Flavius knows Jesus. How will the soldiers recognise him?
You must go to Gethsemane and signal the centurion.
You mean be there when he's taken?
No, my part was to reveal his plans. I never agreed to be there.
What's the problem? You're doing a great service to your nation.
Father, if it's possible, please take this cup from me.
Let it pass me by without me having to drink.
Not my will but yours be done.
Get up!
Wake up.
The time has come for the Son of Man to be handed to the sinners.
Get up!
The traitor is here.
Do what you're here to do, my friend, and quickly.
Hold tight, take your positions.
Take your positions.
- Kill anyone who interferes. - Let's go.
Come back here!
Matthew, Andrew!
Hold fast!
Jesus the Nazarene. You are under arrest.
- Put down your sword or you will die. - Then let me die.
I could ask my Father for an army of angels stronger than 12 legions.
No.
I will not resist.
And I need you to live. Go.
You come for me armed with swords...
...as if I were a common bandit.
Move out.
We have the sworn testimony of two witnesses that you said,
"I can destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days."
Is that statement true?
Solomon needed 46 years to construct the temple,
so to be able to rebuild it,
the entire structure, in a few days,
that would take the puissance of God.
Are you the Messiah, the son of the Most High?
The words are yours.
You will see the Son of Man at God's right hand.
Blasphemy!
How dare you?
Need this trial go further? Clearly this jackal must die for our people's sake.
- He's right. - Take him to Pilate.
You said Jesus would have a fair trial.
That was no fair trial according to the laws of Moses.
How dare you presume to question me on the law of Moses?
For fifteen years, as high priest of the temple,
I have dedicated my life to protecting and defending the law
against false prophets like this Nazarene. I am the law!
Jesus was right. You don't serve the people, you serve yourself.
You are a false priest.
Take back the money. I want no part of this.
You are a part of it.
And you've earned your pay.
I must save him.
Barabbas,
you are accused of trying to murder a citizen of Rome. How do you plead?
Rabid dogs must die, before they infect others.
I'll take that as "guilty".
I hereby order your execution, this Friday at dawn.
Take him to the dungeon.
While you're down there, free Flavius. If the Jews get violent, we'll need him.
Excellency, the Pharisees asked us to bring the Nazarene here.
What? Why?
The Sanhedrin has condemned Jesus to death, but they can't execute people.
Oh, I see. I see what Caiaphas is up to. Drag Jesus in here.
- Pontius, be careful. - Don't fret.
I need only to officially interrogate him, to have his interrogation on the record.
Once I determine that he has broken no Roman laws...
...you can send him packing.
(BANGING )
They've come for us.
Maybe it's Peter.
- Open up the door. - It's Judas.
- Don't let him in. - They've taken Jesus to the praetorium.
We have to find a way to free him.
Open the door. Open the door!
Open the door!
We have to go outside.
We have reports that you claim to be King of Judea. Is this true?
The emperor would be surprised to learn the Jews have two kings:
Herod, whom he appointed, and you, whom he did not.
My kingdom is not in this world.
But you are a king somewhere? In a land beyond the borders of the Empire?
You say I am a king? A king should always tell the truth.
Everyone who loves the truth listens to me.
How nice for you.
Let the report show, though I find Jesus to be an odd young man,
he has broken no law as legislated by the Senate of Rome.
- Where's Caiaphas? - Serving Passover.
- He can't come out till sun-up. - Convenient.
Tell him that as Jesus is from Galilee, he is the responsibility of King Herod,
who, fortunately, is in town for the holidays.
Take him to Herod, and let him punish Jesus as he sees proper.
All ye, turn.
- Jesus! - No, Judas.
Me? What in the name of God do I have to do with this mess?
The Sanhedrin has sentenced him to death but the governor can't execute him.
That's a first. You Romans execute people at the drop of a hat.
Look at him! Look how he's dressed. He's an embarrassment to all of Galilee.
- Put a robe on him. - Will you kill him?
No. Let Pilate and Caiaphas dump their dirty work on somebody else.
I'm in the middle of a party.
(LAUGHTER )
He said, "Let them dump their dirty work on someone else" and sent Jesus back.
- He what? - He sent him back.
- What shall I do with him? - Let me think.
- Set him free. - You will appear weak.
If I kill him, we'll be on our way to Albania.
There's a Passover tradition that a governor offers a prisoner clemency.
Offer the throng Jesus and any other prisoner.
- Let the Jews decide. - Then no one can fault me.
Just to be safe, disguise some men.
When the moment comes, have them call for the release of...
- Barabbas? - Barabbas...
Barabbas? Little does Pilate know, Barabbas is one of our own.
Tell our men to mingle with the crowd and yell for the release of Barabbas!
Which one do you want me to set free, Barabbas or Jesus?
- Jesus! - Barabbas.
Release him!
Free Jesus!
(CROWD CALLS OUT)
Jesus!
- Barabbas will go free. - No!
I am free!
Perfect timing. As usual.
(GASPING SOBS )
(SCREAMS )
- What should I do with Jesus? - Crucify Jesus.
- No. Oh, no! - No!
(CHANT) Crucify Jesus! Crucify Jesus!
No! No, no, no!
- (CHANT CONTINUES ) - No!
I can only crucify him if he is a traitor, if he conspires to become king.
Deny that you are king.
No, don't do it.
(MAN IN CROWD) Pontius, we beg of you.
Deny it.
I can save your life. I have this power.
The only power you have comes from my Father.
Now you see, he denies the authority of Caesar. Crucify him.
- Crucify him! - No!
(CROWD) Crucify him! Crucify him!
Bring me some water.
Pontius!
(CROWD CHANTS ) Crucify him! Crucify him!
I have done all that I can.
I wash my hands of this man.
Crucify him.
(CHEERS FROM CROWD)
(CROWD CHANTS ) Crucify him!
(MOANS )
No!
No, don't!
I won't let this happen. What must we do?
Tell us, Master!
No, Pontius! Pontius!
Pontius, I had a terrible vision in my sleep.
- Jesus is innocent. - What? You told me...
You must free him or your name will be cursed till the end of time!
- You are too late. - No!
(GROANS )
Hail, Jesus!
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
(CROWD PROTESTS )
You have ordered a sign hung above Jesus' head on the cross.
"Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews."
I know you're being ironic, Excellency, but the wording is off.
The sign should read, "Jesus, who claimed to be King of the Jews."
Relax, Caiaphas, this nonsense is behind us.
After today, we shall never hear the name Jesus again.
(CROWD MURMURS )
What's going on?
- We must go. - Run!
Stand fast! Hold your positions!
Come back, you cowards.
Oh, my God.
This was my destiny.
Father...
...into your hands I commend my spirit.
(THUNDERCLAP)
All is fulfilled.
I want you to spend eternity with me, with my Father. What do you say?
It's not too late. It's never too late.
(FEMALE SINGS: "AGNUS DEI")
- Take his body down. - Yes, sir.
Help me.
I still don't know why we're doing this.
Because Jesus would have wanted us to.
- Pray for Judas? After what he did? - Yes.
Magnified and sanctified be the name of the Holy One
Blessed be He, whose glory transcends all prayers offered in this world.
And let us say Amen.
Magnified and sanctified be the name of the Holy One.
Blessed be He, whose glory transcends all prayers offered in this world.
And let us say Amen.