King of Kings

In 63 BC under General Pompey, Romans conquer Jerusalem and sack the city. He enters the Temple and massacres the priests as he searches for treasures. He probes the Holy of Holies and discovers the Torah scrolls, which he holds over a fire before relenting and returning them to an old priest. Pompey then leaves to continue massacres of villages.

Years after Pompey's victory, rebellion erupts against Rome and Judean rulers. Roman forces crucify many leaders as they deem rebellion a threat. The Roman Senate installs Herod the Great on Judea's throne, reshaping the region's power.

Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem for the census and seek shelter when no inn is available. They end up in a stable, where Jesus is born. Shepherds witness the birth and Magi later visit to present gifts, recognizing the child's significance.

Herod orders the murder of all newborn male children in Bethlehem, forcing Mary and Joseph to flee with the infant Jesus. The Massacre of the Innocents devastates families as they escape to safety. Herod dies in his death throes, and his son Herod Antipas rises to power in his place.

In Nazareth, Jesus grows alongside Joseph as a carpenter's son. At about age 12, soldiers arrive under the command of Lucius, who suspects Jesus but does nothing to threaten him. Mary and Joseph register their son's birth before the year ends.

Jewish rebels led by Barabbas and Judas Iscariot plot to ambush a caravan carrying Pontius Pilate. Lucius remains vigilant and foils the ambush, forcing Barabbas and Judas to flee for their lives.

Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist at the River Jordan, and John recognizes him as the Messiah. He then spends forty days in the desert, enduring temptations from Satan. Afterward, Jesus travels to Galilee and begins calling his Apostles.

After his time in the wilderness, Jesus travels through Galilee preaching to crowds and gathering followers. He begins to recruit his Apostles, forming the group that will carry his message forward.

In Jerusalem, John the Baptist is arrested by Herod Antipas, and Jesus visits him in prison. Judas leaves Barabbas and joins Jesus' circle, while Barabbas remains a rebel figure among the crowds.

Jesus enters Jerusalem in triumph during Passover and preaches in the Temple. Barabbas plots a revolt, but Pilate's legions crush the uprising at the Antonia Fortress, leaving Barabbas arrested as the sole survivor.

Jesus shares the Last Supper with his disciples and goes to pray in Gethsemane. Judas pressures Jesus to act and betrays him to the Jewish authorities, setting the betrayal in motion.

Jesus is brought before Caiaphas and Pilate, then sent to Herod and back. Pilate orders scourging as the crowd demands Barabbas' release, and Jesus is condemned to crucifixion.

Jesus carries the cross to Golgotha and is crucified with two thieves, Dismas and Gestas. He dies before a small group that includes his mother and John. Judas, overwhelmed by his betrayal, hangs himself, and Jesus’ body is laid in a tomb.

Mary Magdalene discovers Jesus' tomb is empty and encounters the risen Christ. Jesus later appears to his followers, confirming his victory over death and his divine mission.

At Lake Tiberias, Jesus appears to the apostles for a final time and commissions them to spread his message to the ends of the world. His shadow falls across the fishing nets, hinting at his ascension toward Heaven as the group departs.