The Great Commandment

In 30 A.D., in a village near Jerusalem, Joel hides his true zealot leadership while his father Lamech expects him to become a scribe and rabbi. He believes more must be done to free their people, not just study Scriptures. He is secretly in love with Tamar, complicating loyalties at home.

Joel overhears Lamech and Jemuel arranging Tamar's marriage to Zadok, Lamech's younger son. The plan would bind Tamar to the family and sideline Joel's desires. Joel's heart is torn between duty, love, and his radical aims.

A troop led by the centurion Longinus arrives in the village and orders a special tax to be collected by a traveling tax collector. The demand unsettles the villagers and raises the stakes for everyone. The tense encounter foreshadows looming violence.

Zadok and other zealots organize the release of prisoners taken by the soldiers, provoking Longinus to plan a massacre of the village men. Tension between occupation and resistance escalates quickly. Joel watches and weighs his options in this dangerous moment.

Believing a larger resistance requires a legendary leadership, Joel leaves to find Jesus and enlist His help. He carries the zealots' sword, ready to act if necessary. Joel hopes Jesus will direct their cause toward a righteous, united front.

On the journey, Joel encounters Andrew and Judas Iscariot, two of Jesus' followers. They present two different visions of Jesus' mission: a peaceful spiritual path and a potential for political-military leadership. The meeting foreshadows the conflicting expectations regarding Jesus' role.

Joel presents the zealots' sword and asks Jesus to join their revolt. Jesus declines, teaching that those who take up the sword perish by the sword. The moment underscores the gap between Joel's zeal and Jesus' message of mercy.

Joel returns to the village for Zadok and Tamar's wedding and contemplates kidnapping Jesus to force his support. He aligns with the zealots, showing his readiness to take drastic action. The plan signals a deeper rift with Jesus' teaching.

Jesus appears at the village gate as the wedding unfolds and is asked about the greatest commandment. He answers with the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the instruction to 'go and do thou likewise.' Joel is moved by the teaching and abandons the kidnapping scheme.

Nathan the innkeeper warns that Longinus is asleep at his inn. Zadok abandons his bridal bed to attack Longinus, but Longinus repels the assault and kills Zadok. The village reels from the sudden violence and shifting loyalties become clearer.

Moved by Jesus' words, Joel chooses mercy and stands as a buffer between Longinus and the mob. He declares that Longinus is his brother, preventing further bloodshed. This act marks a turning point from vengeance to restraint.

Longinus arranges for Joel's arrest and takes him to prison in Jerusalem. In confinement, Joel misses the Passion of Jesus. Tamar visits him, offering support and faith amid the turmoil.

From his cell, Joel learns that Longinus witnessed Jesus' crucifixion and was the soldier who thrust the spear into His side. Longinus casts the spear aside, signaling his shift toward faith. The revelation deepens the bond between Joel, Tamar, and Longinus.

Joel, Tamar, and Longinus return to the village to witness their Christian faith together. Their transformation from zealotry and fear to faith and forgiveness is affirmed by the community. The film closes on their united resolve to live by Jesus' teachings.