40 Nights (2016)

[bunniefuu]

Prepare the way of the Lord, for
the Kingdom of God is near.

Repent, for the Kingdom of
Heaven is near.

[ Water splashes ]

[ Laughs ]

Repent, for the Kingdom of
Heaven is near.

Come. Who's next?

Prepare the way of the Lord.

[ Water splashes ]

You are my beloved Son.

In you, I am well-pleased.

[ Bird chirps ]

I've beheld the Spirit,
descending as a dove
from Heaven.

I have seen...

I have beheld, as have all of
you, that this is
the Son of God!

Has He finally come?

Behold the Lamb of God who will
take away the sin of the world!

The Messiah!

You should've baptized me.

It is as it should be.

You shall increase, as I
shall decrease.

Am I a lamb to the slaughter?

You are as Isaac was.

I will build upon your work.

You are among one of the
greatest ever born on Earth,

but less than the least in
the Kingdom of God.

Will God cleanse the Earth as He
did in the days of Noah?

Not until I have
gathered my flock.

He will provide a way.

And you?

I am in the Father, the
Father is in me.

Come.

Let us eat and drink on
this glorious day.

You ask if I am
really the Messiah.

You all heard the voice
of God today.

I invite you to come
and join with me.

Take my yoke upon you and
learn from me,

for I am gentle and lowly in
heart, and I will give
rest to your souls,

for my yoke is easy and
my burden light.

[ Thunder crashes, wind blows ]

You cannot make them love you.

No!

Father, why?

The storm's in the
wilderness tonight.

Yes.

Everything is as you requested.

He is everything and more
than what you said.

-Something waits on him. -What?

Let us return.

Good rest?

[ Sighs ] I slept well.

[ Sighs ]

What sits upon the tip
of your tongue?

You saw him last night, waiting?

He waits for us all.

He waits until we are weak.

I've seen him before. He
tempted me with truth.

Some people would rather be
fed lies than truth.

What did he reveal to you?

What will happen to me if I
continue my path.

You are not afraid?

I fear the name of Our Lord over
the hand of any man.

Wise. Very wise.

His appearance is not by chance,
is it?

No. It is I who must
confront him.

We can do this together.

I must do it alone.

I will purify myself for 40
nights, and this
shall be my last.

Only the Spirit will
nourish me after this.

The disciples are ready to
follow you now.

-What shall I tell them?
-To wait.

I'll return when it's time.

God be with you.

He is within me.

Watch over the faithful
until I return.

Shall I gather some supplies
for your travel?

I have everything I need.
And more.

Where does he go?

To overcome what we cannot.

Should he go alone?

He goes where we
cannot yet follow.

Come.

Let us pray for him.

My Father in Heaven,
sacred is Your name.

Your Kingdom come, Your will be
done on Earth as it
is in Heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our debts as we also
have forgiven our debtors.

Lead us not into temptation but
deliver us from the evil one.

Yahweh.

Yahweh.

Yahweh.

Yah...

I've disappointed you.

You must understand.

Did you not know that I must be
at my Father's house?

Yeshua.

I was at the temple.

Everyone was looking for you. We
were worried about you.

I was doing my Father's work.

Thought you would understand.

Three days we looked for you.
Three days we thought
we'd lost you.

Your mother was beside
herself with grief.

She was sure that something
tragic had befallen you.

I was being watched.

I'm always being watched.

Nothing would have been
allowed to happen to me.

I know you are chosen by God.

I know that you are
watched from above.

He watches us all.

But I took the charge to watch
over you as my own

until my very last breath.

I told myself that from the
first time I looked
into your eyes.

You must respect your
mother and I.

You must do as the Torah says.

I'm sorry.

I know you will have no Father
other than our Heavenly
Father above,

but here... you're my son.

Promises of heavenly protection

won't stop your mother and I
from worrying about you.

I understand.

There are those who
wanna harm you,

but I promise, no harm will come
to you as long as I live.

I love you.

And I you.

[ Sighs ]

Father, all these people with
their expectations...

All that I ask is that You let
me do what is expected of me.

I know that I'm right.

Father, there is much
wicked in the world.

There is also love.

[ Sighs ]

And right now I would surely
love some more of those figs

that John had given me.

But this hunger will pass.

I will overcome the
weakness of this body.

Where would You have me go,
Father?

[ Grunts ]

Lead me where You will.

I will walk with You always.

Peace be with you.

Why are you following me?

This is gonna make the journey
far less interesting.

I'm gonna seek shelter.
Join me if you wish.

[ Fire crackles ]

I'm afraid to let you go.

Ima, I have prepared for you.
You will not want for anything.

I am not afraid for me.

I've been in silence for too
long. The time has come.

A bit longer. Please stay.

With Joseph gone, I so
enjoy your company.

My heart says to appease you,

but the spirit within me
says I must obey.

Perhaps the Lord would send
another in your stay.

You and Aba gave me the most
loving childhood.

I was freed from any
expectations,

but now I must do what I was
sent here to do.

Where will you go?

Judea, to visit my kinsman John.

John challenges authority.

That could bring harm to him
and those around him.

Truth and harm, they often
walk hand-in-hand.

God is speaking to John in
that lonely place,

and I must go to him.

I know better than to try and
change your mind.

Yes.

You know I've always been a
little hard in the head.

[ Chuckles ]

[ Sighs ] Let us not talk
of your leaving.

Let us just enjoy one another.

[ Fire crackles ]

[ Wind blows ]

[ Sighs ]

I pray that they all
open their eyes,

like a man awakening
from a deep sleep.

I agree with your prayer,
mostly.

Stay out of my head.

Something in there you're
trying to hide?

A secret?

I wondered how long before
you would join me.

Most are not so eager
for me to arrive.

Why delay what must
come to pass?

I like your directness.

Thirsty?

It's cold. Though, more
importantly, it's wet.

No.

I do enjoy water.

One fine creation, if I
do say so myself.

Why have you come?

To talk, to meet you. Is
that not enough?

Don't hold it against me if I
don't believe you.

Say what you must.

May I come closer?

[ Grunts ]

The fields, trees,
mountains and the seas

are all worth saving, perhaps.

The grasses, beaches and the
vast blue sky, I could see why.

But these earthly men...

[ Grunts ]

You're entitled to
your thoughts.

Your fire is cold, and your
body looks worn.

The ground has left me stiff.

Days asleep on the
ground will do that.

The chill of night will keep you
up from a good sleep.

You were there for the
passing of three nights.

Or was it four nights? I
watched you as you slept.

It was no more than a night.
Why do you lie?

Your judgment's already fading.

You need nourishment and
less isolation.

You're growing weak.

The body is weak, but the
spirit is strong.

You need out of this harsh
world. Surely you
deserve better.

Take one of these
stones about you,

make it your bread before
you're too weak.

I will not.

Your faith and spirit
may be strong,

but your body grows
weaker by the day.

If you've said what you came
here to say, then go.

Leave me in peace.

Do you need to rest?

Your legs look to be
betraying you.

My well of strength runs deep.

If you are the Son of God, then
command this stone to
become bread.

Or have you become too weak
to show your power?

Many things I can live without,
but bread would not
be one of them.

Can you not travel in silence?

I love bread with fruit.

Honey spread upon the top is
also my favorite.

But that said, I love bread
with goat cheese.

It's especially good with bread
that's fresh from being baked.

[ Sighs ]

I think I love the smell of
bread as much as the taste.

Of course, the smell
doesn't fill the belly.

It only seems to make one
feel more hungry.

Perhaps a flaw of creation.

What do you think?

It is written that man shall not
live by bread alone,

but by every word that comes
from the mouth of God.

Mm. So good.

So what's written about fish?

I do love the taste of fish,
don't you?

I like my fish smoked
and grilled.

How do you like your fish?

Actually, I like to eat all that
comes from the sea: snails,
clams...

Do you enjoy those?
So delicious!

You deny these things that are
best in life, Jesus.

Enjoy your faith.

Mm. So good.

You sure?

[ Grunts ]

[ Grunts ]

Days have gone by without you
having anything to eat.

If not food, allow yourself
something to drink.

I cannot.

Why are you willing
to suffer so?

Bring it to your
mouth and drink.

Joseph, drink a little.

No. No.

You are a stubborn man.

Are you suffering?

I'm accepting the suffering.

Soon it will pass, as will I.

Perhaps I can help you to
stay a little longer.

No.

Last night I spoke
with the angels.

It is my time to join my
forefathers who rest
with Abraham.

But we know the separation
will be but temporary.

Take care of Ima.

I'm so proud of you,

the man you've become, the
things I know you will do.

I will honor you always.

[ Exhales ]

[ Water dribbles ]

Do not return! You
cannot tempt me!

I will return to my Father's
Kingdom, but not until I have
saved many others!

Do you hear me? Do not return!

[ Lamb bleats ]

Hello, little one.

[ Lamb bleats ]

Oh! What are you doing
way out here?

Yes, you were lost, little one,
weren't you?

Where is your shepherd? Hm?

Where do you want to go? Hm?

Come on.

This way? All right.

Bless you for you kindness.

I wish I could have provided
more. My rooms have
all been taken.

No, you've been most generous.
We give you our
heartfelt gratitude.

What is his name?

His name is Yeshua.

Ah, the Lord's Salvation.
A fine name.

May it be so.

We can pay you a sum.

There is no need to pay. I'm
just pleased that I could help.

God bless you.

[ Baby cries ]

[ Lamb bleats ]

How are you today, little one?

We need to give you a name.

How about Moses?

Perhaps you can deliver us both
from this isolation.

Think so?

[ Groans ]

What do you say, Moses?
[ Lamb bleats ]

Will we find something
for you to drink?

Come along.

[ Grunts ]

No, none for me.

Maybe John had it right,

isolate yourself in the
wilderness, away from
distractions,

preach to those who
seek you out.

To spread the word amongst men
will take more than words,

it's gonna take actions,
great sacrifice.

Oh, don't you worry. We won't
be sacrificing you.

The Father desires mercy,
not sacrifice.

Are you thirsty, little one?

Let's see if we can find you
a watering hole.

Come along.

Whomever drinks of my water
will never be thirsty.

The water will become a spring
welling up to everlasting life,

to cleanse one from the sins of
the dirt, the dirt of
the sins of--

[ Mutters, indistinct ]

Sometimes the words of the heart
are hard to put on
to the tongue.

Come along.

Where I go you will follow.

Your spirit is my nourishment.

Your word will quench my thirst.

My faith will inspire them.

Cannot thank you enough
for your kindness.

I shame you with my intrusion.

Not at all.

I am unclean.

No, you bless and honor me
with your presence.

I felt ill in the marketplace,

my head suffering
from great pain,

but it seems to have passed.

You are in my house now.

Cannot thank you enough.

This is your house?

My family's house.

Your family...

Will they not be displeased
with my presence here?

They should not be.

They too were shown refuge when
they most needed it.

Here, please.

[ Sobs ] Is the bread
not suitable?

[ Sniffs ] No bread is suitable.

[ Sobs ]

I eat, but I do not taste.

I live, I do not feel!

I do not understand.

What is taking your
love of life?

I used to see you by the
marketplace selling your fruit.

You were always a happy man.

My wife and son passed
with illness.

[ Sniffs ]

In my grief, I failed to
tend the trees.

The figs rotted. I
have lost all.

I have nothing.

No.

Your family now dwells in
the presence of God.

[ Sniffs ]

They would want you to live.

They're gone. I have
been left alone.

You are not alone.

None of us who dwell in the
presence of God are alone.

Oh.

-Please, eat. -Oh.

[ Sniffs ]

Peace be with you.

Moses?

[ Grunts ]

Moses?

[ Coughs ]

Moses?

Moses?

Moses?

He's gone.

I've always loved lamb
roasted in fire.

Both its head and legs along
with its entrails.

What have you done?

Another of your flock gone?

Why have you returned?

You look frail and weak,
oh Lamb of God.

Why have you returned?

I like it.

No disciples about to impress
with your calm restraint.

I like this anger in you, Jesus.
It shows that you are human.

You're braver than I to be born

one of these weak
flesh-and-blood creatures.

That body that you wear
requires nourishment.

Without food and without water
you will not last.

Not here.

You lack faith.

I've been told.

And you've been weak from
the very beginning.

To live without sin is to
not live at all.

This life... is just
an illusion.

I am powerful without all
the weaknesses

that you've imposed
upon yourself.

I should hurt you.

I should b*at your body,
crush your temple.

You want to experience pain? You
want to experience suffering?

Come on, Benjamin. Come on,
you can get him.

Come on.

Come on, Benjamin. Come on.

You can get him.

You okay?

You! You wanna try?

No. I am content here.

Where's your mother?
Your shadow?

In the market.

I do not wish to take part
in your contest.

You don't ever wish to take
part in anything,

unless it's talking
at the temple.

Trying to impress your elders
with your so-called wisdom?

You think you're special?
Do you?

He is.

He is my kinsman.

I have no quarrel with you.

Were you looking for someone
to give you a try?

I was just-- I was trying
to give him a--

I see. My name is John.

Again, he is my kinsman.

If I hear any more threatening
of Jesus, I will find you.

You will deal with me.
Believe my words.

Come, Jesus. Let's return home.

That was you.

I've been watching you for a
long time, Jesus of Nazareth.

I beheld you falling as
lightning from the sky.

I held you highest
in my kingdom,

but you let your pride
steal your humility,

like a breath that steals the
flame of a candle.

You and your servants
were cast off.

I see that you're
still in there.

[ Coughs ]

But by being born a man, you've
birthed yourself into weakness.

Have I?

I would say yes.

You will not win this contest.

If you say so.

But who am I to argue with the
word of the Son of God?

Take my hand.

You do not command me.

Will you take my hand?

Why don't you just leave me?

Does this form please you more?

I can bring you so much
pleasure that men enjoy.

That false form will not
serve your purpose.

Since when?

Get on with your ways.

Do you know where you are?

The holy city. The temple.

Like ants below us, laboring
through their day.

Why have you brought us here?

You don't know?

Are you sure you're
the Son of God?

You know that I am.

Do I?

Even John the Baptist, as
close as he was to God,

never claimed to be the son.

You believe this because
you were told this?

I know this.

-You know? -I know.

Throw yourself down
and prove it.

No mere man could survive such a
fall save the Son of God.

You brought me here for this?

You refused to break your fast.

You refused physical pleasure, a
human favorite, I must admit.

That would have been easier.

[ Coughs ]

I like this view.

Do you?

I see many that need
to be saved.

And I see many souls ripe
for the taking.

Why do you concern yourself
with man? With souls?

I could ask the same to you.

This has nothing to do with man,
does it?

This has everything to do with
your vengeance towards God.

To take something beautiful that
He loves, destroy it.

It's more complicated than that.

Is it?

Enough talk.

Throw yourself down!

Too much truth?

I want a weak, delusional
prophet who thinks he's
the Son of God

to quit his false claims.

I brought you here because
you're the liar.

This is where I'm to
be offended,

throw myself forth, to prove to
you that I am right.

If you are what you say, He will
command His angels
concerning you.

They will lift you up
in their arms

so that not a foot strikes
on the stone below.

Jump.

Jump, I say.

Prove who you are, Jesus.

These lost sheep of yours
deserve a sign.

One act of wonder will surely
convince all that
you are worthy.

No.

Your claims are false, because
you would perish.

You are not the Son of God.

Because it is written, "Do not
test the Lord our God."

And so I will not.

You will not best me.

I already did, the moment that
I chose to be born.

And on this very hilltop your
sting will be silenced.

Perhaps I shall throw you
from here myself.

Perhaps. But not today.

[ Grunts ]

Are you done?

Not quite.

I'm not the monster here, Jesus.

[ Groans ]

These men that you seek to
save are just that,

with their never-ending gluttony
for an entitled life,

filled with selfish pride
and slothful ways,

forever lusting for what
they can have now.

And their greed, their greed...

Never satisfied, always
wanting more.

They defile your every word with
their filthy thoughts.

God may have made them in His
image, but they are not like us.

Not yet.

But I will make a new
covenant with my people,

and I will put my Torah in their
minds and write it upon
their hearts.

You wanna learn about the
hearts of men?

You're about to.

You will see how cruel and
evil they can be.

I merely tempt them
from time to time

to illustrate just how imperfect
a creation they truly are.

They are hungry for the
spirit of truth.

You fool!

Undeserving beings who threw
off the cloak of God.

They destroyed the Garden of
Eden, and they will destroy you.

And eventually... [ laughing ]
they destroy themselves.

But not before many are saved.

Ah. So you do admit I'm
partially right.

And you too will be destroyed.

Perhaps my body, but
not my spirit.

You speak of it so casually,

but until you've had your flesh
stripped and peeled from
around your soul,

hateful insult
filling your ears,

you do not know the suffering
you invite upon yourself.

You wanna know how men treat one
another given the
slightest provoking?

You will.

You will see evil in the
hearts of sheep.

Vicious, vicious animals.

God saw everything that He made,
and behold, it was good.

A lie.

A lie!

How can I be branded the
teller of lies

when the truth of the matter is
plain for any eyes to see?

Man is not good!

God made an imperfect creation
because he gave them a choice

and that creation
chose themselves,

because if self-preservation is
sin, then sin is life.

That is the great mystery,
Jesus.

They took choice over
your shepherding.

You cannot make them love you.

I could be the way to
their truth.

[ Laughs ]

I take great, great satisfaction
in knowing that in the end,

I will be right there.

I will be looking in your eyes

as those you wish to save
slaughter you in a cruel,
sadistic way.

Will I then see your glorious
grace and majestic
mercy in your eyes,

or will you finally admit that
mankind was your
greatest failure?

I will die for their failure.

Then you will get
what you deserve.

[ Grunts ]

[ Groans ]

God, grant me strength.

[ Groans ]

[ Sighs ]

I would give them the glory
that You gave me,

so that they may be one,
as we are one.

[ Groans ]

So that they may be brought
to complete unity.

Then the world will know
that You sent me

and You love them even as
You have loved me.

This is where you would
have ended up

had you not d*ed alone in
the wilderness.

I am not dead, and I
am never alone.

You would have been placed
in this situation

by the lies and forked tongues
of those precious creations.

You will be betrayed
by your own.

They know not what they do.

You would have suffered 39
lashes from a Roman scourge.

Instead, on the 39th day,
you will die.

Not true.

Oh, yes.

Soon the vultures will
pick at your body,

but that is not all
you will suffer.

I will bear the suffering.

Your compassion will only
imprison you, Jesus.

Do you know what being
crucified entails?

I've seen Herod's stakes along
the roadside my entire life.

After they have torn apart the
flesh that your
mother once bathed,

they will pierce those gifted
hands that once worked
beauty in wood.

No more miracles will
they perform.

They will bleed you
like an animal,

simply because you do the
greatest respect of taking
too long to die.

Enough. Please.

Leave.

Too much truth?

[ Sobs ]

I don't know if you weep for
yourself, them or the fact
that you were wrong

to place your love in these
violent, sinful beings.

I will not change my path.

Your only path is to rot in
the wilderness.

Father, am I wrong?

Are we wrong?

[ Groans ]

Did he show me what is to come?

Mother!

Joseph...

Is this all in vain?

I've seen love in the meek, in
those who suffer.

[ Grunts, groans ]

Does one only humble themself in
times of desperate need?

Why is this the way?

Why is this the way?!

[ Groans ]

Why?

Father, no. No!

No!

[ Screams ]

No!

No!

Father, why?

Why?

What a nice surprise.

What are you working on?

What am I not working on?

Right now I'm working on a
table for Isaac.

-The man who sells almonds?
-Yes.

And I think he's gonna
pay us in almonds.

-That's not a bad thing. -No.

Just have so many tasks
going all at once.

Are you well?

My health is fine.

But how is your head and heart?

I don't understand.

-I worry about you. -Of course
you do. You're my mother.

Listen, I'm fine. All right?
I've just had a lot going
on all at once.

I'm trying to catch up.

It's so good to see you working
with all his tools.

-Yes. -Doing his trade.

I'm not half the carpenter he
was. I'm not sure I
ever will be.

You're learning it well.

Joseph wa-- Joseph is
so proud of you.

I miss him. His counsel was
always very helpful.

And mine is not?

You know that's not what I
meant. I cherish your
counsel greatly.

Hm. Flattery.

Truth.

-Are you content? -Am I content?
Am I well?

What is with all these
questions, Mother?

Your smiles have become rare,
your laughter less.

It's just that... I could
be happy here.

Living simple, working in the
shop, fixing things for
our neighbors.

If that brings you joy,
you should.

You know that's not why I
was sent here.

Your kinsman John has taken to
preaching the way of
the one God.

Perhaps things are better
left in his hands.

God has given John courage, but
John invokes fear in people.

God's love is supposed to be
like a warm dwelling on
a cold night,

an oil lamp inside that
beckons us to enter.

Many misunderstand
the true Word.

You do not think others will do
the same with your own words?

My words may cause debate
and conversation,

but it's not about the words,
it's about the action.

Do you understand, Mother?

You must soon go. The
world needs you.

You knew this day would come.

I have so loved all of the days
you've shared with us.

It would be selfish of me to
keep such a treasured
gift all to myself.

You must do what we all
know is right.

They won't all accept me.

That is to be expected.

They may do things to me,
hurtful things.

Whatever happens, you must
allow it to pass.

I will not interfere
with God's will.

God's will. God's will. God's
will. God's will.

Do not die.

Not yet, anyway.

These are really good.

I'd offer you one, but I already
know your pride would
not allow you.

My faith, not my pride.

So you say.

Why have you returned?

Perhaps to watch you die.

If I die, there is no
life for them.

Who will know?

They will say he took baptism,

wandered to the wilderness,
never to be seen again.

[ Breathes heavily ]

Another wasted prophet.

On to the next chapter of life!

I am the way to life,
everlasting life.

You set a poor example. You look
downtrodden and broken.

If you really wanted to
experience life here,

you shouldn't have put so many
restrictions on yourself.

Taste life!

-I have come here with a
purpose. -Oh, yes.

There must always be some
grand purpose.

[ Groans ]

-Should I help you? -I am able.

You aren't looking able.

Have you come to insult me?

I speak the truth, yet I'm
still accused of lies.

Please, leave me.

[ Coughs ]

You cannot escape me. I
was sent here.

You came to me. This is my
kingdom, not yours.

You cannot deceive me. I will
not test my Lord.

You have failed.

[ Coughs ]

Enough games.

Take my hand. Let me propose
something to you.

You are prepared to suffer
for your cause.

I find that noble, but it
doesn't have to be so.

Take my hand.

If you refuse my offer, I will
leave you to your own road.

[ Groans ]

I have to recognize the
beauty of the creation.

Are you capable of that?

What makes you think me
so incapable?

I see perfection, with the
exception of man,

and he was created in the
image of the Lord.

By this conclusion, the Lord
Himself is imperfect and His
judgment flawed.

And there's the tongue that got
you cast out of the
Heavenly Kingdom.

[ Laughs ]

So it is.

I see what I see.
What do you see?

I see a vast world where even
the rocks proclaim His glory,

a wonder to behold.

Yes.

A wonder to be destroyed, should
man be left to his own will.

A will that you
revealed to them.

No.

I pointed out a flaw, and it was
allowed to happen.

He allowed it to happen. Now
they run their own course.

How it ends is God's doing.

Look to the vast
kingdoms of man:

Rome, Egypt, Greece,
Persia and beyond.

All that glory built by man, but
still they don't give glory
to their Creator.

None of these kingdoms are as
glorious as the House
of our Lord.

Mm-hm. I will not argue that.

Generals, princes, kings and
queens have laid claim
to this beauty.

Few, if any, have good room
in their hearts.

Why don't you announce and
reveal to them the
fullness of your power?

Your way may be quicker, but it
will not last as long.

These beings, they do not
worry about souls.

They are worried about
lost possessions:

land, gold, temples, treasures.

That's what concerns them, not
everlasting life.

[ Chuckles ] Well, maybe
the Egyptians.

I seek to change this.

They will never give up
their earthly glory.

Think what unity you
could bring to all.

King of Kings!

[ Cheering, chanting]

Jesus! Jesus!

Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!

Do you not see how you could set
things as they should be?

Play their vices, and they're
easily controlled.

You were given free will to make
choices of your own.

Do you really think that the
Lord, your Father, wishes
to see you suffer?

You must participate in
their carnal kingdom

if you wish to bring
them to heel.

They worship me because I give
them what they truly want.

Yours for a season.

You wish them to worship you?

Only God is to be worshipped.

I give you all of this, and
yet you refuse.

Am I not showing you kindness,
like a father?

Father of lies!

Take this gift and bring your
kingdom to Earth.

Away from me, Satan!

It is written, "To worship the
Lord your God, serve only Him."

I had hoped, since you were
living as a man,

that you could see that my
way is the only way.

These beings will never worship
what they cannot see.

The tale of an awaiting kingdom
in Heaven will never weigh more

than accumulating a
kingdom on Earth.

They feed on sin. They are sin.

I will provide the way
to salvation.

Then whom will you save?

All who call upon my name
and accept my yoke.

No, no, no!

You will die in the wilderness
and be forgotten by God!

So with that, Jesus of Nazareth,
I will leave you to die.

[ Groaning ]

No!

No!

Father! Save me!

I won't go yet! I
have much to do!

Father! No!

Father...

[ Groans ]

[ Breathes heavily, groans ]

Father, I am ready!

[ Groans ]

Reveal yourself, Morningstar.

Doing the Lord's work again?

I see you've been brought into
these earthly affairs.

How do you feel about that?

It does not matter what I feel.
You will leave Jesus at peace.

I've done Jesus no harm, mostly.

That will come later, by others'
hands.

You whisper poison
into their ears.

They're wicked with
or without me.

I know the hearts of these men
far better than you,

having been banished here.

This is below you. Why do
you pretend to care?

I do care, about loyalty.

It was I who brought the news
of Jesus' coming,

and it was I who brought the
news of John the
Baptist before him.

[ Chuckles ] A messenger.

And poor John the Baptist.

A man of great conviction.

It was that conviction that
led to his downfall.

One Baptist's head on a platter.

Humorous, how women desire
such peculiar gifts

and the men like Herod, who
can never say no.

If it were up to me, I would've
not only banished you
from the Kingdom,

I would've
extinguished your flame.

Well, luckily for me, you didn't
get to make that choice.

Our Almighty God in His vast and
never-ending wisdom

put me here instead.

Do you second-guess
His judgment?

I surely do not.

It sounded like you were.

Don't play your games with me.

You've come to nourish
Jesus back to health.

Oh, how cruel.

If you love him, let him die.

Let him be released from his
body and sent home.

He's not cut out for this.

At least John the Baptist was
unaware of what was ahead.

[ Chuckles ]

"A head." Bad jest.

Jesus knows what awaits him.

His choice.

You agree.

His choice.

I see.

You see what?

In you? Duty, to a flaw.

And a willingness to please.

What do you see in me?

A shadow of chaos.

I like that.

Embrace your chaos,

but know that we are the law
that puts the universe in order.

But the Creator allowed one act
of chaos: free will.

The law is not for all, Gabriel.

And those will be your
followers, as they follow you
into the lake of fire.

Now, depart and leave the Son of
God to do His will.

Or what?

Others may fear you, but trust
me when I say I do not.

You are not Michael. Be careful.

True strength comes from
obedience and unity in
serving the Lord.

Those are traits you do not
possess, and that
makes you weak.

I assure you I'm not weak,
nor do I fear you.

Jesus is but flesh and blood,

but he is also the fountain
of the Holy Spirit,

and upon his death it will flow
like a raging river,

and that you will fear.

I thirst.

[ Coughs ]

[ Groans ]

Time to go.

I cannot.

I must let this pass, so that
salvation is possible.

You have much to do before you
live these moments.

Come with me.

[ Grunts ]

I do not understand.

The devil has put your mind
here, but your body dies in
the wilderness.

Come with me.

The wilderness...

Is this my fate? Will they do
these things to me?

You do not need me to provide
answers you already know.

You must bring the truth.

Are you ready?

[ Groans ]

This will not end in death.

Know that it's God's will that
His son be glorified.

I have much to do.

Yes, you do.

But I am ready. Truly ready.

Your faith in God is proven.
Your fast is over.

Regain your strength and return.

Glorious!

Rest, my Lord.

Rest in peace, as you once did.

I want all that come to me to
feel the love that comes
from being reborn.

The star has brought us here.

[ Baby cries ]

The King of Kings has arrived.

This gift I bring in
appreciation for He that
has been born.

How did we get here?

Your past will
nourish your future.

Your childhood has given
you all the tools.

Will you eat with me?

You need to build back your
body's strength.

I don't require such means.

Mm. Mm.

That tool is like the word.

I'll become the
carpenter of men,

and I will work the wood until
the beauty within is revealed.

-How do you fare? -Better.

The pangs of hunger no
longer tear at my body.

My throat is no longer dry.

The pain that I feel is in my
heart, the pain of all
those in need,

lost children in the darkness
without a light to guide them.

That soon will change.

I'm at peace with what must
happen. I am no longer afraid.

Indeed.

Welcome back.

[ Groans ]

You look well.

And I have you to
thank for that.

I was doing as I was instructed.

You don't think mankind
is worth saving?

The Lord's Torah has been
established since the beginning.

Why give laws and commandments
if they're not to be followed?

Why excuse those who
choose to disobey?

Why suffer for those if they
cannot overcome temptation?

While they fall to their knees
and weep for forgiveness

only to rise and do it again.

I've seen the same sins
committed and repeated
since the beginning.

Perhaps you will not understand
it until you are born and
live as a man.

We do not need to suffer being
earthly since you chose to
do that for us.

I don't wish to thirst, hunger,
suffer.

I don't need such an experience.
I am filled enough
serving the Lord.

And so it will be for those
that are saved,

and their salvation shall come
through my sacrifice.

Lord, why is this needed?

I will not just speak of my
love, I will show my love.

Thank you.

I stand in Your watchtower.

I feel Your grace.

You know, we could return
to the Kingdom

and plead the Father
for another way.

Have you ever
questioned the Father?

No.

Would you sacrifice yourself

to provide a path to
salvation for others?

If ordered to do so.

That is not sacrifice,
that is duty.

Perhaps if I were born a man, I
would think differently.

I don't know if I could obey,
being born finite...

being exposed to fear.

Finding the courage to follow
God in spite of the fear,

that is the path to salvation.

Believe in the Father and I, and
you will never walk alone.

I will see you again when you
are seated at the right
hand of the Father,

and I will not sound the shofar
until you return in
all your glory.

[ Trumpet sounds ]

[ Lamb bleats ]

Moses! Come here!

Oh, I've missed you.

You've been sent back to me.

Let's get you home.

[ Lamb bleats ]

[ Sheep bleats ]

[ Lamb bleats ]

You're home, Moses.

Now, don't you stray from
your shepherd again.

[ Sheep bleats, lamb bleats ]

That little one was lost,
but now he's found.

I feared him dead. I don't
know why he left.

I'm a good shepherd.

As the Lord knows.

The Lord?

Well, the sheep know the sound
of my voice and follow,

except this little one.

Do you know the sound
of His voice?

The Lord?

I know His laws on my heart.

And would you lay down your
life for your sheep?

Uh, yes. I would.

Who are you?

I am the one shepherd, and there
will be but one flock.

And I will lay down my life
and take it up again.

And that is why the Father loves
me, and He will love all
who follow me,

for I will return
the lost sheep.

Are you Jesus of Nazareth,
born in Bethlehem?

I am.

The Messiah!

My father came to see you
all those years ago.

The angel spoke to them, and
they followed the signs
in the heavens.

Please stand, child.

For many years now,

everyone has waited for your
throne to be established.

The kingdom that I will
establish will not be of men,

but of children like you.

Bless you, Messiah.

No, bless you, child.

Now, go tend to your flock.
Peace be with you.

[ Birds chirping ]

Jesus!

Morning.

We were concerned.

-I mean, we have faith,
but-- -I understand.

Where is my kinsman John?

They have taken him.

Who?

By order of Herod.

Where have they taken him?

To Jerusalem.

He waits in prison.

His love and faith in God should
be an example to all of you.

They will execute him.

The people will follow you. We
can rise up against Herod.

That is not the way.

I am the way to truth and
everlasting life.

And I will lay myself down as
an offering for sin.

And the Kingdom awaits for all
those that believe.

Do you wish to believe?

Do you?

Do you?

Do you?

Repent, for the Kingdom of
Heaven is at hand.

Love one another.

Love me.

Love Him.