The Story of Jesus for Children (2000) - full transcript
This is the story of Jesus as seen through the eyes of children who might have lived during the time of Jesus. Follow the lives of Benjamin, Caleb, Sarah, Joel, Leah and Nathan, living in Jerusalem about A.D. 30. Hear the stories of the man from Nazareth who heals the sick and raises the dead. They struggle to make sense of it all - some from families who believe Jesus is the Son of God, others from families who do not. They watch Jesus from the crowds. They follow him, to see what this incredible man, who loves children, will do next. They see him betrayed, wrongly accused, crucified, and buried. But, they remembers the promise of Jesus and they believe they will see him again. Children of all ages will enjoy this captivating retelling of the true story of Jesus from a child's perspective.
Have you ever met
someone so amazing
that you want to know
more about them?
People felt just that way when they
met a man called Jesus.
And got to know him,
they couldn't forget him.
We don't know exactly
how children found out
about Jesus,
but it might have happened
something like this...
Did anyone see you?
No... not me.
You?
I don't think so.
Okay, let's go, let's go!
I don't care what
you say, Benjamin.
I really think Jesus
was sent by God.
Just because
he performs miracles...
it could all be magic tricks.
Yeah, how else
could you explain it?
That's the thing Joel,
I don't have to explain it.
Miracles are wonderful
things only God can do.
You mean like helping
blind people see again?
Yeah.
I don't believe
one word of this.
I do.
Sarah, what are you doing here?
I forgot to feed my donkey,
and when I heard you
talking about Jesus.
I wanted to know
what you were saying.
What would you know about Jesus?
I know a lot.
My grandmother
knows his mother Mary,
and she told me all about him.
How he was born and everything.
It's a great story, really!
Mary was a young girl
living in Nazareth.
She wasn't married
but she was supposed
to marry a man called Joseph.
One day, God sent
an angel named Gabriel.
Fear not, Mary. For you
have found favor with God.
You will conceive and
give birth to a son
and you will
call his name Jesus.
How can this be?
I am a virgin.
The holy spirit
will come upon you.
For this reason, the holy child will be
called the son of the most high God.
His kingdom will never end
did the angel scare Mary?
If an angel came and talked
to me, I'd be really scared.
What happened next?
Know all men of Nazareth
that by command...
The government made
a law that all the men
had to go to the city where
they were born and register.
You know, sign your name
on some papers.
Joseph had been born in Bethlehem.
So he went Th ere with Mary.
When they got to Bethlehem,
the town was packed with people
and all the places
to stay were full.
The only place Joseph
could find for them to stay
was in a stable.
You mean like this one?
Yes, just like this one.
And that night.
Baby Jesus was born.
There were some Shepherds out
on the hills near the stable.
They were taking care
of their sheep,
when all of a sudden,
they saw an angel.
This very day in David's town
your savior was born,
Christ the lord.
The Shepherds went
right away to see the baby.
He was lying in a manger.
Can you imagine?
They had to put him in a box
like this one
I use to feed my donkey.
After Jesus was born,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus
to the temple in Jerusalem.
They met a man who really
loved God, named Simeon.
Lord, now let thou thy servant
depart in peace
according to thy word.
God had promised Simeon
he would live to see Jesus.
For mine eyes
have seen thy salvation.
This child is chosen by God.
May you both be blessed.
The baby Jesus would grow up
to be God's chosen person
to forgive everyone, everywhere,
for all the wrong things
they think and say and do.
The things God calls sin.
So Jesus was a baby.
And now he's a man.
Wasn't he ever a boy?
Sure he was.
My grandmother told me that when
Jesus was about 12 years old.
Mary and Joseph
took him hereto Jerusalem.
Jesus went to the temple
and talked with all
the leaders and teachers.
Whose child is this
who asks such questions?
He's from Nazareth.
We thought he had left with us.
Please forgive him his zeal.
After that, Jesus went
back home with his parents.
As he grew up,
he became wiser every day.
Every valley
must be filled up...
One day, Jesus went to see
his cousin, John the baptizer.
John baptized people
who wanted to obey God.
He also baptized Jesus that day.
And the people who were there
heard God's voice from the sky!
This is my beloved son...
in you I am well pleased.
Well, what did he do then?
He began traveling
from town to town
teaching the people about God.
Hello.
Hello.
Jesus went back to Nazareth,
where he grew up.
One day he went to the temple
and the leaders asked him
to read from God's book,
the scriptures.
The part of the holy
scriptures that Jesus read
told about God's plan
to send Jesus
so that people everywhere
could live with God forever.
The spirit
of the lord is upon me
because he has chosen me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim
release to the captives
and recovery
of sight to the blind.
To set at Liberty
those who are oppressed.
And announce
that the time has come
when the lord
will save his people.
This passage of scripture
has come true today
as you heard it being read.
The scripture come true?
But only the Messiah
can fulfill that promise!
How shall we know?
But there's more to the story.
Jesus went down
to the sea of Galilee.
Push the boat out further
to the deep water
then you and your partners
let down your nets for a catch
oh master, we worked
hard all night long
and caught nothing.
But if you say so,
I'll let down the nets.
James!
John!
James! John!
Get your boat over
and give us some help!
We can't, we've got
our hands full...
I think it was right then
that Peter understood
that Jesus is God's son,
but Peter was afraid.
He had done so many
wrong things in his life.
He couldn't
understand how someone
as holy and powerful as Jesus
could accept someone
as sinful as he was.
Go away from me, lord.
I am a sinful man.
Don't be afraid.
I better go.
Yeah, I better get going too.
Me too.
Bye.
And where were you, Benjamin?
Outwith your friends again?
Yes father.
Was Caleb there?
Yes father.
I've told you many times,
I don't want you
spending time with that boy.
But father!
You know his father believes
all those wild stories about Jesus.
Why is that wrong?
We believe that God
will send us a mighty king.
Your friend's father believes
that someone born in
a stable is that king.
It's nonsense.
But, what if
Caleb's dad is right?
No, Benjamin, we are not
going to discuss this anymore.
Yes sir.
...and his arm will be
against the Chaldeans.
I, even I have spoken
and called him.
I have brought him
and he will prosper in his way.
Who among them has
declared these things?
The lord loves him.
Listen, wait 'til you
hear what happened today!
I was there!
What?
Jesus was in the temple
teaching people about
God's love.
A huge crowd was packed inside,
and there were even
more people waiting outside.
Everybody wanted to see him.
Jesus, I beg you
to save my only daughter.
Jesus, I beg you
to save my only daughter.
Sir, have mercy,
she's only 12 years old and dying.
Please, please come with me!
Jairus, I'm sorry.
Jesus!
Your daughter has died.
Don't bother
the teacher any long ah.
Don't be afraid.
Only believe and
she will be well.
Child, arise.
Give her something to eat.
Wow, that really happened?
It sure did.
You'd never even
know she'd been sick.
My dad says that
Jesus has friends
who do really bad things.
He says they're
a bunch of sinners.
Well, that's true
but that's only because
Jesus loves and cares
about everyone,
no matter who they are.
My dad told me about
a man named Matthew,
who collected money
from the people paying taxes
as they came into the city.
Follow me.
Matthew is one of the 12 people
Jesus chose to be his disciples.
They are his best friends and
they travel with him everywhere
to help teach people about God.
There's Simon, also named Peter;
Andrew, Peter's brother;
James, John, Philip,
Bartholomew; Matthew of course;
Thomas, another James,
another Simon,
Judas the brother of James,
and Judas Iscariot.
Judas the brother of James,
and Judas Iscariot.
How can you remember all that?
He's very smart.
You would think so...
that's because you're so stupid!
I am not!
You're as dumb
as your old donkey!
Hey. Get away from her you bully!
Who you calling bully?
Who?
Leave her alone.
Boys!
Ouch, that hurts.
It'll hurt worse
if we don't clean it.
What happened?
He got in a fight.
I didn't ask you, Leah.
Sorry.
I got in a fight with Caleb.
They were talking about Jesus.
He and his friends meet
all the time in Sarah's stable.
I told you nothing good
comes from
all of this talk about Jesus.
He is not our king
and he never will be.
But father, I think he really
might be the son of God.
That's enough!
Aren't you being
a little hard on the boy?
I don't think so.
It won't matter soon anyway.
I've heard there
may be a traitor
among the so-called
followers of Jesus.
If that's true, he won't be
causing us trouble much longer.
Love your enemies.
Do good to those who hate you.
Bless those who curse you.
And pray for those
who mistreat you.
If anyone strikes
you on the one cheek,
let him hit the other one also.
And if someone
takes away your coat,
let him have your shirt as well.
Give to everyone
who begs from you.
And if someone
takes what is yours,
do not ask for it back again.
Do for others only what you
would have others do for you.
I'd like to know this man.
Do you think he
might be, the Messiah?
What did he mean when
he said the Messiah?
They talked about it
in the temple.
The Messiah means
the promised one.
Come on, let's follow him.
What is she doing here?
I don't know.
If this man
really were a prophet
he would know who this woman is
who is touching him.
He would know what kind
of a sinful life she lives.
I know who this woman is, Simon.
Let me tell you something.
There were two men who
owed money to a moneylender.
One owed him 500 silver coins;
The other so.
Neither of them could
pay him back so he.
Canceled the debts of both.
Which one then
will love him more?
I suppose that it would be
the one who was forgiven more.
You are right.
You see this woman.
I came into your home.
You gave me
no water for my feet.
Yet she has washed
my feet with her tears
and dried them with her hair.
You did not
welcome me with a kiss.
But since I came she has not
stopped kissing my feet.
You provided no
olive oil for my head,
yet she has anointed
my feet with perfume.
I tell you then,
the great love she has shown
proves that her
many sins are forgiven.
But whoever is forgiven little,
shows only a little love.
Your sins are forgiven you.
Your faith has saved you.
Go in peace.
Please, pick me up.
Onto my shoulder.
Can you see now?
I can see Jesus!
A sower went out
to sow his seed.
And as he scattered
the grain some of it
fell by the path
and was trodden on.
And the birds of
the air devoured it.
And some fell on rocky ground.
And when the plants
sprouted they withered away
because they had no moisture.
And some seeds
fell among thorns,
and the thorns grew up with
the plants, and choked them.
And some seeds
fell in good soil,
and the plants grew and
bore grain, 100 grains each.
This is what the parable means:
The seed is the word of God.
The seeds that fell along the path
stand for those who hear,
but the devil comes
and takes the message
away from their hearts
in order to keep them from
believing and being saved.
The seeds that
fell on rocky ground
stand for those who hear the
message and receive it gladly.
But they have no roots;
They believe only for awhile,
and when the time of
testing comes, they fall away.
The seeds that fell among
thorns stand for those who hear,
but the worries and rich es
and pleasures of this life
crowd in and choke them.
And their fruit never ripens.
And the seeds
that fell in good soil,
stand for those
who hear the message
and retain it in a good
and obedient heart.
And they persist
until they bear fruit.
Master!
Master!
We are about to die!
The waves are swamping us.
We'll all drown!
Help us master!
Where is your faith?
Nathan, Nathan.
Did you hear?
Jesus is coming.
He's coming here?
He's coming outside the city...
come on, we've got to go.
I'm sorry I hit you Benjamin.
Forgive me?
Master, send the people away.
So that then they
can then go to the villages
and farms around here
and find food and lodging.
You yourselves give
them something to eat.
But all we have are
five loaves and two fish.
Blessed art thou, oh lord
our God, king of the universe,
who bringeth forth
bread from the earth.
How can you still not believe
that Jesus is the son of God?
Where have you been?
Father, I have
to tell you the truth.
We all went to see Jesus.
Why?
I still can't believe it,
even though I saw it
with my own eyes.
He turned a couple of fish
and some loaves of bread
into enough food
to feed the whole crowd.
Who knows, Jonathan,
maybe he really is the Messiah.
Don't you start
believing this nonsense!
What should we do?
What do the scriptures say?
How do you interpret them?
Love the lord your God
with, all your heart,
with all your soul,
with all your strength,
and with all your mind.
And love your neighbor
as you love yourself.
You are right.
Do this and you will live.
But who is my neighbor?
There was once a man going
down from Jerusalem to Jericho,
when robbers attacked him,
stripped him, beat him,
leaving him half-dead.
It so happened that
a priest came that way.
When he saw the man,
he walked by on the other side.
In the same way,
a Levite also came there,
went over and looked at the man,
and then walked
by on the other side.
But a Samaritan who
was traveling on that road
came across the man,
and when he saw him,
his heart was filled with pity.
He went over to the man.
Poured oil and wine on
his wounds and bandaged them.
Then he put him
on his own animal
and took him to an inn,
where he took care of him.
The next day he gave
the innkeeper two silver coins
and he told him
to look after the man.
And when I come back, he said,
I will pay you whatever else
you spend on him.
Which one of these
three acted like a neighbor
towards the man who
was attacked by the robbers?
The one who was kind to him.
You then do the same!
Suffer the little children
to come unto me
and do not forbid them, for
such is the kingdom of God.
Verily I say unto you,
whosoever shall not
receive the kingdom of God
as a little child shall
in no wise enter there in.
Whoever welcomes Th is child
in my name welcomes me.
And whoever welcomes me
welcomes the one who sent me.
For he who is least among
you all is the greatest.
Hey. What's happening?
What's going on?
Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.
Jesus!
Son of David!
Have mercy on me!
What do you want me
to do for you?
I want to see again.
Then see.
Your faith has made you well.
I can see.
I can see!
This man truly is a prophet.
My lord and master save me!
Oh lord save us, save us!
Praise the lord!
Show us the true way lord!
Why is that man
climbing that tree?
He's too short to see
through the crowd.
Hurry down, Zaccheus.
For I must stay
in your house today!
My house?
Who'd want to stay in his house?
How does Zaccheus know Jesus?
Listen.
I give half of
my belongings, to the poor.
And if I have cheated anyone,
I will pay him back,
four times as much.
I don't believe it!
A tax collector
paying back his taxes!
Impossible!
Salvation has come
to this house today.
For this man also is a
descendent of Abraham.
The son of man came to seek
and to save the lost.
Listen.
We are going to Jerusalem,
where everything
the prophets wrote
about the son of man
will come true.
He will be handed over
to the gentiles.
They will mock him,
and treat him shamefully
and spit upon him.
He will be whipped and killed.
But on the third day.
He will rise.
Hi Sarah.
Hi.
Hey, there's something
different about this place
yeah. Sarahs donkey is missing.
He's not missing.
I let somebody else use him.
Who'd wanna borrow
your old donkey?
Rabbi, command your
disciples to be quiet.
I tell you that if
they were to be quiet,
the stones themselves
would begin shouting.
Why is Jesus so angry?
They're turning the temple
into a marketplace
instead of a place
to worship God!
It is written, my house
shall be a house of prayer
and you have turned it
into a den of thieves!
Stop him!
Stop him!
It's very little.
Can't you give more?
I tell you, that this poor widow
put in more than all the others.
For the others offered
their gifts from what they had
to spare of their riches.
But she, poor as she is, put
in all the living that she had.
Teacher, we know that what
you say and teach is right.
We know that you pay
no attention to man's status
but teach the truth
about God's will for man.
Tell us, is it
against our law for us
to pay taxes to the
Roman emperor or not?
Show me a silver coin.
Whose face and name
are these on it?
Caesar!
Then render unto Caesar
the things that are Caesar's.
And to God,
the things that are God's.
Hey look!
There's Peter.
What do you think he's doing?
It looks like he's buying food
for the passover meal.
I have wanted so much
to eat this passover meal
with you before I suffer.
For I tell you,
I will never eat it
until it is given its full
meaning in the kingdom of God.
Blessed art thou, o lord
our God, king of the universe,
who bringeth forth fruit
from the vine.
Take this and share it
among yourselves.
Blessed art thou, o lord
our God, king of the universe,
who bringeth forth bread
from the earth.
This is my body
which is given for you,
this do in remembrance of me.
This cup is
the new testament in my blood,
which is shed for you.
But behold, the hand
of him that betrayeth me
is with me on the table,
and truly the son of man
must die as God has determined,
but woe unto that man
by whom he is betrayed.
It can't be.
It can't be.
Impossible.
Name the traitor lord!
Lord, I'm ready to go to prison
with you, and to die with you.
I tell you Peter, the cock
will not crow this day
before that you shall
thrice deny that you know me.
The council has
made their decision.
Jonathan?
What is it?
It looks as if the reign
of that so-called king
is about to come to an end.
I just received
a message from the council.
One of the followers of Jesus,
a man named Judas Iscariot,
has agreed to help
place him under arrest.
How did they talk him
into something like that?
It didn't take much.
Just 30 silver coins.
By tonight, they're
going to arrest Jesus
and make sure
that he doesn't escape.
No.
Please no.
Judas!
Is it with a kiss that
you betray the son of man?
Lord, shall we
smite with a sword?
Come on, arrest him.
Enough of this!
A miracle.
Did you have to come
with swords and clubs
as though I were an outlaw.
I was with you
everyday in the temple
and you did not
try to arrest me.
But this is your hour to act,
when the power
of darkness rules.
Arrest him.
Here's a cloak worn by a king.
Tell us what's going to happen.
You going to
save us your majesty?
You going to save us?
This man too was with Jesus.
Woman, I don't even know him.
I saw them together.
You are one of them too.
But I am not.
There is no doubt that
this man was with Jesus
because he's also a Galilean.
Go away.
I don't know what.
What you're talking about.
Nathan, Nathan.
What is it Benjamin?
It's Jesus.
He's in trouble.
Come on, we've got
to get the others.
Who hit you?
Guess.
Prophesy!
Who'll hit you next.
Stop it.
Stop it, I said.
Bring him before the council.
Move!
Tell us.
Are you the Messiah?
If I tell you,
you will not believe me.
And if I ask you a question,
you will not answer me.
But from now on the son of man
will be seated at
the right side of almighty God.
Are you Th en, the son of God?
You say that I am.
Who gives him
the authority to say that?
We ourselves have
heard what he said.
We will take him to Pilate.
Yes, away with him.
They're taking Jesus
to Pontius Pilate.
Pontius Pilate!
He's the meanest
of all Roman rulers.
He's already killed
thousands of people
by hanging them
on wooden crosses.
Move!
And what do you want here.
At this hour of the morning?
We caught this man
perverting our people!
He caused an uproar
in the temple market!
What will be his punishment?
Sentence him!
I see no reason to
condemn this man, no reason.
We found him guilty.
Telling them not to
pay taxes to the emperor.
Claiming himself the Messiah.
A king.
A king?
Are you the king of the Jews?
So you say.
He began in Galilee
and now he has come here.
In Galilee?
Is this man a Galilean?
In that case.
We'll let Herod deal with him.
He's still here
in Jerusalem, isn't he?
Take him to Herod.
Who is it that you say you are?
Who are those you
call your disciples?
It is said by many
you can perform signs.
Do something for me.
My lord.
He has been corrupting
all the people.
He calls himself the king.
This man?
A king?
Your majesty.
Mark him well.
Send him back to Pilate.
This is his province.
This man has done
nothing to deserve death.
So I will have him
scourged and let him go.
You are obliged to release
one man to us at this festival.
Release to us, Barabbas.
And away with this man.
Yes.
Yes, give us Barabbas.
Crucify him!
Yes, crucify him!
You.
Scourge him.
He has done nothing.
Back!
Back!
Back!
Clear the way!
Keep away from him.
Get back!
They're not going
to kill him, are they?
Get up!
You!
What's your name?
Simon of Cyrene, sir.
Step over here.
Back.
Leave him.
Down here.
Come on, quicker!
Quicker!
Now you, go!
Come on, keep up, quicker!
Stay ropes loose!
Forgive them, father.
For they know not what they do.
He saved others,
let him save himself.
Yes!
Save yourself
if you are the Messiah.
Yes!
Come down from the cross.
Show us one of your miracles.
What does that sign say?
It says "king of the Jews."
If Jesus is king,
why are they doing this to him?
I don't know.
Jonathan...
do you suppose that...
What's happening?
Father, into thy hands,
I commit, my spirit!
Forgive us.
We are following
the body of our lord.
All are welcome, but come,
the sabbath is approaching.
I can't believe we'll
never see Jesus again.
Wait a minute!
Don't you remember what
Jesus said over and over again?
What?
I remember!
Jesus said that in three days
he would be alive again!
The stone's been rolled away!
Why do you seek
the living among the dead?
He is not here, but is risen.
Remember what he said
to you while he was in Galilee.
The son of man will
be handed over to sinful men,
be crucified,
and on the third day rise again.
Listen!
The stone was rolled away!
We entered, and the body
of our lord was...
Gone!
Gone?
And two men appeared to us...
angels shining, like the sun...
and said to us,
why do you look for the living,
among the dead?
It's true.
Believe us, believe us.
We saw them!
Go and see for yourself!
The tomb was empty...
our lord was gone!
Peter, you must believe us!
The lord is risen indeed!
He has appeared to Simon.
We didn't recognize him.
Not on the road.
But when he broke bread,
then we knew.
At Emmaus?
How strange he should go there.
Peace be with you.
Why are you troubled?
Why are these doubts
coming up in your minds?
Look... my hands and my feet.
And see that it is I myself.
Feel me and you will know.
For a spirit has not flesh
and bones as you see I have.
These are the very things
I spoke to you about
while I was still with you.
That everything written
about me in the law of Moses
and the writings of the prophets
and the psalms had to come true.
This is what is written:
The Messiah must suffer,
and rise from the dead
on the third day,
and in his name
the message of repentance
and the forgiveness of sins
must be preached to all nations.
Beginning in Jerusalem.
When Caleb first told me
that Jesus was God's son.
I didn't believe it.
But then I saw the incredible
miracles Jesus did.
And I listened to him
teach about God's love.
I also saw the terrible
things they did to Jesus.
I saw them beat him.
I saw them nail him
to the cross.
I saw him die.
I saw them take his body down
and carry it away.
But I never thought that
I would see Jesus again.
But then something
wonderful happened...
God kept his promise.
He promised that he would
bring Jesus back to life.
In the scriptures it
says that whoever believes
that Jesus is God's son
will live with him now
and live with him forever.
And I'm glad because
that's what I want to do.
What a great story
and the amazing thing is that
everything you've just seen
and heard about Jesus
really did happen.
May be as you've watched
with Caleb, Joel...
Nathan, Leah, Benjamin...
And Sarah, you've asked the same
question as they did... who is Jesus?
You've seen how Benjamin came
to realise that Jesus is God's son.
Who shows us what God is like,
and who took our punishment
by dying on the cross...
And that just as Jesus was friends
with all sorts of people,
Jesus could be
Benjamin's friend too.
Because Jesus came back to life,
Benjamin knew Jesus was more
powerful than death itself.
And he knew
if he was in God's family, he
would be with him now, and forever.
But first, he needed to ask
Jesus to forgive him
for not believing him
and for not living life God's way.
Benjamin decided he wanted
to be in God's family with Jesus.
How about you?
Jesus is still alive today. Would
you like to ask him to forgive you...
And make you a member
of God's family?
Maybe you're thinking:
"I don't understand.“
or, "I'd like to talk about it
to mum and dad,"
or, "I need to think a bit more."
Perhaps you could talk to someone
you know who's in God's family
and ask them some
of your questions.
But maybe
your answer is "yes,"
and you want to get to know Jesus.
You can ask Jesus
to forgive you now
for all the wrong things you've
thought, or said, or done...
for turning your back on God
and doing things your own way.
That is what the Bible calls 'sin'.
If you want to be in
God's family forever,
you might want to tell
him something like this:
The great thing is that you can
trust God to keep his promise
to love you, forgive you
and be with you forever.
It would also be good to
tell someone...
like your mum, your dad,
or a friend.
When you decide to get to know Jesus,
you begin a great, new adventure,
with the most important person ever.
Here are somethings to help you:
Take a look at what God
has said in his book... the Bible.
Try to read some of it every day.
It's the best way to get to
know Jesus better
and learn how to live God's way.
Talk to God. You can talk to God
about anything, anytime, anywhere.
And he listens!
Jesus called this 'prayer'.
Find ways to get together with others
who know Jesus as their friend.
Living God's way isn't always easy
and other members of his family
will help and encourage you.
And like Caleb, you'll find
it's good to talk
to your friends about what
Jesus means to you.
It's been great telling you
the true story of Jesus.
And remember, wherever you go,
whatever you do,
when you are in God's family,
he is always with you.
someone so amazing
that you want to know
more about them?
People felt just that way when they
met a man called Jesus.
And got to know him,
they couldn't forget him.
We don't know exactly
how children found out
about Jesus,
but it might have happened
something like this...
Did anyone see you?
No... not me.
You?
I don't think so.
Okay, let's go, let's go!
I don't care what
you say, Benjamin.
I really think Jesus
was sent by God.
Just because
he performs miracles...
it could all be magic tricks.
Yeah, how else
could you explain it?
That's the thing Joel,
I don't have to explain it.
Miracles are wonderful
things only God can do.
You mean like helping
blind people see again?
Yeah.
I don't believe
one word of this.
I do.
Sarah, what are you doing here?
I forgot to feed my donkey,
and when I heard you
talking about Jesus.
I wanted to know
what you were saying.
What would you know about Jesus?
I know a lot.
My grandmother
knows his mother Mary,
and she told me all about him.
How he was born and everything.
It's a great story, really!
Mary was a young girl
living in Nazareth.
She wasn't married
but she was supposed
to marry a man called Joseph.
One day, God sent
an angel named Gabriel.
Fear not, Mary. For you
have found favor with God.
You will conceive and
give birth to a son
and you will
call his name Jesus.
How can this be?
I am a virgin.
The holy spirit
will come upon you.
For this reason, the holy child will be
called the son of the most high God.
His kingdom will never end
did the angel scare Mary?
If an angel came and talked
to me, I'd be really scared.
What happened next?
Know all men of Nazareth
that by command...
The government made
a law that all the men
had to go to the city where
they were born and register.
You know, sign your name
on some papers.
Joseph had been born in Bethlehem.
So he went Th ere with Mary.
When they got to Bethlehem,
the town was packed with people
and all the places
to stay were full.
The only place Joseph
could find for them to stay
was in a stable.
You mean like this one?
Yes, just like this one.
And that night.
Baby Jesus was born.
There were some Shepherds out
on the hills near the stable.
They were taking care
of their sheep,
when all of a sudden,
they saw an angel.
This very day in David's town
your savior was born,
Christ the lord.
The Shepherds went
right away to see the baby.
He was lying in a manger.
Can you imagine?
They had to put him in a box
like this one
I use to feed my donkey.
After Jesus was born,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus
to the temple in Jerusalem.
They met a man who really
loved God, named Simeon.
Lord, now let thou thy servant
depart in peace
according to thy word.
God had promised Simeon
he would live to see Jesus.
For mine eyes
have seen thy salvation.
This child is chosen by God.
May you both be blessed.
The baby Jesus would grow up
to be God's chosen person
to forgive everyone, everywhere,
for all the wrong things
they think and say and do.
The things God calls sin.
So Jesus was a baby.
And now he's a man.
Wasn't he ever a boy?
Sure he was.
My grandmother told me that when
Jesus was about 12 years old.
Mary and Joseph
took him hereto Jerusalem.
Jesus went to the temple
and talked with all
the leaders and teachers.
Whose child is this
who asks such questions?
He's from Nazareth.
We thought he had left with us.
Please forgive him his zeal.
After that, Jesus went
back home with his parents.
As he grew up,
he became wiser every day.
Every valley
must be filled up...
One day, Jesus went to see
his cousin, John the baptizer.
John baptized people
who wanted to obey God.
He also baptized Jesus that day.
And the people who were there
heard God's voice from the sky!
This is my beloved son...
in you I am well pleased.
Well, what did he do then?
He began traveling
from town to town
teaching the people about God.
Hello.
Hello.
Jesus went back to Nazareth,
where he grew up.
One day he went to the temple
and the leaders asked him
to read from God's book,
the scriptures.
The part of the holy
scriptures that Jesus read
told about God's plan
to send Jesus
so that people everywhere
could live with God forever.
The spirit
of the lord is upon me
because he has chosen me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim
release to the captives
and recovery
of sight to the blind.
To set at Liberty
those who are oppressed.
And announce
that the time has come
when the lord
will save his people.
This passage of scripture
has come true today
as you heard it being read.
The scripture come true?
But only the Messiah
can fulfill that promise!
How shall we know?
But there's more to the story.
Jesus went down
to the sea of Galilee.
Push the boat out further
to the deep water
then you and your partners
let down your nets for a catch
oh master, we worked
hard all night long
and caught nothing.
But if you say so,
I'll let down the nets.
James!
John!
James! John!
Get your boat over
and give us some help!
We can't, we've got
our hands full...
I think it was right then
that Peter understood
that Jesus is God's son,
but Peter was afraid.
He had done so many
wrong things in his life.
He couldn't
understand how someone
as holy and powerful as Jesus
could accept someone
as sinful as he was.
Go away from me, lord.
I am a sinful man.
Don't be afraid.
I better go.
Yeah, I better get going too.
Me too.
Bye.
And where were you, Benjamin?
Outwith your friends again?
Yes father.
Was Caleb there?
Yes father.
I've told you many times,
I don't want you
spending time with that boy.
But father!
You know his father believes
all those wild stories about Jesus.
Why is that wrong?
We believe that God
will send us a mighty king.
Your friend's father believes
that someone born in
a stable is that king.
It's nonsense.
But, what if
Caleb's dad is right?
No, Benjamin, we are not
going to discuss this anymore.
Yes sir.
...and his arm will be
against the Chaldeans.
I, even I have spoken
and called him.
I have brought him
and he will prosper in his way.
Who among them has
declared these things?
The lord loves him.
Listen, wait 'til you
hear what happened today!
I was there!
What?
Jesus was in the temple
teaching people about
God's love.
A huge crowd was packed inside,
and there were even
more people waiting outside.
Everybody wanted to see him.
Jesus, I beg you
to save my only daughter.
Jesus, I beg you
to save my only daughter.
Sir, have mercy,
she's only 12 years old and dying.
Please, please come with me!
Jairus, I'm sorry.
Jesus!
Your daughter has died.
Don't bother
the teacher any long ah.
Don't be afraid.
Only believe and
she will be well.
Child, arise.
Give her something to eat.
Wow, that really happened?
It sure did.
You'd never even
know she'd been sick.
My dad says that
Jesus has friends
who do really bad things.
He says they're
a bunch of sinners.
Well, that's true
but that's only because
Jesus loves and cares
about everyone,
no matter who they are.
My dad told me about
a man named Matthew,
who collected money
from the people paying taxes
as they came into the city.
Follow me.
Matthew is one of the 12 people
Jesus chose to be his disciples.
They are his best friends and
they travel with him everywhere
to help teach people about God.
There's Simon, also named Peter;
Andrew, Peter's brother;
James, John, Philip,
Bartholomew; Matthew of course;
Thomas, another James,
another Simon,
Judas the brother of James,
and Judas Iscariot.
Judas the brother of James,
and Judas Iscariot.
How can you remember all that?
He's very smart.
You would think so...
that's because you're so stupid!
I am not!
You're as dumb
as your old donkey!
Hey. Get away from her you bully!
Who you calling bully?
Who?
Leave her alone.
Boys!
Ouch, that hurts.
It'll hurt worse
if we don't clean it.
What happened?
He got in a fight.
I didn't ask you, Leah.
Sorry.
I got in a fight with Caleb.
They were talking about Jesus.
He and his friends meet
all the time in Sarah's stable.
I told you nothing good
comes from
all of this talk about Jesus.
He is not our king
and he never will be.
But father, I think he really
might be the son of God.
That's enough!
Aren't you being
a little hard on the boy?
I don't think so.
It won't matter soon anyway.
I've heard there
may be a traitor
among the so-called
followers of Jesus.
If that's true, he won't be
causing us trouble much longer.
Love your enemies.
Do good to those who hate you.
Bless those who curse you.
And pray for those
who mistreat you.
If anyone strikes
you on the one cheek,
let him hit the other one also.
And if someone
takes away your coat,
let him have your shirt as well.
Give to everyone
who begs from you.
And if someone
takes what is yours,
do not ask for it back again.
Do for others only what you
would have others do for you.
I'd like to know this man.
Do you think he
might be, the Messiah?
What did he mean when
he said the Messiah?
They talked about it
in the temple.
The Messiah means
the promised one.
Come on, let's follow him.
What is she doing here?
I don't know.
If this man
really were a prophet
he would know who this woman is
who is touching him.
He would know what kind
of a sinful life she lives.
I know who this woman is, Simon.
Let me tell you something.
There were two men who
owed money to a moneylender.
One owed him 500 silver coins;
The other so.
Neither of them could
pay him back so he.
Canceled the debts of both.
Which one then
will love him more?
I suppose that it would be
the one who was forgiven more.
You are right.
You see this woman.
I came into your home.
You gave me
no water for my feet.
Yet she has washed
my feet with her tears
and dried them with her hair.
You did not
welcome me with a kiss.
But since I came she has not
stopped kissing my feet.
You provided no
olive oil for my head,
yet she has anointed
my feet with perfume.
I tell you then,
the great love she has shown
proves that her
many sins are forgiven.
But whoever is forgiven little,
shows only a little love.
Your sins are forgiven you.
Your faith has saved you.
Go in peace.
Please, pick me up.
Onto my shoulder.
Can you see now?
I can see Jesus!
A sower went out
to sow his seed.
And as he scattered
the grain some of it
fell by the path
and was trodden on.
And the birds of
the air devoured it.
And some fell on rocky ground.
And when the plants
sprouted they withered away
because they had no moisture.
And some seeds
fell among thorns,
and the thorns grew up with
the plants, and choked them.
And some seeds
fell in good soil,
and the plants grew and
bore grain, 100 grains each.
This is what the parable means:
The seed is the word of God.
The seeds that fell along the path
stand for those who hear,
but the devil comes
and takes the message
away from their hearts
in order to keep them from
believing and being saved.
The seeds that
fell on rocky ground
stand for those who hear the
message and receive it gladly.
But they have no roots;
They believe only for awhile,
and when the time of
testing comes, they fall away.
The seeds that fell among
thorns stand for those who hear,
but the worries and rich es
and pleasures of this life
crowd in and choke them.
And their fruit never ripens.
And the seeds
that fell in good soil,
stand for those
who hear the message
and retain it in a good
and obedient heart.
And they persist
until they bear fruit.
Master!
Master!
We are about to die!
The waves are swamping us.
We'll all drown!
Help us master!
Where is your faith?
Nathan, Nathan.
Did you hear?
Jesus is coming.
He's coming here?
He's coming outside the city...
come on, we've got to go.
I'm sorry I hit you Benjamin.
Forgive me?
Master, send the people away.
So that then they
can then go to the villages
and farms around here
and find food and lodging.
You yourselves give
them something to eat.
But all we have are
five loaves and two fish.
Blessed art thou, oh lord
our God, king of the universe,
who bringeth forth
bread from the earth.
How can you still not believe
that Jesus is the son of God?
Where have you been?
Father, I have
to tell you the truth.
We all went to see Jesus.
Why?
I still can't believe it,
even though I saw it
with my own eyes.
He turned a couple of fish
and some loaves of bread
into enough food
to feed the whole crowd.
Who knows, Jonathan,
maybe he really is the Messiah.
Don't you start
believing this nonsense!
What should we do?
What do the scriptures say?
How do you interpret them?
Love the lord your God
with, all your heart,
with all your soul,
with all your strength,
and with all your mind.
And love your neighbor
as you love yourself.
You are right.
Do this and you will live.
But who is my neighbor?
There was once a man going
down from Jerusalem to Jericho,
when robbers attacked him,
stripped him, beat him,
leaving him half-dead.
It so happened that
a priest came that way.
When he saw the man,
he walked by on the other side.
In the same way,
a Levite also came there,
went over and looked at the man,
and then walked
by on the other side.
But a Samaritan who
was traveling on that road
came across the man,
and when he saw him,
his heart was filled with pity.
He went over to the man.
Poured oil and wine on
his wounds and bandaged them.
Then he put him
on his own animal
and took him to an inn,
where he took care of him.
The next day he gave
the innkeeper two silver coins
and he told him
to look after the man.
And when I come back, he said,
I will pay you whatever else
you spend on him.
Which one of these
three acted like a neighbor
towards the man who
was attacked by the robbers?
The one who was kind to him.
You then do the same!
Suffer the little children
to come unto me
and do not forbid them, for
such is the kingdom of God.
Verily I say unto you,
whosoever shall not
receive the kingdom of God
as a little child shall
in no wise enter there in.
Whoever welcomes Th is child
in my name welcomes me.
And whoever welcomes me
welcomes the one who sent me.
For he who is least among
you all is the greatest.
Hey. What's happening?
What's going on?
Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.
Jesus!
Son of David!
Have mercy on me!
What do you want me
to do for you?
I want to see again.
Then see.
Your faith has made you well.
I can see.
I can see!
This man truly is a prophet.
My lord and master save me!
Oh lord save us, save us!
Praise the lord!
Show us the true way lord!
Why is that man
climbing that tree?
He's too short to see
through the crowd.
Hurry down, Zaccheus.
For I must stay
in your house today!
My house?
Who'd want to stay in his house?
How does Zaccheus know Jesus?
Listen.
I give half of
my belongings, to the poor.
And if I have cheated anyone,
I will pay him back,
four times as much.
I don't believe it!
A tax collector
paying back his taxes!
Impossible!
Salvation has come
to this house today.
For this man also is a
descendent of Abraham.
The son of man came to seek
and to save the lost.
Listen.
We are going to Jerusalem,
where everything
the prophets wrote
about the son of man
will come true.
He will be handed over
to the gentiles.
They will mock him,
and treat him shamefully
and spit upon him.
He will be whipped and killed.
But on the third day.
He will rise.
Hi Sarah.
Hi.
Hey, there's something
different about this place
yeah. Sarahs donkey is missing.
He's not missing.
I let somebody else use him.
Who'd wanna borrow
your old donkey?
Rabbi, command your
disciples to be quiet.
I tell you that if
they were to be quiet,
the stones themselves
would begin shouting.
Why is Jesus so angry?
They're turning the temple
into a marketplace
instead of a place
to worship God!
It is written, my house
shall be a house of prayer
and you have turned it
into a den of thieves!
Stop him!
Stop him!
It's very little.
Can't you give more?
I tell you, that this poor widow
put in more than all the others.
For the others offered
their gifts from what they had
to spare of their riches.
But she, poor as she is, put
in all the living that she had.
Teacher, we know that what
you say and teach is right.
We know that you pay
no attention to man's status
but teach the truth
about God's will for man.
Tell us, is it
against our law for us
to pay taxes to the
Roman emperor or not?
Show me a silver coin.
Whose face and name
are these on it?
Caesar!
Then render unto Caesar
the things that are Caesar's.
And to God,
the things that are God's.
Hey look!
There's Peter.
What do you think he's doing?
It looks like he's buying food
for the passover meal.
I have wanted so much
to eat this passover meal
with you before I suffer.
For I tell you,
I will never eat it
until it is given its full
meaning in the kingdom of God.
Blessed art thou, o lord
our God, king of the universe,
who bringeth forth fruit
from the vine.
Take this and share it
among yourselves.
Blessed art thou, o lord
our God, king of the universe,
who bringeth forth bread
from the earth.
This is my body
which is given for you,
this do in remembrance of me.
This cup is
the new testament in my blood,
which is shed for you.
But behold, the hand
of him that betrayeth me
is with me on the table,
and truly the son of man
must die as God has determined,
but woe unto that man
by whom he is betrayed.
It can't be.
It can't be.
Impossible.
Name the traitor lord!
Lord, I'm ready to go to prison
with you, and to die with you.
I tell you Peter, the cock
will not crow this day
before that you shall
thrice deny that you know me.
The council has
made their decision.
Jonathan?
What is it?
It looks as if the reign
of that so-called king
is about to come to an end.
I just received
a message from the council.
One of the followers of Jesus,
a man named Judas Iscariot,
has agreed to help
place him under arrest.
How did they talk him
into something like that?
It didn't take much.
Just 30 silver coins.
By tonight, they're
going to arrest Jesus
and make sure
that he doesn't escape.
No.
Please no.
Judas!
Is it with a kiss that
you betray the son of man?
Lord, shall we
smite with a sword?
Come on, arrest him.
Enough of this!
A miracle.
Did you have to come
with swords and clubs
as though I were an outlaw.
I was with you
everyday in the temple
and you did not
try to arrest me.
But this is your hour to act,
when the power
of darkness rules.
Arrest him.
Here's a cloak worn by a king.
Tell us what's going to happen.
You going to
save us your majesty?
You going to save us?
This man too was with Jesus.
Woman, I don't even know him.
I saw them together.
You are one of them too.
But I am not.
There is no doubt that
this man was with Jesus
because he's also a Galilean.
Go away.
I don't know what.
What you're talking about.
Nathan, Nathan.
What is it Benjamin?
It's Jesus.
He's in trouble.
Come on, we've got
to get the others.
Who hit you?
Guess.
Prophesy!
Who'll hit you next.
Stop it.
Stop it, I said.
Bring him before the council.
Move!
Tell us.
Are you the Messiah?
If I tell you,
you will not believe me.
And if I ask you a question,
you will not answer me.
But from now on the son of man
will be seated at
the right side of almighty God.
Are you Th en, the son of God?
You say that I am.
Who gives him
the authority to say that?
We ourselves have
heard what he said.
We will take him to Pilate.
Yes, away with him.
They're taking Jesus
to Pontius Pilate.
Pontius Pilate!
He's the meanest
of all Roman rulers.
He's already killed
thousands of people
by hanging them
on wooden crosses.
Move!
And what do you want here.
At this hour of the morning?
We caught this man
perverting our people!
He caused an uproar
in the temple market!
What will be his punishment?
Sentence him!
I see no reason to
condemn this man, no reason.
We found him guilty.
Telling them not to
pay taxes to the emperor.
Claiming himself the Messiah.
A king.
A king?
Are you the king of the Jews?
So you say.
He began in Galilee
and now he has come here.
In Galilee?
Is this man a Galilean?
In that case.
We'll let Herod deal with him.
He's still here
in Jerusalem, isn't he?
Take him to Herod.
Who is it that you say you are?
Who are those you
call your disciples?
It is said by many
you can perform signs.
Do something for me.
My lord.
He has been corrupting
all the people.
He calls himself the king.
This man?
A king?
Your majesty.
Mark him well.
Send him back to Pilate.
This is his province.
This man has done
nothing to deserve death.
So I will have him
scourged and let him go.
You are obliged to release
one man to us at this festival.
Release to us, Barabbas.
And away with this man.
Yes.
Yes, give us Barabbas.
Crucify him!
Yes, crucify him!
You.
Scourge him.
He has done nothing.
Back!
Back!
Back!
Clear the way!
Keep away from him.
Get back!
They're not going
to kill him, are they?
Get up!
You!
What's your name?
Simon of Cyrene, sir.
Step over here.
Back.
Leave him.
Down here.
Come on, quicker!
Quicker!
Now you, go!
Come on, keep up, quicker!
Stay ropes loose!
Forgive them, father.
For they know not what they do.
He saved others,
let him save himself.
Yes!
Save yourself
if you are the Messiah.
Yes!
Come down from the cross.
Show us one of your miracles.
What does that sign say?
It says "king of the Jews."
If Jesus is king,
why are they doing this to him?
I don't know.
Jonathan...
do you suppose that...
What's happening?
Father, into thy hands,
I commit, my spirit!
Forgive us.
We are following
the body of our lord.
All are welcome, but come,
the sabbath is approaching.
I can't believe we'll
never see Jesus again.
Wait a minute!
Don't you remember what
Jesus said over and over again?
What?
I remember!
Jesus said that in three days
he would be alive again!
The stone's been rolled away!
Why do you seek
the living among the dead?
He is not here, but is risen.
Remember what he said
to you while he was in Galilee.
The son of man will
be handed over to sinful men,
be crucified,
and on the third day rise again.
Listen!
The stone was rolled away!
We entered, and the body
of our lord was...
Gone!
Gone?
And two men appeared to us...
angels shining, like the sun...
and said to us,
why do you look for the living,
among the dead?
It's true.
Believe us, believe us.
We saw them!
Go and see for yourself!
The tomb was empty...
our lord was gone!
Peter, you must believe us!
The lord is risen indeed!
He has appeared to Simon.
We didn't recognize him.
Not on the road.
But when he broke bread,
then we knew.
At Emmaus?
How strange he should go there.
Peace be with you.
Why are you troubled?
Why are these doubts
coming up in your minds?
Look... my hands and my feet.
And see that it is I myself.
Feel me and you will know.
For a spirit has not flesh
and bones as you see I have.
These are the very things
I spoke to you about
while I was still with you.
That everything written
about me in the law of Moses
and the writings of the prophets
and the psalms had to come true.
This is what is written:
The Messiah must suffer,
and rise from the dead
on the third day,
and in his name
the message of repentance
and the forgiveness of sins
must be preached to all nations.
Beginning in Jerusalem.
When Caleb first told me
that Jesus was God's son.
I didn't believe it.
But then I saw the incredible
miracles Jesus did.
And I listened to him
teach about God's love.
I also saw the terrible
things they did to Jesus.
I saw them beat him.
I saw them nail him
to the cross.
I saw him die.
I saw them take his body down
and carry it away.
But I never thought that
I would see Jesus again.
But then something
wonderful happened...
God kept his promise.
He promised that he would
bring Jesus back to life.
In the scriptures it
says that whoever believes
that Jesus is God's son
will live with him now
and live with him forever.
And I'm glad because
that's what I want to do.
What a great story
and the amazing thing is that
everything you've just seen
and heard about Jesus
really did happen.
May be as you've watched
with Caleb, Joel...
Nathan, Leah, Benjamin...
And Sarah, you've asked the same
question as they did... who is Jesus?
You've seen how Benjamin came
to realise that Jesus is God's son.
Who shows us what God is like,
and who took our punishment
by dying on the cross...
And that just as Jesus was friends
with all sorts of people,
Jesus could be
Benjamin's friend too.
Because Jesus came back to life,
Benjamin knew Jesus was more
powerful than death itself.
And he knew
if he was in God's family, he
would be with him now, and forever.
But first, he needed to ask
Jesus to forgive him
for not believing him
and for not living life God's way.
Benjamin decided he wanted
to be in God's family with Jesus.
How about you?
Jesus is still alive today. Would
you like to ask him to forgive you...
And make you a member
of God's family?
Maybe you're thinking:
"I don't understand.“
or, "I'd like to talk about it
to mum and dad,"
or, "I need to think a bit more."
Perhaps you could talk to someone
you know who's in God's family
and ask them some
of your questions.
But maybe
your answer is "yes,"
and you want to get to know Jesus.
You can ask Jesus
to forgive you now
for all the wrong things you've
thought, or said, or done...
for turning your back on God
and doing things your own way.
That is what the Bible calls 'sin'.
If you want to be in
God's family forever,
you might want to tell
him something like this:
The great thing is that you can
trust God to keep his promise
to love you, forgive you
and be with you forever.
It would also be good to
tell someone...
like your mum, your dad,
or a friend.
When you decide to get to know Jesus,
you begin a great, new adventure,
with the most important person ever.
Here are somethings to help you:
Take a look at what God
has said in his book... the Bible.
Try to read some of it every day.
It's the best way to get to
know Jesus better
and learn how to live God's way.
Talk to God. You can talk to God
about anything, anytime, anywhere.
And he listens!
Jesus called this 'prayer'.
Find ways to get together with others
who know Jesus as their friend.
Living God's way isn't always easy
and other members of his family
will help and encourage you.
And like Caleb, you'll find
it's good to talk
to your friends about what
Jesus means to you.
It's been great telling you
the true story of Jesus.
And remember, wherever you go,
whatever you do,
when you are in God's family,
he is always with you.