Transcripts: Feature Bible Dramas

Transcript: The Good News According to Jesus Episode 1. The True Light of the World. Part 1
[White vapor disperses into darkness]
Presenter: in the beginning was the word
[Bright light slowly illuminates a red cloud-like nebula]
And the word was with God, and the word was a God. This one was in the beginning, with God.
[A cluster of stars shines in space]
All things came into existence through him
[Stars glitter like diamonds over a gray nebula]
and apart from him Not even one thing came into existence
[A partially illuminated earth appears in the distance. The Sun slowly peaks over the edge of the rotating earth. Now in the blue sky, its bright rays bathe the clouds in light. A vast forest, blanketed in fog, jagged mountains covered in lime-green vegetation, crashing waves]
What has come into existence, by means of him,
[Manta Ray's glide]
was life.
[Birds flutter. Insects march in orderly rows. An emerald hummingbird drinks from a red flower. A family of elephants trudged through a wetland. A glistening river flows through a vast rainforest]
And the life was the light of men.
[Amid lush foliage, the first woman, Eve, appears. Her wavy dark hair frames her porcelain face. She smiles pleasantly at her bearded husband, Adam, catching sight of her loving gaze, his face lights up with a wide grin. Later, Eve strolls barefoot through the garden. She approaches a tree with small oblong maroon fruit. With wide brown eyes, she stares intently at it. Her gaze shifts from the fruit to a yellowish -green snake hanging in the tree. She reaches up and picks the fruit. Examining it in her hand, she feels the fruit's smooth skin. As a satisfied expression spreads on her face, the snake watches her. Afterward, Eve wearing a radiant smile finds Adam. His smile fades as she holds out the fruit to him. His stare moves from the fruit to her face, raising an eyebrow in disbelief. She turns over the fruit, revealing a small bite out of it. As he eyes her, she nervously looks away. He accepts the fruit from her hand and reluctantly brings it to his mouth. Closing his eyes, he takes a bite. She watches him closely. As he swallows, his frown deepens. He stares ahead, motionless. He drops the fruit; the scene goes black]
And the light is shining in the darkness. But the darkness has not overpowered it.
[The Good News According to Jesus. The true light of the world part one. Jerusalem about 56 CE in a bustling marketplace a woman wearing a headdress sells spices. Shoppers stroll past vendors stalls carrying bags. Among them, a middle-aged man walks with purpose. He wears a grey mantle and leather pouch over his tunic. With a slight smile, he stops when he sees a two-story house with exterior stairs on the left side]
Seeing that many have undertaken to compile an account of the facts that are given full credence among us,
[he strides toward the house]
Just as these were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and attendants of the message.
[The landlord lets the man Luke into the upper room. Cushion couches surround a low table, a stool and wash basin in one corner. Luke visualizes a man washing feet, passing a cup, breaking bread. He nods to himself as his gaze travels around the empty room. He follows the landlord out and shuts the door behind them. Later, a man with a white beard selects one of many scrolls from a cabinet. He hands it to Luke, who opens it and nods]
I resolved also.
[Sitting at a table, he writes on a tablet while holding a scroll open]
Because I have traced all things from the start with accuracy.
[He runs his left hand slowly down the scroll's text, then stacks more writing tablets]
"To write them to you in logical order, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know fully the certainty of the things that you have been taught orally."
[As night falls, he dips his stylus into an inkwell and continues working. He pauses and looks up in deep thought, then turns back to his writing]
"In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the division of Abajah,
[Judea, about 3 BCE. Zechariah approaches his house]
His wife was from the daughters of Aaron.
[She sits on a bench outside]
and her name was Elizabeth.
[The couple exchanged smiles]
They both were righteous before God, walking blamelessly in accord with all the commandments and legal requirements of Jehovah.
[As he steps into the house, Elizabeth observes two women chatting. One holds a newborn baby. Elizabeth looks away with a weak smile. Zechariah appears in the doorway. His eyes shift from the women to his wife]
But they had no child. Because Elizabeth was barren.
[She picks up the basket in her lap and walks past him into the house. He nods at her reassuringly]
And they both were well along in years.
[He watches as the two women walk away, then looks down wistfully and follows Elizabeth inside. On a dusty road to Jerusalem, travellers pass each other. At the temple, two massive doors stand open, revealing the gold entrance of the Holy Sanctuary]
Now as he was serving as priest in the assignment of his division before God,
[Zechariah smooths the front of his white linen tunic and pats his turban. He anxiously exhales]
According to the established practice of the priesthood,
[ascending the steps, two priests follow him carrying incense and coals]
It became his turn to offer incense.
[Dressed all in white, they walk barefoot]
When he entered into the sanctuary of Jehovah.
[In the courtyard, people spread prayer mats on the ground]
And the entire multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of offering incense.
[With heads bowed, some pray kneeling while others stand. Inside the temple, Zechariah approaches a square altar with horns extending out from the top of each corner. Holding incense in his cupped hands, He breathes deeply then slowly sprinkles the incense on the burning coals of the altar. Smoke rises. Suddenly a bright light]
Jehovah's angel appeared to him standing at the right side of the incense altar.
[Zechariah falls back]
but Zechariah became troubled at the site, and He was overcome with fear
Angel: Do Don't be afraid, Zechariah, because your supplication has been favorably heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son. And you are to name him John. You will have joy and great gladness, and many will rejoice over his birth, for he will be great in the sight of Jehovah,
[Mouth agape he stares at the angel]
but he must drink no wine or any alcoholic drink at all and he will be filled with Holy Spirit even from before birth and he will turn back many of the sons of Israel to Jehovah their God.
[Flash forward to John baptizing in the Jordan River]
Also, he will go ahead of him, with Elijah's spirit and power, to turn back the hearts of fathers to children, and the disobedient ones to the practical wisdom of righteous ones, in order to get ready for Jehovah, a prepared people.
[The angel smiles warmly, Zechariah looks up, frowning]
Zechariah: How can I be sure of this for I'm old and my wife is well along in years
[The angel closes his eyes then shakes his head]
Angel Gabriel: I am Gabriel who stands near before God, and I was sent to speak with you
[Zechariah swallows hard]
and to declare this good news to you
[Gabriel's eyes narrow]
But look, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place. Because you did not believe my words.
[Zechariah puts his hand to his throat]
which will be fulfilled in their appointed time.
[Gabriel stares intensely at Zechariah, then vanishes. Stunned, Zechariah sits on the floor near the now smokeless altar. Touching his throat again, he looks around the sanctuary]
Presenter: Meanwhile, the people continued waiting for Zechariah, and they were surprised that he delayed so long in the sanctuary.
[In the courtyard, the crowd looks up from their prayers, exchanging questioning glances. They watch Zechariah exit the temple, followed by four priests. Walking slowly, he blinks nervously and fidgets with his hands. He stops at the edge of the steps, overlooking the crowd. The people look at each other, then up to Zechariah]
When he came out
[He struggles to speak, then takes a few panicked breaths]
He was unable to speak to them.
[His eyes dart around frantically, then widen. He swallows nervously]
And they perceived that he had just seen a supernatural sight in the sanctuary. He kept making signs to them but remained speechless.
[He gestures back to the temple, up to the sky, then to his mouth and throat. The crowd continues to stir, whispering among themselves]
When the days of his holy service were completed, he went off to his home
[Inside Zechariah and Elizabeth's stone house]
Some days later Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she kept herself secluded for five months
[He brings her a clay cup gesturing to the bowl and drying rag in her hand as he takes them from her, he warmly squeezes her hand. She walks toward the open front door while he dries the bowl. Sunlight streams on her face as she leans against the door with one hand on her growing belly. Grinning, she watches a mother interacting with her young son. Wearing a braided headband, the boy smiles and nods. Elizabeth looks down, cradling her pregnant belly with both hands. She looks back at the boy, her face full of wonderment]
Elizabeth: This is how Jehovah has dealt with me in these days

[Zechariah joins her at the door, resting his hand lovingly on her upper arm. She turns to look at him]
Elizabeth: He has turned his attention to me
[Now, both their eyes follow the mother and young son. The mother puts her arm around his shoulders as they walk away]
Elizabeth: To take away my reproach among men.
[Nodding Zechariah smiles gently. The expectant parents look down at her growing belly, then back at each other. She closes her eyes as he tenderly kisses her forehead]
Presenter: In her sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee
[In a field sheep feed on grass guided by their shepherd]
named Nazareth.
[Mud brick houses sit on the hillside above. In the city, a family walks up a narrow dirt street]
to a virgin, promised in marriage to a man named Joseph, of David's house.
[In the front of the group, two young women walk arm in arm, one with a white shawl covering her head. As the family enters the synagogue, they greet fellow worshipers. Making their way to stone benches along the room's perimeter, they sit between two large pillars. In between, her parents and sister sit the young woman with the white shawl]
And the name of the virgin was Mary.
[With attentive brown eyes and a soft smile, she looks toward the speaker stand. Later, Mary walks with her mother and sister down a busy street. All three carry water jars, Mary's on her shoulder. They smile at people as they pass by. Mary's mother stops to chat with a friend, kissing her on both cheeks. Mary nods to her sister, then keeps walking. She enters a house alone and shuts the door behind her, blocking out the daylight. Lowering her water jar, she walks past a shelf with clay dishes and an oil lamp. She sets down the water jar on the floor near a basket. A warm glow behind her brightens the room. She turns, startled]
Angel Gabriel: Greetings, you highly favored one.
[Gabriel faces her]
Jehovah is with you.
[Covering her hair with her shawl, she falls to her knees]
Presenter: But she was deeply disturbed at his words and tried to understand what kind of greeting this might be.
[He sits on a stool]
Angel Gabriel: Do not be afraid Mary,
[and holds out a calming hand]
for you have found favor with God.
[She looks back and forth from Him to the floor]
and look, you will become pregnant, and give birth to a son, and you are to name him, Jesus.
[Brow furrowed, she looks up at him with wide, questioning eyes]
This one will be great and will be called Son of the Most High and Jehovah God will give him the throne of David his father and he will rule as King over the house of Jacob forever and there will be no end to his kingdom.
[His gaze remains kind and steady. She leans forward]
Mary: How is this to be? Since... I'm not having sexual relations with a man.
[He warmly nods]
Angel Gabriel: Holy Spirit will come upon you and power of the Most High will overshadow you. And for that reason, the one who was born will be called Holy. God's Son.
[His face lights up with a wide smile]
and look Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age and this is the six month for her, the so-called barren woman
[Mary smiles joyfully]
for no declaration will be impossible for God
Mary: Look, Jehovah's slave girl, may it happen to me according to your declaration.
[With eyes full of tears, she bows low. Gabriel leans back with a pleased expression. The light disappears, then Mary sits up. She looks around the empty room]
Presenter: At that the angel departed from her
[Awestruck, Mary removes her head covering. She glances toward the door then lets out a deep breath. Sitting motionless with her hands in her lap her eyes scan the room in front of her the stool sits empty. Outside, sunlight shines on the front of Mary's house. In the street, her mother and sister continue chatting with their friend. The sun shines on a grassy field with purple flowers. At the edge of the city, Mary hugs her parent’s goodbye while holding the tether of a loaded donkey]
So, Mary set out in those days and travelled with haste into the mountainous country to a city of Judah.
[Leading the donkey, she joins a small group of fellow travellers. The sky above a green, hilly countryside turns from daylight to dusk. Nighttime, the group of travellers gather around two campfires. Leaning against a tree, Mary sits near a young couple with the baby. Mary watches as the father gently hands the child to its mother. Cradling it in her arms, she tenderly rocks her baby. With a slight smile, Mary looks away. Breathing deeply, she gazes up at the sky. Countless stars twinkle above a silhouette of treetops. At home, Elizabeth sits near a loom, sewing]
And she entered the home of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
Mary: Hello
Presenter: Well, as Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the infant in her womb leaped.
[Elizabeth grasps her belly and then her chair]
And Elizabeth was filled with holy spirit.
[Mary watches from the doorway as Elizabeth's eyes open wide. As Mary removes her head covering, Elizabeth stands excitedly]
Elizabeth: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruitage of your womb.
[Mary looks down with one hand flat on her stomach. Beaming, Elizabeth hurries to Mary and eagerly draws her into the room]
So how is it that this privilege is mine? To have the mother of my lord come to me.
[She cups Mary's face in her hands, kisses her on both cheeks, and hugs her tightly. Releasing her, she clasps Mary's arms]
For look as the sound of your greeting reached my ears. The infant in my womb leaped for joy.
[Astonished, they look at each other]
Happy too, is she who believed.
[Elizabeth affectionately pinches Mary's chin]
For there will be a complete fulfillment of those things spoken to her from Jehovah.
[With big smiles, they embrace again. Stepping back, Elizabeth stretches out Mary's arms to each side. They admire each other, laughing, with one arm around her shoulder Elizabeth guides Mary out of the room]
Mary: My soul magnifies Jehovah, and my spirit cannot keep from being overjoyed at God, my Saviour.
[Later, on the flat rooftop]
Because he has looked upon the low position of his slave girl.
[Sitting on a bench holding clay cups, Mary and Elizabeth sit side by side. Mary turns to her]
For look from now on all generations will declare me happy because the powerful one has done great deeds for me and holy is his name and for generation after generation his mercy is upon those who fear him. He has acted mightily with his arm, he has scattered those who are haughty in the intention of their hearts, he has brought down powerful men from thrones, and has exalted lonely ones.
[Elizabeth swallows and nods teary-eyed]
He has fully satisfied hungry ones, with good things, and to send away empty-handed those who had wealth.
[Mary looks ahead, lost in thought. Elizabeth gazes at her profile]
He has come to the aid of Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, just as he spoke, to our forefathers, to Abraham and to his offspring, forever.
[Elizabeth smooths Mary's hair away from her face, then draws her close to her side with one arm. She nuzzles and kisses Mary's temple]
Presenter: Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her own home.
[Nighttime at Zechariah's house]
The time now came for Elizabeth to give birth.
[A woman in a pink head covering cradles a newborn baby]
And she gave birth to a son.
[The woman places the baby into Elizabeth's outstretched arms as three other women look on. The new mother cries tears of joy as she cuddles her little son. She kisses his tiny hand as she wraps a yellow blanket more tightly around him. One woman fights back tears with a hand held to her heart. Another woman stands behind Elizabeth rubbing her shoulders]
And the neighbors and her relatives heard that Jehovah had magnified his mercy to her.
[Surrounded by the four women, Elizabeth kisses her baby]
And they rejoiced with her.
[Daytime, Zechariah wearing a mustard yellow turban greets two men as they arrive at his home]
On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the young child.
[Wearing a light blue head covering and holding her son, Elizabeth observes a room full of her guests. She sits on a stool, smiling as the baby sleeps. Her smile fades as she overhears a conversation between a man and woman near her]
And they were going to name him after his father, Zechariah.
Elizabeth: No. But he will be called John.
Woman: Not one of your relatives is called by this name.
[Elizabeth glares at the woman, then the man]
Presenter: Then they asked his father by signs what he wanted him to be called.
[Zechariah purses his lips, then gestures to the man nearest him]
So, he asked for a tablet.
[With his hands, he mimics writing on a tablet. He receives one, opens it, and begins riding with a stylus. The man and woman crane their necks toward Zechariah. All eyes watch expectantly]
and wrote, ‘John is his name.’
[He shows the tablet to the room]
At this, they were all amazed.
[A young woman with curly hair widens her eyes. Smiling, three men nod, Zechariah sets down the tablet and puts one hand to his throat]
Instantly, his mouth was opened.
[He starts to speak. Elizabeth turns to him]
And his tongue was set free.
Man: John.
[Zachariah stands]
Presenter: And he began to speak.
Zechariah: John is his name.
Presenter: Praising God.
Zechariah: Praise Jehovah.
[Facing Elizabeth, He grasps her hand. Crouching down, he wraps his arms around her and John. The young woman with curly hair observes them. Hurrying outside, she runs toward a group of three women and points back to the house]
Presenter: And fear fell upon all those living in their neighborhood. She hastens to another group of women. And all these things began to be talked about in the whole mountainous country of Judea.
[Night falls on Zechariah's house]
and all who heard noticed it in their hearts saying what will this young child turn out to be for the hand of Jehovah was indeed with him
[Baby John looks up at his mother as she rocks him. She smiles at her husband as he looks over the crowded room. People sit, stand and chat in small groups]
then Zechariah, his father, was filled with Holy Spirit.
[With a jolt, Zechariah's brow furrows, his eyes widen. He steps forward, holding the front edges of his tunic, standing tall]
And he prophesied.
Zechariah: Let Jehovah be praised.
[His guests turned to him]
The God of Israel, because he has turned his attention to his people and has brought them deliverance.
[Three men listen attentively]
And he has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David, his servant. Just as he had spoken through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old.
[One woman nods in agreement]
Of a salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all those hating us to show mercy in connection with our forefathers and to call to mind his holy covenant, the oath, that he swore to Abraham, our forefather, to grant us. After we have been rescued from the hands of enemies, the privilege, of fearlessly rendering sacred service to him with loyalty and righteousness before him all our days.
[The young woman with curly hair smiles, gently nodding. Zechariah's face beams as he turns to Elizabeth sitting on his right. He slowly walks to her and holds out his arms. She gently hands him the baby wrapped in a blanket. Cradling his son, Zechariah looks down at him with a tender smile]
But as for you, young child, you will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will Go ahead of Jehovah to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by forgiveness of their sins because of the tender compassion of our God.
[His gaze shifts from his son back to his guests]
With this compassion a daybreak will visit us from on high to give light to those sitting in darkness and death shadow and to guide our feet in the way of peace.
[His eyes return to his newborn son. Elizabeth stands as Zechariah faces her. She rests both hands on his arms, their baby between them. Their guests observe them, then talk amongst themselves. The new parents exchange reassuring looks]
Presenter: And the young child grew up and became strong in spirit. And He continued in the desert until the day he showed himself openly to Israel.
[Still holding his baby son, Zechariah gives him a kiss on the forehead. Nighttime at Mary's house]
But this is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. During the time his mother Mary was promised in marriage to Joseph. She was found to be pregnant by Holy Spirit before they were united.
[Mary's eyes plead with Joseph as he stares at her in disbelief. Her parents watch from the next room]
However, because her husband Joseph was righteous and did not want to make her a public spectacle,
[looking down he shakes his head then walks away]
He intended to divorce her secretly.
[Mary stares after him, lips quivering, her eyes welling up with tears. Her gaze falls as the door closes behind him. At home, Joseph sits on a woven mat on the floor, his hands resting on one knee. Three oil lamps light the room. With wrinkled brow, he stares ahead pensively. He lies down, pulling a blanket over him]
But after he had thought these things over, look.
[An oil lamp flickers]
Jehovah's angel appeared to him in a dream.
Angel: Joseph
[Joseph frowns in his sleep]
Joseph, son of David.
[He dreams fitfully, clutching the blanket]
Do not be afraid to take your wife, Mary, home.
[In Mary's home, she lies awake]
For what has been conceived in her is by Holy Spirit.
[She sits up]
She will give birth to a son.
[Then rests her chin on her knees]
And you are to name him Jesus.
[Back to Joseph]
For he will save his people from their sins.
[His eyes blink open and widen bright with tears. He sits up suddenly at first in a daze. He looks around him, then breathes a heavy sigh of relief]
Presenter: All of this actually came about to fulfil what was spoken by Jehovah through his prophet
[Mary steps outside her front door]
saying ‘look! The virgin will become pregnant and will give birth to a son.’
[Wrapped in a blue shawl, she folds her arms around herself, leaning her back against the stone house she looks up at the night sky]
And they will name him Emmanuel.
[The stars twinkle above the flat rooftops]
which means when translated, ‘With us is God.’
[Daytime in Mary's house, using mortars and pestles, Mary, her mother and sister sit on the floor. Mary's hands lie still as the other two sneak glances at her]
Then, Joseph woke up from his sleep.
[She looks up to see Joseph speaking with her father outside]
And did as the angel of Jehovah had directed him.
[As Joseph turns to enter the house, Mary covers her head with her shawl. Pausing in the doorway, he locks his eyes on Mary. Stepping inside, he crutches down beside her and holds out his hand. She looks from his outstretched hand into his imploring eyes. Smiling softly, she slowly gives him her right hand. He encloses it tenderly in both of his. As she nods at him reassuringly, his face relaxes, his eyes twinkling with joy. Outside the house, Mary hugs and kisses her mother, then her sister. Mary's father and Joseph embrace. With a parting smile, the young couple turn to leave. They stroll side by side down the street]
and he took his wife home
[Sunlight shines on their faces as Joseph glances admiringly at Mary walking beside him]
But he did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son, and he named him Jesus.
[Over a grassy slope with scattered trees, the sun hangs low in a pink and orange sky. Text: To be continued]
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