This episode begins with two younger men, a businessman and his apprentice, seeking to persuade an older man to sell his land to them. The older man is reluctant, but the businessman is persistent. The apprentice speaks up at a crucial moment in the negotiation.
Jesus's disciples at their camp are sawing wood, exercising, and studying. We learn that Jesus and Matthew have been working together on Jesus's upcoming sermon, and that Jesus sent Little James, Thaddaeus, and Nathanael ahead to find the location for this sermon, which will be for multitudes. Simon the Zealot is concerned with providing security on all 4 points of the compass. He wonders what to do about hecklers. Philip says that John the Baptizer used to heckle the hecklers. The other Simon observes that Jesus knows how to handle the religious leaders. All the disciples want to do their best to help Jesus deliver His sermon.
Wanting to do their best for Jesus.
In one tent Ramah reads out loud Psalm 139:15-16 to Mary Magdalene, who is writing multiple invitations to the sermon, which will soon be posted or handed out. Mary herself has been working on memorizing that whole psalm to strengthen her faith.
Preparing sermon invitations.
Studying Scripture.
In another tent Tamar the Ethiopian asks Mother Mary if they all have to learn how to read, being quick to say she is willing to learn if that's what it takes and that she is very grateful for being welcomed to stay. Mary says no and that they're happy to have her with them. Thomas calls out that he has apricots for them to enjoy. They come out and thank him. Thomas asks Tamar if she know if Ramah is coming out soon. Tamar says that she seems intent in her studies and that Mary is busy finishing the invitations--and also crying sometimes. Thomas tells Tamar that Mary went through a bad time recently. Noticing the men arguing in the distance, Tamar asks, "And what about them?" Thomas shrugs and says, "In the most generous explanation, I'd call that love. They all love our Rabbi and want to follow Him in the right way. They just can't agree on what that right way is."
In a bar the businessman and his apprentice discuss what we learn was a successful sale. "It was perfection!" boasts the businessman. "You played your part so well! My look of annoyance was the best I've ever given." The old landowner mentioned the possibility of valuable minerals under his property, and the apprentice acknowledged the possibility of salt without giving anything away. The businessman therefore offered a little more money that sealed the deal, making them look like good guys "while buying a salt mine for the price of a country plot." The apprentice, however, is gloomy and obviously feeling guilty. He says, "Everyone, even Caesar, is enjoying illusions of power and wealth. Sooner or later we all become dust." The businessman first criticizes the younger man's gloom, but then takes a different approach, saying, "Hey, I'm not oblivious, but we have so few opportunities to get ahead in this world." "Opportunities?" counters the apprentice. "It was a calculated deception, and it didn't feel good." The businessman decides to use religion to justify their money-loving actions: "We used what God gave us! Now we'll have greater choices, live better lives. More devotion!" The apprentice says, "What I need is a life I can be proud of! Don't you want to do something that will really matter and be remembered throughout history?" The businessman says, "I appreciate your ambition and I see potential in you every day. Here's an advance. Let's take weeks off and rest, go for walks, do something new, hmm?" The apprentice picks up the bag of coins with a smile, saying, "Really?" The businessman says, "Sure. You're the one that said there's more to life than making money." The apprentice thanks him.
Little James, Nathanael, and Thaddaeus are walking in the hills above the Sea of Galilee, looking for an area Jesus requested that is accessible to crowds within a day's walk of the main cities and with a view of the sea so the elevation is optimal for His voice to carry. It also has to have a good area with trees where He and His disciples can camp the night before. When they see what appears to be the perfect location, they encounter resistance in gaining a friendly hearing, but that doesn't stop them.
Rabbis Shmuel and Yanni are seated before Rabbi Shammai, representative of the strictest interpreters of Jewish law. They claim to have told him everything known about Jesus established by eyewitnesses. Shammai laughs so Shmuel adds nervously, "We can't prove this to be the same person, but the pattern is too striking to ignore." Shammai surprises them with his malice toward his philosophical rivals (especially Hillel and Shimon, mentioned in Season 2, Episode 5 and Episode 6), for he says, "It doesn't need to be the same person. That's what's so wonderful! I will have Shimon dragged for this!" Yanni says, "To be fair, it was Shimon's secretary who called the charges minutiae, not Shimon himself." Shammai counters, "Secretaries don't put words in their Rabbi's mouth. It's the other way around. Minutia--my congregation and students will foam at the mouth when they hear this! Make a written record of your conversation with Shimon's secretary, every word, and file it with the clerk of the special council for false prophecy at the Archive. It must be signed and dated by a ranking Levite." Shmuel inquires, "Why all the exactitude?" Shammai answers, "When this Jesus of Nazareth amasses enough followers and detractors, it will get Rome's attention. Then everyone will know that Shimon was well aware of these offenses and dismissed them. His obsession with reforming God's immutable Law will be exposed for the lazy, negligent, dangerous abomination it is!" Shmuel adds, "Not just Shimon. We opened a case with the Sanhedrin, and Nicodemus dismissed it as immaterial." Shammai says spitefully, "Nicodemus! I've long suspected the lamps were going dim in that house." Shmuel expresses mild disapproval at that insult of his former mentor, but Yanni shushes him. Shammai tells them to spread the word to every Pharisee, Sadducee, Essene, Priest, Scribe, and Teacher they know that Jesus of Nazareth: 1. Identifies Himself using a divine title from the prophet Daniel, the Son of Man; 2. Claims the authority to forgive sins; 3. Violates Shabbat on multiple occasions, and commands others to do so; 4. Eats with tax collectors and other sinners. Those are the facts. Now Shammai wants to hear speculation. He is shocked to learn that some of Jesus's disciples were students of John the Baptizer, whom Shammai considers a freak he is glad to be rid of, and maybe once connected with the Zealots. He wants all these things he considers negative to be spread far and wide with the ultimate goal of bringing down his philosophical rivals, and elevating himself. Now it is Yanni and Shmuel who are shocked. Shmuel states, "Respectfully, we didn't come here to influence schools of thought. We came looking for someone who would care that a false prophet is deceiving our people." Shammai cuts him off, saying, "If that was your intent, you have succeeded. Everything you shared with me will make an appearance in my next Shabbat sermon." Yanni and Shmuel look troubled.
Jesus and Matthew are working on a very different kind of sermon, the Sermon on the Mount, section by section. Jesus invites Matthew to rise from the rock where he has the parchments containing Jesus's sermon notes. They both observe the disciples leaving the camp to spread the word about the upcoming sermon with the notices Mary prepared. Matthew says, "I hope they find a way to work together. They can't seem to agree on a single thing lately." Jesus tells Matthew He has noticed and it is not desirable, but adds, "In some ways it's to be expected when you start something that's open to all people, including Zealots and tax collectors. People who have been through tough times, people who are both hesitant and skeptical as well as bold and confident. People hungry to learn as well as those learned and knowledgeable." As Jesus and Matthew get back to work, Jesus asks His secretary what section stands out most to him. Matthew answers immediately, "Do not be anxious about your life." Then Jesus asks if there are any sections that concern him, encouraging him to be honest, saying, "You know I won't be offended." Matthew is concerned that when doing the math of the good news and the bad, there's not a lot of good news. He gives a few examples: teaching on lust and adultery, giving to enemies, bad trees cut down, the gate to life is narrow, "Depart from Me; I never knew you." Matthew concludes, "Do you realize how heavily laden Your sermon is with these kinds of ominous pronouncements?" Jesus says, "It's a manifesto, Matthew. I'm not here to be sentimental and soothing. I'm here to start a revolution." Matthew counters that loving one's enemies doesn't sound like war. Jesus clarifies that He is not talking about revolt: "I'm talking about a radical shift. Did you think I was just going to come here and say, 'Hey everyone, just keep doing what you've been doing the last thousand years since it's been going so great?" They then discuss how the sermon opens. Jesus thinks it needs an introduction that serves as an invitation into what is a complex and at times challenging set of teachings. Matthew doesn't understand what "you are the salt of the earth" means. Jesus explains, "Salt preserves from corruption; it slows decay. I want My followers to be people who hold back the evil over the world. Salt also enhances the flavor of things. I want My followers to renew the world and be part of its redemption. Salt can also be used for maladies. I want My people to participate in the healing of the world, not its destruction." Matthew wonders why He doesn't just say that. Jesus chuckles and says, "Allow Me a little poetry, huh? These things will make sense to some, but not to others. I don't want passive followers. Those who are truly committed will peer deeply into it, looking for Truth."
Little James, Thaddaeus, and Nathanael are seated in a bar with the owner of the property where they want to have the sermon, but the unfriendly owner says he came only for the free drink. Overhearing their conversation is the businessman, seated with his apprentice, who says, "What about product association? If Jesus is as important as they say, and the sermon is as significant as they are predicting, think of all those pilgrims who see Him as more than a teacher. How many did you say, hundreds or maybe thousands?" Nathanael says they expect multitudes and confirms Jesus's miraculous healings. The apprentice speaks up: "Thousands of people having life-changing experiences on your land. They could see miracles." The businessman asks, "What happens when those pilgrims go to market for supplies? They will associate your products with the feelings they had on that day." Little James, following this line of thinking, adds, "Your milk, your cheese, your wool!" The owner follows along as well and agrees. Nathanael promises to leave the property better than they found it. After the owner leaves, Thaddaeus turns to thank the businessmen who helped them, but they are gone.
The businessman is walking swiftly with his apprentice, telling him, "You see, life is negotiation! Opportunities are staring us in the face. The only difference between us and most people is that we have the tools to take advantage." The apprentice happily agrees, but knowing that could change again, the businessman says more: "Like you, I think life is more than just money and titles. What would be really interesting is to see this Preacher in person. I've been hearing about Him." The apprentice says he is glad to hear him say that so they both determine to hear the sermon.
Nathanael is back at the sermon site, directing some of the disciples on simple staging plans. Other disciples are passing out or posting more notices, some adding a personal touch by seeking out and talking with people. Those people, in turn, join the disciples in spreading the word about the upcoming sermon. When the disciples meet back at camp, they speculate on what will happen: will no one show up, will everyone show up, will Jesus be there? Some are upset that Jesus has been away with Matthew preparing from early light until dark, so they haven't seen Him in a week. Mary Magdalene says, "I think He's just trying to get it right." Ramah wonders out loud, "Can He get anything wrong?" Mary explains she means getting it right for the people. Thomas explodes, "What if we have all been misled?" Ramah reminds him of the wine Jesus miraculously provided at the wedding in Cana (Season 1, Episode 5). Thomas quickly apologizes for being nervous. Simon observes they are all tired and says they should rest since they need to join the others at the sermon site next morning.
Jesus awakens Matthew because He has decided how He wants to open the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus describes this introduction as a map or directions of where people should look to find Him. He looks out over His disciples' camp and says this while Matthew takes dictation:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven." (He pictures Nathanael, when he was weeping under the fig tree in Season 2, Episode 2.)
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (He pictures Andrew, as he was being comforted by Simon after hearing of John the Baptizer's arrest in Season 2, Episode 6.)
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." (He pictures Little James and Thaddaeus cheerfully doing humble work at the camp.)
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." (He pictures Himself with James and John when nicknaming them the Sons of Thunder in Season 2, Episode 1.)
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." (He pictures Mother Mary and Ramah draping Mary Magdalene's hair with dignity when she returned in Season 2, Episode 6.)
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (He pictures Thomas and Ramah when they stayed faithful to Him instead of going back home in Season 2, Episode 1.)
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God." (He pictures Philip with a pleasant and reasonable demeanor as he stands between the two Simons as they argue, his arms stretched out wide between them.)
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness's sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven." (He pictures John the Baptizer as he submits peacefully to arrest by Roman soldiers.)
"Blessed are you with others revile you and persecute you, and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven." (He turns to face Matthew, the ex-tax collector now serving as His secretary.)
Matthew smiles and says yes in approval, but wants to know in what way this is a map. Jesus answers, "If someone wants to find Me, those are the groups they should look for." His introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, later called the Beatitudes, is followed by "you are the salt of the earth."
In the morning multitudes approach the sermon location. Jesus is behind the staging area, reciting His teaching privately while pacing. His mother, Mary Magdalene, Ramah, and Tamar have colored sashes to show Him, hoping He will pick one so His humble clothing doesn't make Him blend into the rocks from the perspective of those seeing Him from afar. Jesus says, "I know what the prophecy says about My appearance" (no special beauty according to Isaiah 53), but He submits with patience as they present these suggestions: blue as a symbol of peace, red representing sacrifice and love, purple symbolizing royalty, and gold representing light. Jesus remarks, "I can't tell you how little I care about how I look," and then asks His mother and the other women what they think. Two choose purple and two recommend blue. Tamar says that blue is a calming color that softens His hard edges. "I have hard edges?" asks Jesus. "You've been known to say hard things," explains Mary Magdalene. Jesus chuckles and says, "Just wait!"
Andrew says nervously to Simon that Thomas estimates about 3,000 people are there so far. Simon guesses there will be 4,000 by the time they start. One special person surprising Simon is his wife, Eden (whom we last saw in Season 1, Episode 8). Jesus, seeing Eden arrive, calls her over to break the tie on what color sash, and also to introduce her to the other ladies.
The businessman says to his apprentice as they survey the crowds walking by, "This is even bigger that I thought!" The apprentice is not surprised, saying, "I had a feeling. I want to see Him and find a place where I can hear Him." The businessman walks off to try to use his powers of persuasion to find them a good spot, encouraging his apprentice to look for the men they helped to secure the sermon location. The apprentice wanders with a big grin on his face, saying, "This is amazing!" He sees an older man with a blind woman walking in a different direction from the crowd and asks if they know where he should stand to hear the Teacher. The blind woman tells the apprentice, "They say He could be the One" (a messianic prophecy from Moses). The older man tells him they will not miss a word and that he could do a lot worse than follow them. That is true because this man and woman are Barnaby and Shula, beloved friends of Jesus and His early disciples from Season 1. The apprentice thanks them for their kindness and follows them as they walk toward their friends.
The Romans Gaius and Atticus are in the crowd, observing Simon the Zealot and John providing crowd control by requesting 5 cubits of distance before the front of the staging area. A man pretending to be a troublemaker gives John a big hug: it is his father, Zebedee, standing by John's mother, Salome. John teases back, saying, "No heckling, you two!"
Many different types of people come to listen to Jesus.
Jesus's mother is quietly draping the blue sash around her Son. Jesus asks what she is thinking about. Mary tells Him she is sorry that Joseph, Jesus's adoptive father, is not alive to witness all that Jesus is doing now. Jesus tells her He misses him too, but is glad she is with Him. Mary tells Jesus she is proud of Him, but He humbly suggest waiting on saying that until seeing how the sermon goes. She asserts, "Whatever You say will be beautiful." He says quietly, "It is pretty good actually." They hold hands, sharing a laugh and a few tears. Simon approaches and says, "Master, it's time."
Simon says it's time.
Barnaby and Shula say hello and are warmly greeted by their friends. The apprentice is still following them, somewhat shyly. Nathanael recognizes him as the man from the public house and makes him feel welcome, encouraging him to stick around. He introduces him to Simon, saying, "This is the man who got us the Mount and the pasture, convincing the landowner it was worth his while!" The apprentice introduces himself as Judas. Simon commends Judas for the good work, and then approaches Jesus again, saying, "Shall we?" Jesus slowly but with a determined stride walks past His disciples, locking warm eyes with each one momentarily. As He steps out to address the multitudes, they sit down to listen to Him. He smiles.
Season 2 ends with the song that concluded Season 1, but adds to it:
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Throw Me like a stone in the water; watch the mud rise up. Dress Me like a Lamb for the slaughter, pour Me in Your Cup. Should have known we’d bring trouble—trouble gonna find you here. Yeah, trouble.
I was one way when You found me, I was not the one you see, and the only thing that happened was this Stranger in between. You can say your eyes are open, you might think your hands are clean, till the wind blows in and the dirt kicks up in ways you've never seen. Yeah, trouble. Yeah, trouble. Use me till I'm scraping the bottom; make my well run dry. Shake them coins; I know where you've got 'em. Kiss me, kiss me, bye. Should have known we’d bring trouble—trouble gonna find you here. Yeah, trouble. Trouble ain't bad if bad is good. I said trouble ain't bad if bad is good. Oh you'd make a little trouble if you understood. You know, trouble ain't bad if bad is good. Trouble, trouble, trouble's gonna find me here. Yeah, trouble.
🎵
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