Watch Jesus: Rise to Power

Jesus: Rise to Power is a one-hour documentary that explores the historical and political context in which Jesus of Nazareth rose to prominence. Produced by National Geographic in 2013, the show combines interviews with academics and experts, as well as dramatizations of significant events in Jesus' life. Rather than focusing on his teachings or miracles, the documentary examines the social dynamics that made his message so powerful.

The documentary begins by setting the scene in 1st century Judea, a province of the Roman Empire. The program explains how the Jews had been subjugated by the Romans, who treated them with contempt and taxed them heavily. In this context, various groups emerged among the Jewish people, each with different ideas about how to respond to Roman rule. This tension provides the backdrop for the political upheaval that Jesus would become a part of.

The program then turns to Jesus' childhood and early adulthood, exploring what little is known about his life before he began his public ministry. Experts speculate about the political and cultural milieu that he would have grown up in, and the role that his family and community would have played in shaping his worldview. Through dramatizations, the viewer sees Jesus' decision to become a preacher and the impact it had on his family.

The documentary then moves on to Jesus' public ministry, detailing the various teachings and sermons that he delivered. At this point, the focus of the documentary shifts from Jesus himself to the reactions of those around him. The program argues that Jesus' message of love, forgiveness, and equality was especially appealing to the poor, who had been marginalized by the Roman and Jewish authorities. The program suggests that Jesus' popularity was due in no small part to his ability to tap into this sense of grievance and offer a message of hope.

As Jesus' message spread, he attracted some powerful enemies. The documentary explores the role that members of the Jewish ruling class played in silencing Jesus, discussing how his radical teachings threatened their own power and authority. The program explains the complex interplay of different factions within Judaism, as well as the ways in which the Romans became involved in the conflict. With the benefit of hindsight, it's clear that Jesus' execution was an important turning point, both for Christianity and for the wider world.

The documentary concludes by examining the ways in which Christianity grew and developed in the wake of Jesus' death. It explores the role of the apostles in spreading his message, as well as the different interpretations that emerged over time. The program argues that Jesus' message of social justice and compassion helped to shape the course of human history, inspiring people in different eras and contexts to work for a better world.

Overall, Jesus: Rise to Power is a fascinating exploration of the historical and cultural context in which Jesus became such a powerful figure. Through its blend of expert interviews and dramatizations, the program offers an engaging and informative look at the events that shaped the course of human history. The documentary is especially interesting for those interested in the social dynamics of the ancient world, offering a glimpse into the complexities of religion, politics, and power in the time of Jesus.