Plot Synopsis

Based on the book by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard. Supposedly born during an auspicious astronomical event, Jesus of Nazareth was targeted from infancy. King Herod the Great, the ruler of Israel appointed by Caesar Augustus in Rome, sends mercenaries to hunt down all male infants under the age of 2, haunted by the belief that his throne will one day be usurped by a prophesied messiah, a "King of the Jews" born during this celestial alignment -- but a young Jesus and his family have already escaped. Moving 26 years into the future, Jesus starts to spread his message and begins to amass a following of devout believers. At the same time, new political players, including Herod's son Antipas and Roman-appointed ruler Pontius Pilate, find themselves troubled by the growing influence of Jesus, while leaders in the Jewish Temple, Caiaphas and Annas, question his teachings and methods. Through collusion, conspiracy and influence, Jesus is eventually arrested, in part due to the betrayal of one of his disciples, and crucified. He is buried in an unguarded tomb, and when mourners return several days later to anoint his body, the body is missing. For a more in-depth look about the subject matter, check out this immersive web site created specially for the film: http://killingjesus.nationalgeographic.com/