After last week’s episode of The Bible, which lightly brushed over the huge story of King David, I had my doubts if this series was going to really have any kind of an impact in the Christian community–other than the controversy that “it’s leaving so much out!” I’m so happy to say that after viewing last night’s episode, I really feel that the producers of this series have done an excellent job in connecting the Old Testament to Jesus, the Messiah.
Last night’s episode took us through the stories of Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar. The captivity of the Jews in Babylon after their temple was destroyed. Daniel became close to Nebuchadnezzar, as an interpreter of dreams. When the king orders the Jews to bow down before a huge golden statue in his image, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, friends of Daniel’s, refuse to worship anyone but God. They are thrown into a fire, but call upon the Lord to save them. As most of us know, the Lord does protect them and they exit the fire unharmed.
Persia takes over Babylon, and Daniel befriends King Cyrus. He remains faithful to God and even though prayer is forbidden for a month, Daniel prays. His punishment is death. When Cyrus throws him to the lions, Daniel calls to God to save him. Again, the Lord shows up! Daniel is not harmed!
As the Jews leave Babylon and return home, Daniel looks out to the masses and tells one of his friends that he had a dream that a “great beast” would devour the earth, but the Son of God would save it, and bring peace.
We jump about 500 years to a time when Rome was ruling the land of Judah. We are also introduced to the cruel but widely used Roman punishment, crucifixion.
Mary and Joseph are betrothed. But before they were married, Mary receives the message from the Angel Gabriel that she has been chosen to be the mother of God’s Son. This throws Joseph into confusion and doubt. Just before Mary was to be stoned for being pregnant and unwed, Joseph comes to her rescue after receiving a heavenly message that Mary was indeed pregnant with God’s Son.
Jesus is baptized. John the Baptist is arrested after he baptizes Jesus. He is mistakenly thought to be the Messiah who will free the Jews, but tells his captors he is not the Messiah, but the Messiah is here!
Before Jesus’ ministry begins, He spends 40 days in the desert. He is tempted by Satan, but in these temptations Jesus sees a glimpse of what will become of Him if He should follow through with God’s plan. He sees a crown of thorns placed on his head and a nail hammered into his hand… Jesus rebukes Satan and begins his ministry.
The last part of episode three, is when Jesus asks Simon Peter to leave his current life as a fisherman, to be a “Catcher of men”.
When Peter asks Jesus what is it that He plans to do, Jesus responds, “Change the world!”
It’s one thing to tell Bible stories. But we know the Bible is so much more than just stories of iconic heroes who God has chosen for a specific task. The Bible is a book that gives us an understanding of God’s character. It’s a book that needs to be learned as a whole, not just in pieces, like a book a fairy tales. There are connections between the books of The Bible, and I think the producers of this miniseries are on the right track, showing that ultimately man, even when given many second chances through God’s mercy, needed a Savior. A perfect sacrifice, that would forever mend the broken relationship between God and His most beloved creation, man. Of course we know Jesus is that Savior. Our Savior.
If you’ve been talked out of watching The Bible, because you’ve heard it leaves out characters or events that are significant, I still encourage you to watch it for yourself. Honestly, producing a 10 hour show that attempts to tell the whole story of man’s fall and ultimate redemption through Jesus, covering over 1000 years, it must be an almost impossible task! But I for one have really enjoyed the journey that The Bible miniseries has taken us on!
Lisa Strnad is a weekly contributing writer/blogger to What’s in the Bible? and Jelly Telly. She has been a homeschooling mom of two, who works independently in Christian media in the areas of writing, promotions and marketing. She lives with her husband and children in Nashville,TN. Follow her personal blog posts on Talking Like A Girl.
