Discovery Channel - Who Was Jesus? (2009)

Explore the life of Jesus, a revolutionary born amidst oppression, whose message of love led to his execution. Through the insights of historians and theologians, uncover the struggles of his disciples as they risked everything to share his enduring legacy of hope. Using the latest scientific, geological and historical research, this groundbreaking series tells the story of the birth, life, death and immediate legacy of Jesus.
Jesus. No matter what your belief system, simply the name conjures instant recognition of the influence of one man on the course of history. But who was Jesus? What was his childhood like? What was his message and mission? "Who Was Jesus?" is the story of what it was like to be Jesus: to be born into tyranny and executed for preaching harmony, love and forgiveness to one's own warring people. It's also the story of his disciples–his resolute followers–who risked death by carrying Jesus' message of salvation.
Viewers will witness what it was like to be born during a tyranny, and learn about the cruel times that inspired a message of hope in a young boy. They will also find out how he became a charismatic leader with thousands of followers and why he was executed. Historians, archaeologists and theologians will examine any array of evidence and will dig deep into Jesus' life.
Three expert guides–a historian, archaeologist and theologian examine the evidence and paint an unprecedented contextual picture of the times in which Jesus lived. Journey through the Holy Land as they examine the latest archaeological and historical evidence of Jesus' life from birth to adult. Walk in the footsteps of Jesus through his life-changing meeting with John the Baptist, his ministry on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, to his fateful entry into Jerusalem.
What were the historical events and details leading up to Jesus' crucifixion? Will these recent findings force us to redraw history? This extraordinary narrative is brought to life through dramatic re-enactment, computer-generated imagery, expert testimony, current archaeological excavation and theological analysis. "Who Was Jesus?" presents evidence that challenges us to take a closer look at the realities surrounding the greatest story ever told.

Series Produced & Directed by Alex Marengo ; Produced by Renegade Pictures (UK) Ltd in association with Discovery Channel

Part 1: Childhood
The dramatic reality of the Age of Jesus. A journey through the Holy Land with three expert guides who investigate the latest archaeological and historical evidence to put together a portrait of the early years of Jesus and the forces that shaped his life. In the three-part documentary "Who was Jesus?" three scientists search for new details about Jesus' childhood, his messages and his death. What is true about the Christmas story? Was Jesus really born in Bethlehem or is it just in the Bible to do justice to the Jewish prophecy? An archaeologist and two religious scholars travel to the Holy Land to conduct research on site. Interviews, archaeological finds and investigations at original locations shed new light on well-known Bible stories. The greatest story ever told. . . . is an incomplete story. The gospels record the teachings of Jesus and the wonders of his ministry, but they leave out something that was overlooked for two thousand years: the dramatic reality of Jesus' day. On an extraordinary journey of discovery through the Holy Land with three expert guides, this film investigates the most recent archaeological and historical evidence to piece together a portrait of Jesus. In this chapter, the film focuses on his early years: from birth to youth, analyzing the forces that shaped the life and work of this man who would change history forever.

Part 2: The Mission
Three experts unearth the reality of Jesus's life and times, and discover a world of starvation, injustice and desperation for salvation. Jesus was one of many miracle makers who sought to make their people free.
Jesus was a young man determined to change the world he grew up in, one that was plagued by hunger and oppression. At the time, Galilee was under occupation by the Roman Empire. Many charismatic Jewish leaders advocated rebellion and resistance. Jesus, however, preached a message of peace, but he was not alone. Now, three Bible scholars walk in his footsteps to uncover the true world of Jesus, from his encounter with John the Baptist, to his ministry on the shores of the Sea of ​​Galilee and his prophetic entry into Jerusalem.

Part 3: The Last Days
The Passion is well known. But many details were not written down until a hundred years after Jesus' death. The final part of "Who was Jesus?" examines the historical reality of the greatest story ever told.
Jesus entered Jerusalem at the start of the final week of his life. Everything he did was a political challenge to the Roman authorities and the High Priest of the Temple. He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, but this familiar Passover image was not just a celebration but a powerful political challenge that would set off a chain of defiant events culminating in his crucifixion. But where and how? Three Bible scholars analyze new archaeological evidence from excavations in the city and the ruins of the Old Temple.
In addition, many of the famous sites where we trace Jesus, his death, and his resurrection must now be relocated. Three experts unearth the reality of his attempt to free his people from oppression. This chapter examines the historical reality of the most important story ever told.