Season 4, Episode 1 kicks off with a nostalgic glimpse into Mary's younger years, when she, heavy with child, ventured solo to visit her elderly cousin Elizabeth in the rugged hill country. She engages the services of a guiding duo without hesitation, though their curiosity about her virginity remains unabated. The narrative weaves seamlessly through the biblical accounts of Luke 1:39-45, enriched with flashbacks to the narratives of Luke 1:5-25. As Mary's knock echoes at Elizabeth's door, the unborn John, eager to herald Jesus' arrival, cannot contain his excitement, causing him to leap within his mother's womb. Elizabeth then unfolds the tale of Zechariah's divine encounter and the divine mission bestowed upon their son.
The episode revisits John's genesis towards its climax, intertwining these scenes with the lead-up to his tragic execution. Faithful to Luke 1:57-79, the story unfolds: post-birth, during John's circumcision ceremony, the local rabbi presumes the child will be named after his father, Zechariah. Elizabeth, however, insists on naming him John. Upon Zechariah's written consent, his mute curse is lifted, and he is inspired to prophesy John's destiny.
Post-credits, we encounter a youthful Salome, under the relentless training of her mother, Herodias, to perfect her dance for her stepfather, Herod Antipas. A stage for her performance takes shape in the background. Meanwhile, Joanna, introduced in Season 3, Episode 1 as a covert disciple of both John the Baptist and Jesus, stumbles upon her cloak while en route, only to be intercepted by her husband, Chuza, Herod's steward. Their marriage is fraught with tension; Joanna has deserted their marital bed since Chuza openly took a mistress, Cassandra. Chuza is also aware of Joanna's covert visits to John in prison, adding to the marital strain. Chuza attempts to alleviate the tension amidst the impending performance.
Herodias and Salome's dance instructor confer about her progress, revealing the stakes: a flawless performance could win Herod's favor, granting Salome any request, which Herodias intends to exploit for John's execution. Meanwhile, Joanna tries to visit John in prison once more but catches only a fleeting glimpse as he's transferred to a more accessible cell, a prelude to his freedom or demise. Unperturbed, John reassures Joanna with Jesus' words , affirming that the Lord's path has been paved.
That evening, Herod's court buzzes with a lavish feast and revelry, while Joanna rushes to Capernaum to alert the disciples. After Herodias intoxicates Herod, she cues the performance. Salome's mesmerizing dance captures Herod's heart, earning her a boon, precisely as Herodias had hoped.
John is subsequently dragged into a chamber of execution, where his fate is sealed—his head will be separated from his body and placed upon a gleaming silver platter, meant for far more joyous occasions. He chuckles, having never witnessed a real wedding but eagerly anticipating the Wedding Feast of the Lamb, where he soon will find his place. His resolve is further fortified by a vision of a lamb, prompting him to offer heartfelt thanks to God, just moments before the blade slices through his neck.
Later that morning, Joanna arrives in Capernaum in search of Andrew. Upon locating him, words are unnecessary; their shared grief speaks volumes. They weep together while the other disciples stand by, sharing their sorrow. As they contemplate informing Jesus, he arrives unexpectedly, his robes in tatters and ashes strewn across his head, already burdened with the knowledge of John's fate.
Elsewhere, Zebedee and his sons embark on their mission to secure a contract for their special anointing oil. Accompanied by Tamar, they present their offering to the local synagogue, banking on the support of Jairus and Yussif, as well as their status as local providers, to win the bid. Despite Rabbi Akiva's opposition, who favors tradition and practicality, they emerge victorious.
The disciples are celebrating their maiden success when Joanna arrives, her grim news casting a pall over their revelry.
Ramah returns to Capernaum amidst the disciples' preparations for the oil shipment. Shula and Barnaby volunteer as chaperones, granting Thomas and Ramah some precious moments alone. Ramah reveals that Kaphni remains unyielding in his refusal to bless their union. However, she has uncovered a loophole in Jewish law, which permits marriage if a father abandons his daughter or under exceptional circumstances. She contends that her decision to follow Jesus fulfills these criteria. With John standing as Thomas's witness and Jesus as Ramah's, all they need are vows and a token of value, akin to a modern wedding ring. They share this joyous news with the disciples, only to be immediately plunged into mourning by the tidings of John's demise.
Meanwhile, Judas and Simon Z engage in a conversation while washing their clothes. Judas, accustomed to hiring others for such tasks, is frustrated by his dwindling finances and the need to perform mundane chores. He argues that the disciples should focus on teaching rather than being bogged down by mundane duties. Simon Z disagrees, emphasizing the importance of empathy with Jesus's followers, many of whom toil in everyday work. Judas counters that they could easily raise funds through freewill offerings, but Simon Z insists on Jesus's teaching of generosity. Judas wonders how Jesus can hope to gather a following without financial means, while Simon trusts in his wisdom implicitly.
