Episode 3 unfolds with an intriguing Old Testament prologue – an unexpectedly meticulous adaptation of 2 Samuel 12:15-23. As the narrative resumes, David's eldest son with Bathsheba lies gravely ill, a penalty for David's sinful actions. The king has been immersed in fasting and prayer for countless days, his form weakening with each passing hour. His counselors, worried not only for David's well-being but also for their own futures tied to his strength, debate their next move. When Bathsheba's heart-wrenching cries pierce the air, announcing the child's demise, David rises, washes himself, and prepares to partake in a meal and worship before the Almighty. He gently explains to Bathsheba that his fasting was a desperate plea while hope still lingered, but now, with the child's passing, fasting serves no further purpose. Bathsheba, her voice tinged with confusion and sorrow, inquires why the Lord has answered David's prayers countless times before but has remained silent in this hour of need. David, unable to provide solace, remains silent.
Meanwhile, Quintus storms into the episode, a rage burning within him. His tax revenues have dwindled, and he is acutely aware that his position is hanging by a thread. He berates Gaius for failing to make life miserable for the followers of Jesus, threatening to strip him of his rank if he doesn't manage to shrink Tent City by ten cubits each day.
As the public debate between Jesus and the Pharisees draws a burgeoning crowd, Gaius urges Matthew to spirit Jesus away, while he keeps a wary eye on the escalating scene. Atticus, witnessing the unfolding drama, urges Gaius to alert Quintus that the outcome of any potential riot will seal his fate with Rome. Realizing that Gaius hopes for another riot to implode on Quintus's watch, Atticus warns him that he treads on perilous ground, hinting that one of them – Quintus or Gaius – will not emerge unscathed.
When Quintus finally arrives on the scene, he commands Gaius to arrest Jesus. Gaius, defiant, refuses to comply, prompting Quintus to arrest him instead. Drawing his sword, Quintus plunges into the crowd, intent on capturing some of Jesus's disciples. In a chaotic twist, he accidentally stabs and kills Ramah. Quintus stands stunned, horrified by what he has done. Atticus, equally disgusted, places Quintus under arrest and leads him away, the gravity of the moment weighing heavily on all present.
Beneath Andrew's vigilant gaze, Thomas confronts Ramah with a genuine betrothal gift: a sundial, which he presents as a token of his eternal fascination—a reminder of how effortlessly time slips away whenever they converse, expressing his desire to share her company until the end of days. Ramah, influenced by Eden's counsel, yearns to delve deeper into the intricacies of marriage. Thomas protests, asserting his uniqueness in comparison to Simon, yet she counters by emphasizing the universal aspects of matrimony, particularly for those on a divine mission, like themselves, to follow Jesus.
As the public discourse between Jesus and the Pharisees escalates into chaos, sending the disciples into a tailspin of flight, Thomas and Ramah find themselves ripped apart by the turmoil. Quintus, drawing his blade with malicious intent, aims to strike the fleeing disciples but accidentally wounds Ramah. Thomas dashes to her side, where, in her final, poignant whispers, she implores him to remain steadfast alongside Jesus. When Jesus arrives, Thomas pleads for him to restore her, but Jesus solemnly declares that her hour for healing has not yet come.
Jairus listens with palpable anxiety as Rabbi Akiva, the synagogue's leader, orchestrates a plot among his disciples to ensnare Jesus, branding him a blasphemer in accordance with Jerusalem's edict. Akiva insists that Jesus is a sorcerer and that they hold the perfect opportunity to condemn him. Meanwhile, Mary Magdalene insists that Jesus partake of food to fortify himself for his impending sermon, emphasizing the desperate need for guidance amidst the populace's misleadership. Matthew communicates Gaius's warning to Simon about Jesus' intended sermon, to which Simon concurs it's ill-advised but doubts their ability to deter him.
Outside the synagogue, Shula and Barnaby caution Jesus about the edict, yet his resolve remains unshaken. They introduce him to Uzziah, a lifelong blind friend. As Jesus prepares to heal him, a passerby asks whether the blindness stems from the man's sin or that of his parents. Jesus clarifies that the blindness is not a punishment but an opportunity for God to be glorified (John 9). A watchful Pharisee, furious at Jesus for healing on the Sabbath, alerts Rabbi Akiva. Meanwhile, news of Jesus' miracles spreads, drawing a growing crowd of pilgrims from the Tent City.
The blind man, accompanied by his parents, is brought before the synagogue for interrogation. His parents remain noncommittal, avoiding conflict. When the healed man refuses to condemn Jesus, insisting instead that a miracle has indeed been wrought and that Jesus must come from God, the synagogue expels him in accordance with the edict, amidst murmurs of disbelief and outrage.
As the throng swelled, Jesus imparted teachings that roughly mirrored the passages in Luke 11:27-53. He steadfastly refused to continue performing miracles for them, insisting that they belonged to a generation lacking in faith, destined to ultimately receive the sign of Jonah. When Rabbi Akiva and his adherents voiced their objections, Jesus countered with force, lambasting the Pharisees for their excessive emphasis on ritual purity and human-constructed traditions, while neglecting what truly mattered: inner purity and the divine law of God. He accused them of being overly concerned with securing prime seats and public accolades, pushing the conflict to a fever pitch as the crowd grew increasingly unruly.
Upon Quintus' arrival, he attempted to quell the fray, but his efforts were largely in vain. The disciples had already devised an escape route, and Jesus ultimately conceded to their departure. However, during their exodus, Ramah was inadvertently separated from the rest of the disciples. Before they could reach her, Quintus plunged his blade into her, causing everyone to flee in a panic, except for Jesus, who approached to comfort Thomas, yet refrained from healing her.
Orders for the special anointing oil produced by Zebedee poured in incessantly, yet James and John wore solemn expressions. When inquired by Zebedee and Salome, they revealed how Jesus had bestowed upon Simon a new name and seemingly elevated him above the other disciples. Enraged, Salome contended that James and John had contributed far more to Jesus than Simon ever had and deserved an equal share of the blessings and influence within the Kingdom. She invoked Jesus' words, "Ask, and it will be given to you" (Matthew 7:7), arguing that they merely needed to request from Jesus higher office or status in the kingdom. Zebedee attempted to refute her claims, leaving the brothers hesitant. However, when Salome insisted that if they didn't ask, she would, James and John agreed to approach Jesus themselves—a subtle nod to how Salome is the one who entreats Jesus to elevate her sons in The Gospel of Matthew (20:20), whereas in the corresponding narrative in The Gospel of Mark (10:35), the sons implore him directly.
Later, the siblings deliberated on the timing and specifics of their request to Jesus. During the public spat between Jesus and the Pharisees, they decided to postpone their appeal until a more opportune moment. When Quintus stabbed Ramah, the vengeful impulse within James ignited, prompting him to draw his sword and seek retaliation. Fortunately, John was able to restrain his brother, preventing further escalation.
