Episode 6 kicks off with an enigmatic flash-forward, where the disciples, drenched and disheveled, storm into a serene inn dining hall, cradling a gravely wounded Big James. Amidst their bewilderment over the unfolding events, Simon Z hushes them, as an approaching figure sends shivers down their spines, fearing it might be a relentless pursuer.
The narrative then rewinds several days, setting the scene at the onset of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of rededication. After the solemn lighting of the first candle and a heartfelt prayer, the disciples embark on a dramatic reenactment of the festival's historical significance: the ascent of Alexander the Great—dubbed "Alexander the Worst" by the Jewish disciples—his unexpected demise, and the fragmentation of his empire into four kingdoms under his generals. They vividly portray King Antiochus Epiphanes' Sabbath-day assault on Jerusalem, culminating in the Temple's desecration with pig's blood and the Abomination of Desolation, echoing the biblical prophecy in Daniel 9:24-27.
Following this initial act, a few disciples exchange gifts, notably Matthew and John, who present each other with writing materials, symbolizing their shared passion for knowledge. Throughout this and subsequent scenes, Thomas is consistently haunted by haunting memories of Ramah.
The festivities resume the next evening, with the disciples continuing their historical play, depicting Antiochus Epiphanes' relentless persecution of the Jews, the valiant rebellion led by Judas Maccabeus, the expulsion of the Greeks and the idol of Zeus from the Temple, and the miraculous rededication of the altar. They recount how, against all odds, the lamp miraculously burned for eight days on a single day's worth of oil.
On the third night, the disciples extol God with the soulful verses of Psalm 116, Psalm 113, and Psalm 118, their voices harmonizing with the melodies of music. After Andrew bests John in an arm-wrestling contest, Jesus announces to the group his intention to undertake a pilgrimage to Jerusalem on the festival's final day to impart wisdom in the temple. Thomas, remembering the less-than-stellar outcome of Jesus' last public teaching before Ramah's demise, expresses hope that Jesus is adequately prepared this time.
The morning after, while the other disciples revel in the gifts they've received, John ponders what they could gift Thomas. They collectively decide on new sandals for him, and Matthew inspects their purse to ascertain if they have enough money. Surprised by its meager contents, he decides to inquire with Judas about the possibility of another purse.
Judas's countenance darkened at Matthew's request, as he firmly declared that their finances were insufficient, necessitating a journey upwards through bartering. Matthew, however, was perplexed, for he had already mentally tallied their funds and was confident they possessed ample resources, despite recent expenditures. Judas persisted in his contention, grumbling about the group's sluggish progress and insisting that they owed more to their nation. Matthew, averse to confrontation, relayed the news to the others that bartering would be their course of action.
At the bustling market, Andrew, James, and John engaged in negotiations for a fresh pair of sandals, while Peter diverted Thomas's attention by seeking his assistance in choosing soap. When Peter inquired about Thomas's well-being, Thomas confessed that while he ought to feel grateful, he actually felt dreadful. The only respite from his misery came when he was occupied with a task. Peter confided in Thomas about Eden's miscarriage, only to discover that Thomas had already heard of it from Ramah and made the connection to Peter's encounter with Jesus on the water. Like Peter once had, Thomas pondered why Jesus had aided others but not Ramah. Peter acknowledged Thomas's right to question God, provided he was open to accepting the answers divinely bestowed. For Thomas, however, arguments about free will or God's ways differing from our own fell on deaf ears.
On the fourth night, the disciples sang praises to God with a heartfelt rendition of Psalm 115. As Thomas received his new sandals, Matthew cast a wary glance at Judas. A message arrived from Bethany, across the Jordan, informing them that Lazarus was ill. Jesus clarified that the sickness was not fatal but retired for the evening, his spirits dampened. Meanwhile, the women were invited to sing the Song of Miriam (Exodus 15), their voices echoing through the night.
Another evening slipped by, and the next day found the disciples engaged in the menial tasks of threshing and winnowing wheat. Judas, revolted by this humble labor, proposed an idea: they should appoint collectors in the villages they visited, gathering funds whenever they passed through. The other disciples appeared content with their lot and showed little enthusiasm for Judas's plan. Frustrated, Judas retreated to eat alone until John noticed his solitude and approached him. John wondered if Judas was mistaking his own ambitions for the advancement of the kingdom, much like he and James had once done. When Judas countered that he was merely exercising creativity and seeking to alleviate the strain caused by uncertainty, John urged him to discuss it with Jesus.
Judas discovers Jesus in a sprawling field, his gaze fixed intently on a sheepfold, and persists in asserting that his sole desire is to witness the advent of Jesus' kingdom and clear any impediments standing in its path. As he elaborates on his plan for donation, Jesus reveals that his vision transcends even the grandest of Judas' dreams, urging him to attend closely to his forthcoming sermon and the emotions it stirs within him. Judas departs, frustration etched across his face.
On the seventh evening of their festive revelry, the disciples recite Psalm 118 in prayer, dread shadowing their hearts as they contemplate the impending journey to Jerusalem. The following day, they traverse the Jordan River, with Judas footing the bill for the ferryman, and ultimately arrive at the Temple in Jerusalem. As Jesus' eyes fall upon a cluster of sheep destined for slaughter, he embarks on his renowned Good Shepherd sermons (John 10), while a group of religious leaders observe from afar. Initially, they fail to recognize him but soon find themselves offended by the implication that Gentiles too could be welcomed into the fold of God. Judas, distracted by the mockery rained upon Jesus, struggles to maintain focus. Meanwhile, the religious leaders start to grasp that Jesus is portraying himself as God's unique son.
Jesus ultimately decides it's time to depart, but not before the religious leaders intercept them, demanding a clear-cut answer on whether he considers himself the Messiah. Jesus insists that his deeds speak volumes about his identity and further declares, with unwavering conviction, that he and the Father are one. This pronouncement pushes the religious leaders to their breaking point—they pick up stones and begin pelting the disciples for what they deem as blasphemy. When James is hit, the disciples are compelled to flee, while Judas stands by, exasperated that Jesus does not retaliate.
As night descends, they scramble out of Jerusalem and wade across the river, impatient to await a ferryman. Upon returning to the inn, the scene repeats itself: James lies injured on the table, the disciples drenched and terrified, while Simon Peter looks anxiously through the window. Their unexpected visitor is Zebedee, who is horified to see his son injured. Lazarus is deceased.
This revelation shocks the disciples, who recall Jesus' assurance that Lazarus' illness would not culminate in death. Their confusion deepens when Jesus claims that Lazarus is merely slumbering and needs to be awakened. When Jesus explains that Lazarus' death serves as a catalyst for their belief, it offers little solace—especially to Judas, who remains in the dark. Thomas, somewhat whimsical, accepts the notion of venturing into Judea to be with Lazarus, even if it means sharing his fate. Mary, alone in sensing Jesus' distress and feeling his pain, is the only one who has been truly listening to his words. To compound their woes, Zebedee delivers the devastating news about a plot to execute Jesus.
