The narrative of Nicodemus unfolds with a nostalgic glimpse back to an era subsequent to Shmuel's ascension to the Sanhedrin and the tragic demise of John the Baptist, yet preceding the dramatic events of Season 5. Amidst a tedious Sanhedrin session presided over by Zebadiah, Nicodemus finds himself nodding off into a slumber. The meeting concludes, and he is met by Shmuel, who warmly greets him upon his return from a recent journey to Bethel. The reunion is tinged with awkwardness, as the lingering shadows of Season 1's occurrences still divide them, leaving both uncertain how to mend their strained relationship. With heartfelt wishes for Shmuel's well-being, Nicodemus proceeds to a separate meeting with Zebadiah, who summarizes the highlights of the Sanhedrin's recent endeavors.
Upon hearing of John's passing, Nicodemus is struck with both sorrow and astonishment, albeit acknowledging John's "unmistakable character" during his prison visit. His inquiries about John's cousin, Jesus, lead to an even greater shock—Caiaphas himself has issued a denunciation and decree against Jesus and his supporters. Stunned by this revelation, Nicodemus abruptly terminates his meeting with Zebadiah and rushes home, where he encounters Matthias, the Mysterious Watcher, dispatching him on a crucial mission.
Switching to the present, Mary Magdalene wonders why Nicodemus has been seeking her out in secrecy. He reveals the necessity of their clandestine encounter due to the prevalence of spies and informants. Through Matthias, Nicodemus has been monitoring Jesus' actions and is distressed by his apparent strategy of transforming potential allies into adversaries, labeling the leaders as hypocrites. He explains how, in his role as Teacher of Israel, he has witnessed countless false messiahs rise and fall, yet when he encounters someone genuinely gaining a following, it becomes his solemn duty to disprove their claims. However, Matthias' reports contradict this notion, detailing miracles such as blind eyes being opened, deaf ears unstopped, lame men leaping with agility, the mute speaking (Isaiah 35:5-6), the people walking out of darkness into a great light (Isaiah 9:2), and a ruler emerging from Bethlehem, whose origins date back to ancient times (Micah 5:2).
Mary questions why Nicodemus hasn't shared this with his fellow teachers and has been absent from the Sanhedrin. He admits that many within the Sanhedrin are preoccupied with wealth, politics, and fear, rendering them incapable of defending against accusations of false prophecy. He cannot undertake this task alone. Instead, he urges Mary to warn Jesus of the impending danger. Recognizing that Jesus is already aware, Mary implores Nicodemus to fulfill his responsibility and speak out.
Before departing, Mary expresses gratitude for Nicodemus' attempt to aid her in the Red Quarter, despite its discomfort. Though he downplays his efforts, he is heartened by the transformation Mary has undergone through Jesus. He vows to delve into Scripture to discern the Messiah's fate. After Mary leaves, Nicodemus' wife, Zohara, enters, expressing concern for his neglect of self-care. She senses something is amiss and seeks to converse, but Nicodemus insists that the moment is not opportune.
As Mary retraces her steps from Nicodemus' abode, her gaze falls upon a soldier reminiscent of her assailant, unleashing a torrent of emotions within her. She ponders over Matthias' words, envisioning the people wandering in darkness beholding a radiant beacon of hope, drawing strength from the metaphor.
Meanwhile, Nicodemus delves deeper into Messianic prophecies interwoven with Jesus' teachings, seeking clarity amidst the fog of the future. Suddenly, Yussif, cloaked in disguise, arrives bearing grim tidings. His informants have uncovered Caiaphas' intent to apprehend Jesus. Initially skeptical, given Caiaphas' limited authority and the elusive nature of Jesus, Nicodemus' resolve is shattered when Yussif reveals a treacherous insider within the disciples' ranks and Annas' pressure on Caiaphas to exploit a legal loophole for a trial.
Yussif contends that, though flawed, the Sanhedrin is not wholly corrupt and urges a proactive stance in voicing opposition. Nicodemus, however, fears it's too late to steer the course of events; strong words alone cannot quell the tempest, and revealing his allegiance to Jesus would only isolate him from pivotal conversations. Reluctantly, Yussif concurs to follow Nicodemus' lead in concealing their support for Jesus but persists in urging him to speak out. In this tumultuous climate, Nicodemus invites Yussif to join him in scrutinizing the Scriptures for foresight into the unfolding drama.
Episode 6 resumes where Episode 5 concluded, with Judas standing before Caiaphas, accompanied by Shmuel and Malchus. Judas initiates their conversation by asserting his uniqueness among them, prompting Caiaphas to affirm his exclusive status as the High Priest with access to the Holy of Holies. Judas clarifies that, unlike Caiaphas and his cronies, he believes Jesus might indeed be the Messiah, based on his firsthand experiences. Caiaphas, inquisitive, wonders why Judas betrays him, to which Judas replies that his conviction remains tentative but hopes Jesus will vanquish his captors, ignite a rebellion against Rome, and herald the Messianic era.
Exasperated, Caiaphas dismisses Shmuel and Malchus, chastising Judas for his audacity. When Judas offers to depart, Caiaphas commands him to stay. Empowered by this turn, Judas insists on negotiating a price. The haggling begins, with Judas threatening to walk away and Caiaphas retaliating with the specter of torture, but they eventually settle on thirty pieces of silver, equivalent to four months' wages or the cost of a slave (as stipulated in Exodus 21:32). Judas insists on a discreet arrest to avoid inciting a riot and drawing Roman wrath upon the city. He harbors a glimmer of hope that Jesus will deliver; if not, the silver will be of little use if Rome lays waste to Jerusalem. Caiaphas, in turn, insists Judas betray Jesus within the next twenty-four hours.
The following day, as Malchus oversees the servants' preparations for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, ensuring no leaven is found in the household (as prescribed in Exodus 12), Pilate storms in, confronting Caiaphas about his plot to arrest Jesus. Pilate asserts he has upheld his end of their bargain by executing Zealots, despised by both Rome and moderate Jews who view them as troublemakers. Caiaphas argues that he must quell the Messianic fervor gripping the city, asserting that a Roman like Pilate cannot fathom the Jewish people's desperate needs. Annoyed by Caiaphas' perceived entitlement to the Jews' special religious exemption despite their subjugation by Rome, Pilate warns that if Caiaphas' schemes escalate tensions, their alliance will be severed.
Having successfully apprehended Kafni in Episode 5, Atticus now confines him in detention. Kafni defiantly asserts that they possess no authority to restrain him, only to be reminded by Atticus that Roman citizenship alone confers rights. Atticus lays bare his intimate knowledge of Kafni's insignificant, disjointed faction of dissidents, who lack the Zealots' unwavering sense of purpose. Nevertheless, he reveals his awareness of their presence due to Jesus and demands an explanation. Kafni, accusing Jesus of seducing and murdering his daughter, is swiftly rebuked by Atticus, who firmly believes that Jesus would never countenance such actions. Kafni eventually recounts his entire narrative, only to be further chastised by Atticus for making Ramah's demise about himself and scapegoating an easy target like Jesus, rather than confronting his own guilt and sorrow with courage. Despite this, Atticus offers Kafni his freedom without charge, provided Kafni continues to stir public sentiment against Jesus.
The following day, Atticus frees Kafni, feigning ignorance as if the entire ordeal were a mere misunderstanding. Simon Z, ever vigilant, trails Atticus through the bustling streets as he deserts his contingent of soldiers and enters a Roman prison. Meanwhile, Kafni rejoins his band of agitators, extolling God with verses from Psalm 84, asserting that the Lord has sanctified their endeavors by granting him favor with Rome. His comrades commend him, invoking the tales of David's feigned madness (1 Samuel 21:10-15), Jeremiah's fervent prayer (Jeremiah 32:18-19), and Job's acknowledgment that the Lord's plans are invincible (Job 42:2). However, Kafni's wife, Naomi, remains unimpressed and publicly reprimands him for using scripture to justify his collaboration with Rome. In private, Kafni insists that Ramah was bewitched, but Naomi counters that Ramah's love for her rabbi and Thomas was no spell. Though Kafni vows not to lose her to Jesus as well, Naomi declares that she cannot stand by and witness the hatred that has consumed him.
Inside the Roman prison, Atticus and Simon Z reconvene. As Atticus cautions of the perils facing Jesus, Z steadfastly believes that no prison can contain the Messiah. Just as they converse, soldiers arrive escorting Barrabbas, a former ally of Z and one of the Zealots sentenced to execution on Friday. Z is deeply saddened, recalling that Barrabbas was present during Season 3 Episode 6 and should have seen the light if his eyes and heart were open. Atticus mocks this notion and warns Z that he and the other disciples must be cautious of imprisonment. Leaving him two swords and a Zealot knife, he elucidates that luck is the convergence of preparation and opportunity, wishing him well. Simon Z accepts the swords but rejects the Zealot knife.
