Episode 8 unfolds with Thaddeus embarking on a pilgrimage to the Last Supper, where, like his fellow disciples, a hammer triggers a vivid recollection of his former life. While toiling as a stone mason on a new latrine, he discovers an unexpected twist: his usual carpenter companion has been supplanted by an unfamiliar face – Jesus. Over a shared lunch, Thaddeus finds himself captivated by Jesus' experiences in Egypt, a utopia for stonemasons akin to himself. Drawing his attention to the fleeting nature of human constructions, Jesus remarks that while a handful of Egyptian monuments might endure for millennia, most edifices, including the latrine they are constructing, will be consigned to oblivion. Revealing his identity as a rabbi, he extends an invitation to Thaddeus to join him in erecting a kingdom not contingent on mortal hands, a fortress unyielding even to stone.
Initially, Thaddeus interprets Jesus' words literally and is bewildered, given Jesus' apparent lack of land or wealth. Once the metaphorical nature of the kingdom becomes apparent, Thaddeus expresses doubts about his capabilities beyond stonework and queries the compensation Jesus can offer. Jesus asserts that the kingdom they endeavor to build will possess timeless worth and engender a family united by an unorthodox bond of blood, introducing Thaddeus to visions of each disciple – individuals marked by an eclectic blend of intrigue, uninhibited spirits, humor, determination, bravery, intellect, strength, passion, fervor, loyalty, affection, and imperfection. Jesus promises Thaddeus an existence filled with unparalleled adventures, alternating between adoration and animosity, necessity and loss, rediscovery and love, where he will find a home both everywhere and nowhere, suffer the loss of all friends and even his own life, traverse the globe, and initiate the most significant movement the world has ever witnessed, amidst accusations of folly, deceit, heresy, fraudulence, and sainthood. The crux lies in embracing the world's negations, hoping against despair, believing in defiance of disbelief, sacrificing all, and adhering steadfastly to the end. With these words, Jesus beckons Thaddeus to walk with him.
Returning to the present narrative, we witness Thaddeus being ushered into the upper room by Mark. The disciples stand in anticipation, awaiting Jesus, and pondering their readiness for the impending journey. Subsequently, Mark ushers Jesus in, seamlessly continuing from the cliffhanger of Episode 7's opening.
Post the cold open, the narrative jumps ahead as Mark eavesdrops from his ground-floor chamber on the disciples chanting Psalm 118 at the conclusion of the Last Supper. Once the chant concludes, Jesus announces to the disciples that it is time to depart, and Mark hears their footsteps echoing as they exit the Upper Room. Determined to follow in their wake, Mark rises to his feet.
Having summoned Atticus to his presence, Pilate grilled him on why he had incited Kafni's unruly mob to turn the tide of public sentiment against Jesus, fearing that such actions could mar the tranquility of the impending holiday. Atticus steadfastly argued that the three criminals slated for execution were insufficient to make a lasting impression, asserting that both Romans and Jews alike would welcome the spectacle of Zealots being put to death. He further elaborated, painting a picture of Kafni's men as chaotic and unrefined in their fury, anticipating that Rome's intervention to restore order would enhance the empire's image. Pilate, however, remained unconvinced, sensing that Jesus' unique presence harbored the potential to bring calamity upon the city. In response to Pilate's lingering doubts, Atticus reiterated his unwavering loyalty not to Pilate nor Emperor Tiberius, but solely to Rome itself, urging Pilate to remain steadfast in safeguarding Rome's interests amidst the turmoil.
As Atticus exited, Claudia stepped in, her weary countenance betraying the toll of sleepless nights. She confronted Pilate, wondering why he had concealed from Atticus the true source of his unease – her haunting dreams about Jesus. Though Pilate had hinted at the chaos encroaching upon every facet of their lives, including their marriage, he insisted that he could not afford to appear vulnerable and was determined to prevail. He gently urged her to seek rest, but she was adamant, haunted by visions too terrible to bear. When Pilate inquired about her dreams, she replied cryptically, hinting that he too would soon witness their chilling prophecy.
Meanwhile, the Sanhedrin convened for an unorthodox late-night session, with Shimon protesting the breach of standard laws and procedures. The others, however, insisted that Jesus posed an existential threat, prompting Yussif to voice his objections, only to be drowned out by theirclamor. Caiaphas declared that they were outnumbered and the discussion concluded – until Nicodemus' arrival interrupted, insisting that their deliberations were far from over.
Elsewhere, Judas approached Caiaphas' residence, greeted by Malchus who had barely made it back within the stipulated time. Malchus dispatched a messenger to Caiaphas and then escorted Judas to a detachment of guards. Noting their ignorance of Jesus' appearance, he tasked Judas with identifying him discreetly, to avoid escalating tensions.
As the disciples departed the Upper Room, Peter and James seized the two swords that Simon, also known as Z, had brought along, asserting that Z, being a weapon in human guise, had no need for such mortal implements. Peter then inquired of John if Jesus had imparted to him the identity of the betrayer. John responded by revealing that Jesus had cryptically indicated it was the one with whom he had shared bread—immediately before offering the same to Judas (John 13:25-27). Yet, Peter and James dismissed Jesus' words concerning Judas as a convoluted metaphor, firmly believing that Judas desired the movement's prosperity, not its demise.
Torchlight illuminating their path, they traversed the countryside until they arrived at a fortified garden gate. Here, Jesus separated from the majority of the disciples, choosing to proceed only with Peter, James, and John. Once inside the garden, Peter, James, and John were struck with alarm as Jesus nearly stumbled to his knees. Confiding in John, Jesus expressed his profound sorrow, even unto the brink of death. This revelation deeply troubled Peter, who suggested summoning a physician, but Jesus steadfastly refused, asserting that he would entrust himself to the ultimate Healer. Reminding John once more to remain close by, Jesus left the trio with the solemn instruction to remain vigilant and keep watch while he prayed.
Venturing deeper into the garden, Jesus leaned heavily against a rock, acknowledging that the fateful hour had arrived. As he commenced his prayer, he struggled mightily, protesting, "I doubt I can endure this. You ask too much of me. I am incapable," yet eventually transitioned to fervent pleading, "Grant me strength," tears streaming down his face. His prayer was abruptly interrupted by the sound of wood being chopped. Nearby, an elderly man and a younger man—whom they soon recognized as Abraham and Isaac—were busy gathering wood for a sacrifice. When Isaac inquired about the lamb for their offering, Abraham assured him that God would provide. Jesus consoled Isaac, reminding him of how he and the Father had spared him, revealing it as a mere test of Abraham's faith.
Moved by this vision, Jesus pondered whether his Father could possibly spare him this cup, considering that all things were possible for him and he had once spared Isaac. Nevertheless, he insisted, "Not my will, but yours be done" and recited a condensed version of the Lord's Prayer, declaring with unwavering conviction, "I place my trust in you," to his Father.
Returning to Peter, James, and John, Jesus discovered them all sunken in sleep. With a heavy sigh, he admonished them for their inability to stay awake for even a single hour, to which they offered heartfelt apologies. He reminded them of the Lord's Prayer, where he had taught them to implore, "Lead us not into temptation" , and reassured them of the Helper's promise , urging them to remain vigilant now, acknowledging, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41). As he left them once more, he retreated to continue his prayer.
Back at his solitary rock, Jesus acknowledged his earlier plea for an alternative path but insisted that if the cup he must drink could not pass, then, "Your will be done" . Amidst these reflections, an eerie mist began to envelop him. Stepping into the fog, he unexpectedly found himself in the valley of dry bones, where he encountered the prophet Ezekiel. Looking into the prophet's eyes, Jesus inquired, "Son of man, can these bones live?" to which Ezekiel replied, "O LORD GOD, only you know" . The two embraced, tears streaming down Jesus' face.
Returning once more to his disciples, Jesus found Peter, James, and John slumbering once again (Matthew 26:43). Suddenly, he beheld them as youthful boys, his heart filled with compassion. Without disturbing their sleep, he silently resumed his prayer.
After inspecting the forbidden fruit on a tree, Jesus returned to his rock, repeating his earlier prayer (Matthew 26:44), his hands trembling with fear. Suddenly, a comforting hand rested on his back. Rising, he saw his stepfather, Joseph, and the two embraced warmly. Joseph reassured Jesus that he would await his return with unwavering faith.
Returning once more to his disciples, Jesus aroused Peter, James, and John, announcing that the hour had arrived for the Son of Man to be betrayed into the hands of sinners, for their betrayer was near. Though confused and alarmed, they followed him to the garden gate, where they witnessed the Temple guard, religious leaders, and Kafni's mob approaching with torches. Simon Z stepped forward, urging Jesus to flee, but Jesus commanded them all to halt and stand back.
Tension thickened as Malchus emerged at the rear of the troupe, followed closely by Judas. Peter and the other disciples watched in disbelief and fury as Judas, ashamed, approached. Hesitant, he was prodded forward by Malchus until he stood before Jesus, addressing him as "Rabbi." Jesus responded gently, "My friend, do what you came to do," and Judas kissed him.
