Amongst the animals, Mary gives birth to a baby boy called Jesus, and shepherds come to pay their respects after receiving divine guidance from the Angel Gabriel. Meanwhile, three Magi –wise men– from the East arrive at King Herod's palace in Jerusalem, seeking the newborn "King of the Jews." Herod, in a state of deteriorating health and paranoia, fears this child will be a threat to his reign. When the Magi do not return to him as promised, he orders a brutal massacre in an attempt to wipe out the child. Forewarned in a dream, the Holy Family flees to Egypt out of Herod's grasps.

Jesus meets John the Baptist on the banks of the Jordan River, and he joins him and his followers. Pilate's allocation of Temple funds for an aqueduct sparks further protest. Meanwhile, at the River Jordan, Jesus is baptised by John. Jesus then sets out alone into the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights, facing Satan's temptations. John the Baptist grows bolder, and takes his preaching to Antipas and Herodias' doorstep, daring to denounce their incestuous marriage.