Under the joint oppression of the Roman Empire and King Herod the Great, the Jewish people of Judea yearn for a Messiah. A young girl called Mary is betrothed to Joseph, but her divine pregnancy strains their relationship, until the truth is revealed to Joseph by an angelic visitation. Forced by the calling of a Roman census, the couple make a treacherous journey to Bethlehem. In Jerusalem, Jewish rebels are arrested and meet the full extent of King Herod's wrath. In Bethlehem, a heavily pregnant Mary and Joseph find shelter with a relative.

In a dream, Joseph learns of King Herod's death, prompting the Holy Family to return to Nazareth. In Rome, Herod's sons, Archelaus and Antipas, vie for control of their father's kingdom before the emperor. Meanwhile, back in Judea, a rebel leader ignites a protest with devastating consequences. When one of Herod's sons struggles to govern Jerusalem, the Romans replace him with Pontius Pilate as governor, whose own controversial actions within the Temple incite a protest. On the banks of the Jordan River, John the Baptist preaches a fiery message. After the death of Joseph, Jesus sets out on his own.