Editor's note: The Tidings is offering an at home retreat through Lent using Franco Zeffirelli's miniseries, "Jesus of Nazareth." This is the sixth segment.

This session takes us more deeply into the message of Jesus and the meaning of the Kingdom; some will accept it, but significant others will reject it. Although early in our Lent, we already enter the last week of Jesus' life.

One of the most wondrous miracles, the raising of Lazarus, happens just before Jesus enters the Holy City on Palm Sunday. It is very dramatic, and leads to the great revelation of Jesus (which Cycle A readings offer on the Fifth Sunday of Lent:) "…I am the resurrection and the life…and those who believe in me shall never die."

Zeffirelli introduces a figure into the film who is not in the Gospels, Zerah the Scribe. Politically situated, he is the one whom Judas tries to convince that "Jesus is the one who will bring peace to this country," and should prove himself before the Sanhedrin.

But after the clamorous entry of Jesus into the city, and the powerful scene of Jesus cleansing the Temple, Zerah, to whom Jesus says, "You have not understood" about his rebuilding the Temple in three days, tells him, "I have understood better than you think." Zerah remarks to Judas that Jesus has "very little political sense." We see in what sense that is true in what follows.

Central to these scenes are Jesus' teachings to the people: that one who would be great should become servant of all, and that he has come to serve and give his life "as a ransom for many." But most important is his plan for peace and for "The New Jerusalem": "Love your enemies…forgive…" Barrabas rejects such teaching, and Jesus himself.

You will enjoy the wonderful shots of Jesus blessing the children. The scene becomes the opportunity for Jesus to tell the story of the two sons, which the children understand, but the Pharisees do not wish to!

Then Jesus' further teachings are illustrated by two incidents: the tense scene of the woman caught in adultery, and the charming scene of the Roman Centurion and his faith. (We shall meet him again later.) Note how Jesus' final words here are a summary of the entire session, "At my Father's table, everyone is welcome --- rich, poor, masters, servants, children of Abraham, and the pagans."

But the message is rejected by the religious right, the Priests and Pharisees --- and from the radical left, the Zealots and Barrabas. Next week we shall see how this ultimately results in the rejection of Jesus himself, as his final days approach.

(In watching the video, view the following: the raising of Lazarus, Palm Sunday, cleansing of the Temple, Jesus teaches, talks with Barrabas, blesses the children, forgives the adulteress, and cures the Centurion's servant. On DVD, view Chapters 59-67 and fade out. Almost 40 minutes total viewing.)

Discussion Questions

---What is the overall theme or teaching in this series of scenes? How is that teaching illustrated? Do these stories come alive for you when presented this way?

---How is Zeffirelli portraying Judas? What are Judas' motivations? What is Jesus' advice to him? What are Zerah's motivations in response to him?

---In the midst of the "Old Jerusalem," Jesus talks to Barrabas about the "New Jerusalem." What are the plans of Jesus for building such a "city?"

---Shortly after Jesus says, "Seek…find…and the door will be opened," Zerah does something symbolic. Did you notice what it was?

---Note that when the centurion enters the scene, Jesus is just beginning to tell a parable. Did you hear the words, and see the link? ("The servants went out and the wedding hall was full of people.")

---Can the words of Jesus about "turning the other cheek" be realistically understood in these times of terrorism and war? What do you think? Did Jesus practice what he preached?