The second play is The King's Herald which is, obviously, about the ministry of John the Baptist, and we are introduced to the adult Jesus here, as he is about to start his own ministry. It covers Jesus' baptism by John, His 40 days in the desert, and also brings some of the men who will become His disciples into the narrative; they are originally followers of John.
The third play- A Certain Nobleman- covers the wedding in Canaan (where Jesus turns the water into wine) and His healing of the nobleman's son, from which the play derives its name. In play number four, The Heirs To The Kingdom, Jesus continues to gather His group of disciples and we are introduced to Judas, who is a follower of John the Baptist until John is imprisoned, then comes to meet with Jesus. Christ's ministry is really getting off the ground here; He is preaching and performing miracles which are bringing crowds to see and listen to Him. It's at this time that he really comes on the radar of the Jewish religious leaders who perceive Him as a very real threat to their power and influence. They meet together to discuss what can be done about Him and the idea is floated to try to turn one of Jesus' inner circle against Him; one- Baruch- mentions that he has an in with one: Judas Iscariot. Also in this play, we hear Jesus preaching what is, to the Jews of that time, a revolutionary interpretation of their Law: the law says to commit no murder. Jesus goes further and says to hate no one, for to hate is to commit murder in your heart. The Law says to love your friends and hate your enemies; Jesus says to love your enemies and do good to those who treat you badly. This is, He preaches, how to fulfill the Law. He then demonstrates this new way, healing the servant of a Roman Centurion. The play closes out with the news that John the Baptist has been beheaded in prison.
The fifth play- The Bread of Heaven- centers mostly on a conversation Judas has with Baruch the Zealot. Baruch questions Judas about his association with Jesus and Judas tells him without hesitation that he believes Jesus to be the promised Messiah. Baruch suggests that, if so, it would be useful if Jesus could be convinced to urge His followers to rise against their Roman oppressors but Judas is quick to veto this. He says that this is not what Jesus' message or His kingdom is about. He tells Baruch about the Sermon on the Mount, describing Jesus' preaching of the Beatitudes. At this, Baruch changes tacks and says that he worries that Jesus is getting too popular; He could become egotistical and be corrupted by His seeming power over people. Judas says fiercely that, if he thought there was a chance of Jesus becoming corrupt, he'd kill Him himself. Baruch says that, if he ever sees Jesus riding into Jerusalem at the head of a cheering crowd, he'll know that Jesus is a grifter, out for His own acclaim. Judas refuses to listen further but Baruch tells him not to be hasty and to think on what he has said.
As time goes on, the crowds continue to grow, following Jesus as he teaches and heals; the feeding of the five thousand occurs. Some of the crowd starts calling out that Jesus should be their king; this causes Judas to think of what Baruch said to him and he begins to wonder if Jesus might indeed be preaching His own kingdom, not God's. As the crowd grows over-excited Jesus slips away, making arrangements to meet the disciples after they sail across the lake. While out on the lake, a storm comes up and through the wind and waves, the disciples are shocked and fearful to see a man walking towards them on the water. It is Jesus and when they realize this, Peter hops out of the boat and walks toward Him, though he becomes fearful and starts to sink until Jesus rescues him. When they reach the boat, Jesus calms the waves and they sail the rest of the way in safety. The following day once again finds Jesus teaching; he refers to Himself as the "Bread of Life" saying that those who have it will never hunger again. His strange words scandalize many, including some of His disciples and Jesus asks them who they think He is. Simon Peter says that He is the Christ, Son of the Living God.
The High Priest decides that it has become necessary to get rid of Jesus, saying "It is sometimes expedient that one man should die for the people." To further this aim, Caiaphas arranges a meeting with Judas, asking him if Jesus is involved in political activities. Judas denies this, saying that Jesus is the Christ, but of a heavenly kingdom. Caiaphas also asks him about his meeting with Baruch; Judas says that the Zealot is not to be trusted, but that Jesus is sound. He tells the High Priest that he would denounce Jesus himself if he thought He wasn't. Despite his loyal words, Caiaphas detects some uncertainty in Judas' manner, as well as a hint of jealousy of his master. He ponders how he can use these things for his own purposes.
Meanwhile, Jesus is preaching to a large crowd which includes Calpurnia. He speaks of being the Light of the World, and of the Living Water, but is interrupted by Baruch- hoping to stir up trouble- calling out that they need a strong leader. He is successful: a riot breaks out among the different factions in the crowd, with cries going up for Jesus to be stoned. Calpurnia's guards hustle her away to safety, and Jesus slips away in the confusion. This ends the sixth play, and this is where I'll pause- at the halfway point in the play cycle.