Gunmen surround Jesse on a beach. Jude approaches and shouts, “Why?” Two years earlier, Jude stands on a sand dune watching Jesse touch a drowned boy and bring him back to life in front of a crowd. As Jesse walks away, reporter Judith Childs tells her television viewers they have seen a miracle. The next day, Jude sees Jesse addressing a group of people. Jesse touches an old blind man, tells him to “receive the light,” and restores the man’s sight. He also makes a crippled war veteran throw down his crutches and walk. Jesse explains to the crowd that he came into the world to save the lost and give eternal life to those who believe in him. Later, Jude approaches Jesse in a bar to ask why he does not announce himself on television, where tens of thousands will hear his message. Jude disputes Jesse’s claim that love is the world’s greatest power, because human beings understand only hate and fear. Meanwhile, Arthur Cunningham, an industrialist who controls or influences much of the world’s wealth and political systems, informs his assistant, Jackson, that he has been watching Jesse for two years and believes the young man could become a world leader. Cunningham is impressed with Jesse’s growing assurance, and wants Jackson to start a file on him. Mr. Ponerous enters the room, angry that he, “the voice of the Church,” was not asked to participate in Cunningham’s meeting with world leaders. Ponerous wants “an end to Jesse” because the young man threatens the Church’s authority. Cunningham disagrees, adding that Jesse may be useful. Ponerous warns Cunningham that Jesse could destroy them both. Meanwhile, Jude talks with Jesse’s three fishermen friends named Pete, John, and James. He speculates what he could do if he had Jesse’s power, and cannot understand why Jesse does not try to improve the world. Later, Jesse leads Pete, John, and James to a mountain summit. As a storm cloud approaches, the loud voice of God proclaims that Jesse is his son. Fireballs descend from the cloud and surround Jesse’s body with a glowing halo. Jesse’s friends declare that he is indeed “Christ, the Son of God.” Pointing to the ground, Jesse announces, “Upon this rock I will build a church.” He informs them that soon his life will be sacrificed for the sins of mankind, but he will return three days later. Jesse bestows upon his friends the mission of telling the world about his message after he has risen from the grave. Later, Jude joins Pete, James, John, and a number of people on the beach. The crowd is hungry, so Jesse sends Pete to his sports utility vehicle to get a loaf of French bread and a wedge of Cheddar cheese. As Jude and his disciples distribute the limited supply of food, the bread and cheese multiply until everyone is fed. Nearby, DeCarmo, a Cunningham minion, photographs the miracle. Later, on the streets of town, Asa, a tall woman, gets out of a Mercedes-Benz automobile, introduces herself to Jesse as Cunningham’s messenger, and invites him to a party the following evening at Cunningham’s estate. After Asa leaves, Jesse walks among prostitutes and promises them the chance of a better life. The following evening, Asa picks up Jesse and his disciples in a limousine and delivers them to Cunningham’s mansion. Many world leaders gather at his table, and Cunningham explains that with their help he can harness Jesse’s growing power for the good of mankind. However, Ponerous condemns Jesse as a heretic and a lowlife who consorts with prostitutes and other sinners. Jesse leaves the estate with his followers, except for Jude, who thinks Jesse missed his chance to have a true effect on the world. Ponerous declares that since Cunningham has no control over the young prophet, only Jesse’s death can save the nation. Cunningham sends Jackson to assassinate Jesse with a sniper’s rifle, but Jackson cannot pull the trigger. On the beach, Jesse gathers his followers and predicts they will deny knowing him three times before dawn. Jesse chooses Pete to be his primary messenger. Suddenly, helicopters descend and men jump onto the beach with guns. Jude approaches Jesse and yells, “Why?” Why did Jesse turn down the chance to ally himself with world leaders and change the world? Jude embraces Jesse and kisses his cheek, prompting Jesse to ask if the kiss is Jude’s way of betraying the Son of God. Jude walks away. Jackson confesses to Jude that he now believes Jesse’s message, but realizes he cannot save him from Cunningham and Ponerous. Jude insists that what he did was not a betrayal of Jesse, but rather an attempt to ally him with Cunningham. The thirty pieces of silver he received had nothing to do with it. To prove his point, Jude drives to Cunningham’s estate and throws the silver ingots over the fence. At a camp near the beach, Jesse and his disciples are beaten. Ponerous declares that Jesse’s teachings will die with him, and defies the disciples to claim themselves as his messengers. To save his own life, Pete denies knowing Jesse three times. So do the others. In the name of God, Ponerous places a crown of thorns on Jesse’s head and orders him crucified. Steel spikes are driven through his hands and feet. Jackson is crucified next to him. Storm clouds hover above. When Jackson shouts to Jesse, “Take me with you,” Jesse promises a place in paradise. Lightning frees Jesse’s disciples from their bonds and chases away the gunmen. Ponerous flees, but lightning and darkness follow him into a cemetery. As Jesse’s spirit leaves his body, other spirits in the cemetery rise up from their graves and ascend skyward. A fire engulfs Ponerous. Jude arrives at the crucifixion, touches Jesse’s foot, and walks away holding a rope. Later, a funeral procession carries Jesse’s casket past Cunningham’s estate. Tearfully regretting his denial of Jesse, Pete touches the passing casket, and a state trooper hits him with a club. The other disciples rescue Pete and take him home. There, they remember the times they spent with Jesse and recount his teachings. Later, Pete walks alone on the beach. Jesse approaches him, and they embrace.