JESUS: HIS LIFE – “Joseph The Nativity”
An excellent biblical docudrama presenting Jesus’ birth through Joseph’s eyes.
Should You Watch It?
This first episode of JESUS: HIS LIFE offers an excellent summary of the opening chapters of Matthew and Luke. Its dramatic scenes present the Annunciation, the Incarnation and the birth of Jesus, while interviews with scholars and Christian leaders explain the events depicted.
The episode has a strong Christian worldview and a high view of the Bible. One scholar raises doubts about a couple of historical details, but other interviewees immediately challenge those comments. The program also speculates about Joseph’s thoughts, so it should be received as a docudrama rather than as a replacement for Scripture.
For older children and adults, this is a compelling, faith-affirming way to revisit the biblical account; watch it together and compare it with Matthew and Luke.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESThis episode tells the story of Jesus’ birth from Joseph’s perspective. Joseph wrestles with what Mary tells him, while dramatic scenes portray angels appearing to Joseph and Mary and interviews discuss the Gospel accounts.
The episode follows the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, including the arrival of the wise men and the danger surrounding King Herod’s interest in the child.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this episode is highly effective entertainment and biblical drama. The acting in the dramatic scenes is compelling, and the program provides an excellent summary of the first few chapters of Matthew and Luke.
Its docudrama format works by combining dramatized scenes with short interviews featuring scholars and Christian leaders. The main limitation is that some of Joseph’s thoughts are speculative, and one scholar expresses doubts about a couple of minor historical details. Other interviewees refute those doubts during the program.
The Worldview
This episode presents a strong Christian worldview and a high view of the Bible. The dramatic scenes affirm that Jesus is the Son of God, conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and the Messiah. The program is based on the Gospel accounts in Matthew and Luke and treats the events surrounding Joseph, Mary and Jesus as central truths.
The episode does add speculation about what Joseph may have been thinking during the opening chapters of the Gospels. One scholar also questions the Roman Census mentioned in Luke and Herod’s order to kill the young children mentioned in Matthew. Other interviews reject that skepticism, including comments about Herod’s reputation as a murderous tyrant and the small size of Bethlehem at the time.
The program’s central message aligns with the biblical proclamation of Jesus’ identity: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (Matthew 1:23).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
<strong>
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
</strong> Very strong Christian worldview with a high view of the Bible, one interview expresses doubts about a couple minor historical details regarding the Gospels of Luke and Matthew, but his skepticism is contradicted by snippets of other interviews immediately after his two separate comments; <strong>
Foul Language
</strong> No foul language; <strong>
Violence
</strong> Light violence shows Jesus briefly being whipped, soldiers in Bethlehem try to murder young children, Joseph and Mary escape from those soldiers with Jesus, Joseph gets upset and knocks over a table after throwing things and breaking a small wooden thing he had made; <strong>
Sex
</strong> No sexual content, but the biblical punishment of immoral sexual behavior is mentioned; <strong>
Nudity
</strong> No nudity; <strong>
Alcohol Use
</strong> King Herod takes a drink of wine; <strong>
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
</strong> No smoking or drugs; and, <strong>
Miscellaneous Immorality
</strong> Joseph expresses doubts at first about Mary’s story of being visited by the angel Gabriel, and King Herod tries to fool the wise men, but they are “wise” to his schemes.
Talk About It
Four questions for the couch, the commute, or the couple bingeing it together.
Joseph has to respond to Mary’s story before he fully understands what God is doing. When have you had to trust God before you had every answer?
Proverbs 3:5–6 · Matthew 1:20–24The episode presents Jesus as the Son of God, conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. What does the Incarnation reveal about God’s love for humanity?
John 1:14 · Philippians 2:6–8One scholar expresses doubts about details in Matthew and Luke, while others answer his skepticism. How can we examine historical questions without treating God’s Word carelessly?
Acts 17:11 · 2 Timothy 3:16–17Herod tries to use the wise men for his own purposes. What does this reveal about the difference between worldly power and faithful obedience?
Matthew 2:1–12 · Mark 10:42–45The Final Word
This is a compelling, faith-affirming first episode with strong biblical convictions and excellent acting. Its speculative moments are worth discussing, but they do not overturn its overall Christian perspective. For older children and adults, our answer is clear: WORTH WATCHING.
