A fictional but nice story about the fourth wise man who wanted to bow down to Jesus at his coming into this world. He wasn’t allowed to meet Jesus in person for years, until just before his death. He had been looking for him all his life, but because of his goodness, selflessness and love, he kept meeting him.

The fourth wise man, Abgarus, encounters the incomprehension and doubts of others, to whom he tells that a king will be born who will rule the world. After leaving with his companion, he wanders for a long time until he arrives in Bethlehem, but by that time the Holy Family is already on the run to Egypt.

It is at that time that Herod’s soldiers arrive to kill the children of Bethlehem. Abgarus manages to save one from death, redeeming it with the ruby he wanted to give to Jesus.

He goes to Egypt in search of Jesus, but is unable to find him there either. After a time he returns to Israel, but on the way he is ambushed by bandits and captured.

Various diseases, especially leprosy, spread among the bandits. As Abgarus is skilled in medical science, he helps with the treatment. Alongside this, he also tries to change their character and way of life.

After about thirty years, he meets a wanted king – Jesus Christ, who is being led to crucifixion. He wants to redeem his life with the pearl of great price that is still left to him as a gift that he carried as a child. Eventually, with this pearl, he redeems a young woman from slavery.

Before he dies, he meets Jesus. When he recognizes him, he apologizes that he no longer has the gifts he had for him, he can no longer give them to him. Jesus replies that he has in fact given them to him: “When I was hungry you fed me, when I was thirsty you gave me drink… Whenever you did it for the least of my brothers, you did it for me.”

Parents Guide: Soldiers who have come to Bethlehem to kill the children, one of them threatens the wise man with his sword. Ambush by bandits. The scourging of Jesus is heard.

Cast: Martin Sheen, Alan Arkin, James Farentino, Eileen Brennan, Harold Gould, Sydney Penny, Adam Arkin, Charlie Sheen, Ralph Bellamy, Ramon Estevez

Crew: Michael Ray Rhodes

USA, 1985

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