BIBLE FILM GUIDE
Son of God
Film · 2014 · 138 min
A retelling of Jesus' public ministry in Roman-occupied Judea, the fear his teaching stirs in Pilate and Caiaphas, and his death, drawn from the Gospel of Matthew.
What the story covers
The film is set in the Holy Land under Roman occupation, where heavy taxation, oppression and anxiety weigh on the Jewish people. The Roman governor Pontius Pilate and the Jewish high priest Caiaphas each try to hold on to control, and that control is threatened when Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, performs miracles and spreads messages of love and hope. Those who fear he will inspire a revolution decide he must die. The Chinese-language synopsis describes the scope as running from his birth through his preaching and suffering to his resurrection.
The story belongs to the New Testament, in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 4 through 28: the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, his teaching and miracles, the journey with his disciples to Jerusalem, his arrest and trial, and the resurrection. Among the biblical figures the film presents are Peter, John, Judas Iscariot and Pontius Pilate.
Where it is in the Bible
- Matthew 5:17-18Jesus says he came not to destroy the Law or the Prophets but to fulfil them, and that not one jot or tittle will pass from the Law till all things are accomplished. It frames his teaching ministry as continuous with Israel's scriptures.
- Matthew 16:16Simon Peter answers, 'Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.' This confession, spoken by a disciple the film presents, is the one the title points to.
- Matthew 20:28Jesus says the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. It gives the purpose behind the death the synopsis says was decided on.
- Matthew 26:26-28At the meal Jesus takes bread, blesses and breaks it, saying 'Take, eat; this is my body,' and gives the cup as his blood of the covenant poured out for many unto remission of sins.
- Matthew 28:18-20The risen Jesus says all authority has been given to him in heaven and on earth, and sends the disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching, with the promise that he is with them always.
How it differs from the Bible
The overviews give more weight to the political situation — Roman occupation, excessive taxes, Pilate and Caiaphas — than the Gospel text does. Matthew's account of the same period carries long blocks of Jesus' own teaching, and the Sermon on the Mount opens with a claim about the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17-18). A useful thing to compare after watching is how much of that teaching material a feature-length film can carry alongside the political narrative.
Matthew's Gospel repeatedly notes that events happen in fulfilment of what was spoken by the prophets, and it closes with the risen Jesus commissioning his disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). The film synopses foreground the conflict with Rome and the decision to kill Jesus. Viewers can watch for which parts of Matthew's sequence — the teaching, the Passion, the resurrection appearances, the closing commission — are given screen time and which are compressed or merged.
Discussion questions
- 1
The film sets Jesus' story inside Roman occupation and taxation. What does Matthew record Jesus saying about the Law and the Prophets in that setting?
In Matthew 5:17-18 Jesus says he came not to destroy the Law or the Prophets but to fulfil them, and that not one jot or tittle shall pass from the Law till all things are accomplished.
- 2
Peter, John and Judas Iscariot all appear among the disciples. What does Peter confess about Jesus in Matthew's Gospel?
Matthew 16:16 records Simon Peter's answer: 'Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.'
- 3
The synopsis ends with the resurrection. What does Matthew's closing scene have the risen Jesus say to his disciples?
In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus says all authority has been given to him in heaven and on earth, and sends them to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching, promising to be with them always.
Where to watch
Availability is for Canada and changes over time — check the platform before watching. TMDb ↗
Reflections on Matthew
After watching, read the passage itself — you will find details no film has time to show.