The nativity, his miracles, his missing years, the disciple St. Peter, Mary Magdalene, the veil of Veronica and his crucifixion have been re-interpreted and even modified by successive generations of theologians and scholars – the crucial elements sometimes lost and forgotten.

Premiering on Sunday, 20 April at 19:10 on National Geographic, channel 181 on DStv, The Jesus Mysteries investigates the very questions that have baffled Christians for centuries. The two-hour film examines the origins behind seven mysteries and offers surprising insights into his life and ministry. Starring Nick Simmons in his first drama documentary role as Jesus, the special uses beautiful and artistic cinematography to offer remarkable perspective.

The mysteries begin at the moment of Jesus’ birth; the popular Christian image of a baby dressed in swaddling clothes among animals, shepherds and the ‘Three Wise Men’, has become a focal point of Christianity and a romanticised depiction of Jesus’ birth. However, the Biblical account provides a shockingly different sentiment: at the heart of the Nativity scene is a prophecy of Jesus’ brutal death. Some theories suggest that the familiar symbol of the Star of Bethlehem might have been a comet, which could symbolise that Jesus’ future would be a dark one. Likewise, the Wise Men’s gift of myrrh, a plant resin used to prepare corpses for burial, warns of death.

Jesus is renowned for his miracles: purifying a woman who bled uncontrollably for 12 years, healing a man with leprosy and casting out the demons in a possessed man. But, according to the Gospels, these powers were considered dangerous by the ruling classes during his lifetime; his practice challenged the fundamental belief that the ritually impure should not participate in religious life. He welcomed those considered outcasts to be his followers, and called on the least likely disciple, Peter – his apostle who later betrays him in the face of danger – to be the lead Apostle. Jesus preached that all people could be a part of his kingdom of Heaven, a radical idea that gave hope to those excluded and outcast.

In his final week of life, Jesus travels to a politically-charged Jerusalem where he is condemned to death. The final mystery, his crucifixion, sets the stage for the birth of Christianity. The Jesus Mysteries chronicles his journey to the cross with scholarly commentary, exploring surprising details about the nativity, the accounts of Jesus’ miracles, his missing years, the disciple St. Peter, Mary Magdalene and the veil of Veronica.

The Jesus Mysteries is produced for National Geographic Channels International by Juniper Communications. For Juniper Communications, Samir Shah and Justin Hardy are executive producers. For NGCI, executive vice president and head of International Content is Hamish Mykura.

The Jesus Mysteries airs on Sunday, 20 April at 19:10 on National Geographic, channel 181 on DStv.