Animating the Demoniacs' Tombs
RevelationMedia is actively designing characters and settings for the latest 3D-animated installment of iBIBLE, called Life of Christ. This series brings the story of the Gospels to life with Biblical accuracy, providing an immersive experience of Scripture for families worldwide. Watch the latest episodes today for free at www.i.BIBLE!
This week, take a look at the tombs of the Gerasene region on the east side of the sea of Galilee. This barren and desolate place is where two demon-possessed men were driven to and tormented (Matthew 8:28, Mark 5:1–5). Then Jesus stepped onto the scene, and it became the site of one of His most powerful miracles.
Our animators have brought this place alive with vivid realism and accuracy. Every detail from the plants to the lighting and shadows has been created with careful thought and consideration. Below is an example of a late-stage edit to the set. The requested rock is important because, as of now, the animation plan is for the two demon-possessed men to emerge from behind this rock. Every location and character goes through multiple rounds of edits and approvals to ensure smooth scenes and a visually excellent finished product.
The tombs themselves are modeled after common burial practices of the time. Scholars believe that people in the first century, and throughout much of Biblical history, made tombs well outside of major towns and cities. They carved chambers out of rock faces, often two or three of them in a row, and laid multiple people in each chamber.
The flora is also fitting for a deserted place away from the rest of the community. The land surrounding the sea of Galilee contained much fertile ground good for flourishing crops and plants. However, we know from Luke’s account that there were desolate regions as well, as he speaks of one of the demon-possessed men being “driven by the demon into the desert” (Luke 8:29, ESV). Given this setting, the plant life chosen for this set consists mostly of smaller shrubbery and wild olive trees.
This place where people lived among the dead reminds us that Jesus did not shy away from desolate and dead places in His time on earth but rather entered them with authority and healing. In a sense, He fulfilled what David wrote in the Psalms centuries before: “If I make my bed in Sheol [the grave], you are there!” (Psalm 139:8b).
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