Animating the Prison of John the Baptist
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, we invite you to take a look at the place where John the Baptist was imprisoned prior to his execution. A somber and dark place, this animated set reminds us of the fullness of God’s story. He does not only include the bright and joyful events in His Scripture, but also the times of darkness where faith is shaken.
Much of the inspiration for John the Baptist’s prison cell was taken from a prison in Jerusalem where many traditions believe Jesus and Barabbas were imprisoned. While scholars believe John the Baptist was held in Machaerus, a fortress of Herod Antipas many miles from Jerusalem east of the Jordan River, this cell still provides a good example from this time period.
If you look at the image below, you can see that the large, roughly hewn stone bricks of the floor and the even rougher shape of the walls were inspired by the Jerusalem cell. The Jerusalem cell also contains many anchoring places for chaining prisoners to the walls and floor; this is reflected in our animated set in the two chains hanging down on the far-left side of the image below.
John the Baptist’s cell is well lit in these images for ease of observation; however, it will be much darker in the final product, possibly with the only light coming from the hallway.
It’s no wonder that a cold, dark, miserable place like this could have led John to question Jesus. While in prison, he sent word to Jesus, asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (Luke 7:19b, ESV). Jesus responded not with words but by performing signs and miracles prophesied of the Messiah and telling John’s messengers to report what they had seen.
Jesus is not afraid of the dark times in our lives and encourages us exactly how we need Him to. This is why we at RevelationMedia seek to share the whole Bible. Because even through the darker places and stories, Jesus is Lord, and He is the only One we need to look for.
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