THE POWERS AND THE GLORYA play for EasterBy Andy Nunez

This play is written to accommodate a medium stage broken into three sections by diagram. Its aim is to show the contrast between the Powers of Jesus’ time, that is Pilate, Herod, and Caiaphas, and the Glory, that is, Jesus.

Scene One: The audience chamber of Pontius Pilate, governor of Palestine

Note: This uses the left third of the stage, dressed as a chamber containing Pilate’s throne, and an assortment of statues and wall decorations depicting a military theme. Present are: Pontius Pilate, Roman Governor, and Herod, king of Judea, and Claudius Longinius, a centurion. Pilate is seated, with Longinius at his shoulder. Herod enters, clearly unhappy.

PILATEAh! King Herod! So good of you to answer my invitation. After all, I only sent it twice.

HERODYou seem to forget that I am a ruler of this land. I do not come at your command. I have business of my own with you.

PILATE (Sneering) Your Majesty seems to forget that you rule at the pleasure of Rome. My legions are the real power here, and they prop your corrupt kingdom up on the points of their spears. However, since you are here, let us discuss matters. What, then, brings you to me if not my invitation?

HERODYour summons, you mean. (Pilate waves a hand at him in a bored manner). Very well, Governor, I have come here to discuss this prophet, the one called Jesus of Nazareth.

PILATEJesus of Nazareth, what a coincidence. I have been getting reports about him from the outlying areas, Capernaum, Bethany, et cetera. He’s making quite a name for himself amongst the country bumpkins. Miracle cures, isn’t it?

HERODMore than that, I am afraid. Let me tell you what has been gossiped about him. He travels about, claiming to be the Messiah, the Anointed One. Reports are that he has healed the sick, raised the dead, walked on water, and fed five thousand with a single basket of fish and bread.

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PILATEThis troubles you? You have these prophets going back and forth all the time. Your administrators are constantly complaining we take too much of your food. Feeding five thousand with a single basket sounds like the answer to your prayers.

HERODPeople think that he is the Messiah, the one prophesied to become the king and restore this land to its glory.

PILATENow I get it. The people crown him king and you are out of a job. Well, if this fellow threatens you, why not get rid of him like you did the last prophet. You delivered his head on a silver platter, didn’t you? A very nice gesture.

HERODI can’t do that. The people love him more than the last one. Besides, execution is your privilege, not mine.

PILATE You broke that law when you killed that Baptist fellow. All because of a dancing girl, I believe.

HERODThat is the past. Now, this Jesus has come to Jerusalem. The people turned out in droves. They threw down their cloaks before his donkey and waved palm branches!

(Here, Herod gestures toward the right third of the stage. Ideally, Jesus’ triumphal entry will appear and orbit the audience going out a different door than they came in, dropping off Jesus and his disciples to ascend to Stage Right. His followers will shout: Hosanna! Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord! Alternatively, appropriate music or song could be played.)

PILATESo, the man had a parade. It’s not like he and his men stormed the palace.

HERODI should have known better than to come to you for help. You think all of us are nothing but slaves that Rome can squeeze for riches. For the last time, this Jesus is a threat. My own Sanhedrin is in an uproar. Have you anything further for me?

PILATENot when you are in this mood. I have ordered no legionary flags to be flown during your Passover. We will keep our distance, but I warn you, the least bit of trouble, and my legion will enter the city, and they will be carrying spears, not palm leaves.

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HEROD(bows mockingly) I hear and obey, oh Praetor. Do not be surprised if you sit in judgement of this Jesus. (He departs)PILATE(to Longinius) Herod is a fat fool, but there is talk of unrest because of this Jesus. See what you can find out and report to me.

LONGINIUSYes, my lord. I had a fellow centurion who reported to me that this Jesus healed his servant. The man has stopped worshipping Jupiter and the rest of the gods!

PILATESince when did soldiers get religious? This sounds worse all the time. Go now, and tell me what you learn!

(The soldier salutes and departs) (Fade to black)

Scene Two: Christ Clears the Temple

(Christ and his followers are on the right. In the center are the moneychangers and sellers. To the left, where the palace is set up are priests and soldiers. Longinius enters from the palace entrance, a cloak over his armor and helmet-less. Between the money changers and Jesus’ disciples, he spots Sarah, a lovely young lady who seems to be observing Jesus discussing matters with his disciples. He approaches her, smiling)

LONGINIUSHello, I was looking for a fellow named Jesus.

SARAHThat’s Him, over there. He’s the one with the eyes that can look at your soul.

LONGINIUSYour pardon, but my eyes were locked on something else. Are there any more at home like you?

SARAHI have four sisters. All of them are prettier than me.

LONGINIUSNow that would truly be a miracle. I’ve been in this city for three years now, and I’ve never seen anybody as pretty as you.

SARAHAren’t you fresh? You know nothing of me, nor I of you. My father is Joseph of Arimathea, one of the wealthiest merchants in the city. He’ll have you thrashed for your rashness!

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LONGINIUSForgive me, your worship! I had no idea you were royalty! May this lowly worm beg your name, so that I may know over who I am being thrashed?

SARAHMy name is Sarah. It means princess.

LONGINIUSWell, I can believe that.

SARAHFresh!

LONGINIUSJust kidding! My name is Claudius. It means fellow trying hard to get to know Sarah.

(She smiles, just a little)SARAHYou sound like a Roman heathen.

LONGINIUSGuilty! But, say, can’t we be friends? I already know your name, who your father is, and that he’s loaded.

SARAHMy father would have a fit if he knew I was talking to a godless Roman. Very well, stick around. You might learn something. Watch out! What’s going on now?

(They step back to the left a little, exposing the moneychangers. Jesus, followed by his disciples, charges forward) Everybody looks scared except him.

JESUSWhat are you doing! It is written that my father’s house is one of prayer. You have made it a den of thieves! Get out!

(He leaps among them, overturning tables and scattering wares. The sellers flee past the guards and out the door. The priests motion for the guards to grab Jesus, but Longinius trips the first one before he can do so. When the angry guard rises, Longinius throws back his cloak to reveal his armor and puts and hand on his sword.)

LONGINIUSDon’t you have some widows and orphans to scare?

(The soldiers back down and return to the priests, who abuse them verbally)

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SARAHThat was very brave. You don’t even know Jesus.

LONGINIUSAnd I wouldn’t get to know him if they had arrested him. (He turns to see Jesus looking at him with a smile). You’re right. He does have piercing eyes.

SARAHTo get to know him, you must hear what he says. I warn you though, he preaches one god, not the army of them that you worship. Do you dare follow me?

LONGINIUSI would dare ten thrashings from your father as long as you were there. Lead on, and I’ll keep an open mind.

(They turn to follow right. The lights black out Jesus and his followers)

Scene Three: The Temple Plot(Lights up on the left, where the priests huddle)

PRIEST ONEWe are getting nowhere here. Look what he did today! Nobody can stop this man. If we let him go one, everyone will believe in him. There will be a revolt and the Romans will come in destroy the temple and carve our nation up. Thousands will die.

CAIAPHASYou know nothing at all! Do you think I am going to stand by and let him do this? Don’t you think it would be better that one man should die rather than a whole nation?

PRIEST ONEWhat are you saying?

CAIAPHASI am saying that for the sake of Israel, this Jesus must die! Put out the word! I want his movements, so that we can arrest him and give him up to the Romans as a plotter.

PRIEST ONEHe is nearby. Let us go and discredit him. We know the Law.

CAIAPHASVery well, go and try. I will not be surprised if you all come back with your tails between your legs, that is, if the mob doesn’t deal with your first.

(The lights go down)

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Scene Four: Jesus and the Pharisees(Lights up on the right. Jesus heals many as Sarah and Longinius watch in amazement. The Priests approach from the left, carelessly elbowing their way past Sarah and Longinius, who has returned to his disguise)

PRIEST ONEMaster, we have seen and heard you perform many wonders. I ask you, though, by what authority do you do these things?

JESUSFirst, I will ask you a question. Tell me, the baptism of John, was it from heaven or did he make it up?

PRIEST ONE (to the others)If we say that it was from heaven, he will ask us why we didn’t believe. If we say John made it up, the people will stone us because they believe John was a prophet.

PRIEST TWOPlead ignorance. Let him answer. His words will help condemn him.

PRIEST ONEWe don’t know where the idea came from.

JESUSIf you can’t answer this, then neither will I answer you, for if you weren’t blind you would know the answer to both. (The people snicker. Even Longinius smiles)

PRIEST TWO (to the others)Let’s try this. (To Jesus) Teacher, we know that you are only supposed to teach what is right. Answer this, then, is it right to pay taxes to the pagan Romans?

JESUS (to the crowd)Show me a coin. (Longinius hands him one) Whose face is that, and whose name is on it?

PRIEST TWOIt’s Caesar’s, of course.

JESUSThen give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give God what belongs to God. (The people laugh)

PRIEST ONECome one, this is getting us nowhere. The whole world has gone over to him. (they leave)

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JESUSBe careful of such teachers of the law. They like walking around in fancy robes and acting like they know more than you do. They love the greetings in the market and the good seats and the dinner tables. They love for you to see them on their high benches in the synagogue, but beware! They devour widows’ houses and for a show make long, pretty prayers. Their punishment will be harsh.

LONGINIUSPlease, sir, what do you mean?

JESUS(Looks toward the palace) See the temple, how beautiful it is, covered with fine stone and gifts for God? The time will come when not one stone will be left on another. They will all be thrown down.

LONGINIUSWhen we these things happen?

JESUSNation will rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes, famine and disease all over the world. Don’t be afraid. Men will arrest you and deliver you to synagogues or prisons. Even your own family will betray you. All men will hate you because of me. You will be put to death, even. Stand firm, and you will gain eternal life.

LONGINIUSLife forever, for believing in you? What are you that I should believe?

JESUSThere will be signs. The nations will be in turmoil, not knowing what will happen. The stars and the moon will be shaken. Then, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

LONGINIUSSigns, what signs?

JESUSLook at the fig tree and all the trees. Whey they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. When you see these things happening, you will know that the kingdom of God is near. (He places his hand on Longinius’ shoulder and beckons to his disciples).

(Sarah drags an older man toward Longinius.)SARAHThis is my father, Joseph. He is highly placed on the Sanhedrin and a merchant as well

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LONGINIUS(Bows) I am honored, noble sir. Your daughter is a treasure and speaks highly of you.

JOSEPHYou’re Roman! What kind of pagan nonsense have you been telling my daughter?

SARAHFather! He’s interested in Jesus. Now, didn’t you listen to the Master? He came to save all peoples, the Romans, too.

JOSEPHYou are right. I suppose even Romans can find salvation.

LONGINIUSWhat is this salvation? I just have to believe that this Jesus is the Son of God? I can do that easier than believing that Caesar is God.

JOSEPHIt’s more than that. You have to give up all the rotten, sinful things in your life and follow the path that Jesus has set forth, wherever it leads.

LONGINIUSRight now, my path leads back to the governor. I’ll be sure to tell him that Jesus is no threat to Rome. Will I see you again Sarah?

SARAHWhere Jesus is, I will be close by.

JOSEPHAnd so will I!

(Longinius turns and leaves toward the left)

JOSEPHIf he only knew that the teachings of Jesus threaten not only Rome, but also all those who seek a path other than the true light of God. (He shakes his head, puts his arm around Sarah, and they walk off to the right)

Scene Five: Pilate’s audience chamber(Pilate is seated when Longinius appears)

PILATEAh, here is my absent centurion. Well, what have you learned of these plots?

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LONGINIUS(Saluting) My Lord, Herod has reason to fear, but not for the ones he states. I have witnessed this Jesus, and he preaches goodness, love, and fairness. He spoke out against the corruption around him, not against the rulers themselves. He even told his followers to pay their taxes! I saw him heal people and confound those snooty priests.

PILATEWell done, Centurion. This Jesus sounds like an ideal person to keep Herod honest. You say he did not speak out against Rome?

LONGINIUSHe spoke only of religious matters, except in the case of paying taxes.

PILATEExcellent. He is no threat to us, then. Their festival of Passover is upon us. Why don’t you take off the rest of the week until it is over? Enjoy yourself as a reward for good service.

LONGINIUSMy thanks, noble Pilate. (He bows and the scene ends)

Scene Six: The Betrayal(Lights up on the left, where the priests confer)

CAIAPHASYou fools! You are the smartest men on the Sanhedrin. You let a ragamuffin traveling huckster out talk you.

PRIEST ONEDon’t sell him short, sir. He was creepy. It’s like he really is what he says he is.

(Spotlight on the center, as Judas appears, and it follows him leftward)

CAIAPHASWhat shall we do now? We’ll never get close enough to learn his movements. I hope you all like working in the Roman salt mines.

JUDASHow much will you pay me to deliver Jesus of Nazareth into your hands?

PRIEST ONEIt’s one of his disciples. Their treasurer. The greedy one.

CAIAPHASHow can we trust you?

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JUDASNo more than I can trust you. I know that Jesus is going to supper this very night. When the time is right and the others sleepy, I will sneak out and bring your men to him. For the agreed price, I will kiss his cheek, and you will have him.

CAIAPHASI have little choice. You are the perfect one to perform this. Very well. 30 pieces of silver and we had better see results or you will hang on a Roman crucifix, I promise you!

JUDASDone. (He is paid. Lights out left and up on the right. Peter, John and James are talking as Jesus is at the extreme right, praying)

PETERI still don’t understand what happened.

JOHNWhat, the part where he said you would deny him or when he said one of us would betray him?

PETERThe whole thing. He washed our feet, and then made it sound like he was going to die. To honor his body with bread and blood with wine, it’s hard to take in all at one time. He meant it, though. Deny him, never. I will die first.

JOHNI can’t keep my eyes open. This whole ordeal is too exhausting. Things will be better in the morning. (The others nod and fall asleep. The light fades to just a spotlight on Jesus)

JESUSFather, if you are willing, take his cup from me, yet not my will, but yours, be done. I pray not for the world, but for those you have given me. I will no longer be in this world, but they will. When I was with them, I protected them. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction. I want them to be with me and see my glory and want to continually be known to them so that your love may be in them and I may be in them.(He looks to see the disciples asleep)The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Arise! Can you not stay awake even one hour? The son of man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.(Judas and guards appear from the left. Judas rushes forward to kiss Jesus)

JUDASMaster!

GUARDAre you Jesus?

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JESUSI am.(As he speaks, all his captors fall backward in a daze. They hurriedly pick themselves up as Peter and the rest awaken. Peter draws his sword on the unfortunate Malchus)Put away your sword before it becomes your death. I must drink this cup. (To the guard) Let the rest go. Why have you come with swords and clubs like I am some rebel? When I was daily with you in the temple courts you did not lay a hand on me, but this is your hour, the hour when darkness is supreme.(They take him to the left.)

Scene Seven: Pilate meets Jesus(The audience chamber. A crowd is forming. Longinius, still cloak struggles at the edge of it. He spies Peter.)

LONGINIUSAren’t you one of Jesus’ men? Tell me what has happened.

PETERNo! Not me! I don’t know what you are talking about! (He flees. Longinius spies Sarah.)

SARAHClaudius! They have arrested Jesus! The priests questioned him and now Pilate is coming. Do something!

LONGINIUSPilate will be fair. Watch and see.

(Pilate emerges and takes his seat. Guards bring forth Jesus, followed by the smug Sanhedrin members)

PILATEThis had better be urgent. Even Romans enjoy a good night’s sleep.

CAIAPHASNoble arm of Caesar! We have found his man subverting our nation. He opposes the paying of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king.

PILATEThat’s not what I am hearing. So this is the famous Jesus! You don’t look much like a king? Is that what you claim to be?

JESUSYes, it is as you say

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PILATEHe king of madmen, that’s what he is. He’s a harmless fool. I find no basis to charge this man under Roman law.

CAIAPHASHe’s been stirring up trouble all the way from Galilee by his teaching.

PILATEOh, he’s a Galilean? Then, send him to Herod! Perhaps Herod will give you what you want. Get him out of here and don’t you come back unless you have something worth waking up the governor of Rome, or Caesar’s arm may well strangle you. Begone!(As they leave, Pilate’s wife appears and falls to his side)

PILATE’S WIFEHave nothing to do with that man, husband! I just had a horrible dream about him

PILATE(Pats her arm) Don’t worry, my dear. That’s probably the last I’ll see of this Jesus(The lights go out left and a spot follows Jesus to the right)

Scene Eight: Herod’s court(A small courtyard scene can be simply put up on the right, with Herod being entertained as he lounges on an ottoman or something similar. He sits up as Jesus approaches)

HERODWho troubles me at this hour? I should have you all flogged!

CAIAPHASWe have orders from Pilate to hand over Jesus of Nazareth to you for trial.

HEROD(Brightens) Jesus! I am so happy to meet you at last. Why is he here?

CAIAPHASTreason. He claims to be king

HERODJesus? This can’t be true? You are a holy man, another John the Baptist, from what I hear. Give him some room. (The mob backs away and Herod circles Jesus, looking at him like a specimen.) Jesus, Jesus, I am shocked. Well, Pilate has given you to me, so if you do as I say, I can protect you. You understand that I can save you, yes?

(Jesus is silent)

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What happened to your eloquent tongue? All this about the kingdom of God, and salvation, and repentance, and now, nothing? I am one of your own, and your rightful ruler as well. I command you show me one of your miracles.

(Jesus is silent)

Please! Your life is at stake. I have water, change it to wine! Multiply the loaves of bread in my pantry til they bury the palace.

(Jesus is silent)

CAIAPHASYour majesty, this is getting us nowhere. Order him executed and be done with it.

HERODWho is king here? Listen, Jesus, they want your blood. Please, answer one question. A word from you is all I ask.

(Jesus is silent)

Very well then! I have no choice but to find you guilty. Listen to me, then, priest. I cannot execute him. Only the Romans are allowed to execute criminals. However, I will go with you to lend my weight. Pilate fears the mob. Let us give him one to fear. Too bad, Jesus, you had your chance, and you blew it. Get him out of here!

Scene Nine: Christ Before Pilate(The mob returns to Pilate. Sarah and Longinius stand horrified as they watch the soldiers push Jesus around. Pilate enters)

PILATEWhat, again you bring me this man? Have you not tormented him enough? I told you there was no evidence that he is leading a rebellion. I’ll ask you again. Are you king of the Jews?

JESUSHave you figured this out by yourself or did others tell you?

PILATEAm I a Jew? Your own people have brought you to me. They are your followers.

JESUSMy kingdom is not of this world, or my servants would fight for me.

PILATEAh, you are a king, then?

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JESUSYou say that I am a king. For this I was born into this world, that the truth may be known and so that all who believe in truth will listen to me.

PILATEWhat is truth? (To the priests) He’s innocent. Take him to be flogged and we’ll call it a night (He motions and Jesus is led away).

HERODThank you, Pilate. The man would tell me nothing. I am in your debt.

PILATEFriendship, from you? I extend my hand in the hope a scorpion does not bite me.

(There is the sound of a whip and screams, then Jesus returns, cloaked in a robe and wearing a crown of thorns)

Behold the man!

CAIAPHASCrucify him! (He turns to the crown and incites them. They take up the call)

PILATEYou crucify him! I find no law that he is broken.

CAIAPHAS(Enraged) We have a law, and by that law he must die because he claims to be the Son of God!

PILATE(To Jesus) Where are you from, Jesus? (Jesus says nothing.) Speak to me! Don’t you know I have your life in my hands?

JESUSYou have nothing in your hands. The power you have is tolerated from above. It is those who gave you to me that are guilty of the greater sin.

PILATE(To the crowd) Behold your King!

THE MOBWe have no king but Caesar! Take him away! Crucify him!

CAIAPHASIf you let this man escape, you are no friend to Caesar. You could easily hang beside this man.

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(Pilate goes to a basin and washes his hands)PILATEI am innocent of this man’s blood. It is on your heads. Take him away.

Scene Ten: Crucifixion and Resurrection(Jesus is crucified. Longinius and Sarah stare in disbelief among the jeering mob. Pilate approaches with a sign: JESUS OF NAZARETH KING OF THE JEWS)

CAIAPHASYou’ve got it wrong. Write that he claimed to be king of the Jews.

PILATEI have written what I have written. (To Longinius). Your leave is over. Stay here and make sure there is no trouble. If these priests touch this sign or that man, string them up beside him. (He leaves)

SARAHYou said Pilate was fair

LONGINIUSHe was too afraid of a revolt.

JESUSFather, forgive them; they know not what they do.

SARAHHow can we let him die? He is the light of the world.

LONGINIUSHe asked for no help. He knows that too much innocent blood would have been shed. What kind of man is he? He could have run away, bargained for his life, but he went as meekly as a sheep to the slaughter.

SARAHAren’t you ready to believe he is what he says he is? The Savior?

LONGINIUSYes. Truly, this man was the Son of God.

JESUSFather, into your hands, I commend my spirit (he dies.)

(Jesus is taken down as the crowd flees amid a chaos of lightning and thunder and is placed in the tomb. Pilate sets the guard and seals the tomb. Lights flash behind the tomb, and an angel appears. The guards fall down and the tomb is opened. Women appear and Jesus comes forth. They run away overjoyed.)

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Scene Eleven: The great commission(The disciples, including Sarah, Joseph of Arimathea, and Longinius are huddled together in a room. Jesus appears to them)

JESUSPeace be with you!

(They crowd around him, tugging at his clothes and weeping).

Thomas, you said you would not believe unless you touched me. Here, put your finger in the nail print.

THOMAS(Does so, and then falls to his knees)My Lord and My God!

JESUSYou believe because you see me. Blessed are those who have not seen me, but will believe. I give to you the power of the Holy Spirit, so that your eyes may be opened and you will understand everything. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. I will be with you always, even to the very end of the age.

(They all hug and babble. Joseph pulls Longinius aside and whispers to him. Longinius smiles and rushes to Sarah)

LONGINIUSYour father is planning a trip to Britain to trade and spread the word of Jesus. He has asked me to go along. I told him that I would on one condition.

SARAHWhat’s that?

LONGINIUSThat you go with me as my wife.

SARAHSomebody has to keep you straight, you ex-heathen.(They embrace as the lights go out.

The end

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