SON OF SORROW“Script”

INTRODUCTIONMUSIC: OVERTURE SON OF SORROWS Narrator: Throughout the ages, people from all walks of life have become followers of Christ. Jesus Christ was determined to do the will of His Father, God, even if His family did not believe in Him. Because of Jesus obedience and sacrifice, He would bear the name Son of Sorrows, yet would bring salvation not only to His own family but to all who would believe.

ACT I – Scene 1“Wedding in Cana”

(A crowd is gathered. We see a couple under the canopy. People are dancing. Some of the disciples are there. Jesus’ brothers and sisters are there. Mother Mary is co-hosting)

Rabbi: L’chaim!

All: L’chaim!

MUSIC: SHABAT SHALOM DANCE

MUSIC: SHABAT SHALOM (UNDERPLAY UNDER SCENE)

James: I enjoy weddings. Joses: (To James) We all know why, James.

Jude: You’re right, Joses. Still looking for a wife, James? Simon: (To Jude) Now, Jude, most everyone here is related to us. There has to be another reason.

James: There is, Simon. Where else can you feast for 7 days and not have to pay for it? (They all laugh)

Joses: (Noticing Jesus) Jesus seems so serious lately.

Simon: I sense He is getting ready to leave us. He seems so pre-occupied.

James: He keeps telling me that since I am the oldest that I need to step up and take care of mother.

Joses: Look at His friends. They are just like us. They hang on to every word He speaks.

Jude: Since Father died, He has worked so hard to teach us everything. What would we do without Him?

James: (Breaking the seriousness) We will all find beautiful wives and have lots of wedding feasts. (They all laugh)

Jude: Speaking of feasts!

Wedding Servant: (Entering the scene and crossing to the Banquet Master) Master, we are out of wine.

Banquet Master: (Aside to the servants) What do you mean, “We are out of wine?” Go to the back and check once more.

Miryam: (Serving) Lydia, did you hear the Banquet Master? They are out of wine. The wedding is nowhere near over.

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Lydia: (Serving) What can we do, Miryam?

Miryam: Tell mother. She will think of something.

Lydia: Mother, there is no more wine.

Mother Mary: (Serving) We cannot let the bridegroom know. This will bring shame to our whole family. (She thinks) I know what to do. (Prayerfully approaches Jesus) Jesus, my son, (Turning from His disciples) they have no more wine.

Jesus: Dear woman, why do you involve me?

Mother Mary: I just thought…

Jesus: (Standing) Mother, my time has not yet come.

Mother Mary: (Taking His face in her hands. She embraces him. A servant enters)

Wedding Servant: (Entering. Speaks to the Banquet Master) There is no wine in the back.

Banquet Master: What are we to do? This is a disgrace.

Mother Mary: (To the Banquet Master) Go and occupy the bridegroom. No need to worry. God will provide. (Banquet Master moves to Bridegroom. Mary turns to the servants) Do whatever Jesus tells you. (She steps aside and Jesus steps forward)

Jesus: (Looking at 6 large jars) Fill the ceremonial jars with water.

Wedding Servant: Some have water, but we will fill them to the brim. (To the servants) Servants, bring more water. (Crosses to the jars)

MUSIC: WEDDING MIRACLE MUSIC (Mother Mary draws her children to watch. She prays)

Mother Mary: (To James) James, bring your brothers. (They gather)

Jesus: (To the Wedding Servant) Now, pour some out. (The Wedding Servant does so and crosses to Jesus with a vessel of water. Jesus pours water into a pitcher. Holds it up as if praying. Then hands it to the Wedding Servant) Take this to the Master of the Banquet. (The Wedding Servant does so)

Banquet Master: (Pouring from the pitcher into a cup. It has obviously turned to wine. He tastes it.) Where did this come from? It is the best wine yet.

Lydia: (Crossing to Jesus) It is a miracle.

Miryam: A true miracle from God.

Banquet Master: (To the bridegroom) Master! (Bridegroom stands and moves aside to the Banquet Master) Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.

Bridegroom: Of course. Let us celebrate. L’chaim!

All: L’chaim!

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MUSIC: SHABAT SHALOM (Wedding party celebrates.)

Jesus: I must go to Capernaum. (Jesus walks off as Mother Mary pulls her children and disciples aside to watch Him leave)

Mother Mary: This indeed is the first miraculous sign…

Apostle Peter: He is no ordinary teacher.

Apostle John: No man could perform this miracle.

Apostle James: His glory has now been revealed.

Apostle Peter: (To the other disciples) Let us go to Him. (They exit)

Mother Mary: We must prepare to join Him.

James: Mother!

Mother Mary: It is His time. (She walks back to the wedding)

Jude: What does she mean, James?

James: I’m not sure.

Miryam: Mother knows something in her heart. (Addressing her brothers) Brothers, you need to go. Lydia and I will stay behind. (Lights fade to blackout)

MUSIC: SHABAT TRANSITION NARRATION

Narrator: This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him. After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days.

ACT I – Scene 2“Looking Back”

James: Mother, why is it that you feel we needed to follow Jesus here to Capernaum. He has his friends. Some even call themselves His disciples. He will be okay.

Jude: James is right. We need to get back to Nazareth and to our work. We can’t just leave everything. We have responsibilities.

Mother Mary: You are right, Jude… and so does Jesus.

Simon: But, mother. We have already been gone for a week.

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Joses: Mother, please understand. Jesus isn’t the same. He has pulled away from us.

Mother Mary: Joses, perhaps I understand more than you know. For 30 years, I have pondered so much in my heart. Now, it’s coming true.

James: What are you talking about?

Mother Mary: The Angel of God, Anna, and Simeon. It’s all true. The prophecies are all true.

Jude: Mother, you need to let those things go. You will only get hurt again.

Simon: The people of Nazareth have never let you live it down.

Joses: Mother, we can’t go through it again. The mockery…the shame. Let it be. You will only be hurt.

Mother Mary: Your father, Joseph, believed for this. An angel spoke to him as well. My sons, I carry no shame and neither did your father. God confirmed everything when we went to the temple on the eighth day to present Jesus to the Lord.

MUSIC: MARY’S FLASHBACK

FLASHBACK: (The following narration is recorded by Mother Mary) Mother Mary: Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. (Lights come up on Simeon praying in the temple courts. Mary and Joseph enter the scene) When Joseph and I brought in Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,

Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. (Simeon takes baby Jesus) Simeon: Hallelujah! Praise be to God! (Holding up baby Jesus) Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. (Mary and Joseph react)

Mother Mary: Then Simeon blessed us and said to me:

Simeon: This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.

Mother Mary: And then he turned to me and said:

Simeon: And a sword will pierce your own soul too.

Mother Mary: There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. (Anna enters with a cane) She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

Coming up to us at that very moment, she gave thanks to God:

Anna: Can I see your baby? Thanks be to God. This is the child. The one to whom all are looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

FLASH FORWARD:

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Mother Mary: After we did all that was required by the Law of the Lord, we returned here to Nazareth. Jesus is the One. That is why I followed Him to Capernaum. He is sent from God. Now, we have to let Him go. I have known this day would come.

James: Mother, Jesus has been a wonderful brother. After Father died, he showed us everything.

Joses: He taught us how to be carpenters.

Simon: He taught us how to be men.

Jude: We are a family. Everything He does affects us. He has been like a father to us.

James: But to say that He is sent from God is too much. He is actually starting to believe it. He could be killed for proclaiming that. I can’t let that happen.

Mother Mary: That is not for you to decide, James. Simon, Joses, Jude..I know you love Jesus, but this is His time. We have to follow Him.

James: We can’t. We won’t. (They all look at each other) We have already decided. We are going back to Nazareth. A few months ago, when Jesus told me that He was leaving, I promised Him I would take care of you and our family, but I can’t if you follow Him.Mother Mary: I understand, James. But I must go.

Jude: Mother, please come back to Nazareth with us.

Mother Mary: Jude, I will be back, but for now, I must follow Jesus. In time, you will understand. (She exits. They all gather around James)

James: Why?! How could anyone understand this…(Fade to black)

ACT I – Scene 3“Choosing of the Twelve”

MUSIC: CALLING OF THE DISCIPLES FINAL

Narrator: Jesus went out to the mountainside and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to Him. (The lights come up on a multitude of people)And chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: (As names are called, the Apostles step from the crowd into place)

Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James and John (The Sons of Thunder), Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alpheus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Thaddeus, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

He went down with them and stood on a level place. (Jesus moves down) A large crowd of his disciples were there and a great multitude of people.

MUSIC: SOFT PAD

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Jesus: You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…

And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Turning to Nicodemus) For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (All exit except for Jesus and the Apostles)

ACT I – Scene 4“Nicodemus at Night”

MUSIC: NICODEMUS NARRATION

Narrator: Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night.

MUSIC: SOFT PAD

Nicodemus: (Entering the scene) Rabbi, I am Nicodemus.

Peter: I know who you are. Master, I recognize this man. He has been following us. (To Nicodemus) You were with the Sanhedrin Council. Why did you come here?

Jesus: Peter, let him speak.

Nicodemus: Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.

Jesus: I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.

Nicodemus: How can a man be born when he is old? Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!

Jesus: I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

Nicodemus: (Nicodemus looks confused) What is this teaching? Jesus: Nicodemus, you should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.'

Nicodemus: How can this be?

Jesus: You are Israel's teacher, and do you not understand these things? I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?

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For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

Peter: Do you believe, Nicodemus?

Nicodemus: Yes, I believe. (He kneels before Jesus)

ACT I – Scene 5“Mary’s Plea”

MUSIC: JESUS ENTERED A HOUSE

Narrator: And Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that He and His disciples were not able to eat. When His family heard about this, they went to take charge of Him.

Jude: Where is James? He said he would be right back.

Joses: Have you seen the crowd? I doubt he got anywhere close to Jesus.

Simon: When will this madness stop? The number of Jesus’ followers increases every day.

Mother Mary: Your brother, Jesus, is doing the work of his Father. Just as he was the day that Joseph and I found Him in the Temple.

Miryam: I can barely remember when that happened.

Mother Mary: I guess so. Lydia was just a baby.

Jude: (Laughing) How could you forget one of your children?

Mother Mary: If it had been you, Jude, I am certain I wouldn’t. Besides, we had a very large group of relatives traveling with us. Jesus was so quiet and very independent. I thought he was with some of his cousins. After a day’s travel, Joseph and I found him missing; we looked among the relatives and couldn’t find him. We left all of you with the caravan and back to Jerusalem we went.

Simon: After 3 days, you found Him in the temple.

Lydia: Teaching. Not much has changed. You are still chasing after him.

Joses: And you leave us behind to do it!

James: (Entering) Jesus has turned the whole village upside down. Every reject in Capernaum has filled the streets. We are going to have to act fast.

Mother Mary: James, what are you planning to do?

James: Mother, Jesus is taking this thing too far. He is out of His mind. I thought if we could get to Him, maybe we could talk some sense into Him.

Jude: Mother, if we don’t do something, He is going to be killed. The high priests and Sanhedrin are out to stop him…no matter the cost.

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Simon: We can’t just sit back and let this happen.

Joses: We need to convince him to come home, even for a little while until things settle.

Miryam: Maybe if we all go together, He will listen.

Lydia: We have to do something or someone is going to kill him.

Mother Mary: I don’t want anything to happen to him.

James: That’s right, Mother. We have to protect him.

Mother Mary: I will go with you, but promise me, James. You will not cause a scene. We cannot do anything to stand in the way of His ministry. This is just to protect him.

James: Yes, of course, Mother. We are just going to speak to him. (They exit and lights fade)

MUSIC: TRANSITION FROM FAMILY

ACT II – Scene 1“Healing of the Demon-possessed Man”

MUSIC: MARY MAG RUNS AWAY(Lights come up. We see a Mary Magdalene running from the presence of Jesus sobbing. She makes her way to the courtyard and sits crying. Celidonius is escorted in by his mother and father. Phineas enters and drops coins in Celidonius’ basket)

Celidonius’ Father: (To Phineas) Is this the place where the prophet is healing? I brought my son, Celidonius, to be healed.

Phineas: Yes, it is, but I hope to get something much more. He speaks of an eternal kingdom that I am interested in.

Celidonius’ Mother: It looks as if this is as close as we are going to get to the prophet.

Phineas: Perhaps a few coins might persuade the door keeper to let me in.

Celidonius: He has to leave at some point. Maybe we should stay where we are. We might have a better chance out here.

Phineas: (Approaches the door keeper with coins) I must see the Teacher.

Door keeper: Sorry, your money is no good here. There is no room for anyone else inside. (Phineas moves to take a spot in the courtyard)

SPLIT SCENE:

MUSIC: DEMON POSSESSED BOY

(Lights come up on Jesus seated quietly with his disciples. Shrieks are heard. We see a mad man running through the crowd. He is foaming at the mouth. The apostles grab Corson)

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Corson’s Mother: Jesus. Please have mercy on my son. He is possessed by a demon and cannot speak nor see.

Jesus: Peter, John, bring him to me. (They get Corson from those who are holding him). Jesus lays his hands on Corson) I command you to come out and leave this man alone. (Corson shrieks and falls to the ground to be tended to by his mother)

Corson’s Father: You have killed him.

Corson’s Mother: (Rushing to her son) Corson, my son? (She falls on him and weeps0

MUSIC: BOY IS HEALED

Corson: Mother! (He embraces her face) I, I can see you.

Corson’s Father: Corson!!!! (He embraces his son)

Crowd #1: He speaks!

Crowd #2: It’s a miracle! (Crowd cheers)

Crowd #3: Could this truly be the Son of David?

Malchus: (To the Crowd) How dare you speak that way. It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.

Jesus: Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?

Malchus: Don’t question me, Nazarene.

Jesus: If I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out?

Malchus: (He puffs up) Who are you to question me?

Jesus: (To the crowd) So then, they will be your judges. But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, (Turns back to Malchus) then the kingdom of God has come upon YOU.

MUSIC: MALCHUS STOMPS OUT (LET PLAY OUT)

Malchus: Caiaphas, the high priest, will not stand for this. You are on the verge of blasphemy (He exits with a Pharisee and runs into Moicheia)

ACT II – Scene 2“An Audience with Jesus”

Moicheia: Come now, holy man. Do you see something you like?

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Malchus: Out of my way, vermin. (Pushes her down and exits)

Moicheia: (Yelling) Who cares for the likes of you?

Phineas: (Helping her up) You should. That was Malchus! He is the servant of the high priest. He knows your profession. He could have had you stoned.

Moicheia: What is your name?

Phineas: Phineas. And yours?

Moicheia: Moicheia. Would you like some company this evening?

Phineas: No, thank you. I only want to get into the company of the teacher in that house. (Moicheia moves away)

James: (Entering with Mother Mary and his brothers and sisters) Here is the house. We just need to stay together as a group and push our way inside.

Phineas: It’s not going to happen. I have already tried to get in.

Jude: But we are his family.

Phineas: Right…and I am a Pharaoh from Egypt.

Mother Mary: I am his mother. (To the siblings.) Let’s go. I know the man at the door. (They cross up to the door) Hello!

Door Keeper: Hello, Mary. There is no more room inside. I’m sorry.

Mother Mary: I understand, but please let Jesus know that his family is here.

Door Keeper: I will get someone to tell him. (He crosses to a disciple and whispers. The disciple goes in to the house)

MUSIC: JESUS TEACHING

Disciple: (Moving toward Jesus) Jesus, your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.

Jesus: Who are my mother and my brothers? (He looks around the room.)

James: (James pushes into the room) We are!!!

Jesus: Here are my mother and my brothers! (Jesus catches James eyes. Stands) Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother. (James hears him and rushes out)

MUSIC: WALL OF BREATH

James: (Exiting) Let’s leave this place. He has denied us.

Mother Mary: That is not true, James. Jesus loves you.

Jude: Who are you trying to convince, mother. He has left us for these people…

Moicheia: (Moving in to Joses) Would you like some company?

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Joses: No, thank you. I am with James. We need to leave this place.

(A few crowd members leave the house and enter the street)

Gossip #1: Where did this man get these things that he is teaching?

Gossip #2: What's this wisdom that has been given him that he even does miracles!

Gossip #3: More like sorcery. Isn't He a simple carpenter?

Gossip #1: Yes and His mother's name is Mary? (Recognizing the family, he points them out to the others. They all laugh)

Gossip #2: (Sarcastically) Yes, and aren't his brothers James, Joses, Simon and Jude?

Gossip #3: (Moving near Lydia and Miryam) Aren't you his sisters?

Miryam: We are...

Gossip #2: Being family doesn’t seem to have special privileges.

MUSIC: FADE OUT CURRENT TRACK

Lydia: Who are they?

James: They are no one. And neither are we. We are leaving. (The crowd laughs and exits. James starts to leave)

Mother Mary: Guard your heart, James. These people don’t understand...

James: Neither do I. We need to leave.

Mother Mary: I am waiting here for Jesus.

Jude: Mother. Why?

Simon: Mother, please come back with us.

Joses: You need to get your rest.

Miryam: (To the brothers) Since she wants to stay, Lydia and I will stay with her.

Lydia: We will be home in a little while.

James: (Handing her a small club) Here. Watch out for lunatics. Jesus knows how to draw them in. (They all laugh. The brothers exit. Jesus and the crowd slowly exit the stage)

ACT II – Scene 3“Just a Touch”

Mary Magdalene: I overheard the people leaving. Is it true? Are you, Mary, Mother of Jesus?

Mother Mary: Yes, and these are my daughters. Miryam and Lydia.

Moicheia: (Laughing) And this is Mary Magdalene. A lady of notoriety in these parts.

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Mary Magdalene: Not now, Moicheia.

Moicheia: Who are you to judge me, Mary Magdalene? Everyone knows your reputation. You are here like the rest of us vultures…just waiting for an opportunity to present itself.

Mary Magdalene: You are wrong, Moicheia. I am not the same woman I used to be. I have spent years in darkness fighting for my sanity. I ran to everything and everyone for help. And then I met Jesus. Tonight, He cast seven demons from me. He brought light and hope into my life.

Moicheia: You sound like the rest of His followers.

Phineas: (Moving closer) I want to know more about this Jesus. I have traveled a long way to see Him.

Celidonius: What was it like to be in His presence?

Mary Magdalene: So unworthy, yet so loved. I felt I was in the presence of God.

Moicheia: Jesus is just another man…(Moves away) Trust me. They are all the same.Mary Magdalene: No…Jesus is so much more.

MUSIC: SO MUCH MORE MARY MAG

ACT II – Scene 4“Brother to Brother”

MUSIC: FEAST OF TABERNACLES

Narrator: Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life. But then the time for the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles came.

James: (To Jesus) It is time for the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus, you ought to leave here and go to Judea.

Joses: Don’t you think that your disciples may want to see all the miracles you are doing? This would be the perfect time.

Jude: Your public awaits you, Jesus. You can’t just stay in hiding. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret.

James: Since you are already performing signs and wonders, show yourself to the world. If you are truly the Messiah, don’t you think it is time to prove it?

Jesus: Brothers, the right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil. You go to the Feast. I am not yet going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come.

Jude: Well, you can stay in Galilee. We are leaving. (They exit)

ACT III – Scene 1“Jerusalem”

MUSIC: STREET MUSIC (City fills with merchants and villagers. Malchus, Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, and Pharisees are present.

Jesus’ brothers are present. Centurion and Guards take position)

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Moicheia: Centurion, do you like what you see? I can make it worth your time.

Centurion: Away woman, you are filth. I wouldn’t let you lie down with my dogs.

Moicheia: What about your men?

Centurion: (Moving to her) I said…Away! (He pushes her away. She spits on him)

Moicheia: There are plenty of real men who desire me. Why waste my time on you? (She dances around a merchant and picks up merchandise)

Merchant #1: Leave, Moicheia!

Moicheia: I have as much right to be here as you.

Angry Merchant: You are filth.

Moicheia: You are just jealous because I make more money than you. Besides that, I had your husband last night.

Angry Merchant: Throw her out before I …

Moicheia: Before what…

Merchant #3: Go away, Moicheia!!

Centurion: Guards! Take her away!!! (Guards escort her out)

Joses: Look at all of these people.

Mother Mary: It is the Feast of the Tabernacles…a time of great celebration.Lydia: 7 days of food and family.

Miryam: And a time to remember our people and their Exodus from Egypt.

Simon: (Noticing the Sanhedrin members) Look at the Sanhedrin Council members.

James: It is a good thing that Jesus did not come with us. They would have his head if he started preaching and making claims.

Jude: (Noticing Jesus and his entourage entering) Looks like you spoke too soon.

Mother Mary: Jesus! I knew He would come. We must go to Him. (Mother Mary leads Miryam and Lydia to Jesus)

MUSIC: JESUS ENTERS

(Crowd notices Jesus as He enters with Mary Magdalene, and the disciples)

Jesus: The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.

Peter: Today, this scripture is fulfilled. (They move to center stage)

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Villager #1: Jesus, would you touch my child. (Moving toward Jesus with a child)

Villager #2: Yes, Rabbi, bless our children. (Bringing a child)

Apostle Peter: Away from Jesus!

Jesus: No, my friends! Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth; anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.

ACT III – Scene 2“The Rich Young Ruler”

Phineas: Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?

Jesus: Why do you call me good? No one is good--except God alone. You must obey the commandments.

Phineas: Which ones?

Jesus: Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.

Phineas: Teacher, all these I have kept since I was a boy.

Jesus: (Moves to him and looks intently) One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.

Phineas: (Sobbing and shaking his head) I….. (He runs out)

Jesus: (Looking around and saying to his disciples) It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God! Again, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.

Apostle John: Who then can be saved?

Jesus: With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

Apostle Peter: We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?

Jesus: Everyone who has left houses (Jesus looks at his brothers) or brothers (He acknowledges Miryam and Lydia) or sisters or father (He acknowledges Mother Mary) or mother or (to the Children) children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

James: (to the Brothers) Let’s leave this place before we all get killed. (The Brothers exit)

ACT III – Scene 3“Healing of the Blind Man”

MUSIC: SOFT PAD

Celidonius’ Mother: Jesus, this is my son, Celidonius.

Celidonius’ Father: He has been blind since birth. Would you heal our son?14

Villager #1: Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?

Jesus: Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.

Villager #2: What do you mean?

Jesus: Bring him to me. (Apostle James and Apostle John lead Celidonius to Jesus.)

Celidonius: Rabbi, I have heard that you can give sight to the blind. I wish to see. (Jesus kneels, spits on the ground, and makes mud and puts in on Celidonius’ eyes)

Crowd: (Adlibs about what Jesus is doing)

Jesus: (To Celidonius’ parents) Go; wash his eyes in the Pool of Siloam.

Celidonius’ Parents: Yes! (His parents escort Celidonius away)

ACT III – Scene 4“The Adulteress”

MUSIC: THE STONING(Screaming is heard as Moicheia is dragged into the city by her accusers)

Moicheia: Leave me alone.

Accuser #1: Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of adultery.

Accuser #2: In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women.

Accuser #3: Now what do you say?

Jesus: (Jesus says nothing but stoops to write on the ground with his finger)

Accuser # 2: Say something, Jesus.

Accuser #1: Answer us.

Jesus: If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her. (Again, he stoops down and writes on the ground. At this, the accusers begin to go away one at a time. One accuser is left as Malchus moves down)

Malchus: (To the accuser) You know the law. You are to stone her. (The last accuser drops the stone and runs out. Malchus yells) Caiaphas, the high priest, will hear about this. He will have YOU stoned.

Jesus: (Jesus straightens up and grabs a stone and holds it out toward Malchus. Malchus turns to see the stone just inches from his face. Jesus tries to offer Malchus the stone. He is embarrassed and runs out to join another Pharisee looking down on the streets. Jesus drops the stone and kneels down to Moicheia.) MUSIC: ONCE FOR ALL SOFT Woman, where are your accusers? (Moicheia looks around to find no one) Has no one condemned you?"

Moicheia: No one, lord.

Jesus: Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin. (He helps her to her feet and turns to Mother Mary) Mother! Take care of her.

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Mother Mary: Yes, my son. (To Moicheia) Come, my child. (Moicheia moves to Mother Mary)

Mary Magdalene: Praise God! Moiciea….

Jesus: (To the Crowd) I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (Jesus exits with his disciples. Mother Mary, Mary Magdalene, Lydia, Miryam, and some of the crowd start to follow Jesus out)

ACT III – Scene 5“Open Your Eyes”

Malchus: (Stopping the crowd after Jesus has exited) What are you people doing? You are following a zealot. He is merely a man. He cannot forgive anyone of their sins. These are the acts of a lunatic.

Mother Mary: My son is not a lunatic.

Malchus: He even uses tricks to deceive you. (There is uproar in the crowd) Open your eyes to the truth.

Celidonius: (Rushing in and praising God followed by his parents.) I am healed. I can see. It’s a miracle. Praise be to Yahweh…

Villager # 3: Is this the same man that Jesus just touched and sent to the pool at Siloam?

Villager #4: Indeed, it is!

Villager #5: Isn't this the same blind man who used to sit and beg?

Malchus: No, he only looks like him.

Celidonius: No! I am the man.

Malchus: This is another trick! This “so called” healer must be stopped. I must go to Caiaphas. (Turning to Celidonius) You, will go with me.

Celidonius’ Mother: (To Malchus) No! He has done no harm.

Celidonius’ Father: (To Malchus) Just leave us alone.

Malchus: (Grabbing Celidonius’ Father) You and your wife will be coming as well. (To the Centurion) Centurion, escort these people to the Sanhedrin Council. (Centurion does so)

Crowd: (Adlibs as Malchus and guards escort Celidonius and his parents away) This is not fair. They have done nothing wrong. Let them go, etc. (The crowd dissipates)

Mother Mary: Malchus is the one who cannot open his eyes to the truth. Satan has him blinded.

Moicheia: What Jesus did today was not trickery. He has changed my life forever.

Mary Magdalene: (To Moicheia) and mine as well.

MUSIC: SO MUCH MORE MOIC

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ACT III – Scene 6“Healing in Question”

MUSIC: SANHEDRIN COUNCIL

Annas: Where is this man who healed you?

Celidonius: I don't know.

Caiaphas: How did this man restore your sight?

Celidonius: He put mud on my eyes and I washed, and now I see.

Pharisee: This man is not from God. He doesn’t even keep the Sabbath.

Malchus: He is a sinner.

Joseph of Arimathea: How can a sinner do such miraculous signs?

Malchus: (To Celidonius) What have you to say about your healer? It was your eyes he opened.

Celidonius: He is a prophet.

Gamaliel: There are many who claim to be prophets. (To Celidonius) You say that this man healed you and that you have been blind since birth.

Celidonius: Yes.

Annas: (To Celidonius) How can we expect to believe that? (To Malchus) Bring in his parents. (Celidonius’ parents enter)

Malchus: (To Centurion) Bring in his parents!

Centurion: (To parents) The High Priest wishes to see you!

Caiaphas: Is this your son? (Referring to Celidonius)

Annas: Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that now he can see?

Celidonius’ Mother: We know he is our son, Celidonius, and we can testify that he was born blind.

Celidonius’ Father: But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don't know. Ask him. He is of age; he will speak for himself.

Malchus: (Crossing over to Celidonius) Give glory to God, Celidonius. We know this man, Jesus, is a sinner.

Celidonius: Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!

Malchus: What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?

Celidonius: I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?

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Malchus: Don’t be a fool.

Annas: You are this fellow's disciple!

Gamaliel: We are disciples of Moses! We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from.

Celidonius: Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet I can say that he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.

Caiaphas: You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us! Remove him from this Council. (Celidonius is escorted out by Malchus and the guards)

Celidonius’ Mother: He is my son.

Annas: Then why didn’t you teach him to tell the truth?

Celidonius’ Father: My son is not a liar. Everything he said was true.

Caiaphas: Silence, or I will have you thrown into prison. Leave us! (Celidonius’ parents exit)

ACT III– Scene 7“Lord, I Believe”

(Jesus entering with Apostle Peter, Apostle James, Apostle John, Mother Mary, Mary Magdalene, Lydia, Miryam)

Apostle Peter: Look. It’s the blind man. I heard they had taken him before the Sanhedrin Council to be questioned about his healing.

Apostle John: It looks like he has been thrown out.

Apostle James: Be careful, Master. This could be a trick.

Celidonius: (To Malchus) Why can’t you people just believe me?

Malchus: (Seeing Jesus and Crossing to Him) Well, look. Here we are again. Celidonius, do you recognize this man?

Celidonius: No. Who is this?

Jesus: (Crossing to Celidonius) Celidonius, do you believe in the Son of Man?

Celidonius: I wish to…Who is he, sir? Tell me so that I may believe in him.

Jesus: (Putting his hand on Celidonius’ shoulder) You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.

Celidonius: (Falling to his knees in worship) Lord, I believe.

Jesus: For judgment I have come into this world, (To Celidonius) so that the blind will see (To Malchus) and those who see will become blind. Malchus: What? Are we blind too?

Jesus: If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.

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Malchus: Your days are numbered, Nazarene. Guards! (Malchus is insulted and leaves. He bumps into Celidonius’ parents as they enter the scene)

MUSIC: SO MUCH MORE WITH CELEDONIUS

ACT III – Scene 8“Sanhedrin Council”

MUSIC – SANHEDRIN COUNCIL

Caiaphas: So what do you think of this man, Jesus?

Malchus: Caiaphas, He claims to be the Son of Man. We have seen and heard Jesus in some of our synagogues. He seems to be following in the steps of John the Baptist. He is bringing great turmoil to the city.

Nicodemus: Why are you saying these things? What has this man done to bring trouble to the people?

Joseph of Arimathea: I know about his teachings throughout Galilee and I have no reason to believe that he poses a threat.

Gamaliel: I agree. We must be careful how we involve ourselves. The people could revolt.

Annas: Enough! Joseph…Nicodemus….surely you haven’t been swayed into believing that this prophet, Jesus, is a good man.

Malchus: The fact is: Our streets are filled with sin and vermin. Jesus appeases the outcast. He is beginning to have many followers.

Annas: I agree with Malchus. Jesus is trouble. It’s not that Jesus is just preaching and teaching. He is performing miracles and healings everywhere he goes.

Caiaphas: What do you mean…..miracles and healings?

Malchus: He makes the lame to walk, the blind to see and the deaf to hear.

Annas: What must we do? Caiaphas, we cannot have these people following this man. He is using deception to win the people over.Caiaphas: Why didn’t you have the guards bring Him in?

Malchus: It isn’t going to be that easy. The people could turn on us. We must seize him outside the city. I think that we might be able to convince one of the twelve to betray Jesus…if the price is right.

Annas: Especially the one they call, Judas.

Caiaphas: We must do what is necessary…Every man has a price.

Joseph of Arimathea: Caiaphas, we might be making a mistake. No one ever spoke the way this man, Jesus, does.

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Caiaphas: (moving to Joseph) Do you mean that He has deceived you also, Joseph? Have any other rulers or Pharisees believed in Jesus? (Looking to Nicodemus. Nicodemus drops his head).

Annas: No! None of us have..(Glaring at Joseph and Nicodemus) This mob that follows Jesus knows nothing of the law----there is a curse on them.

Nicodemus: Does the law condemn anyone without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?

Malchus: Are you a Galilean also, Nicodemus?

Annas: (moves to Nicodemus) Look into the scriptures, and you will find that no prophet ever came from Galilee.

Nicodemus: What about Jonah, the prophet? He was from Galilee and perhaps others…

Caiaphas: Silence! Stop bickering. I shall go and observe this so-called prophet myself. We must have more evidence to bring this man to justice.

ACT IV – Scene 1“Triumphal Entry”

MUSIC: STREET MUSIC(Merchants and Villagers enter the city. Centurion and Roman Guards enter and take their places.)

MUSIC: ROAD TO JERUSALEM

Celidonius: (Coming into the city with his parents) We have just seen Jesus. He is just outside the city!

(Mother Mary, Lydia, Miryam, and Mary Magdalene enter the city.)

Timotheus: (Entering the city waving a piece of red material) He is coming! Jesus is here! (We see the Sanhedrin Council move onto the porch to observe)

Peter: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

(Jesus and the Apostles enter the city. Jesus is on the back of a donkey. During the song, Veronica steps forward and is healed, a cripple child is healed and the healing of the Man with the withered hand takes place.)

Village Crowd: (As the song ends. Adlibs) Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!. Jesus, Son of David, Hosanna, Blessed is the coming Kingdom of our Father, David!, Peace in Heaven and glory in the highest!

ACT IV – Scene 2“Cleansing the Temple”

Caiaphas: Teacher, rebuke your disciples!

Jesus: I tell you, if these be silent, the rocks and stones will cry out. (Crowd shouts, “Hosanna!”)

Malchus: (Aside to Caiaphas, Annas and Sanhedrin) Behold how he deceives them! Look at how the people go after him!

Annas: Who is this man?

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Celidonius: This is Jesus. He is from Nazareth of Galilee. He healed me. (The Crowd rejoices)

Annas: No good thing ever came out of Galilee.

Malchus: (to Jesus) Do you hear what these people are saying?

Jesus: Yes! Have you never read, “Out of the mouths of babes and infants, you have perfected praise”?

Caiaphas: Everything you say profanes the laws of God. This is blasphemy!!!

MUSIC: THE CONFRONTATION

Jesus: Blasphemy? You speak to ME of blasphemy? It is written, “My house shall be called a House of Prayer”, but you have made it into a market place of thieves….and robbers. (Jesus turns over crates) This is my Father’s House.

James: What is he saying? He is going to get himself killed! We have to do something.

Jude: (Stopping Him) No! We can’t help him now.

Malchus: Who do you think you are? Who are you to call this your Father’s house?

Annas: What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?

Caiaphas: Careful what you say, zealot. Your claims could cost your life?

Jesus: Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees! You are like white washed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and uncleanness. In the same way, you appear righteous to people, but within you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Malchus: Leave this place and go somewhere else. Jesus: The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. Everything they do is done for men to see.

Annas: Watch your tongue, Nazarene.

Caiaphas: You disturb all authority here.

Jesus: Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.

Annas: Careful, Jesus…even Herod wants to kill you.

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Jesus: Go tell that fox, I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow. And on the third day, I will reach my goal. In any case, I must keep going …for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem.

Joses: What is he saying?

MUSIC: O JERUSALEM

Jesus: (Moving to Crowd) Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (To his brothers) Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Jesus: (Jesus turns to the crowd) O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, I weep for you. (To the Sanhedrin) You kill the prophets and stone those sent to you by my Father. How often have I longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Behold, your house is left to you forsaken and desolate. (To the Sanhedrin) You will not see me again until you learn to cry, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord”. (Jesus exits with the Apostles, Mary Magdalene, Moicheia, Celidonius and parents. As they are leaving, Malchus catches Judas and offers him some money. He refuses. The brothers move to the center watching as the crowd goes. Mother Mary, Lydia, and Miryam move to them)

ACT IV – Scene 3“Crisis of Belief”

Joses: Mother, what is Jesus doing?

James: He is going to get himself killed.

Mother Mary: He is doing the will of His Father in Heaven.

Simon: How can you say that?

Mother Mary: Because it is true. My sons, don’t let your pride and doubt keep you from knowing the truth. Search your hearts. God will show you.

James: No, Mother. This can’t be. Jesus is our brother.

Lydia: You can’t deny the miracles.

Miryam: When He speaks, it is with authority from God. Can’t you see that?

James: He has deceived all of you.

Jude: He is going to get us all killed.

Mother Mary: So be it. I will not deny who he is any longer. Jesus, my son, is the Messiah.

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James: Mother!

THE FAMILY DIVIDED

Mother Mary: James! (She embraces him) I love you, but I must go to Him. (She exits with Lydia and Miryam)

James: This can’t be happening! (Falling to his knees) God!!!! No!!!!!! (Brothers surround him)

ACT IV – Scene 4“Jesus Anointed at Bethany”

MUSIC: YOUR GRACE TRACK EDITED (START IN BLACKOUT)

Narration: Now Jesus went to Bethany to the house of Simon the leper. There, Mary took an alabaster jar of ointment and began to anoint Jesus.

(As the song is sung, the following scene takes place. During the second verse, you hear the following dialogue)

Apostle Judas: Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages.

Apostle Peter: (to Mary) Why have you wasted this ointment?

Apostle James: Yes, Lord, what about the poor?

Jesus: Leave her alone. It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. She has anointed me for burial. And truly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the whole world, this deed will be spoken as a memorial of her.

(Mary finishes the scene by singing the chorus again. When the song is finished, Jesus continues to speak.)

Jesus: Peter and John, (The stand) go and prepare the Passover for us that we may eat.

Apostle John: Where would you have us to go, Lord?

Jesus: Go into the city and behold, there you will meet a man carrying a pitcher of water. Follow him into the house that he enters. You will be shown a large upper room furnished and ready. Prepare for us there. (They exit. Jesus embraces James. Judas sulks)

ACT IV – Scene 5“Judas Betrayal”

MUSIC: SANHEDRIN COUCIL (Lights up in Sanhedrin council)

Annas: (To Malchus) Are you certain that this Judas Iscariot will come? We must make Jesus’ arrest soon.

Malchus: Yes, I sent word earlier that we wish to see him and that it would profit him to come. The messenger assured me of Judas’ interest.

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Annas: I am certain that He will want compensation for his information.

Malchus: What will we offer him?

Annas: Silver. Thirty pieces. That would satisfy any traitor. (Judas enters the court)

Malchus: Judas, my friend.

Caiaphas: What brings you here?

Judas: Caiaphas, what are you willing to give me if I hand Jesus over to you?

Annas: Malchus, bring me the treasury. (Malchus crosses with wooden box)

Caiaphas: So it is true. Every man does have his price. Doesn’t he, Judas?

Annas: (Putting money into a bag) Ten, Twenty, Thirty pieces of silver. Yours…if you take us to Jesus.

Judas: Meet me in the Garden of Gethsemane later tonight. The one I kiss is the one you want. (Exits)ACT IV – Scene 6“The Last Supper”

MUSIC: BEFORE THE PASSOVER

Narration: Jesus’ ministry on earth would soon be coming to an end. It was the day before He was to be crucified when Jesus and His apostles came to the Upper Room.It was just before the Passover Feast and Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to His Father. Having loved His own that were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love…

(Scene opens as a frozen portrait of the Last Supper)Jesus: Friends, with all my heart, I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.

MUSIC: SEARCH YOUR HEART FINAL

Narrator: As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it:

Jesus: (Raising the bread toward heaven in prayer. All apostles bow their heads for the blessing) Blessed be thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe who brings forth bread from the earth.

Narrator: And He broke the bread and gave it to the disciples.

Jesus: Take and eat. This is my body. (As verse is sung, the apostles break and pass the bread. They eat the bread as they receive it)

Narrator: And Jesus took the cup and gave thanks.

Jesus: Blessed be Thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe who created the fruit of the vine.24

Narrator: And He gave the cup to his disciples and said:

Jesus: Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom. (Jesus gives the cup to Apostle Peter. As verse and chorus is sung, the cup is passed and each apostle drinks.)

Narrator: And as they were eating, Jesus revealed to his apostles that one of them was planning to betray Him to the enemies who sought his death.

Jesus: Truly, I say to you, that one of you shall betray me.

Apostle Peter: (to John) Ask Him which one He means.

Apostle John: (to Jesus) Lord, who is it?

Apostles: (adlib) “Lord, is it I?”, “Who is it, Lord? “Who could it be?”, “Surely not, Lord!”, “Master, you must tell us”, etc.

Jesus: The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born. He that has dipped his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.

Judas: (Dipping into the dish) Master, is it I? (FADE OUT SEARCH YOUR HEART FINAL)

Jesus: Judas, what you must do, do quickly. (Judas exits quickly, pausing to look back into the face of Jesus)

MUSIC: JUDAS EXITS….FADE OUT WHEN JUDAS EXITS

MUSIC: SPEAK LORD WITH NARRATION AND DOUBLED INTRO

Narrator: Jesus got up from the meal, laid aside his outer garments, and took a towel and girded himself. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel with which He was girded. Then Jesus came to Simon Peter

Apostle Peter: (Trying to stop Jesus) Lord, are you going to wash my feet? Jesus: You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.

Apostle Peter: (Standing) No, you shall never wash my feet.

Jesus: Unless I wash you, you will have no part of me. (Jesus washes Peter’s feet and then the others.)(Turning to the apostles) Do you understand what I have done for you? I have set you an example that you

should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, neither is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

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My children, I will be with you only a little longer. This very night, you will all fall away on account of me. (Apostles show disagreement with what Jesus says) Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.

Apostle Peter: (Moving to Jesus) Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.

Jesus: Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.

Apostle Peter: Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you.

Jesus: (Placing his hand on Peter’s cheek) Come, Peter, we must pray. (All apostles bow their heads and comfort one another)

Father, the hour as come. Glorify you son, that your son may glorify you. This is eternal life that they may know you….the one true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent…I pray for them that you have given to me for they are yours…Protect them by your name that they be as one…even as we are one. Amen.

INTERMISSION

ACT V – Scene 1“Gethsemane”

MUSIC: The Garden Longer (let track play out under scene)

Narrator: And going to Gethsemane, Jesus took with Him…Peter, James, and John to watch and pray. And going about a stone’s throw away from them, Jesus knelt down and prayed…

Jesus: Father, my soul is exceedingly sorrowful – even unto death. Abba, all things are possible with you. If it be your will, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not my will but your will be done. (Jesus crosses to the apostles.)

Peter, are you still sleeping? I come to you a third time. Could you not watch with me one hour? Why do you sleep? Watch and pray that you will not enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

(As Malchus and Judas enter with angry mob, Jesus turns to face them). The hour has come. Behold the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. MUSIC: SUSPENSE PAD (Speaking to the mob) Who is it that you seek?

Malchus: Jesus of Nazareth!

Jesus: (To Judas) Friend, do that which you have come to do.

Judas: Master… (Judas kisses Jesus)

Jesus: Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss? (Judas drops his head and runs away).

Malchus: Jesus?

Jesus: I am he, if you are looking for me, then let these men go.

Malchus: (Commanding the guards) Seize Him!!!!!

Apostle Peter: (Cutting off Malchus’ ear) No!!!

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Malchus: (Falling to the ground) My ear! You’ve cut off my ear!!!

Apostle Peter: Lord, shall we strike them all with the sword?

Jesus: Peter, put away your sword. (Moving to Malchus –who is weeping and moaning.) For all that take up a sword shall die by the sword. (Jesus touches his ear and heals him)

Angry Mob: What is He doing?

Malchus: (Healed) He healed me. Jesus healed me…

Angry Mob: It’s a trick. It’s witchcraft.

Jesus: (To the mob) Am I leading a rebellion that you have come with swords and clubs to take me? Every day, I was with you teaching in the Temple courts and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour of darkness…

Centurion: Guards! Seize Him! (The guards take Jesus as the apostles run in the opposite direction. Malchus is left alone)

Malchus: (Crying) He is who He says He is. Forgive me, Jesus. Forgive me… (Falling to the ground. )

ACT V – Scene 2 “Arrest and Trial”

MUSIC: THE SOLDIERS BOUND JESUS (LET TRACK PLAY OUT)

Narrator: The soldiers bound Jesus and brought Him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law to Caiaphas, the high priest. Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat and warmed himself by the fire.

Maiden: (To Peter seated by the fire) Aren’t you one of the disciples? This man was with Jesus.

Apostle Peter: Woman, I tell you, I am not. I don’t know Him!! (Crossing away from her)

SPLIT SCENE: (Sanhedrin Council)

Annas: So Jesus, tell us about your disciples and your teaching.

Jesus: I have spoken openly to the world. I always taught in the synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.

Annas: Guard! (Guard slaps Jesus)

Guard: Is this the way you answer the high priest?

Jesus: If I said something wrong, testify to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?

Annas: Watch your tongue, Jesus. Take him away. I must consult Caiaphas.27

(Soldiers move Jesus out into the courtyard)

SPLIT SCENE: (Sanhedrin Courtyard)

Court Servant # 1: Didn’t I see you with him in the olive grove? You are also one of them.

Apostle Peter: Listen to me. I am not.

Court Servant # 2: I tell you the truth. This man was also with Him, for he is a Galilean!

Apostle Peter: I told you already. I don’t know what you’re saying.

MUSIC: PETER DENIES

(Rooster crows twice. The Lord stands and turns to Peter. Peter turns to Jesus.)

Voice of Jesus: I tell you the truth. Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.

Apostle Peter: (Running away) No! No! No!

MUSIC: PUNISHMENT & WITNESSES (FADE IN)

Guard # 1: Jesus! Son of David! They say you are a great prophet. (Places blindfold on Jesus. He hits Jesus.)

Guard # 2: Tell us, Jesus! Prophesy!! Who was it that hit you? (Guards break out into laughter)

SPLIT SCENE: (Sanhedrin Council)

Annas: (steps onto porch) Bring Him in! Caiaphas wishes to see him. (Guards bring Jesus into the council chambers)

Sanhedrin Priest: (Questioning Jesus) Are you the Christ? Tell us!

Jesus: If I tell you, you will not believe me. And if I ask you, you will not answer me, nor let me go.

Caiaphas: Bring in the two witnesses. (Guard gets the two witnesses) Speak!

Witness #1: (Addressing the council) We heard this man say, “I will destroy the temple that is made with hands, and in three days, I will build another not made with hands”.Witness #2: This man said, “I am able to destroy the temple of God, and in three days can build it back again”.

Caiaphas: (to the witnesses) You may go…. (to Jesus) Do you answer nothing? What is it that these are testifying against you?…I beg you by the mercies of the living God. Tell us if you are the Christ.

Jesus: I am… (All the Sanhedrin react) Hereafter, you shall see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Mighty God.

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Caiaphas: (Ripping his garments) He has blasphemed! We need no further witness!

Sanhedrin Priest: Put him to death! (All Sanhedrin agree except for Joseph and Nicodemus)

Caiaphas: Take him to Pilate to be punished! (Guards lead Jesus away)

Apostle Judas: (Entering the Sanhedrin Council chambers, he holds the moneybag up) This is blood money! I have sinned. I have betrayed an innocent man! MUSIC: JUDAS DIES (He throws the money at Caiaphas’ feet and runs away. Caiaphas laughs exiting the council. We hear Judas’ voice in the distance) Jesus! Jesus. Jeeesuuuss!!!!….(He hangs himself)

ACT V – Scene 3 “Herod’s Court”

MUSIC: THE ASSEMBLY ROSE

Narrator: The assembly rose and led Jesus off to Pilate. Upon hearing that Jesus was a Galilean and finding no fault in Him, Pilate sent Jesus to Herod to be tried.

MUSIC: HEROD

(Music plays as Salome dances. Herod finally stops the music)

Herodias: Your dancing pleases me my daughter.(Herod agrees and laughs)

Herod Servant: (Entering the room) Herod, Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin Council are here with Jesus the Nazarene. They have been sent by Pilate.

Herod: Let them in! Well, I finally get to meet the Nazarene.

Salome: The one that John the Baptist kept speaking of?

Herodias: This should be very interesting.

(Sanhedrin and Caiaphas enter with Jesus. Annas hands Herod a scroll)

Herod: (Reads scroll and crosses to Jesus) From this, I understand that I am to try you? So, You are Jesus of Nazareth. (He laughs)

Herodias: (After a long pause) He does not answer!

Herod: Perhaps, you are John the Baptist…back from the dead? (Jesus does not answer) I have heard a great deal about you, Jesus. Your fame has spread. I hear that you do miracles.

Annas: They are evil works of trickery.

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Herod: Tricks or not, I wish to see a miracle. Servant, bring me some water. (Servant brings a large pitcher and places it before Jesus) So Jesus…If you are as they say, turn this water into wine. (Herod claps his hands, music starts MUSIC: HEROD and Salome dances around Jesus)

Salome: (Stops dancing and moves to pitcher and looks inside) Nothing! This man is a fraud.

Annas: I told you…

Caiaphas: Herod, this man calls you a fox.

Herodias: What mockery! (To Jesus) You seem to be the crafty one here!

Herod: (laughing and moving to Jesus) Is this true? (Pause. Jesus is silent) And what do you call yourself?

Annas: A king! He calls himself the King of the Jews….

Herod: Is that so?

Herodias: There is only one King, Nazarene!

Herod: Servant, Bring out my robe. (Servant brings out a beautiful Robe) Place it on Him. (Servant does as instructed. Herod crosses to Jesus) Here is my scepter. (Hands scepter to Servant and Servant places it in Jesus’ hand) Bring Him my crown! (Servant does so, but is self-conscious. He places it on Jesus’ head. Herod turns to Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin) Look, behold the king!! (He laughs. The Sanhedrin get very upset)

Herodias: You look ridiculous (to Jesus).

Caiaphas: You shall never be a king! (Sanhedrin Council agrees)

Herod: (Getting angry) Get Him out of my sight. Take Him back to Pilate. (To Jesus) Let him try you…fool! (Motions for Servant. MUSIC: BACKGROUND MUSIC Servant moves in and removes royal objects. Jesus takes Servant’s hand. Servant stares at Jesus. Herod is angered more) Take Him away!(Guards move in and take Jesus away. Sanhedrin and Caiaphas follow)

Salome: A king for fools? ACT V – Scene 4“Pilate’s Court”

MUSIC: LEADING BACK TO PILATE PRIVATELY

Narrator: The Jewish Council led Jesus back to the palace of Pilate, the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness the Jews did not enter the palace. Pilate met with Jesus privately.

Pilate: Do you understand what charges are being brought against you? Are you the king of the Jews?

Jesus: Is that your own idea, or did others talk to you about me?

Pilate: Am I a Jew? It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?

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(Claudia enters and listens)

Jesus: My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.

Pilate: You are a king, then! Jesus: You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. (Looks to Claudia) Everyone on the side of truth listens to me. Pilate: What is truth? (To the Centurion) Have him flogged. Perhaps that will satisfy the Jews. (Centurion exits with Jesus)

Claudia: Pilate, be careful how you handle this situation. Jesus is no ordinary man. I have seen him teach in the temple courts. He is like no prophet I have ever heard.

Pilate: There is a custom to release a prisoner at the time of Passover. I must address the people.

ACT V – Scene 5“The Hiding Place”

MUSIC: THE HIDING PLACE LONGER

Narrator: The brothers of Jesus were hiding in fear of their lives. They found themselves retreating behind locked doors.

Simon: James, what are we to do?

Joses: Jesus has been arrested. He has already been before the Sanhedrin Council and Herod’s Court.

Jude: He is now in Pilate’s Court. They are getting ready to bring him before the people.

James: I will go to him.

Simon: You will be killed if you are caught.

James: So few people even know that we are his brothers. We have kept so far away from him.

Joses: What if Jesus IS the Messiah?

Jude: How could we have missed that? Wouldn’t we have known? Wouldn’t God have shown us, too?

Simon: Maybe God has, but our stubbornness wouldn’t allow us to see it.

MUSIC: HE’S THE ONE

Joses: James, everything is going to be alright.

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James: Joses, until God says so, it will never be alright. Jesus is our brother.

SPLIT SCENE:

MUSIC: (As song is being sung, we see Jesus brought before Pilate by the Sanhedrin. Pilate has Jesus beaten, a robe placed on Him, and a crown of thorns placed on His head. The scene switches back and forth between Pilate’s court and the Hiding Place.)

Joses: (before 2nd verse) We may not believe that Jesus is who He says He is, but we can trust that GOD is faithful.

Joses: Could it be that we, his own brothers, have denied him?

James: I have to go. I have to see for myself what is happening. Stay here in case Mother returns.

Jude: James, be careful. (James exits)

ACT V – Scene 6“Pilate’s Court”

MUSIC: PILATE FOUND NO FAULT

Narrator: Pilate found no fault in Jesus. He hoped that the flogging would satisfy the Sanhedrin and the crowd and enable him to release Jesus. Pilate brought Jesus before the people.

(Sanhedrin council and angry crowd stands before Pilate. Mother Mary, Mary Magdalene, Moicheia, Celidonius and parents, Lydia, Miryam, Salome, Mary Wife of Clopas, Joseph of Arimathea, and Nicodemus stand weeping in the distance. James enter the scene away from the crowd)

Pilate: Are you the King of the Jews? (Addressing Jesus)

Jesus: So you say.

Crowd: Don’t listen to him. He is no king, (Adlibs of mockery)

Caiaphas: He is a blasphemer! He claims to be the Christ. (Sanhedrin agree)

Annas: Pilate, he is subverting our nations and opposes payment of taxes to Caesar.

Crowd: Angry Adlibs

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Pilate: (to Jesus) Do you hear what they say against you? (Jesus does not answer. Pilate turns to the crowd) He does not answer. It is customary at the feast of the Passover to release a prisoner to the people. Bring out Barabbas. (Guards bring out Barabbas who is bound in chains)

Crowd: Give us Barabbas! Barabbas!!, etc.

Pilate: Who do you want me to release? Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Christ?

Mary Magdalene: (Running to the front of the crowd) Claudia, you must tell him. Tell Pilate what you saw in the city. (Guards drive Mary Magdalene into the crowd)

Claudia: (Moves to Pilate) Pilate, have nothing to do with this just man. I have suffered many things in my dreams because of Him….

Crowd: Don’t listen to her. Give us Barabbas! Give us Barabbas!! Death to Jesus!!

Pilate: If I give you Barabbas, What do I do with this Jesus the Christ?

Caiaphas, Annas and Priests: CRUCIFY HIM!!!!

Pilate: (to the Sanhedrin) I find no fault in Him!

Crowd: Crucify Him!

Pilate: (Silences the crowd. Turns to Jesus) Where are you from? …. Why don’t you speak to me?...Don’t you know that I have the power to crucify you or to release you?

Jesus: (to Pilate) You have no power over me that was not given to you from above.

Caiaphas: Pilate, if you let this man go, you are no friend to Caesar!

Crowd: Yes Pilate! Crucify Him!! We demand justice!!!, etc.

Pilate: (to the guards) Release Barabbas! (Signals for the servant to bring a bowl of water.) He washes his hands) I wash my hands of this. I am innocent of this just man. (Pilate makes an inscription –“King of the Jews”)

Annas: His blood shall be on us and our children!

Crowd: Angry Adlibs

(Pilate holds up the inscription –“King of the Jews”) John 19:21

Caiaphas: Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.

Pilate: What I have written, I have written. Take Him away.

MUSIC: PILATE’S HALL THEME

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Crowd: Kill him! Crucify Him!, etc. (Crowd exits.)

James: No! This can’t be happening. Jesus! (He follows behind)

ACT VI – Scene 1“The Crucifixion”

MUSIC: BEFORE THE CRUCIFIXION

Narrator: Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified. So, the soldiers took charge of Jesus. Carrying His own cross, He was taken out to Golgatha, the place of the skull. It was there that they crucified Jesus. And with Him two criminals, one on each side, and Jesus in the middle.

MUSIC: NO CROWN LAST EDIT TRACK (The walk to Calvary and the Crucifixion take place during the song. Jesus’ words are heard above the music. Mother Mary enters with John. Miryam and Lydia enter. Mary Magdalene and Moicheia, Salome and Mary Wife of Clopas)

(Crowds line the scene. Jesus enters carrying the cross toward Calvary. The guards are whipping him as He stumbles. As He falls, Veronica moves to Him and wipes His face with a cloth. At the same time, Timotheus tries to give Jesus a drink. Both are pushed away by the guards. Miriam and Lydia move to Jesus)

Jesus: (To his sisters) O Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but for yourselves and your children. (Soldiers take the cross up to Calvary. Jesus pauses at his mother) Mother, behold, I make all things new. (Jesus is moved to the cross. The guards nail him to the cross)

Crowd: (Falling to their knees) Jesus! No! Please, God, help him. Let him go., etc.

Jesus: (After the cross is raised) Father, forgive them. For they know not what they do.

Annas: We know what we are doing. Crucifying a heretic.

Mother Mary: (Crossing to his feet) No! No!

Jesus: (Looking at his Mother) Woman, this is your son. (Looking at Apostle John) This is your mother.

James: (At a distance) I should be there. Jesus asked me to take care of her. I didn’t. He knew this was going to happen. Why didn’t I listen to him?

Caiaphas: Jesus! Come down from the cross and save yourself!

Centurion: (To Apostle John) Away from the cross!

Apostle John: (To Mary) Come, Mary. (They move and kneel)

Jesus: Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Annas: Listen, he is calling on Elijah. He saved others, but cannot save himself!

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Jesus: I thirst.

Centurion: Give him something to Drink! (Guard raises sponge with vinegar for Jesus to drink. Jesus refuses)

Jesus: It is finished; Father, into your hands I commend my spirit. (Jesus drops his head and dies. Lightning flashes and thunder roars. Sanhedrin council leaves the scene)

Mary: (Rising) Jesus, My Son! … Simeon was right… “and a sword shall pierce through your own soul.” (Falling at the foot of the cross) Oh, God…it has.

MUSIC: HE WAS DESPISED WITH GONGS

Centurion: (Kneeling) Surely, this is the Son of God!

James: Why couldn’t I have seen it?...(People exit on the following speech) He was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely, He has born our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. (Kneeling) Forgive me, Jesus! Forgive me…(The stage fades to blackout)

ACT VI - Scene 2“Permission From Pilate”

MUSIC: IT WAS THE PREPARATION DAY

Narrator: It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin Council asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared for his life. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. (Joseph and Nicodemus enter the court. Pilate, Claudia, the Centurion and the servants are there)

Joseph of A: Pilate, we have come to ask permission to take the body of Jesus for burial.

Pilate: So, he is dead?

Nicodemus: Yes.

Claudia: They killed him.

Pilate: Centurion, is it true? Is Jesus the Nazarene dead?

Centurion: Yes. (Broken, he turns away)

Claudia: How could this happen?

Pilate: You may take the body. (He hands a scroll to Joseph. Joseph and Nicodemus bow and exit)

ACT VI – Scene 3

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“The Lowering and Burial”MUSIC: WITH PILATES PERMISSION

Narrator: With Pilate’s permission, they came and took down the body of Jesus and laid Him in a garden tomb.

MUSIC: HOW DEEP EDITED TRACK (Joseph and Nicodemus enter the crucifixion scene.)Joseph of Arimathea: (Talking to the Centurion and handing him the scroll) We have permission to take the body. (The Centurion looks at the scroll, nods, and hands it back to Joseph)

Nicodemus: Here is the burial linen, myrrh and aloes. (He hands the cloth to Mary Magdalene)

Malchus: Please, let me help lower the body. (Joseph nods in agreement)

(Mary group lays out burial cloth. Guards lower the body from the cross to the lap of Mother Mary. Lydia and Miryam move and pick up the crown of thorns. Mother Mary wipes blood from Jesus and kisses him. Mary group covers the body. Joseph and Nicodemus lead guards and the men as they carry the body to the tomb. Mary group exits the opposite direction as the tomb closes)

MUSIC: TRANSITION TO BROTHERS GRIEF (LET PLAY OUT UNDER SCENE

Narrator: Now on the following day, the chief priests and Pharisees went to Pilate to ask for guards to secure the tomb so that the disciples could not steal the body and say to the people that Jesus had risen from the dead. News of Jesus’ death would soon reach His brothers.

ACT VI – Scene 4 “The Brothers’ Grief”

Jude: Where is James?

Joses: Something isn’t right. I can feel it.

Simon: We should have gone with James.

Jude: …And take the risk of all of us being killed?

Joses: Jesus is our brother, Jude. He would never have abandoned us.

Simon: No, but we abandoned him.

James: (Entering) It’s over. Jesus is dead. (They all react) They mocked him and beat him. They led him through the streets of Jerusalem to Golgotha. I watched them do it. I didn’t try to stop them. I guess part of me wanted to see him prove to them that He was who He claimed to be, but He didn’t. MUSIC: WHAT HELD YOU ON THE CROSS He went willingly. Even when he was dying, he forgave them. His eyes… I will never forget….

(As he sings. The cross is taken down. Malchus kneels at the place of the cross with nails from the cross.)

ACT VI – Scene 5“The Resurrection”

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MUSIC: JESUS IS ALIVE TRACK ANGELS AND NARRATION

Narrator: And then on the third day, behold there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone from the grave…

(Malchus and the Guards are at the tomb. The Tomb Angel Appears. The stone is rolled away. The guards fall. Malchus runs. Mary Magdalene, Salome, Mary wife of Clopas and mourners go to the tomb.)

Mary Magdalene: Wait here. (The mourners, Mary wife of Clopas and Salome wait outside as Mary Magdalene enters the tomb. Mary comes out of the tomb)

Mary Magdalene: (To those waiting) They have stolen His body! Go and tell the others! (Mourners leave in opposite direction. Salome goes to the Hiding place to tell the others) Peter! John! They have taken the body of Jesus!!! (She runs to get Peter and John. Peter and John enter and run toward the tomb. John gets there first and motions for Peter to hurry. Peter arrives at the tomb and goes inside. Peter exits the tomb, shows the burial cloth to John)

John: We must tell the others! (They exit to the side)

(Mary Magdalene enters and goes to the tomb once more. She starts to enter and backs out. Two angels emerge from the tomb.)

Angel #1: Woman, why are you crying?

Mary Magdalene: They have taken my Lord away and I don’t know where they have put Him.

Angel #2: Why do you seek the living among the dead?

Angel #1: He is not here. (Mary falls to her knees. The angels motion for Mary to look behind her. Mary turns and sees Jesus. She moves toward Him and falls to her knees)

Mary Magdalene: (When song ends, Mary Magdalene runs and yells) He is risen! He’s alive! I have seen Him! Jesus is alive!!! (Runs to tell the others)

ACT VI – Scene 6“The Appearance and Ascension”

Narrator: After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to Peter and then to the twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred at the same time. Then, He appeared to James, His brother.

Jude: (To James) We are going to meet Mother, Lydia and Miryam.

Joses: Peter told us about seeing Jesus after the resurrection.

Simon: He has appeared to all of the other Apostles as well.

Joses: And to hundreds more.

Jude: Looking back, I don’t know why we ever doubted. He kept trying to tell us.

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James: But we haven’t seen him. Why hasn’t he appeared to us? We are his brothers. I want to believe, but maybe we hurt him by not believing him and following him.

Jude: Come with us, James. We need to join the other followers. Maybe we will see him today.

James: I can’t. I need to sort through everything. I promised Jesus that I would take care of mother and the family. I wasn’t there for him or for you. I should have convinced all of you that he was the Messiah. I didn’t know…

Jude: Stop this, James. We all had our doubts. Your faith couldn’t save us. MUSIC: GLORIOUS MORNING EDITED TRACK It was our choice to believe and have faith. Now, it is yours. Stop looking back. Jesus is alive… (He turns and exits with his brothers) (Thunder effects. There is a rumble and strobe lighting. Jesus appears behind James.)

Jesus: James (James turns). My brother, fear not. Do you know who speaks to you?

James: (Falls to his knees) Jesus...

Jesus: I am your brother. I am the Christ. I am no longer dead. I am alive. Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in my name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You will be my witness of these things.

James: Jesus...My Lord and my God.

SCENE SWITCH:

(There is a scene switch. Lights come up on the Bethany House. James, Mother Mary, Mary of Bethany, Miryam, Lydia, Moicheia)

Mother Mary: Jesus has fulfilled His Father’s will. Since his resurrection, He has appeared to many of us.

Mary of Bethany: I tell you. I have not seen Him, but I know that He is alive.

Mary Magdalene: (Enters and runs to Peter and John) I have seen the Lord. He is on the mount. Go tell the others. (Crowd and Apostles enter in all directions. The crowd adlibs: “He’s alive!”, “Jesus is risen!”, Hallelujah!”, etc. Mary Magdalene goes to the Bethany House)

Mary Magdalene: I have seen the Lord! He’s on the mount. Come with me.

(Crowd moves into place as Jesus takes top center stage. Mary of Bethany enters the ascension scene as she sings. Everyone in the crowd turns to Jesus. Jesus ascends. After blackout, crowd exits stage)

MUSIC: SOS ENDING NARRATION

Narration: To Him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy. To the only God, our Savior, be glory, majesty, power, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord before all ages now and forever more. Amen.

THE ENDINVITATION

MUSIC: INVITATION NOM

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SECOND COMING

MUSIC: NO MORE NIGHT

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