STORIES TOLD AT A FEAST

An Easter Play by Jewell Ellen Smith

Copyright © 1983 Jewell Ellen Smith. First performed at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, in 1984. Nonprofit groups may perform this play without payment, but we ask that you e-mail Jewell’s older son David, DSmith1204@aol.com, particularly if you have any questions or suggestions. All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version.

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TIME: About 64 AD

PLACE: The City of Capernaum, on the Sea of Galilee

THE STORY and PLOT STRUCTURE: Matthew, one of the twelve disciples (a former tax collector in Capernaum) returns to Capernaum to begin writing the book about Jesus, which is now called "The Gospel According to Saint Matthew."

Matthew's lifelong friend, Jairus, who is anxious to help Matthew gather eyewitness accounts of the deeds of Jesus, makes a feast in his honor and invites guests from far and near, guests whose lives were affected by the Prophet from Nazareth. Each guest offers his story about the Christ as possible material for Matthew's chronicle. During the feast Matthew has his scribe take notes as each story-like event unfolds.

LENGTH OF DRAMA: About one hour.

PLAYERS REQUIRED: Some 40 men and women and a few children. Many players can do several roles and be in the off-stage Crowd. Persons seated at the feast table remain on stage throughout the play.

CHARACTERS, in the order of appearance, are:

ACT I, Scene 1

Jairus--lifelong friend of Matthew and retired ruler of the Capernaum synagogue

Atticus--a Roman citizen known in Capernaum as "the old sad soldier."

Scene 2

Miriam--Jairus' daughter, whom Jesus raised from the dead when she was a child

First and Second Servant Girls

Levi--Miriam's teenage son, the pride and joy of Jairus.

Prologue to Scene 3, and Scene 3

Matthew--one of the twelve disciples, now a man well up in years

Jairus' Guests at the Feast Table:

Elhanan: an old gatekeeper from the Temple in Jerusalem

Jeriah: a former stable boy from Bethlehem

Tebah: the grandson of a leper from Samaria

Hoshea: a scribe employed by Matthew.

Tax Collector: Matthew before he became a disciple--when his name was Levi.

Assistant Tax Collector

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Taxpayers

Poor Widow of Capernaum

Christ Figure

Disciples of Jesus (no lines): Peter, James, and John

Scene 4

Joseph: a young carpenter in Nazareth, who is engaged to be married.

Mary: Joseph's bride-to-be.

Angel of The LORD

Scene 5

Stable Boy, named Jeriah

Innkeeper's Wife

Magi's Servant

The Magi: Balthasar, Caspar, and Melchior

Bethlehem Innkeeper

The Christ Child, at the age of some two years

ACT II, Scene 1

Voice from Heaven

Satan

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Angels

Scene 2

Ten Lepers (men and women)

Group of Sick, Lame, Crippled People (no lines):

(1) Man, Woman and Sick Child
(2) A girl and her feeble grandfather
(3) A boy and two blind men
(4) Two well women and a woman on crutches

Simon, a friend of the lepers

ACT III, Scene 1

Crowd (off-stage)

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Roman Soldiers

Barabbas, a notorious insurrection leader and murderer

1st and 2nd Thieves

Centurion, a Roman Army officer

Scene 2

Eleven Disciples (no lines)

ACTION and STORIES DRAMATIZED:

ACT I

Scene 1--Jairus announces Matthew's plan to write a book about Jesus and invites the old soldier, Atticus, to a feast in Matthew's honor.

Scene 2--Miriam, Servant Girls, and Levi set up the feast table. To Levi's delight, his grandfather Jairus lets him sit with the guests.

Scene 3--Matthew tells young Levi how his own name was once Levi and relates how Jesus called him to be a disciple and changed his name to Matthew.

Scene 4--Scribe Hoshea reads a part of Matthew's manuscript, which tells how the Angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream, telling him the Child conceived in Mary was of the Holy Spirit and that Joseph should call his name Jesus.

Scenes 5 and 6--Jeriah recalls his days as a stable boy at the Bethlehem Inn and describes the coming of the Magi to find the Child "born King of the Jews."

ACT II

Scene 1--Satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness. Three angels come and minister to the Christ.

Scene 2--Ten lepers, outside a certain city, bewail their lot as they watch numerous people--the lame, the halt, and the blind--go by on their way to be healed by the Christ. Jesus comes and heals the lepers, but only one thanks him.

ACT III

Scene 1--Atticus, "the old sad soldier," arrives at the feast late. The guests are surprised to learn that Atticus wears gloves, "day and night, year in and year out." Atticus explains that he cannot bear to look at his hands, because it was he who made the crown of thorns worn by the Christ on the day of the Crucifixion.

Atticus describes in detail how he and fellow soldiers made a great game of crowning Jesus with the thorns, bowing down before him, and hailing him as "King of the Jews."

Scene 2--Matthew explains to the guests at the feast table that he will end his proposed book by telling how the risen Christ appeared to the disciples in Galilee and how he gave them the Great Commission to "Go… therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."

SCRIPT

ACT I, Scene 1

Scene 1. — A street corner in the City of Capernaum, one day in the spring. Jairus, the retired ruler of the synagogue, stands talking to his long-time acquaintance Atticus, a Roman citizen who was once a soldier stationed in Jerusalem and who now resides in Capernaum. Jairus is in good spirits and rather perky, despite his advanced age. Atticus, known throughout the city as "that old sad soldier," looks as dejected as ever; and he wears a large pair of cloth gloves. With the gloves, and with his toga, he keeps his hands hidden.

JAIRUS: Ah, Atticus, today I am a happy man! What's more, I'm planning a feast at my house, and you are invited. I want you to be one of my special guests.

ATTICUS: Slowly, seriously You are most kind. Thank you. And may I ask what makes you so joyous?

JAIRUS: An old friend is coming! Matthew! Thirty years ago Matthew lived here in Capernaum. Now he's coming back and the feast will be to honor him.

ATTICUS: This Matthew is a fortunate man to have you as his friend, Honorable Jairus.

JAIRUS: In affable tone I wouldn't say that that’s true. But I have an idea how I can help Matthew. He's coming back to Capernaum on a splendid mission--to begin writing a book about Jesus the Christ!

ATTICUS: Suddenly nervous, most disturbed A book about-- Uh-- Uh-- Sir, I-- I'm--

Jairus disregards the reaction of Atticus and keeps talking.

JAIRUS: It's a great undertaking! Matthew is one of the chosen twelve. Not many of the disciples are left now. They've been persecuted! Put in prison! Put to death! And I'm sure Matthew wants to get this wonderful journal written before something happens to him!

ATTICUS: Quietly That's reasonable.

JAIRUS: With enthusiasm At the feast I'll have guests who knew Jesus well, men whose lives were changed by him! I'll invite men from Jerusalem and Bethlehem --maybe, even Samaria.

And we'll all sit around the table and talk and talk. Each man can tell what he heard Jesus say and what he saw him do. And Matthew can hire a scribe to be there and write these things down for his manuscript. So, I want you to be there, Atticus.

ATTICUS: But, Sir, I-- I-- I'm not worthy. You know what I did that terrible day of the Crucifixion! I have confided in you. Wrings gloved hands, hides them under toga.

JAIRUS: That won't matter. You could help Matthew piece together many things that happened to the Christ that day in Jerusalem. I know Matthew will want to talk to you. You're the only Roman soldier I know who was there and who cares about the Crucifixion.

ATTICUS: Sadly Honorable Jairus, I am not worthy so much as to mention the name of the One who wore that-- That--... How can I tell-- Oh, Sir, I--

JAIRUS: Interrupting You must come. Let us say it is your duty. The feast will be exactly one month from today--in the garden of my home. So, Atticus, my Roman friend, I will expect you.

ATTICUS: Thank you, very much. I will try to be there.

The two men go their separate ways.

CURTAIN

Scene 2

Scene 2 - One month later. It is late afternoon in Capernaum. In the garden of the aged Jairus' home preparations are underway for the feast honoring Matthew. Miriam and her two servant girls are getting the table set and benches and pillows in place. Miriam is trying to see that everything is arranged to perfection.

MIRIAM: Standing near the table, a bowl of grapes in her hand Girls, put that short bench over on this side of the table. Motions to side of table nearest audience. My father always wants each guest to have plenty of room and to be comfortable.

1ST SERVANT: Yes, Ma'am.

Servants move bench. Second Servant picks up pillow from stack of cushions.

2ND SERVANT: Ma'am, where do you want us to put Master Jairus' pillow?

MIRIAM: Down at that end. Motions to end of table on left stage. Now one of you run get a better cushion for the guest of honor. Picks up thin pillow. The Honorable Matthew is an old man, and this thin thing won't do him a bit of good. Puts thin pillow on another bench.

Servant girls leave. Miriam swaps some pillows from one bench to another, rearranges the food on the table, and picks a minute speck off the cloth. Levi comes bouncing in.

LEVI: Mother?

MIRIAM: Without looking up. Yes, Levi?

LEVI: Where's Grandfather Jairus?

MIRIAM: He's gone down to the synagogue to meet his out-of-town guests. He was afraid some of them couldn't find their way here.

LEVI: Mother, do you think grandfather will let me sit at his feast table? After all, I'm not a little kid anymore!

MIRIAM: If there's room, he might. I just don't know, though, if there will be enough room. But you could ask Father.

Servant girls bring in several more pillows. Miriam puts them in place, gives more instructions.

Girls, go see how brown the bread is. I'll just die if it gets burned. Girls leave; Miriam calls after them. And stir the lentils. I don't want that soup too thick.

LEVI: How many guests will there be, Mother?

MIRIAM: Well, let me see. Begins counting on her fingers. There is of course Father's dear friend Matthew, the guest of honor. He's one, and his scribe makes two. But the scribe may not want to set at the table. Come to think of it, we'd better set up some kind of a writing table for him. Forgets what she had started to tell Levi.

Still talking to Levi Son, run bring that little lamp stand by your grandfather's bed. That'll do. And hurry! They'll all be here before we can get this feast table ready. Turns to look for servant girls Girls? With exasperation Where are those slow-footed servants?

LEVI: Mother! You sent 'em to look at the bread and stir the soup. And you were going to tell me how many guests Grandfather has invited.

MIRIAM. Still fussing over the table appointments Ah, yes, so I was. I'm so worried about the feast I forgot what I was saying. Resumes counting on fingers The Honorable Matthew is one. The old man from Jerusalem is two. The old man from Bethlehem--if he gets up here--will be three. And the Samaritan--the one whose grandfather was a leper--is four.

LEVI: Brightly That's not many.

MIRIAM: Father also invited that old sad soldier who lives near the synagogue. He may not come, and then again, he may.

LEVI: Mother, I don't think the old sad soldier has good sense.

MIRIAM: Son! You mustn’t talk about people that way.

LEVI: He wears those big funny gloves, all the time. Even in the hot summer. And that's stupid!

MIRIAM: Levi, you be careful you don't ever say anything to that old Roman about his gloves.

LEVI: I'm not! But I sure hope he doesn't come tonight--so there'll be room for me at the table.

Servant girls return, empty-handed.

MIRIAM: Son, go get that little table, like I told you!

Levi darts out.

1ST SERVANT: Ma'am, what should we do next?

2ND SERVANT: We could bring in the apples and oranges now, couldn't we?

MIRIAM: Yes. That'll be all right.

Servants leave. Miriam picks up a dishcloth on the table and carefully wipes out the individual wooden bowls at each place.

MIRIAM: To herself If we just didn't have any dust in this world, life would be so much better. Pauses Now isn't that a silly thought!

I ought to be thankful to be in this world. After all, I did die when I was a little girl and Jesus came and brought me back to life. I wish I could remember that. But I can't. Father says it was the most wonderful thing that ever happened in Capernaum. People are still talk--

A minor catastrophe interrupts Miriam's thoughts. Both servant girls enter, each with a large bowl of apples. But Levi comes in at the same time, with the lamp table upside down on his head in such a way that the table tapestry covering has fallen down over his eyes and he can't see where he is going. He bumps into the servants and their apples spill in all directions. The girls shriek; Miriam is exasperated. All three speak at the same time.

Miriam: For mercy sakes!
First Servant: Levi, watch where you're going!
Second Servant: The apples! Just look!

MIRIAM. Son! That is not the way to carry a table!

Girls scurry around, picking up apples. Miriam takes the table and puts it in place. Levi sheepishly takes the tapestry piece off his head, gives it to Miriam.

MIRIAM: Help the girls pick up those apples and then you run down to the synagogue and find out when your grandfather's coming. Tell him everything is ready.

LEVI: Yes, Ma'am. Picks up two apples and then scoots out

MIRIAM: Girls, you'll find out as you grow older that boys like Levi can be a problem! Half laughs.

1ST SERVANT: That's all right, Ma'am.

2ND SERVANT: We'll run wash the apples.

Servants go out the door as Levi runs in the other, out of breath and much excited.

LEVI: They're coming, Mother! They're coming! An' the old sad soldier's not with 'em. So I'll get to sit at the table--if Grandfather will let me.

MIRIAM: Son, you just stand over there out of the way, and wait and see. And be sure you don't bother your grandfather.

Miriam hurries out, Levi moves aside as Jairus ushers in his guests: Matthew with his scribe Hoshea; Elhanan, Jeriah, and Tebah. Hoshea carries numerous scrolls and writing materials.

JAIRUS: With pleasant, hospitable manner and tone. Come in; come in, my friends. The feast table seems to be ready; so let's find our places. Matthew, perhaps you might like to be here in the center. And your scribe? Where do you want him--on your right or left?

MATTHEW: Makes no difference.

HOSHEA: Noticing small table Sir, that's all right. I wouldn't care to eat just now. Let me sit over here. That way, I can take notes as all of you talk.

Scribe settles himself. Levi hovers at his grandfather's side as Jairus continues seating instructions.

JAIRUS: Elhanan, since you're from Jerusalem, you sit here. And Jeriah, you please sit next to Elhanan--because Bethlehem is not far from Jerusalem. Tebah, let's have you at this place. The empty bench we'll save for Atticus. He should be here, any time now.

Guests sit down. Jairus turns to seat himself. Levi whispers to him. Matthew begins speaking.

MATTHEW: Ah, it's good to be back in Capernaum, good to be at this table. Jairus, you were kind and most generous to bring these gentlemen together to help me with the chronicle, and, to make this feast! What delicious looking food!

Other guests murmur their agreement.

JAIRUS: It's my pleasure. Places arm around Levi’s shoulders. Friends, let me introduce my only grandson, Levi. He wants to be with us. Will this be all right with you?

Guests agree, saying at the same time:

Elhanan: of course.
Jeriah: By all means.
Tebah: There's plenty of room.
Matthew: Sure! Come sit across from me, Levi.

Levi sighs with relief and pleasure, grins, and takes his place. Jairus signals to Miriam, who is standing at the door, to bring more food. She sends one servant in with a huge loaf of bread, the other with a bowl of wet apples. Matthew, meanwhile, has begun talking to Levi.

MATTHEW: Son, so your name is Levi?

LEVI: Yes, Sir.

MATTHEW: Many years ago, Levi was my name!

LEVI: With much interest It was? How did you change it?

MATTHEW: Jesus the Christ changed my name. He changed my whole life.

All at table turn to Matthew and listen, intently. Levi leans forward so he won't miss a word.

MATTHEW: Yes, Son, I was Levi, the chief tax collector of Capernaum. All the people here hated me because I worked for the Roman government. They called me a "publican," and said I was dishonest and mean. And I was. I was a rascal of a fellow.

Then one day as I was sitting in my booth, and people were lined up to pay their taxes, Jesus came by. I remember it--oh, so well. And... Voice trails off.

Spotlight directs audience attention to Scene 3, set up on another part of stage. There is no break between Scene 2 and Scene 3. All players at feast table remain in place—except Matthew, who eases himself out and into the tax-collecting booth. This, while the taxpayers' grumbling dialogue is in progress.

Scene 3

Scene 3 - A street corner in Capernaum, during the year of about 30 AD. A poor widow and three other taxpayers are standing in line, waiting for the tax collectors to open their booth. The widow is first in line. In the background, their backs to the audience, stand the Christ Figure, with Peter, James and John. As the curtain opens the men in line are talking among themselves.

1ST TAXPAYER: If you ask me, we Jews ought to quit paying taxes to Rome.

2ND TAXPAYER: You're right! That great emperor sittin' over there in Rome doesn't do a thing for us here in Capernaum.

3RD TAXPAYER: For two shekels I'd go cram my taxes down his throat!

1ST TAXPAYER: And I'd help you. I wonder when the lazy publicans are going to open their booth?

POOR WIDOW: I've been waiting here one solid hour. I wish they'd hurry up.

3RD TAXPAYER: Lady, I think we ought to warn you. That tax collector named Levi--who's usually here by this time every morning--is a crook, if ever I saw one!

POOR WIDOW: Thank you for telling me. A widow like me has to watch how she spends every mite.

Assistant tax collector pulls back curtains of tax booth with a flourish, revealing Levi, the tax collector, seated in the booth.

ASSISTANT TAX COLLECTOR: Step right up, folks. The Honorable Levi is ready to receive your taxes. Lady, you're first. Goes back and sits by Levi.

1ST TAXPAYER: Under his breath, to his friends. Honorable! Did you hear that?

Other two men chuckle. Widow comes closer to booth.

POOR WIDOW: How much do I have to pay this time?

LEVI: Lady, your custom payment this year is 14 denarii. (de-NAR-I)

POOR WIDOW: With a gasp. Mercy!

Three men swear under their breath, comment to each other as follows:

1st Taxpayer: Did you hear what I heard?

2nd Taxpayer: I can't believe it!

3rd Taxpayer: The very idea! Charging a widow fourteen denarii!

POOR WIDOW: Fourteen denarii? Publican, you must be out of your mind! I won't pay it! I can't pay it! Shakes finger at Levi and assistant. I'm a poor widow and you tax collectors are thieves! Plain, out and out thieves!

LEVI: With condescension Lady, don't be calling me a thief. It's the Roman government that's demanding high taxes this year. Not me.

POOR WIDOW: Defiantly Well, I just can't pay fourteen denarii today. Maybe later I can scrape together that much money. But not today. Turns, walks away.

LEVI: With a shrug of the shoulders Have it your way--today or tomorrow. But you'll have to pay, eventually. Next!

Three Taxpayers come to booth.

1ST TAXPAYER: How much?

LEVI: Waving his hand to include all three For each of you Capernaum citizens, the tax is thirty denarii. Thirty, apiece.

ALL TAXPAYERS: In chorus Thirty denarii?

1ST TAXPAYER: Why, you publican! That's thirty days' wages!

2ND TAXPAYER: There must be a big mistake. Last year I paid only twelve.

3RD TAXPAYER: That poor widow was right! You tax gatherers are robbers and thieves.

One by one the men dig into their money pouches, grudgingly count out their coins and hand them over to Levi. They all leave. Then First Taxpayer comes back long enough to shake his fist in Levi's face.

1ST TAXPAYER: You are a curse on Capernaum! Exits with companions

Levi turns to assistant, a smirk on his face, as he piles the silver coins up in a heap.

LEVI: Not bad! Right? Both laugh; Matthew begins separating coins into three stacks, talking as he counts them out.

Now these twelve are for Rome. These two are for you. Plunks two coins down in front of assistant, who grabs them up with much satisfaction

And these are for the purse of Levi! Pulls bulging coin bag from under counter and pours in the new take. One of these days, I'll be a rich man!

Puts away bag, turns to call Christ Figure and disciples.

LEVI: Raising his voice Gentlemen! Step right over here. Beckons Today is a good day to pay your taxes. Caesar demands that we all pay.

Christ Figure approaches booth; disciples linger some distance away.

CHRIST FIGURE: With much kindness I've come not to pay taxes to Caesar, Levi, but to call you to follow me.

LEVI: Showing great surprise Why, you're that Man from Nazareth!

CHRIST FIGURE: Yes.

LEVI: Folks say you're some sort of a prophet--maybe even Elijah come back to earth!

CHRIST FIGURE: They do?

LEVI: Why, Sir, everybody in Capernaum is talking about the signs and wonders you do!

ASSISTANT TAX COLLECTOR: They say you perform miracles, day and night!

CHRIST FIGURE: Yes. I show signs and miracles--to teach men that the kingdom of God is at hand.

LEVI: The kingdom of God?

CHRIST FIGURE: The kingdom of heaven is like a pearl of great price. A merchant man seeking goodly pearls would sell all his goods to buy the pearl. The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hid in a field. The man who finds it will hide it again and go and sell all his possessions, and for joy buy the field. Cf. Matthew 13:44-46

LEVI: Wistfully I'd like to have such a pearl, such a treasure.

CHRIST FIGURE: Then come with me. Be one of my disciples--even as Simon Peter, James, and John here are. Waves hand toward disciples. They left their fishing to become "fishers of men."

LEVI: Sir, I'm just a hated tax collector by the name of Levi.

CHRIST FIGURE: Follow me and leave your tax gathering. You can have a new life, a new birth, and a new name. You shall no longer be called Levi, the hated tax gatherer. You shall be known as "Matthew," which means "gift of the Lord."

LEVI: I-- I-- Master, I--

CHRIST FIGURE: Matthew, take my yoke upon you. And learn of me. I am meek and lowly in heart; and you shall find rest for your soul. "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Players, see Matthew 11:28-30

Christ Figure turns slowly, rejoins disciples, and all four begin walking away. Levi grabs out his moneybag, looks at it, looks at the Christ Figure and then tosses the bag to his assistant.

LEVI: Here, I won't need this! Runs to catch up with Christ Figure, calling out: I will, Master! I will! I will follow you!

CURTAIN

Spotlight returns to feast table, where Miriam and the servant girls are bringing in another course of food. During their to-do over the serving Matthew slips back into his place at the table.

MIRIAM: Placing large platter of food in front of Jairus Father, is everything all right?

Servant girls pour wine.

JAIRUS: Why, yes, Miriam. All seems to be in order. The food is delicious. The guests are enjoying it.

MIRIAM: Maybe you should urge them to eat more. This is only the second course, as you can see. There's much, much more to come.

Miriam and servants ease themselves out. Matthew resumes his narrative.

MATTHEW: So, my friends, from that day to this--some thirty years--I have been Matthew, a disciple of Jesus, our Redeemer. I took his yoke upon me. And I still wear it--not as a burden, but as a joy. That is why I must make a written record of my Lord's life on earth. I must show that he is the long-promised King. That he is the fulfillment of the old prophecies. That he is the Son of God!

JAIRUS: Enthusiastically It will be a marvelous record, Matthew!

All others nod their heads, murmur their agreement

ELHANAN: To Matthew Sir, you mentioned that you want to show how Jesus the Christ was born our King. Will you tell how he is a descendant of David the King?

MATTHEW: Yes, Honorable Elhanan, that is my intent.

ELHANAN: Obviously pleased Then let me give you this record I brought from Jerusalem! Gets up and takes a document to Matthew. Matthew rises to take the document.

All my life I've been a gatekeeper at the Temple in Jerusalem, and I used to see Jesus come to the Temple. And I heard him teach there, many times. So, the very day Jairus sent me word to come to this feast I went to one of my friends--a scribe there at the Temple--and got him to copy this. holds out scroll from the ancient records

MATTHEW: Taking scroll What is it, Sir?

ELHANAN: It is a list of all our Jewish generations, from Abraham and Isaac and Jacob on down--with each man's name and the name of his firstborn son.

MATTHEW: Much surprised and highly delighted Why, this is wonderful! All the generations from Father Abraham on down to the Christ?

ELHANAN: Proudly That's what it is. And as you read through it, you'll notice this fact: the total number of generations from Father Abraham to King David is fourteen generations. And from King David till our forefathers were carried away into Babylon is fourteen generations. And, from the carrying away into Babylon till the Christ there were fourteen generations.

All at the table murmur aloud at this bit of unusual information. All speak almost at the same time, as follows:

Jairus: That's remarkable!

Jeriah: All the generations!

Tebah: That's very interesting.

Levi: Counting on his fingers That would be fourteen and fourteen and fourteen. Lem'me see--forty-two generations!

MATTHEW: Honorable Elhanan, you don't know how glad I am to have this! Thank you very much.

ELHANAN: Murmuring You are welcome. Returns to his place.

Matthew takes scroll to scribe.

MATTHEW: Here, Hoshea, we'll put this at the very first of the chronicle.

HOSHEA: Taking scroll. Yes, Sir. How should I start it off?

MATTHEW: Make the first line read: "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the son of Abraham," and so on.

HOSHEA: Yes, Sir.

Matthew returns to table, where others are eating and talking quietly among themselves

JAIRUS: As soon as Matthew is seated Matthew, we all know that Jesus is the fulfillment of the old prophecies. But how will you show that? There were countless prophecies.

MATTHEW: First, comes the birth of the Christ and the prophecy of Isaiah. We all know that one by heart...

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us." Cf. Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14

JAIRUS: Yes, of course. It's been read in the synagogue a thousand times.

MATTHEW: Turning to scribe Hoshea, read out that passage I dictated to you last week, about how "Mary was espoused to Joseph and how before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit." Cf. Matthew 1:18-25.

Guests turn to listen; scribe comes to Matthew, unrolling and shuffling his papers.

HOSHEA: Sir, you mean this part that begins Reads "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary..."

MATTHEW: That's it. Read it out--all of it. Turns to companions. Joseph, himself, told me what you're about to hear--many, many years ago, the first time I went to Nazareth.

HOSHEA: reading "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was..." Voice trails off as Scene 4 opens on center stage.

Scene 4

Scene 4. Late one afternoon in Nazareth, in the year 4 or 5 BC, Joseph is in his carpenter shop, working on a plow stock. He is in a happy mood and whistles as he planes the handles of the wooden farm implement.

JOSEPH: Rubbing his fingers over the plow stock handle, and talking to himself Ah, smooth as a king’s scepter! Backs away from handiwork to further admire it. That is a fine plow stock! Even if I did make the whole thing myself. I'd say it's the best plow stock ever seen in Nazareth.

Mary appears at the door, but Joseph doesn't notice her until she speaks.

MARY: Timidly Joseph?

JOSEPH: Turning around, much surprised Why, Mary! It's you! What a nice surprise. Come on in. You can watch and see how your future husband does his excellent carpenter work! Laughs I've just finished this plow. See? Holds up piece of work Isn't it a beauty?

MARY: without enthusiasm It's nice. Hesitates Joseph? Does not face Joseph Joseph, I have something to tell you--something I must tell you.

JOSEPH. Coming over to Mary and speaking fondly and tenderly What do you want to tell me, my little Lilly of the Valley, my little Rose of Sharon? Clasps Mary's hands in his

MARY: Joseph, I-- I--

JOSEPH. With much adoration Ah, Mary, you are like a flower! So lovely! So fragile!

MARY: Drawing away Joseph, I-- I-- Begins weeping, bows down her head.

JOSEPH: With serious concern Mary! What's the matter? Puts tips of fingers under her chin to lift her face The tears run down like rivers of water! Why are you sad? I am the happiest man in all Galilee, and you should be happy too. Soon we will be married! And you will be my bride. You should be laughing, not crying!

MARY: with much distress Joseph, I am with child!

Mary runs from carpenter shop. Joseph, stunned almost speechless, runs a few feet after her, stops at door.

JOSEPH: Mary! You couldn't be! Stands looking at the empty doorway a few seconds, then turns and sinks down on carpenter bench, burying head in hands and groaning in anguish.

Oh my God in heaven, what will I do! Pauses

What can I do? Gets up, begins pacing back and forth.

What should I do? I can’t make a public example of Mary. Not my sweet Mary. She’s little more than a child--not yet fifteen! Sinks down on bench again, leans against the wall.

If I follow custom and our age-old tradition, I will have to put her away. Pauses But I’ll put her away privately. No! I won’t do it! But I have to--if she is with child. That would break her heart, and mine. Oh my God in Heaven, this is too much. Leans head against wall.

Poor Mary, poor little Lilly of the Valley, poor Little Rose of Sharon. Closes eyes, voice gradually subsides, final words are as a half prayer.

God in heaven, what is to become of me and my Mary, my little Lilly, my little Rose?

Joseph falls into something like sleep. ANGEL OF THE LORD enters, goes directly to Joseph. She does not wake him.

ANGEL: Joseph, son of David, do not grieve. There is no need for your heart to be troubled. God has sent me to you. Take Mary to be your wife, as you had planned. And have no fear. The child conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. Mary "shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name JESUS, for he shall save his people from their sins."

Angel starts to leave, but returns to speak to Joseph again.

Joseph, all this was foretold by the prophet of old. It is the fulfillment of the plan of the Lord, as revealed to Isaiah: "Behold a virgin shall be with child." Mary is that virgin, Joseph. The holy child will be Emmanuel, or "God with us."

CURTAIN

Interlude between Scene 4 and Scene 5 - Spotlight is on feast table.

HOSHEA: Reading, as if there had been no interruption "Then Joseph, being raised from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife; and knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son; and he called his name JESUS." Cf. Matthew 1:24, 25

All players listen attentively to the scribe. Jeriah, the old man from Bethlehem, begins waving his hand to get Matthew's attention, and speaks excitedly in a quivering voice. The gatekeeper from Jerusalem also shows keen interest and can scarcely wait to add his bit to the story.

JERIAH: Sir, I saw the Holy Child! And Joseph the carpenter! And the little mother. They stayed in Bethlehem for some time.

MATTHEW: You were in Bethlehem then? When Jesus was born?

JERIAH: I was there. And I saw the aged wise men who came to worship the Holy Child.

MATTHEW: What were they like? I've heard that they were magi, from the East.

JERIAH: Well, for one thing, they seemed to be rich.

ELHANAN: With much enthusiasm I saw those wise men, too! They came through Jerusalem--following a star, they said.

MATTHEW: Can either of you recall exactly when this was that the wise men came?

ELHANAN: It was in the days of Herod the King. Oh, I tell you King Herod was troubled, and all Jerusalem was troubled with him.

JERIAH: You ask how long ago this was. I can't remember the exact time, but I'm sure it was at least sixty years ago--maybe longer. I was just a stable boy, working for the innkeeper in Bethlehem. Voice takes on tone of storyteller.

I remember it was late one evening--about twilight--and I had lighted my lamp and was bundling up some hay to put in the stable. The innkeeper's wife came out the door, yelling at me to hurry. She was always yelling at me to hurry... Voice trails off as Scene 5 opens.

Scene 5

Scene 5 - In the courtyard of the Bethlehem Inn, some two years after the Christ Child was born. It is twilight, and Jeriah the Stable Boy is bending over a pile of hay not far from the inn's doorway. He is tying the hay into bundles, stacking the bundles near his oil lantern. The Innkeeper’s wife appears in the doorway, hands on her hips.

INNKEEPER'S WIFE: Jeriah! Hurry up, boy! Get that hay into the stable and come inside. I need you to grind the meal. Meal doesn't grind itself, you know.

STABLE BOY: Yes, Ma'am. I'm hurrying! Drops half-tied bundle, fumbles about, gathers up hay, begins re-tying it.

WIFE: You don't look to me like you're hurrying! I told you hours ago to get this hay moved. And here you are, still tying bundles. You're slow and clumsy, Jeriah!

STABLE BOY: Sadly Yes, Ma'am.

Innkeeper's wife notices hay lying near lantern. She throws up her hands in dismay, runs to grab up the oil lantern.

WIFE: Speaking loud and fast The Lord have mercy on you, Jeriah! You are the biggest dunce in Bethlehem!

STABLE BOY: Near tears. I am?

WIFE: Grabbing up lantern. Don't you know you ought not stack hay so close to a lamp?

STABLE BOY: Yes, Ma'am! I mean no, Ma'am! I mean yes, Ma'am!

WIFE: Without pausing for breath This hay could catch on fire and burn down the whole inn and everything in it! Then where would you be? Sets lantern down a safe distance from hay, starts back toward doorway.

STABLE BOY: I don't know, Ma'am.

WIFE: Continuing the tirade Don't ever put hay near a fire! And you hurry up! And don't leave any hay scattered on the ground. Pick up every straw.

STABLE BOY: With spirits shattered. Yes, Ma'am.

WIFE: Standing in doorway Tonight's travelers will be coming in, anytime now; and things have got to look neat around here. Disappears through inn doorway.

Stable Boy laboriously ties several bundles of hay together, bends over, swings them up on his back, and picks up the lantern. He makes a few steps, the rope around the bundles comes untied, and all the hay falls. Stable Boy sighs, shakes his head. He deliberately places the lantern far away from the hay and is tying the pile of bundles together again when the magi and their servant enter. The servant is carrying an ornate chest. Stable boy does not see or hear travelers until the servant walks up beside him and speaks. Stable Boy, already upset over his scolding from the innkeeper's wife, is so startled he almost jumps out of his sandals.

MAGI'S SERVANT: Pleasantly Good evening, Young Fellow.

STABLE BOY: Gasps, then regains composure Uh-- Uh-- Good evening.

SERVANT: My masters here Indicates magi are strangers, come from far away. Is this the village of Bethlehem?

STABLE BOY: Oh, yes, Sir. This is Bethlehem, all right.

SERVANT: My masters are looking for a young child who was born here in Bethlehem--born to be a king. Perhaps you could tell us which way to go to find him.

STABLE BOY: Sir, I don't know any babes or any kings--except the baby who was born here in the stable. Brightens tone. But the innkeeper's wife will know! She knows everything. I'll go get her.

Stable Boy darts inside, servant sets chest aside and waits near doorway. Magi talk among themselves.

CASPAR: There can be no mistake. I'm sure the Child King is here, in Bethlehem.

MELCHIOR: It's just a matter of finding the right house. Last night his star was shining straight down on this village.

BALTHASAR: Of course this is the place. The stars make no mistakes. Besides, that prophecy King Herod had read to us in Jerusalem made it plain that Bethlehem is the place.

CASPAR: Somehow or other, I didn't put much confidence in King Herod. But the ancient prophecy was plain.

BALTHASAR: Ah, that prophecy! I got one of the Jerusalem scribes to read it to me three times, and I thought surely I could remember it. But I can't. Taps own head. My memory is not what it used to be. Too many years have passed by.

MELCHIOR: Don't worry over the passing of the years, Balthasar. But, didn't that Jewish prophecy go something like this? Quotes in chanting, singsong tone:

"And thou, Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, are not the least among the princes of Juda; for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel."

BALTHASAR: That was it--word for word. Thank you, Melchior. Turns toward inn door, changes tone I wonder what's keeping the poor servant boy and the Bethlehem lady who "knows everything"?

Stable Boy returns accompanied by Innkeeper and his wife. Boy stops to speak to Servant. Innkeeper and Wife go directly to Magi, not to give them any information but to convince them that they should spend the night at the inn. Wife remains slightly behind Innkeeper.

STABLE BOY: To M. Servant Sir, that's my master and his wife. They can tell you what you asked--about the king baby, that is. Resumes trying to tie hay bundles

SERVANT: Thank you, young fellow. Rejoins magi.

INNKEEPER: Rubbing his hands together and bowing. Ah, Strangers, welcome to Bethlehem. It is an honor to have such distinguished travelers come to our old City of David.

WIFE: Aside to her husband The inn! Tell 'em about the inn! Tell 'em our inn has the best accommodations--as fine as any in Jerusalem!

INNKEEPER: Facing magi again Gentlemen, our inn has the finest accommodations this side of Jerusalem.

SERVANT: We thank you. Let me introduce my masters. They are magi--scholars, holy men who study the stars--come from the East. First, the Honorable Balthasar.

Balthasar bows.

The Honorable Melchior.

Melchior bows

And the Honorable Caspar.

Caspar bows.

INNKEEPER: You honor all Judah with your presence. The stable boy over there Gives a wave of the hand said you are on the trail of some king or other.

WIFE: Pulling her husband aside again and speaking vehemently to him He did not say they were looking for a king. He said they are looking for a child! You never half listen when somebody tries to tell you something! Besides, you ought to know there's no king hiding out here in Bethlehem!

INNKEEPER: turning to magi again Well-- Uh-- Maybe the stable boy said you were looking for a child. Boys sometimes get things mixed up. Laughs halfheartedly You know how that goes.

MELCHIOR: Ah, my dear innkeeper, as a matter of fact we are searching for a king, and a child. He is a Holy Child, born here in Bethlehem to become King. One prophecy we heard along the way is that he will rule a kingdom that has no end.

BALTHASAR: We saw this Child King's star rise in the East--some two years ago. Tonight, his star will shine down on Bethlehem. So please be so kind as to show us the house where we may find him.

INNKEEPER: Certainly, gentlemen. Certainly. Right now, though, won't you come inside? Have supper and sleep and rest yourselves. And tomorrow morning we will guide you to see every child in the village--till you find the one born to be a king.

WIFE: Coming closer to group Yes, yes. Tomorrow we'll help you find him. It happens that I am the only midwife in Bethlehem; so I know every child born here in the past forty years!

Magi huddle together, with Servant, to talk among themselves in undertones. They step back, and Servant addresses Innkeeper.

SERVANT: Sir, my masters have traveled so far, for so long that they wish very much to find the Child King now, before they retire for the night. And they will take lodging here at your inn.

Innkeeper and Wife fairly beam.

INNKEEPER: Fine, fine. Just a minute please.

Innkeeper and Wife step aside, talk in heated undertones, with the wife doing most of the talking, and much waving of her hands. Finally, she makes a statement so loud the audience can hear it.

WIFE: Well, if you don't believe me, ask the stable boy. I say it's the child of that couple from Nazareth! The baby that was born in the stable! Just ask the stable boy!

INNKEEPER: But, he--

WIFE: He talked to those shepherds who had seen the angels that night. Remember? And I said at the time that that baby born in the stable was the most beautiful child ever born in Bethlehem. Remember?

INNKEEPER: Trying to quiet his wife Shh--Not so loud.

WIFE: Call the stable boy and ask him. Innkeeper beckons to Stable Boy; wife keeps talking. I know as well as I know my name that if any Bethlehem child ever becomes a king, it will be that baby!

Stable Boy hurries over, the three talk in undertones. Innkeeper comes back to magi and servant.

INNKEEPER: Gentlemen, I may as well be honest with you. We don't know which child it is. But we think we know. So, we'll have the stable boy here show you the way to the house of a couple that came here from Nazareth about two years ago--during Caesar's census. Joseph is the man's name. He's a carpenter, a real good carpenter. I sure hope he stays here, because Bethlehem needs a good carpenter. I've got to have some work done on my inn, and--

MELCHIOR: Interrupting The Child? You were going to tell us how--

INNKEEPER: Yes, I'm coming to the Child. The night this Child was born, all the shepherds out in the fields came running into the village, saying they had seen angels come down from heaven. And the angels said that the Christ was born in Bethlehem! And the stable boy talked--

MELCHIOR: With much excitement That's the Child! That's the one! If angels announced his birth, he is the Holy Child King!

BALTHASAR: Take us to him!

CASPAR: Calling Come, come, Stable Boy! Show us the way!

STABLE BOY: Greatly pleased Oh, yes Sir, I will! Grabs up lantern. Just follow me! I know exactly where the carpenter lives!

Magi follow Stable Boy. He keeps talking as he leads them off stage.

And I know that baby's name. His name is JESUS-- 'cause an angel told the carpenter to name him JESUS. And he did. The carpenter told... Voice trails off

Magi Servant picks up treasure chest and follows magi and Stable Boy. Innkeeper begins picking up bundles of hay. Wife stands, watching.

CURTAIN

Spotlight directs audience attention back to feast table. Old Jeriah continues his narrative, and his account of the presentation of the gifts to the Christ Child--Scene 6 is done in pantomime, even as he is talking.

Scene 6

Scene 6 - The house in Bethlehem where Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child have been living some two years. Joseph is seated near a table, doing simple carpenter work, mending a basket. The Christ Child sleeps in a cradle. There are household items such as water jars, crocks, and a bench and stool in the room. A light burns on the table. Now and then Mary leans over to rock the cradle.

JERIAH: To his companions at the Capernaum feast table. I still remember how proud I was that night to get to show the magi to where the carpenter Joseph and the little Mother and the Holy Child were. The house was not far from the inn... Voice trails off as Scene 6 gets underway

There is a knock at Joseph's door. He answers. The Stable Boy shows him his visitors. And Joseph, exhibiting much pleasure, ushers the magi in, brings them to Mary and the Child. Mary takes Child up in her lap to show him to the magi. They approach him with awe.

JERIAH: When the magi saw the Child Jesus, they bowed down to worship him. And the Servant and I sank to our knees.

Magi bow low. Stable Boy and the Servant kneel in corner. Servant still holds chest.

JERIAH: Speaking slowly. And then, the magi opened up their treasures.

Servant brings chest to magi. Melchior opens it.

And they gave him gifts.

Caspar takes bag of gold out of chest.

Gold!

Balthasar lifts out container of Frankincense.

Frankincense!

Melchior takes up container of Myrrh.

And Myrrh!

Magi kneel side by side in front of Child, lift up their gifts.

CURTAIN: END OF ACT I

ACT II

Interlude before Scene 1 - Spotlight returns to feast table, where Miriam and servant girls are bringing in more food. The servants place their platters in center of table. Miriam brings her container and places it in front of her father.

JAIRUS: Warmly, to his guests Ah, my friends, as you can see, my daughter Miriam and the servant girls are here with another course.

Guests murmur their pleasure.

JAIRUS: Let us continue our feast. Help yourselves. And let us continue our stories for Matthew.

Guests take foo