At the Sign of the Cross - Jewell Ellen Smith

AT THE SIGN OF THE CROSS

A Musical Play for Easter
by
Jewell Ellen Smith

Nonprofit groups may perform any adaptation of this play without charge. Scripture quotations are from the King James Version. Stage directions are italicized, while editorial comments are [italicized and in brackets]. This play was originally performed at the Officer’s Club of Ft. Rucker, Alabama, followed by a Cross of Flowers Ceremony. Nonprofit groups may perform this play without payment, but Jewell's children ask that you e-mail her older son David at DSmith1204@aol.com, particularly if you have questions or comments.

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Time: The week of the Jewish Passover Festival, when Jesus of Nazareth was crucified. About 31 AD.

Place: Jerusalem and Emmaus, a village seven miles out in the country.

Dominant Purpose and Theme: To tell the story of the Crucifixion and Resurrection in a new way. To show that the cross on which Jesus the Christ died is a symbol of eternal life.

Key Verse: “And as Muses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

--John 3:14,15

Background Scriptures:

1. Simon of Cyrene compelled to take the cross: Mark 15:20-24; Matt. 27:32; Luke 23:26

2. Jesus talks to weeping Daughters of Jerusalem: Luke 23:27-30

3. On the Emmaus Road: Luke 24:13-35

4. Moses lifts up the brazen serpent: Numbers 21:4-9

(John 3:14-15; 8:28)

Music:

1. Dirge sung by Daughters of Jerusalem (with solo lines)

2. Solo by Miriam the Prophetess. [this music is not available. Suitable music may be substituted].

3. Solo by Simon of Cyrene.

Length of Play: About 45 minutes.

Players: 8 men, 25 women, 1 boy and 1 baby.

Characters: (In order of appearance):

NA-a-rah: a servant girl in Emmaus

HUL-dah: the wife of Cle-o-pas

CLE~o-pas: a follower of Jesus, who lives in Emmaus

Simon the Cyrenian: woodcarver from North Africa, kinsman of Cleopas

Mi-ca-iah (Mi-KA-ya): the wife of Simon

Alexander: six-year-old son of Simon

Rufus: one-year-old son of Simon

Daughters of Jerusalem: a women’s charity group which furnishes drugged wine for prisoners crucified by the Roman authorities (20 singers)

Daughter Spokesman: leader of the women of mercy

Centurion: Roman army officer in charge of the Crucifixion

1^st and 2^nd Thieves: prisoners to be crucified (no lines)

CHRIST FIGURE: Jesus of Nazareth

Followers of Jesus: friends and disciples (some 5 persons, no lines)

First and Second Soldiers: members of crucifixion detail

Children of Israel: Israelite people en route from Egypt to Promised Land (25).

Miriam the Prophetess: sister of Moses.

1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Israelite Spokesmen: three of many bitten by serpents.

Moses: leader of the Israelites.

Notes re double roles: Huldah and Daughter Spokesman can be done by the same person.

Na-a-rah can be soloist for Daughters of Jerusalem.

All Daughters (except Huldah) can be Children of Israel.

Miriam can be a Daughter.

Five Followers of Jesus can be Children of Israel.

1^st Thief can be Moses.

2^nd Thief can be Israelite.

Résumé of action, Scene by Scene:

ACT I, Scene 1

On Thursday afternoon of Passover week, Cleopas comes home to Emmaus, bringing with him a kinsman from North Africa, Simon the Cyrenian, and his family, whom he has met by chance in Jerusalem.

Huldah, the wife of Cleopas, makes the kinsmen welcome, provides refreshments, and promises young Alexander that he can ride a goat -- “Old Zeb.”

The men talk of how Simon will set up a woodcarving shop in Jerusalem, of how a yoke for an ox will be the perfect advertising sign to put up over the shop’s doorway. Cleopas points out that Jerusalem is not the perfect place to live “now that Rome rules”. He tells Simon much about his special friend Jesus of Nazareth and promises to take Simon to meet Jesus, on Friday when they plan to go back into the city.

Scene2

Early Friday morning Simon and Cleopas set out for Jerusalem, to rent a shop for Simon.

Just as they reach the outskirts of the city they encounter a group of women Cleopas identifies as the “Daughters of Jerusalem”. The women weep and sing as they carry drugged wine toward Golgotha, where a crucifixion is to take place. The wine is for the men who are to be put to death.

A Roman Centurion charges in, clearing the way for the procession of three prisoners who are to be crucified. Cleopas is horrified to see that one of the prisoners is Jesus. Roman soldiers drive the prisoners forward. Jesus collapses.

Before Simon can realize what is happening, the Centurion forces him to carry the cross for Jesus.

ACT II, Scene 1

Three days later (on the first day of the week) Simon and Cleopas walk back along the road to Emmaus, talking of the crucifixion and of the report that Jesus is risen from the grave. At the wayside well which marks the halfway point between Jerusalem and Emmaus, they meet a stranger (Jesus himself) who goes along with them. “But their eyes are holden that they should not know him.”

Jesus opens to them the Old Testament scriptures which tell of the Messiah and explains in detail how it was that Moses “lifted up the serpent in the wilderness” to save the Israelites.

Scene 1-A

In the wilderness, near Mount Hor, in the time of Moses. The Children of Israel, on their way from Egypt to the Promised Land, have been bitten by fiery serpents because they sinned against God.

As the Israelites lay moaning and dying, the Prophetess Miriam tries to comfort them. Finally she goes to find her brother Moses, their leader, and asks him to pray to Jehovah that He will spare the people.

While Muses is away in the mountain praying, Miriam sings of trusting in Jehovah. “God’s mercies are new every morning,” Miriam declares in her solo.

Moses comes, bringing with him the brazen serpent that God has commanded him to make. Moses lifts up the cross on which the brass snake is fastened and quotes God’s promise that those who look at the brass serpent and believe will live. The people look, believe, and live.

Scene2

At dusk, in Emmaus, Huldah and Micaiah finish supper and are downstairs getting the children ready for bed when Simon, Cleopas, and their traveling companion arrive.

The three men sit down to eat, and when the stranger breaks the bread and blesses it, Cleopas and Simon recognize him as the Christ! Both are jubi1ant! While they’re talking excitedly to each other, the Christ disappears.

When the men turn around and discover that Jesus is gone, they decide to hurry back to Jerusalem to tell the disciples they have seen the risen Lord.

Young Alexander runs in, in his night clothes, anxious to tell his father about riding “Old Zeb,” the goat. Instead, Simon tells his son of carrying the cross for Jesus.

Alexander doesn’t know what a cross is. Using the two pieces of cedar he had planned to make into a “Yoke Sign” for his shop, Simon shows his son what a cross is and what it means. He vows that he will make the Cross his symbol for life.

Simon sings a solo “At the Sign of the Cross”. The entire cast joins him in the last refrain, for a Grand Finale effect.

The End

SCRIPT

ACT I, Scene 1

It is late afternoon in Emmaus, on Thursday of the Jewish Passover Festival. At the home of Cleopas, his wife Huldah and the servant girl Naarah are packing cakes of unleavened bread into two baskets. These Huldah plans to take to the bane of her uncle, where residents of Emmaus are to celebrate the Passover feast. Huldah is inpatient that Cleopas has not yet returned from Jerusalem. The room is simply furnished with a low table, some stools and benches. In one corner on a shelf are large water jars, a pitcher, two basins and towels.

NA-A-RAH: Ma’am, I never saw so mach unleavened bread in my whole life! you want me to stack all these cakes in the baskets?

HULDAH: Yes, Naarah. My uncle has invited everybody in Emmaus to come to the feast, and I promised I‘d bring plenty of bread. Each person must have a piece of unleavened bread. That’s part of the Passover tradition. to herself Ah, poor Uncle Euben! He’s getting so old I know he thinks the feast tonight will be his last one. turning to servant girl Naarah, go look down the road to Jerusalem one more tine and see if you can see Master Cleopas coming!

NAARAH: Yes, Ma’am.

HULDAH: I can’t imagine why Cleopas is so late! He was to be back at noon, and here it is almost sundown. When that man goes to Jerusalem, he never knows when to come home! Especially, if he meets up with his friends from Galilee.

NAARAH: Ma’am, what’d you say?

HUI.DAH: I was just thinking out loud. About my husband’s friends from Galilee.

NAARAH: Yes, Ma’am. goes to door, looks out Oh, Ma’am! Master Cleopas is corning! And there are strangers with him!

HULDAH: much irritated Oh, no! What on earth will I feed them? Of all times for Cleopas to bring in strangers Our law of Moses tells us to show hospitality to strangers, but I don’t think it means at Passover time! runs to door to look for herself You’re right! A man, a woman, a small boy, and a baby. Quick, Naarah, go milk the goat! Those children will have to have milk to drink! Is there any plain bread in the cupboard?

NAARAH: over her shoulder as she starts downstairs Yes, Ma’am. And there’s plenty of porridge left over, too.

HULDAH: Thank the LORD for that! to herself Of course I’ve got cheese and dried figs. And fresh grape juice. I had forgotten the grape juice. Getting refreshments for these people--whoever they are--won’t be as bad as I thought! smoothes down hair, brushes off dress, and hurries to the door to meet Cleopas and the strangers.

Cleopas leads in Simon, his wife and children. Micaiah carries Rufus in her arms. Simon leads Alexander by the hand and carries several bundles. Cleopas has more of their luggage. All except Simon look quite weary.

CLEOPAS: to his guests Simon, I want you and Micaiah to meet my wife, Huldah. Huldah, these are our kinsmen from far away Cyrene--Simon and his wife Micaiah, and their fine sons, Alexander and Rufus.

HULDAH: warmly Oh, our kinsmen! I’m glad to know you!

SIMON: How do you do.

MICAIAH: How do you do. to Alexander Alexander, say “How do you do” to our cousin Huldah!

ALEXANDER: How do you do, Cousin Huldah.

HULDAH: stooping over for Alexander’s benefit So you’re Alexander! To grownups This is an unexpected pleasure! Welcome! Welcome to our hone! Here, have a seat.

MICAIAH: Thank you. sits on bench, still holding Rufus. Alexander climbs on bench beside his mother.

SIMON: It’s a blessing to be here! As I told Cleopas, it mist have been Jehovah, the God of our Fathers, who caused us to meet this morning on the crowded streets of Jerusalem!

CLEOPAS: We hadn’t been talking two minutes when we discovered our fathers were cousins! relieving Simon of one of his bundles Here, Simon, let me put these things over in the corner for you. And I’ll get water for your feet.

Simon keeps talking as Cleopas goes for a basin of water and Huldah helps with the children.

SIMON: to Huldah Two months ago when we left North Africa, we had no idea we wouldn’t get to Jerusalem till the very day of the Passover Feast! Every inn is filled! Every room taken! Except for the kindness of your husband, we’d be sleeping out on the streets tonight!

HULDAH: We’re pleased to have you! looks at Alexander and Rufus It’s been a long tine since we had any children like Alexander and Rufus in our house!

ALEXANDER: pulling on his mother’s sleeve Mother, I’m hungry!

MICAIAH: whispering Sh-h, Alexander! You’re not hungry yet!

HULDAH: Of course Alexander is hungry! And tired, too, I know! Cousin Micaiah, let’s take the children downstairs, where they can have something to eat, and some milk. takes Alexander’s hand and starts leading him toward the stairs How old are you, Alexander?

ALEXANDER: I’m six years old! But Rufus is just one year old!

As the women and children are leaving, Simon plops down on a stool and groans to himself.

SIMON: Ah, I’m beat! Dead tired! unlatches his sandals

MICAIAH: Alexander, tell our Cousin Huldah what you are going to be when you get big!

ALEXANDER: When I get big, I‘m going to be a woodcarver! Just like Father! Rufus is going to be a woodcarver, too!

HULDAH. Woodcarvers! Like your father! That will be very fine! I’ll bet you and Rufus will grow up to be the best woodcarvers in the whole world! voice trails off as group descends stairs

CLEOPAS: placing basin of water at Simon’ s feet Here, Simon, bathe your weary feet in this. places towel on nearby bench and draws up a stool for himself

So, you plan to set up a woodcarving shop in Jerusalem?

SIMON: Yes, it’ll be like a lifelong dream cane true, to get to live in Jerusalem. Of course, as I told you, I was born in Cyrene but my father was born in Jerusalem, and he always wanted to come back. He brought me there once years ago--when I wasn’t more than twelve years old. The city has changed, but many trade routes come together there; so it’s a good place for me to sell my wares.

CLEOPAS: Right! So many caravans pass through Jerusalem that the dust on the streets never settles! If it were not for the Romans, Jerusalem--all Judea, for that matter--would be a perfect place to live.

SIMON: The Romans are that bad, eh?

CLEOPAS: Rather bad. The officials always fear an uprising among our Jewish people. So they never let us forget that Rome rules! Of course, we have one law in our favor. The Romans can’t draft our young men into their army. But there are other laws that are quite repressive!

SIMON: I didn’t realize that!

CLEOPAS. Just as an example, there’s a law that a Roman soldier can compel a man to carry his pack or his other gear for a whole Roman mile! waves hand Everything around here now is measured in Roman miles! From Jerusalem out here to Emmaus is seven Roman miles! And we Jews resent being made to serve the Romans like pack animals! But don’t get me talking about the Romans! Let’s talk about your work! What sort of items do you carve?

Simon is drying his feet and putting his sandals back on.

SIMON: with much enthusiasm Oh, I’ll show you, soon as I get this sandal latched. gets up I have only a few small pieces with me. The larger stuff I sold before we left Cyrene.

Cleopas removes basin of water and Simon talks as he unpacks hand made wooden items and places them on one end of the table. These include walking staffs, candle holders, fruit baskets, small chests, animal figures, a yoke for oxen and two rather large pieces of wood, one short, the other long.

I carve all manner of things. Anything from small, ornate jewelry chests to walking canes, fruit baskets. I even make plough stocks and other farm implements.

CLEOPAS: So I see.

SIMON: handing Cleopas a fancy walking staff Here, a present for you! May you make many happy steps with this staff in your hand!

CLEOPAS: Why, thank you! takes staff, runs his hand over it, tests its strength I appreciate this! A fine piece of work.

SIMON: holding up yoke See this oxen’s yoke? It’s going to be the sign hanging over my new shop--a sort of trademark. I want the buying public to be able to find my place and to remember it. So, I’ll hang this yoke up over the doorway.

CLEOPAS: That ought to attract attention.

SIMON: As each customer leaves, I’ll say: “Tell all your friends that at the sign of the yoke you’ll find quality woodcarvings by Simon of Cyrene!” holds yoke higher as if to visualize how it will look as a sign At the sign of the yoke! That has a nice ring to it, don t you think?

CLEOPAS: At the sign of the yoke! That does sound like a good advertising slogan! I’ll help hang it up as soon as you locate a place for your shop. Maybe you’d like to go into Jerusalem tomorrow morning, to look around for a few days.

SIMON: I surely would. The quicker I can rent a space, the better. picks up two pieces of wood I’ll carve those words “At the Sign of the Yoke” out of this cedar. Cedar lasts for years and years.

Naarah enters with platter of bread and fruit and a pitcher of grape juice

NAARAH: to Cleopas Excuse me, Sir, but Mistress Huldah said you and your kinsman might want a bite to eat. And she said to say that she and the lady from Cyrene are going to put the little children to bed now, and I’m to watch over them while all of you go to the Passover Feast.

CLEOPAS: Fine, Naarah. Tell my wife that will be fine. Just set the food here on this end of the table. Ah, this will hit the spot! Pull up a stool, Simon.

Simon moves his carved items to one side and sits down. Naarah leaves as soon as she has poured the juice into cups.

SIMON: Ah, thank you. Grape juice! takes a gulp Delicious! Absolutely delicious. Grape juice is one of the things I remember about Jerusalem the time my father took me there when I was a child. This tastes different from what we get in North Africa.

CLEOPAS: Simon, tomorrow morning when we get to the city--even before we start looking around for a shop for you to rent--I want to introduce you to thirteen special friends of mine!

SIMON: Thirteen friends! Sure! I’ll be glad to meet them. Jerusalem is their home, I suppose.

CLEOPAS: No, they’re from Galilee, mostly. But they’re all in Jerusalem this week for Passover. They are very unusual people.

SIMON: How do you mean, “unusual”? Rich? Or famous?

CLEOPAS: No, not rich or famous. Actually it’s the leader of the group, Jesus of Nazareth, who is so unusual. The other twelve are ordinary men like you and me. But Jesus is like no man I ever saw before!

SIMON: Really?

CLEOPAS: enthusiastically He makes the blind to see! The lane to walk! He cures lepers! With my own eyes I saw him take two loaves of bread and five little fishes and feed five thousand people!

SIMON: astounded Heavens! That’s unbelievable!

CLEOPAS. He has done many signs and wonders, performed many miracles. He can walk on water! Even the winds and the seas obey his voice! He has raised men from the dead!

SIMON: I never heard of such a man! By all means I want to meet him! You say his name is Jesus of Nazareth?

CLEOPAS: People call him a prophet, but lowering his voice, and speaking confidentially many of us believe he is the Messiah! The long-promised Redeemer of Israel!

SIMON: The Messiah! pulls chair closer, listens more intently

CLEOPAS: Ah, Simon, you must hear him teach! He has even taught his disciples exactly how to pray to Jehovah!

SIMON: Interesting! Very interesting!

CLEOPAS: Now if Jesus were sitting here at this table with you and me--ready to eat supper--he would take a loaf of bread like this. reaches over and picks up loaf of bread which the servant girl brought I’ve seen him do it dozens of times. He would break it so breaks loaf and bless it. He would say a prayer much like this:

“Our Father, which art in heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

We thank Thee for this, our daily bread. And--“

Alexander interrupts by rushing in, barefooted, and in his night clothes.

ALEXANDER: much excited Father! Father! Guess what? runs to Simon Tomorrow I ‘m going to ride a goat!

SIMON: putting arm around Alexander Alexander! Son, you shouldn’t interrupt your elders like this!

ALEXANDER. I just wanted to tell you I’m going to ride a goat!

CLEOPAS: That’s all right. Riding goats is very important to little boys! Tomorrow, Alexander, I’ll show you and your father my whole flock. We have lots of goats! Some sheep, too!

Enter Huldah and Micaiah, ready to leave for the feast.

HICALAH: Alexander! Son, you’re supposed to be in bed! Now run on downstairs and get back into the nice bed Cousin Huldah fixed for you!

ALEXANDER: dejectedly Yes, Ma’am. runs over to Huldah What’s the goat’s name?

HULDAH. Well, Alexander, the best one for you to ride is named “Zebediah.” But we call him “Old Zeb.”

MICAIAH: shooing Alexander toward stairway Cane on, Alexander! It’s to bed with you!

ALEXANDER: as he romps along I’m going to ride “Old Zeb!” “Old Zeb!” disappears down stairway

CLEOPAS: Ah, children are such a delight! turning to companions Well, we’d best be going to our uncle’s house for the feast. Let’s go out the back door.

Men walk toward door, followed by women. Huldah suddenly remembers the baskets of unleavened bread.

HULDAH: throwing up hands Oh! The bread! I almost forgot those cakes of bread! runs back to get baskets Cleopas, would you carry this basket? indicates larger basket

SIMON: hurrying back Here, let me take that! Huldah lifts cover to readjust it. Simon looks in at the cake My, my, this is a lot of unleavened bread!

HULDAH: I just hope it will be enough! Everybody in Emmaus will be at the feast.

MICAIAH: Emmaus seems like such a nice village. Simon, I wish you could set up your shop here instead of Jerusalem.

SIMON: That would be nice, Micaiah, but I have to be where the customers are. By the way, tomorrow morning Cleopas and I are going into the city to look for a place to rent. I hope I can find something before the Sabbath, but it may take several days to settle on just the right location.

all leave
End of Scene 1

ACT I--Scene2

Early Friday morning, on the Emmaus Road. Simon and Cleopas, enroute to Jerusalem, have almost reached the roadside well that marks the halfway point of the journey. Cleopas carries his new walking staff, Simon one well used. Simon also has the yoke that is to be his shop sign. Both are in good spirits, anxious to reach the city.

SIMON: Cleopas, I believe you said yesterday that the well here is halfway between Emmaus and the walls of Jerusalem.

CLEOPAS: Exactly half way. It’s three and a half miles back to Emmaus waves hand three and a half on to Jerusalem. indicates other direction We can stop and rest a bit, if you like.

SIMON: Why, no. I’m not the least bit weary. This oxen’s yoke is bulky, but it’s not heavy. I’d just as soon go on to Jerusalem.

CLEOPAS: In that case, let’s draw a jar of water, quench our thirst, and keep walking. lets rope-tied jar at the well dawn, brings up water; both take a quick gulp and walk on We should get into the city about eight o’clock, and we’ll go straight to the Temple courts.

SIMON: The Temple courts? You think I ought to look for a shop to rent in that part of the city?

CLEOPAS: No, no! That’ s where we’ll find Jesus of Nazareth!

SIMON: Oh, yes! It’s going to be a pleasure to meet him! Maybe we’ll get to see him perform a miracle!

CLEOPAS: Hundreds of people flock to the Temple grounds to hear him teach, for he tells us new things about the kingdom of God!

Daughters begin singing softly, off stage.

SIMON: stopping What’s that I hear? pauses It’s singing. But it sounds strange. Sad, too. Like a dirge of some kind.

Daughters come into view, their singing changed to low humming.

SIMON: Cleopas, look! A whole company of women!

CLEOPAS: with much dismay Oh, no! That’s the “Daughters of Jerusalem!” With their drugged wine! That means a crucifixion!

SIMON: Drugged wine? A crucifixion?

CLEOPAS: Those women are taking wine, mingled with myrrh, to Golgotha for crucifixion victims. The Romans are going to crucify three men this morning! shakes head What a pity!

SIMON. Three? How do you know?

CLEOPAS: Notice that the women are carrying three long reeds with sponges?

SIMON: Yes. And I see several bottles of wine.

CLEOPAS: At every crucifixion just before the Roman soldiers nail the prisoners to their crosses these women of mercy come and give wine with either myrrh or the potent gall weed in it. To help kill the pain!

Then, as the day wears on, and the victims hang there, they dip the sponges into the wine again and again and lift it to the lips of each dying man,

Women, still humming, come nearer. S. and C. step back.

SIMON: I’d hate to watch a crucifixion! It must be just horrible!

CLEOPAS: It is.

SIMON: Who do you suppose is being crucified today?

CLEOPAS: Probably just some common thieves!

Daughters sing hymn. The final refrain is scarcely finished when the Centurion strides up to clear the way for the cross procession, which now comes into view.

CENTURION: loud, harsh Move aside! Move aside! Get out of the street! You “Daughters of Jerusalem” are a nuisance! Every time we have a crucifixion here you are in the way! Clear the street!

DAUGHTER SPOKESMAN: We have a right to be here! It’s our duty! Solomon our great king gave us the Proverb that plainly says “Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish!”

CENTURION: Hush, woman! I’m not here to listen to the Proverbs of Solomon! I’m here to carry out the orders of Pontius Pilate! Get to the side of the street! Here come the prisoners! Get back!

Women move back, but only slightly. Enter Two Thieves, followed by Christ Figure, each bearing a heavy wooden cross. They are driven by two Soldiers with whips and followed by grieving friends of the Christ. The Thieves handle their crosses well enough, but the Christ Figure stumbles and falls, gets up and struggles again, falls, gets up.

FIRST SOLDIER: yelling at prisoners Move on! Move on! cracks whip We don’t have all day! Move on!

CLEOPAS: grasping Simon’s arm Oh, God of Abraham! It’s Jesus! pointing to Christ Figure They’re going to crucify Jesus!

SIMON: Your Friend! Oh, no! Which on