THE GOLDEN CROWN

 

A Play for Easter
by
Jewell Ellen Smith

 

Copyright © 1981 Jewell Ellen Smith. First Performed at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, in 1981. All Scripture Quotations are from the King James Version. Nonprofit groups may perform this work without payment. However, Jewell’s children like to keep track of the number of performances of each play, so if you plan to perform this work, we request you e-mail Jewell’s older son David at DSmith1204@aol.com, particularly if you have questions or problems.

 

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Denouement

When Zimri, an aged and devout Jewish silversmith of Jerusalem, goes up to Capernaum to visit his twin brother Azri, he is entertained in the home of his Cousin Zebedee, a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee.

Zimri confides to Zebedee’s wife Salome and their young daughters, Nehushta and Cassia, that he is secretly working on a crown of the purest gold. He is convinced that the time is at hand for the Lord to send the long-promised king who will redeem the nation Israel; and he plans to have the golden crown ready and waiting.

Zimri is surprised to learn that Zebedee and Salome’s sons, James and John, have left the fishing trade to become followers of a prophet called Jesus of Nazareth. But when he sees Jesus perform a miracle and hears him teach that “the kingdom of God is at hand,” Zimri decides that this Jesus could be the long-awaited king of Israel.

Salome is so sure that Jesus the prophet is destined to become Jesus the king that she asks Jesus to give her two sons high positions when he comes into power.

Zimri invites his Capernaum kinsmen to be his houseguests when they come to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. Zebedee accepts the invitation and two weeks later he and Salome, their daughters, and their hired servant Caleb travel to Jerusalem in the company of Jesus and his followers.

When the travelers reach the outskirts of Jerusalem, Jesus calls his disciples aside and warns them of his coming betrayal, and, death on the cross. The stunned disciples can’t believe such a thing will happen.

As the group nears Bethphage, Jesus sends James and John into the village to get a donkey, which he plans to ride into Jerusalem. This, to fulfill an ancient prophecy concerning the coming of Israel’s king.

As soon as Zebedee and Salome learn that Jesus will make a triumphal entry into Jerusalem, they send Caleb running into the city to get Zimri’s golden crown. They reason that this will be the ideal time for Jesus to be crowned king.

Caleb gets the crown, but Roman soldiers patrolling the streets of Jerusalem stop him and hold him prisoner until Thursday evening--the evening of the Passover supper. When Caleb finally escapes and is trying to get to Zimri’s house to return the crown, he sees Jesus arrested and carried away by the Jewish authorities.

Early Friday morning the determined silversmith and Caleb set out to get the crown to Jesus--no matter if it means going to ask a favor of Pontius Pilate himself. What they don’t know is that the Roman governor has already condemned the Christ to be crucified, and that Roman soldiers have platted a crown of thorns and forced him to wear it. Nor, do they know that Pilate could very well have released Jesus but instead has set free the robber and murderer Barabbas.

Zimri and Caleb are within sight of the palace of Pilate when they run head-on into a detail of Roman soldiers driving Jesus and two thieves to Golgotha, where alt three are to be crucified. A soldier strikes Zimri, knocks him unconscious and shoves him to the side of the street, but Caleb escapes.

As Jesus is dragged past the unconscious silversmith, his crown of thorns falls to the ground and lands within inches of the golden crown, which old Zimri still clutches in his hand.

When the procession has passed, and the dust has settled, and the weeping of Jesus’ followers is heard no more, Caleb cautiously returns to help Zimri back to his home. Of all people, it is the notorious Barabbas who happens to pass by and assists him.

Zimri does not regain consciousness for some 40 days. Then, he is amazed at the news that Jesus is risen from the grave. Zimri and Salome try to decide when the golden crown should be presented to Jesus--if ever.

When they receive word that Jesus and his disciples are going to the Mount of Olives, Zimri, Salome, and their companions hurry there--taking the crown with them. They arrive just in time to see the two angels who appear after the Christ has ascended into heaven.

The angels are saying to the disciples; “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go....”

The tottering silversmith looks at the golden crown in his hands, turns to his companions, and declares:

“How great is our God! Our King!

He came to earth to wear a crown of thorns: Not a crown of gold.

For His kingdom is not of this world!”

Time: About 30 AD, in the springtime, just before and during Passover.

Place: Capernaum, on the Sea of Galilee. And, Jerusalem.

Key Verse: “Jesus (speaking to Pontius Pilate) answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world.’”--John 18:36a

Purposes: (1) To show how the coming of the Christ was the fulfillment of God’s promise that he would establish the throne of David forever and send a king of whose “kingdom there shall be no end.”

(2) To show Jesus performing miracles and teaching that “the kingdom of God is at hand.... that it is like a grain of mustard seed... like leaven... like a pearl of great price... that it is not of this world.... that except you become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven....”

(3) To show that Jesus came to earth to give his life a ransom for many--to wear a crown of thorns, not a crown of gold.

Length of Play: Three Acts--some 80 minutes.

Number of Players: 40 adults, 2 teenage girls, 12 small children, 15 persons to be in Crowd scenes, i.e., good guys in 2 scenes, bad guys in I scene. Total of 38 speaking parts.

THE CHARACTERS: (in the order of appearance)

Salome, the wife of Zebedee, mother of the disciples James and John (many lines)

Ne-hush-ta, the daughter of Salome and Zebedee (medium no. lines)

Cass-i-a, the younger daughter of Salome and Zebedee (medium no. lines)

Az-ri, an elderly scribe in Capemaum, Zebedee’s cousin (small no. lines)

Zim-ri, a devout Jewish silversmith of Jerusalem, twin brother of Azri (many lines)

Zebedee, a Capernaum fisherman, husband of Salome and the father of the disciples James and John (Med. no, lines)

A Burden-Bearer, a resident of Capernaum who makes his living carrying heavy loads on his back (two lines)

Rosh, Zebedee’s hired servant (one line)

Caleb, Zebedee’s hired servant with the withered hand (many lines)

CHRIST FIGURE (many lines)

Crowd of People (15 persons) (no lines)

Disciple Andrew (one or two lines)

Disciple James (medium no. lines)

Disciple John (medium no. lines)

First, Second, and Third Mothers (one or two lines each)

Several Other Mothers (no lines)

Twelve small children--pre-schoolers preferred (no lines)

Disciple Philip (one or two lines)

Disciple Simon Peter (few lines)

Seven Disciples (no lines, will appear in the three Crowd scenes)

Ten Followers of Jesus (no lines, appear in three Crowd scenes)

Man-in-the-Crowd (one or two lines)

Woman-in-the-Crowd (one or two lines)

First Roman Soldier (fair no. of lines, a good role)

Second Soldier (med. no. lines)

Four Guests from Capernaum (no lines--get to eat at Passover table!)

Joktan, Zimri’s houseboy (few lines)

Third Soldier (fewer lines than first two soldiers)

Fourth and Fifth Soldiers (very few lines)

Sixth Soldier (several lines--issues the orders of Pontius Pilate)

Pontius Pilate (not many lines, one very dramatic scene, ACT III)

Pilate’s Roman Attendant (no lines, just wears a toga and stands there)

Chief Priest (few lines, urges mob on)

Scribe (few lines, urges mob to demand crucifixion of the Christ)

Pharisee (yells with the mob)

The Mob (at least 15 persons to yell few lines)

First, Second, and Third False Witnesses (one line each, and yell with the mob)

Barabbas, a notorious robber and murderer (few lines, in two scenes of ACT III)

First and Second Thieves (no lines, carry a cross)

Simon of Cyrene (one line, carries cross for Jesus)

First and Second Angels (two lines each)

SCRIPT

ACT I Scene 1

Scene 1: It is late afternoon in the city of Capernaum, on the Sea of Galilee. At the home of Zebedee the Fisherman, his wife Salome and their young daughters, Ne-hush-ta and Cass-i-a, are preparing company supper for Zebedee’s elderly cousins Azri who lives in Capernaum and his twin brother Zimri who is visiting from Jerusalem. Salome is anxious to have all in readiness when the kinsmen arrive. Nehushta is washing grapes. Cassia is smoothing over a mound of raw bread dough, patting it again and again.

SALOME: Hurry, girls! We’ve got to get this supper ready! Cassia, go stick that bread in the oven! Nehushta, don’t wash those grapes to pieces! Swish ‘em through the water and put ‘em on the table.

NEHUSHTA: But, Mother, what if there’re some little bugs on ‘em? washes grapes vigorously, splashing much water about

SALOME: Oh, let the bugs watch out for themselves! turns to other daughter Cassia, be careful now about the fire. I don’t want the loaves too brown, and I don’t want them pale as the moon on a winter night! When we have special company, the bread must be just right!

CASSIA: Yes, Ma’am. starts out with dough, stops at the door and turns back. Mother, who are these special people coming to supper?

SALOME They’re your father Zebedee’s distant cousins. One of them you girls know well. He is Cousin Azri, the scribe over at the synagogue. The other one is his twin brother Zim-ri, from Jerusalem. He’s a goldsmith, or a silversmith--I can never remember which. Maybe he works in gold and silver.

NEHUSHTA: Is he rich?

SALOME: I don’t know about that. He’s well fixed, I’m sure. Years ago, when James and John were quite small, Cousin Zimri visited in Capernaum every year. I remember he always brought the boys little presents--something he had made in his shop.

CASSIA: still standing in the doorway with the bread dough I hope he brings sister and me something! Don’t you, Nehushta?

SALOME: Child, go put that bread in the oven! Or it won’t get done!

Cassia scoots out, almost dropping the bread tray.

NEHUSHTA: dreamily Oh, I wish Cousin Zimri would bring me a bracelet! Or, a ring! Just anything! turning to her mother Do you think he might bring us presents?

SALOME: Well, he might. We’ve no way of knowing. But don’t you or Cassia dare mention such a thing!

NEHUSHTA: Oh, mother, we won’t! We’re not little kids, anymore! I’m thirteen!

Cassia runs back in, excited.

CASSIA: They’re coming! I saw ‘em! Right down at the corner! They don’t look much like twin brothers to me. They’re creeping along like twin snails a thousand years old! mimics how the bent old men are shuffling along with the aid of their staffs

SALOME: Never mind that, now! I’ve told you girls, and I tell you again, always show great respect for elderly people. They have seen much of life, you have seen little.

No man chooses when he will be born. No man chooses when he will die And, there is only one way to keep from getting old!

NEHUSHTA & CASSIA: chiming in “... only one way to keep from getting old!”

NEHUSHTA: Mother, you’ve told us that a hundred times!

CASSIA: Let us go down to the docks and tell father they’re here. It won’t take us ten minutes!

SALOME: No, just wait. If he’s not here in a few minutes, I may have to send you. Your poor father spends his life mending those fishing nets!

Guests knock, Salome opens door

Cousin Azri! And Cousin Zimri! Come in! Come in! Zebedee will be here any minute! He’s still down at the docks--mending his nets, of course!

AZRI: Ah, Cousin Salome, it’s good to see you. turns to brother Zimri, you remember Zebedee’s kind wife, Salome! And their young daughters! points to girls

ZIMRI: Cousin Salome! embraces Salome The peace of the LORD be unto you and your house!

SALOME: Unto you be peace! turns to introduce girls These are mine and Zebedee’s daughters Nehushta and Cassia! They were very small when you were here the last time; so you may not remember them.

ZIMRI: Ah, yes! I remember! Come here, my little flowers! holds out arms to embrace both girls. Both come, hug his neck.

BOTH GIRLS: Peace unto you, Cousin Zimri.

ZIMRI: holding girls at arms length Now! As soon as you tell me who is who and which is which, I have a present for both of you! Which one is Nehushta? And which one is Cassia?

NEHUSHTA: I’m Nehushta!

CASSIA: I’m Cassia!

SALOME aside to Azri Here, have a seat, Cousin Azri. places a stool for him Can I put your scrolls here on the table?

AZRI: Please do. Azri hands his scrolls to Salome, sits down and continues to watch his brother.

ZIMRI: opening up a pouch tied to his girdle Here is a silver necklace I made for Nehushta! And, a silver bracelet I made for Cassia!

Girls take gifts. They giggle their delight, hold up their jewelry so that the light makes each piece shine.

CASSIA: Oh, thank you: Thank you very much! Look, Mother! runs to show Salome

NEHUSHTA: It’s beautiful! hugs Zimri’s neck You’re the best cousin I ever had!

SALOME: Cousin Zimri, you’ll spoil these girls! Here, have a seat. gets old Zimri eased into a chair

CASSIA: rather timidly Cousin Zimri, you sure do know how to make pretty silver things! What else do you make, besides bracelets and necklaces?

ZIMRI: much pleased with himself Lots of little things! changes voice to a confidential tone But let me tell you about something secret that I’m making! I’m using the purest gold!

Both girls come closer to listen.

But you mustn’t tell anybody! It’s a very secret project!

AZRI: aside to Salome Cousin Salome, I want you to just listen to my brother’s newest project! He’s always got something going! But this beats ‘em all!

Salome turns to listen

ZIMRI: still talking confidentially to the girls I am working on a beautiful golden crown! When it’s finished, it will be the most magnificent crown ever made! gets almost carried away by his own imagination

Girls become caught up in Zimri’s enthusiasm.

CASSIA: A golden crown?

NEHUSHTA: For some king to wear?

ZIMRI: ignoring the girls’ questions The gold band is wide! And it will be inlaid with onyx, and sapphires, and pearls of great price! gestures with his fingers to show how the stones will be fixed I can see the crown shining, brighter than the stars in the heavens! And it will be ... voice fades, spotlight shifts audience attention from Zimri to Azri

AZRI: to Salome See! What did I tell you! Brother Zimri is making a king’s crown--of pure gold and precious stones!

SALOME: Who is it for?

AZRI: For our long awaited King of the Jews!

SALOME: amazed, whispering to Azri My word! We’re all waiting for the Messiah, but Cousin Zimri had better be careful! If the Romans hear about it, he could get into trouble!

AZRI: Trouble is not the word! If that Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, finds out that an old Jewish silversmith in Jerusalem is making a crown for a Jewish king to wear, that will be the end of one old Jewish silversmith--Zimri, by name! gestures with forefinger to show how Zimri’s throat would be slit

Spotlight shifts back to Zimri

ZIMRI: The Lord promised long ago--a very long time ago--that he will send us a king to rule on the throne of David! And I’m going to have his crown waiting for him!

NEHUSHTA: puzzled If the king the Lord has promised ts not already wearing a crown when he gets here, how will you know he’s the king?

Z1MRI: By the signs, my child. See all these sacred scrolls? points to Azri’s scrolls They’re full of prophecies about the king, but I’ll tell you more about that later.

turns to Salome

Cousin Salome, let’s all walk down to the seashore. I’m anxious to see Zebedee and James and John! And I always did love to watch Zebedee’s fleet of fishing boats go in and out.

SALOME: Well, yes, we can do that. Girls, you all run on ahead, and tell your father we’re coming.

girls exit normally, old men creep along, Salome continues conversation.

Cousin Zimri, I must warn you. Zebedee doesn’t have a whole fleet of fishing boats any more. He operates only one.

ZIMRI: much surprised What? Zebedee, the biggest fisherman in Capernaum, has just one boat now?

SALOME: And James and John are not fishing any more! holds open door for Zimri

ZIMRI: shaking his head, speaking to himself I can’t imagine such a thing! The sons of Zebedee not fishing! walks on out

End of Scene 1

ACT I, Scene 2, Some 15 minutes later.

Scene 2: At the seashore, where Zebedee has his fishing boat tied up. Zebedee’s two hired servants are stretching out the nets to dry. Zebedee is seated in the boat, showing his daughters how to mend a torn net.

In the distance a crowd of people are gathering along the roadside. Now and then groups of two and three pass the boat, going toward the crowd. Some are women carrying one or two small children. Some are lame, some halt, some blind. Zebedee and the others pay no attention to the strangers going by, for this is an everyday occurrence.

ZEBEDEE: holding up mended net See, all finished! in joking tone I think you two might make great net menders! How would you like to sign on with me? I pay handsome wages!

NEHUSHTA: Not me, Father! sniffs fingers Phew! Old fishnets make your hands smell!

CASSIA: Not me, either! It would be too boring! Salome, Azri, and Zimri approach.

ZEBEDEE: Ah, here they come! quickly wipes his hands on the side of his fishing cloak and goes to greet his kinsmen

The LORD’s peace, Cousin Azri. clasps his arms, cordially Ah, Cousin Zinin! greets Jerusalem kinsman even more warmly The LORD’s peace to you! And welcome back to Capernaum!

ZIMRI: Unto you, Peace, Zebedee! I’m glad to be home! I love Capernaum! And, the Sea of Galilee! waves hand toward boat How have you been, Zebedee?

Salome and Azri go over to talk with the girls and the hired servants, leaving Zimri and Zebedee in the foreground. Residents of Capernaum keep passing by.

ZEBEDEE: I can’t complain. The Sea of Galilee is still full of fish. All 1 have to do is be smart enough to catch ‘em!

ZIMRI: Why, you’re the best fisherman in all Galilee!

Z,EBEDEE: I wouldn’t say that!

ZIMRI: I was quite surprised when your wife told me that James and John had left the fishing trade. That must have been a big disappointment--not having your sons following in your footsteps.

ZEBEDEE: In a way, yes. But, in another way, no. You see, James and John left fishing to become the disciples of a new prophet from Nazareth who came here about three years ago. I don’t know how to describe him. He’s more than a prophet. He’s a teacher-- sent from God, really!

ZIMRI: What does he teach?

ZEBEDEE: He proclaims that the Kingdom of God is at hand!

ZIMRI: The kingdom of God, at hand? And you say he is from Nazareth?

ZEBEDEE: Yes, from Nazareth.

ZIMRI: Ah, that’s too bad. “Nothing good ever came out of Nazareth “--that’s an old saying! What I’m waiting to see is a King coming out of Judah! From Bethlehem, to be exact.

A burden-bearer, staggering under his load, passes by, going on toward the crowd assembled farther down the road.

Zebedee, you see that burden-bearer?

ZEBEDEE: Yes, sir.

Z1MRI: Look at him, staggering under his load, His yoke is heavy, his burden almost unbearable. He is like our nation Israel! Burdened down by the Romans! The time is ripe for the coming of the long-promised Messiah--to free us from our burden! To set up the Kingdom of David!

ZEBEDEE: You are right, Cousin Zimri. I hope you and I both live to see a King save our nation!

Several more people pass by, walking hurriedly.

ZIMRI: Where are all these people going? notices crowd Why look! There’s a whole crowd of people! What do you suppose is going on over there?

ZEBEDEE: They’re waiting for the prophet, Jesus. It’s the same thing every afternoon.

Dozens and dozens of people gather along the roadside waiting for him to return to Capernaum. You see, he goes about all Galilee--and even beyond--teaching in the synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom.

ZIMRI: Remarkable!

ZEBEDEE: He heals all manner of diseases among the people! Performs countless miracles! James and John think he is the greatest man who ever walked the face of the earth! And I agree!

Salome joins her husband and Zimri

SALOME: You two must be talking about Jesus of Nazareth!

ZIMRI: Yes! He must be quite an unusual person!

SALOME: confidentially, to Zimri Cousin Zimri, you know what I think? I think he is the king all Israel has been waiting for! One day he will wear that secret crown you’re making!

ZEBEDEE: What’s this about a crown?

Z1MRI: glancing around to see that nobody is listening I’m making a crown of purest gold for the King the Lord has promised, and--

Nehushta and Cassia jump from the boat, and they and Azri join the others.

NEHUSHTA: calling, just as she jumps Father, is it all right if Cass and I go listen to Jesus? I see him coming, ‘way over yonder! points to distance, where Christ Figure and his disciples are entering from right stage

CASSIA: Please, Father!

ZEBEDEE: Let’s all go! turns to elderly men That is, if you’d like to hear him.

girls run on toward crowd

ZIMRI: By all means!

AZRI: Brother, some say this Jesus is Eljjah, the prophet of old, come again. Some say he is John the Baptist come back to life.

all four move on, slowly, with Zebedee bringing up the rear

I can’t say who he is. But he teaches as one who has authority!

Rosh and Caleb drop the nets they’re mending and hurry to Zebedee.

ROSH: Master Zebedee?

ZEBEDEE. turning around and stopping Yes, Rosh?

ROSH: with some hesitation Can-- Can-- Can me and Caleb go, too?

CALEB: excitedly We want to hear him! And when we get back we’ll mend nets twice as fast! I’ll even make “Old Crooked Hand” work! holds up left hand, revealing it to be stiff, the fingers and wrist distorted

ZEBEDEE: Sure, boys! Go hear him! The words of Jesus are more important than the holes in a fish net!

ROSH: Yes, sir!

CALEB: Thank you, Master Zebedee! holds up gnarled hand, speaks to it as if it were a person You hear that, Old Crooked Hand? We’re going to hear Jesus! And when we get back, you’re gonna have to mend nets! Fast! And you don’t like to mend nets, do you? slaps left hand with right, hurries to catch up with Rosh

ROSH: Hush your foolishness, Caleb, and come on!

Boys run toward group gathered for Scene 3

End of Scene 2.

There is no break between Scene 2 and Scene 3. Players in Scene 2 merely join the crowd assembled to hear Jesus of Nazareth. Spotlight focuses on the Christ Figure.

Scene 3

A roadside, near the Sea of Galilee, at Capernaum. A large number of people have assembled to hear the teaching of Jesus of Nazareth. Some are seated on the ground, some stand. The Christ is flanked by several of his disciples. Some distance away, the disciples James and John stand, talking with a group of mothers and their children. The Burden-Bearer is beside the Christ, who is loosening the straps that bind the yoke across his shoulders.

CHRIST FIGURE: My son, your burden is heavy. Let me lift it off, that you may rest a while.

BURDEN-BEARER. Please do, Master! My back is weary!

Christ Figure and Simon Peter lift the huge pack to the ground. The Burden-bearer slowly straightens up, sighs with relief.

Ah, how good to straighten up! Thank you, Master! Moves aside to listen

CHRIST FIGURE: addressing entire group Come unto me all you that labor end are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;

For I am meek and lowly in heart;

And you shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

Caleb comes to Christ Figure, his disfigured hand hidden under his tunic.

CALEB. Master?

CHRIST FIGURE: Yes, my son?

CALEB: Master, people say you do many miracles! Maybe you could make my crooked hand straight? holds up disfigured hand

CHR1ST FIGURE: laying his hand on Caleb’s shoulder Ah, my son, you are Caleb, a fisherman with Zebedee of Capernaum.

CALEB: Yes, sir. I am. I’m a hired servant. I catch fish and mend nets. Mostly, I mend nets--with my good hand.

CHRIST FIGURE: If you can believe that God has given me Power to make your withered, twisted hand whole, it will be so. With God, all things are possible. Can you believe?

CALEB: with hesitation Ye-- Ye-- Yes, Master. I can believe if you help me believe!

CHRIST FIGURE: Stretch forth your hand, Caleb.

CALEB. Yes, Master. extends deformed hand

Christ Figure takes Caleb’s hand in his left hand. With his right, he unfolds the crooked fingers, one by one, and straightens the bent wrist. At the same time he gazes toward heaven and prays.

CHRIST FIGURE: praying Father, you have given me all power in heaven and in earth. Through me, let your name be glorified. For, the kingdom is yours. And the power. And the glory. Forever. Amen.

CALEB: ecstatic You did it! You did it! flexes fingers, looks from one hand to the other It’s a good hand now! Just like my other one! falls at Jesus’ feet O, Master, let me be one of your disciples! And go with you everywhere! And tell people about the kingdom of God!

CHRIST FIGURE: with much kindness No, my son. Go home, to your friends, and tell them how great things the Lord has done for you. Tell them how God had compassion on you.

CALEB. enthusiastically Yes, Master, I will! jumps up I’ll go tell ever’body in Capernaum! I’ll say, “Look what God did for me! holds up hand Look, ever’body! God did it! God did it!”

Caleb runs off stage

ANDREW Master, teach us more about the kingdom of God. What is it like? CHRIST: Ah, what parable shall I tell you?

The kingdom of God is like a grain of mustard seed--which will grow into a great tree where the fowls of the air can build their nests.

It is like leaven, which a woman hides in three measures of meal, till the whole is leavened. Or, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchantman, seeking beautiful pearls, who when he finds one pearl of great price, goes and sells all that he has to buy it.

But, you cannot say “Lo, the kingdom is over here!” Or, “Lo, the kingdom is over there!” The kingdom of God is within you. Cf. Luke 17:20, 21

So, “fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom!” Cf. Luke 12:22-23

Your are to seek for God’s kingdom. Seek you first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; then day-to-day things will come as you need them.

You are to pray for God’s kingdom to come. When you pray to our Father in heaven, first ask “thy kingdom come, thy will be done.” Then, ask for your daily bread.

Spotlight shifts audience attention to left stage, where James and John are arguing with three women who are carrying and leading some seven young children, some babes in arms.

JAMES: Now, I sympathize with you mothers. I know how you feel. You want Jesus to bless your children, but that’s impossible. So we’ll ask you to go back to Capernaum.

JOHN: waving his hand toward the crowd Can’t you see all those people, and how busy the Master is?

1ST MOTHER: All we want is for him to lay his hands on our children and bless them!

2ND MOTHER: It wouldn’t take a minute! We want him to pray for our children!

JOHN: He’s healing people! And he’s telling parables about the kingdom of God. He doesn’t have time for children!

3RD MOTHER: I heard that Jesus of Nazareth loves all people, even little children!

JAMES: out of patience Well, now there’s no two ways about it! You’ll just have to take all these kids back to Capernaum!

1ST MOTHER: loudly O, please! Let us take our children to Jesus!

CHRIST FIGURE: coming over to J. & J., the mothers and children Why are all of you so troubled?

JAMES: Master, these women are making a nuisance of themselves! They want you to bless their children. And we keep telling them you’re too busy!

JOHN: We’ve told them, over and over, that you don’t have time for children, that you’re teaching us about the kingdom of God!

CHRIST FIGURE: Let the little children come unto me, and forbid them not! Takes one child by the hand and leads him over to the crowd. Mothers and other children follow.

Of such as these children is the kingdom of heaven!

Christ Figure sits down, gathers children into his arms. Mothers and children on far right stage come to Jesus’ feet. When group of children is assembled on both sides and in front of him, and while some are in his arms, the Christ Figure looks up and prays.

Our Father, which art in heaven, bless the little children,

Let angels watch over them.

Deliver them from all harm, from all evil. Amen.

Christ Figure turns, addresses crowd

Verily, I say unto your except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.

You must receive the kingdom of God as a little child, or you shall not enter therein.

PHILIP: Master, tell us who will be the greatest in the kingdom?

CHRIST FIGURE: Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child points to child in his arms the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.... Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. See Matthew 18: 3, 4, 10

SIMON PETER enters, goes quickly to Jesus’ side

SIMON PETER: urgently Master, a man in the city begs you to come to his house! His servant lies sick--sick unto death!

CHRIST FIGURE: Very well, I will go to him. hands child in his arms to its mother, moves offstage. His disciples follow him.

The mothers sing hymn, “Come as a Child,” (see below) lead children away. Crowd follows them. Zebedee, Zimri, Azri, Salome, Nehushta, Cassia, and Rash return to the boat area. They talk as they move slowly along.

ZEBEDEE: eagerly Cousin Zimri, what do you think of Jesus of Nazareth?

ZIMRI: He is wonderful! He is sent by God--that I know! He may be Elijah come back. Or, he may be a new prophet. He could be our Messiah and King--except that he doesn’t fit all the prophecies!

ZEBEDEE: Which prophecies, Cousin Zimri?

ZIMRI: Well, to begin with, the holy writings say our king will be descended from the house of David and be from the Land of Judah. And you told me this Jesus is from Nazareth, in Galilee. Then, too--

SALOME: excitedly Oh, but he is from the Land of Judah! And of the house of David!

ZIMRI: much interested Yes?

SALOME: I know his mother well! She’s Mary the wife of Joseph, the carpenter! And they’re both of the tribe of David! And something else! very excitedly Jesus was born in Bethlehem! The City of David! Mary and her husband went down there for Caesar’s census! She’s told me about it many times! Bethlehem was so crowded they had to stay in a stable! And her child was born in that stable--in Bethlehem! They went back to Nazareth later on.

ZIMRI: Ah, so! Maybe he is meant to be our king!

Girls see James and John approaching boat area.

CASSIA: Father, look who’s coming!

NEHUSHTA: It’s James and John!

Girls race to meet the brothers, embrace them, and hang on their arms as they join group.

ZEBEDEE: delighted Ah, the “Sons of Thunder” themselves! goes to greet sons

Azri also goes to meet James and John. They exchange greetings.

ZIMRI: aside to Salome “Sons of Thunder?”

SALOME: That’s the name Jesus gave them! He is very fond of our two sons, very kind to them!

JAMES: en route to Salome and Zimri We heard Cousin Zimri was here and wanted pay our respects. embraces Salome How are you mother? Goes on to Zimri

JOHN: hugging his mother It’s good to see you, Mother!

JAMES: The peace of the LORD to you, Cousin Zimri! clasps his arms

ZIMRI: To you be peace, James! turns to John Ah, John, the peace of the LORD to you.

JOHN: To you be peace, Cousin Zimri.

ZIMRI: I haven’t soon you boys--well, you’re not boys any more; you’re men--I haven’t seen you two in seven years!

JOHN: It has been a long time. Much has happened, especially since Jesus stopped by the boat here and asked James and me to follow him.

JAMES: I’ll never forget that day. He said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men!”

ZIMRI: I’d like to talk with this prophet Jesus you two are following.

JAMES: I’m sure he would be pleased to talk to you. Will you be here in Capernaum very long?

ZIMRI: I leave tomorrow. Have to get back to Jerusalem.

AZRI: I keep telling him Jerusalem is not going away, but he won’t listen!

ZIMRI: It’s just three weeks till Passover! And I can’t miss that! Will your friend Jesus be coming down for Passover?

JOHN: He always does! James, you haven’t heard the Master say anything about not going to the festival this year, have you?

JAMES: He’s going. I’m sure of it.

ZIMR1: Good. So, I tell you what: All of you come to Passover! And stay at my house! Azri, here, claims he’s too old to walk to Jerusalem. But--

AZRI: That 1 am! My old feet would never make it!

ZIMRI: The rest of you come! Bring your friend Jesus, and I’ll get to talk with him then. Bring all your friends! I have a big house! Some could even sleep in my shop!

The girls run to their father.

NEHUSHTA: Father, let Cass and me go to Passover this year!

CASSIA: Please, Father: We’re old enough!

ZEBEDEE: I’ll have to talk it over with your mother.

Girls rush to their mother. One grabs one of her hands, the other the other. They’re bubbling with anticipation. Meantime, the men turn, talk among themselves.

CASSIA: Mother, let us go! We’ve never been to Jerusalem!

NEHUSHTA: We could help cook the food as we travel along!

CASSIA: I can bake bread now, remember?

SALOME gasping as she suddenly remembers the bread baking at home Bread? Oh, goodness! Girls, run quick! I forgot all about that bread we left in the oven! Run as fast as you can!

Girls race away

to herself Ah, me, I’m getting so absentminded!

Salome rejoins group

ZIMLI: to James and John I wish that when Jesus comes to Jerusalem for Passover, that he would come riding in on a donkey!

JOHN: astonished Riding on a donkey! He doesn’t have a donkey! Fact is, Jesus doesn’t own anything--except the cloak on his back!

JAMES. Why do you say you wish he would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey, Cousin Zimri?

ZIMRI: confidentially, after glancing this way and that I am making a golden crown for the king all Israel is waiting for! And it just might be that this Jesus will be the one to wear it!

And there’s an ancient prophecy--Azri read it to me this morning--motions toward his brother a prophecy which says the king will ride a donkey into Jerusalem!

turns to his brother

Azri, you’re better at remembering things than I am! Tell us how the prophecy goes!

AZRI: The one old Zechariah wrote?

ZIMRI: Yes, yes, that’s the one.

AZRI: Let me think.... Ah, yes! I remember that one!

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion;

Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!

Behold thy King cometh unto thee!

He is just, and having salvation, and lowly,

And riding upon an ass and upon a colt, the foal of an ass.”

ZIMRI: I’d love to see your Jesus fulfill that prophecy! In three weeks time, I can have the crown ready!

Zebedee and Azri drift over to the boat

SALOME: I believe Jesus the prophet is meant to be “Jesus the King!” In fact, I’ve been trying to get James and John to ask him for a nice position when he comes into power.

JAMES: to Zimri You know how mothers are! Ambitious for their sons!

SALOME: And why not? When he becomes our ruler, and we get rid of the Romans, and he is literally sitting on the throne of David in Jerusalem, there is no reason in the world why James can’t be sitting on his right hand and John on his left!

JOHN: Oh, Mother, you are too ambitious for us. We’ve told you we can’t be asking special favors!

SALOME: Well if you two don’t ask him, I will! First chance I get!

ZIMRI: That’s the spirit, Cousin Salome!

SALOME: Let’s all go have supper. calling to her husband Zebedee, are you ready to go home and eat supper?

ZEBEDEE: Eat? I’m always ready to eat!

Group exits, leaving hired servant Rash with the boat.

End of ACT I

ACT II, Scene I

Scene 1-- Some two weeks later. On the outskirts of Jerusalem, near the village of Beth-pha-ge. Jesus and his disciples, his friends and followers from Capernaum, and people from Bethany and the surrounding area are en route to Jerusalem for the annual Passover festival, which is to begin in a few days. The Christ Figure and his 12 disciples are in the foreground. The crowd behind them walks slowly along. Almost all except Zebedee and his family move on off stage.

CHRIST FIGURE: to his disciples Let us stop here to rest a while. There is something I must tell you. I’ve told you before, but you have ears that don’t hear.

SIMON PETER: Lord, what is it that we don’t hear?

CHRIST FIGURE: We are going up to Jerusalem now, for the Passover. There, the Son of Man will be betrayed unto the chief priests and to the scribes, and they will condemn him to death!

The Twelve--shocked--protest, all at the same time.

Simon Peter: No, Lord, no! Never!

James: Master, this can’t be! Not death! Not for you! No!

John: No, Master, no! Don’t say such a thing!

Andrew: We won’t have it, Lord!

Philip: Master, this must never be! They can’t condemn you to death!

SIMON PETER: Let’s not go into Jerusalem! Let’ s go back to Galilee!

CHRIST FIGURE: We. will go into the city and attend Passover. As I have said, the Son of Man will be betrayed. He will be delivered to the Gentiles--to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him! And the third day he shall rise again.

Ten disciples withdraw a few yards, still talking excitedly among themselves. The Christ Figure leads James and John aside.

JAMES. Master, we can’t believe such a thing could happen!

JOHN: Oh, it must not happen!

CHRIST FIGURE: Ah, my beloved “Sons of Thunder,” you, of all my chosen, do not understand. I came into the world to give my life. a ransom for many! All who believe in me shall have eternal life! The time is at hand for my blood to be shed, for my Father to be glorified!

Salome, seeing her sons with Jesus, hurries over from the crowd, not knowing what has been said.

Ah, here is your mother.

SALOME: Please, Master, I want to ask a special favor of you--for James and John!

CHRIST FIGURE: in a very kind tone What would you have me do for them?

SALOME: Master, when you come into your kingdom, please grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on your right hand, and the other on your left! Cf. Matthew 20:20-23

CHRIST FIGURE: with gentleness Ah, daughter, you know not what you ask! turning to James and John Are you able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

JAMES: Yes, Lord, we’re able!

JOHN: We will drink of any cup, be baptized with anything--with you!

CHRIST FIGURE: You shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with. But to sit on my right hand, and on my left? That is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared--by my Father who is in heaven.

SALOME: Master, when shall all these things be?

CHRIST FIGURE: No man knoweth the day nor the hour. But my hour is close at hand. turns to James James?

JAMES: Yes, Lord?

CHRIST FIGURE: I want you and John to go into the next village, and when you get there you will see a donkey tied and her colt with her. Untie them, and bring them to me.

JOHN: Just take them? Without asking anybody?

CHRIST FIGURE: If anybody says anything to you, you just say “The Lord has need of this donkey and this colt,” and the owner will send them.

JAMES. Come on, John, let’s go.

Brothers start to leave, but turn back. Other disciples come to C. F., and Salome listens.

JOHN: Master, are you going to ride into Jerusalem on this donkey?

CHRIST F1GURE: Yes, I will. pauses, as all register their surprise This must be done in order to fulfill the words spoken by the prophet Zechariah:

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, thy King cometh unto thee! He is just, and having salvation! Lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

James and John rush to their mother, as Simon Peter and the other disciples close in around the Christ.

SIMON PETER: Lord, we had no idea the Scriptures would be fulfilled in this manner!

CHRIST FIGURE: Let us go on into the village.

C. F. and disciples move off stage.

JOHN: hurriedly Mother, try to get word to Cousin Zimri!

SALOME: I will! I will!

JAMES: Tell him to bring the golden crown!

SALOME: Oh, he is the king! He is! He will wear the golden crown!

James and John leave very hurriedly. Salome is almost beside herself with joy and excitement. Spotlight follows her as she runs to find Zebedee.

Oh, blessed be the LORD! Cousin Zimri was right! Zebedee?

Salome meets her daughters

CASSIA: What’s the matter, Mother?

SALOME: Where’s your father?

NEHUSHTA: What’s happened?

SALOME: Something wonderful is going to happen! Zebedee?

Zebedee hurries over. He is followed by Caleb and four or five other persons.

ZEBEDEE: What’s-- What--

SALOME: Jesus is the king! He’s going to be proclaimed King of Israel! He’s going to ride into Jerusalem in triumph!

ZEBEDEE: When?

SALOME: This morning! As soon as James and John can bring the donkey! We’ve got to send word to Cousin Zimri! Now is the time for the golden crown!

ZEBEDEE: Poor old Cousin Zimri is so slow he will never get here in time! I’d better get the crown!

CALEB: Master, I can run faster than you can! Let me go get it! Mister Zimri can just wrap it up, and I’ll tie it on my back and I’ll be back here before you know it!

SALOME: Let Caleb go, Zebedee. And you can help get the procession organized! We’ll want to cut down branches off the trees and spread our garments in the way! So, send Caleb! Come on girls, let’s tell everybody!

Salome and girls go to talk to others in the crowd.

CALEB: delighted I’ll run every step of the way! Just tell me where to go!

ZEBEDEE: Now, Caleb, I don’t know how much you understand about this golden crown and what it’s going to mean when Jesus rides into the city. Tell my aged Cousin Zimri that the Scriptures will be fulfilled.

CALEB: echoing The Scriptures will be fulfilled!

ZEBEDEE: Tell him Jesus will ride into Jerusalem on a donkey. And the multitude will be crying “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the LORD!” And tell him now is the time for the crown!

CALEB: Yes, Sir! I’ll tell him every word you said!

ZEBEDEE: Now, Caleb, you be careful! Especially of the Roman soldiers! And don’t let anybody see that crown!

CALEB. I won’t! I won’t let anybody see it! If I see a Roman soldier, I’ll run the other way!

ZEBEDEE. You know where the great temple is?

CALEB: Yes, sir.

ZEBEDEE: Cousin Zimri has his shop just north of it, two streets over. Just ask anybody where the shop of Zimri the Silversmith is, and they’ll show you where it is. But don’t tell why you’re going to his shop! If anybody asks you questions, you just tell them you’re a fisherman from Capernaum and that you’re in Jerusalem for the Passover!

CALEB: Yes, sir! I’m a fisherman from Capernaum! And I’m in Jerusalem for the Passover!

ZEBEDEE: Now, hurry!

Caleb scoots away, Zebedee hurries to join Salome, their daughters, and the crowd.

MAN-in-the-CROWD: Let’s lay our garments on the donkey! And spread them on the ground!

WOMAN-in-the-CROWD: And we’ll wave palm branches!

ZEBEDEE: And we’ll rejoice and praise the LORD!

all exit

End of Scene 1

ACT II, Scene 2

Scene 2. Less than an hour later, on a street near the Temple in Jerusalem, Two Roman soldiers on patrol duty walk back and forth, complaining of their assignment.

1ST SOLDER: I hate Jerusalem! I’ve got two more months and nine days! Then it’s back to Rome for me!

2ND SOLDIER: You lucky snake! I’ve got two more years in this wretched city! Nothing ever happens here!

1ST SOLDIER: We had plenty excitement a few weeks back. There was an uprising among the Jews and the authorities caught the notorious Barabbas. And I give you one guess who got to guard him!

2ND SOLDIER: Our unit?

1ST SOLDIER: Right! Direct orders from Pontius Pilate! And that guy tried three times to escape!

2ND SOLDIER: Well, you’ve gotta give him credit. He’s got guts!

1ST SOLDIER: Yeah! That Barabbas is a wild one!

2ND SOLDIER: I’ve heard a lot of tales about Pontius Pilate. Is he any good as a governor?

1ST SOLDIER: He manages, somehow, to get along with the Jews. But that’s about all-- Caleb darts by, a large pack on his back.

Hey! You there! Halt!

CALEB: frightened, out of breath You don’t mean me, do you?

1ST SOLDIER: Yes, I mean you! Come here!

Caleb approaches, trembling

What are you up to?

CALEB: breathing very fast Up to? Sir, I’m not up to anything.

1ST SOLDIER: Then why were you running?

CALEB: That’s-- That’s-- That’s the way I walk. I walk fast.

1ST SOLDIER: What’s your name?

CALEB: It’s “Caleb.”

1ST SOLDIER: Where do you live?

CALEB. In Capernaum, Sir. I’m a fisherman from Capernaum.

1ST SOLDIER: And I bet you’re going to tell me that you’ve come to Jerusalem to observe the Passover! turns to other soldier Every year at this time the Jews flock in here in droves for one of their foolish religious festivals. The one they call “Passover” starts this week.

2ND SOLDIER: I wondered why I saw so many people milling around over at the temple this morning.

CALEB: Sir, I did come for Passover. Can I go now?

1ST SOLDIER: Well, now, my young fisherman Caleb from Capernaum, suppose you tell me what you have in that pack on your back, and maybe I’ll let you go, May--be!

CALEB. It’s-- It’s-- Sir, I’d rather not say.

1ST SOLDIER: Is that so? You’d rather not say! turning to other soldier Did you hear that? Our little fisherman from Capernaum had rather not say what’s in his pack!

2ND SOLDIER: beginning to enjoy the sport of teasing Caleb Maybe it’s something valuable! Why it could be something made of gold!

1ST SOLDIER: with mock seriousness Why, yes! Made of the purest gold! grabs Caleb by the collar It’s something you stole! That’s what it is! Admit it!

CALEB: frantic Oh, no, sir! I didn’t steal anything! I never stole anything in my life!

1ST SOLDIER: If you didn’t steal it, why don’t you want us to know what you’ve got wrapped up there?

CALEB: I-- I-- Please, sir, let me go! I’m just a fisherman from Capernaum! Here for the Passover. Let me go! Please?

1ST SOLDIER: I’m going to let you go all right! Go right over to headquarters with us, and you can stay till you decide to raising voice show us whatever it is you don’t want us to see!

Soldiers drag Caleb away with them.

End of Scene 2 of ACT II

ACT II Scene 3

Scene 3-- On Thursday evening of the same week. At the home of Zimri the Silversmith. Zimri, Zebedee and his family, and several other guests from Capernaum, are seated around the table--just finishing the Passover meal Zimri has provided.

ZEBEDEE: Cousin Zimri, this is a wonderful Passover feast! You’re more than generous to have all us Capernaum people here.

ZIMIRI: It’s my pleasure, Zebedee. I just wish my brother Azri had been able to come. And poor Caleb! If only we knew what happened! I can’t enjoy this delicious lamb--here have some, Cousin Salome, and pass it around again--I can’t enjoy the Iamb, much less the wine, for worrying over Caleb.

ZEBEDEE: It’s quite possible that he fell among thieves!

SALOME: I know something dreadful happened to him. And we’ll never see the beautiful golden crown you made for Jesus to wear! I’m real sorry about that, Cousin Zimri.

ZIMRI: My dear, don’t fret over the crown. I realize now it was not meant for Jesus of Nazareth to wear that crown when he rode into the city! He is our king though--golden crown or no golden crown!

Zimri’s servant hurries to him.