THE GRASS WITHERETH
A Play for Easter
by
Jewell Ellen Smith
Copyright © 1982 Jewell Ellen
Smith. First performed at
Click here to go to the Jewell Ellen Smith Homepage
"The
grass withereth; the flower fadeth,
But the Word of our God shall stand for ever."
--Isaiah
40:8
TIME:
90 AD, and the years between 30 and 33 AD.
PLACE:
PURPOSE,
or theme: "...these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the
Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his
name."
--John
20:31
PLOT, and general structure:
The
aged apostle John, chained to a Roman soldier, has been sentenced to exile on
the
While
John waits for the ship to sail from Ephesus at sunset, he spends the hours
having his pupil Polycarp write down some of the
miracles he saw Jesus the Christ do and things he heard the Christ teach.
Principal scenes depicted are:
a.
John the Baptist introducing the
Christ
b.
Jesus healing the lame, the halt,
the blind
c.
The Christ visiting in
d.
The Christ speaking with the Woman
at the Well
e.
The illness and death of Lazarus
f.
Jesus raising Lazarus from the
grave
g.
The Last Supper
SCRIPTURE BACKGROUND: The Gospel
according to John, with cross references to the other Gospels. Also: writings
from Isaiah.
LENGTH: One hour and a few
minutes.
THE
CHARACTERS, in the order of their appearance:
ACT
I, Scenes 1 and 2
JOHN, "the
beloved," the last of the twelve apostles of Jesus, who is now an old
man--leader of the Christians at
ATTICUS, a Roman soldier
stationed in
LINUS, a Roman soldier in
the same unit as Atticus.
CASSIA, John's kinswoman,
aunt and guardian of Zulah and Tabitha.
ZULAH. John's
great niece, who is spending the summer in
ABITHA, Zulah's
sister.
POLYCARP, A young Christian
from
ACT I, Scene 3
YOUNG JOHN, the beloved
apostle, when he was a young man.
ANDREW, one of the twelve
apostles.
JOHN THE BAPTIST, the
forerunner of the Christ, an ascetic prophet in the wilderness, to whom
thousands, even Jesus of Nazareth, came to be baptized.
CHRIST FIGURE
ACT I, Scene 4
CROWD OF PEOPLE, including
these:
Blind Beggar, named Kelitah
Beggar’s Wife
A Father
Young Boy, with a withered hand
Four stretcher bearers
A Patient named Simon
Old Woman
Frail Woman
First Daughter
Second Daughter
Stooped Man with palsied hand
Old Man
Three other women
Two Children
ACT
II, Scene 1
MARTHA, older sister of Lazarus of Bethany
MARY, younger sister of Lazarus
JAMES. one of the twelve apostles,
brother of John.
NICODEMUS, a prominent man
of
LAZARUS, a close friend of
Jesus.
ACT II, Scene 2
WOMAN OF SAMARIA, a
resident of Sy-char, who talked to Jesus at Jacob's Well.
A CROWD of Samaritans (Same
players as in Crowd in ACT I )
SAMARITAN SPOKESMAN, a
resident of Sy-char
ACT II, Scene 3
TWO FANNERS, servant girls
in the home of Lazarus
FIRST NEIGHBOR, a neighbor
and friend of Martha and Mary
SECOND NEIGHBOR, another
friend of Martha and Mary
Act III, Scene 2
MESSENGER, a runner from
APOSTLES:
Simon Peter
Bartholomew (or Nathaniel)
Phillip
James, son of
Judas Iscarot
Simon, the Caananite
Thomas
Judas, not Iscariot
Matthew
ACT III, Scene 3
THREE WOMEN FROM
THREE MEN FROM
A SERVANT, in the home of
Lazarus.
+ + +
Total number of roles: about 50; Speaking parts: about
40
Note: Many players may take two minor roles, and appear in Crowd scenes
SCRIPT:
ACT I, Scene 1
Scene 1:
JOHN:
much distressed and speaking to himself, not the soldiers Exiled! Exiled! Oh, that my
God would deliver me! What shall I do! All my churches! All my work to
spread the good news! What's to become of it all?
ATTICUS:
with no sympathy Old Man, I never saw
you before this morning in court--and I don't know you from the emperor's
housecat--but you brought this exile on yourself!
LINUS:
roughly Yeah! Atticus
is right! All you had to do was was make a little bow
to the magistrate and say: "Yes! Yes! Domitian pronounced Do-MEESH-an is divine! Domitian
is the Lord and God! The son of Minerva!"
They would 'a let you go!
JOHN:
No, Soldier! Never! Jesus is my Lord! God, his Father, is God--the only
God!
ATTICUS:
ignoring John's assertion You didn't use your head! But, even so, you're lucky.
Very lucky! Exactly two months ago today, me and Linus
here left
JOHN:
Yes, I--
ATTICUS:
interrupting Feeding
'em to the wild beasts! Burnin' ‘em
alive! Crucifying 'em!
LINUS:
I saw 'em crucify one guy upside down!
ATTICUS:
You're plenty lucky.
JOHN:
dejectedly Yes,
yes, I know. The persecution is dreadful.
LINUS:
Old Man, how much farther is it to your house?
JOHN:
Just around the corner. straightens himself up I think I'm able to walk by
myself now. You can let go of my arms.
ATTICUS:
We could. But we're not!
LINUS:
If we let you escape they could throw us on that ship. Send us to
ATTICUS: Yeah, and I'd sure hate to spend the rest of my life
on that little rocky lump in the sea--ten miles long and six miles wide!
CURTAIN
As
three reach entrance to John's garden, spotlight picks up Cassia, Polycarp, and girls in far corner.
Scene 2
Immediately after scene 1. In the
courtyard of John's
ZULAH:
idly holding the trowel in
her hand Aunt Cassie, you know what I like best about this summer here with
you and Uncle John?
CASSIA:
mildly amused No.
What do you like best? holds up pot Here,
put a little more dirt in here.
ZULAH:
as she scoops up soil and dumps it into
flower pot I like it when we sit out here in the garden after supper, and Uncle
John tells about when he was young, down in
Cassia holds container over for
Tabitha to pour in water.
TABITHA:
pouring water, generously Me too! I like to hear about the miracles!
CASSIA:
reflective tone Jesus performed many
miracles. I saw some of them, but your Uncle John saw them all. He went
with--
Cassia sees Polycarp
hurrying to the gate. He rushes back to her.
POLYCARP:
much alarmed Ma’am, something's
wrong! Roman soldiers! runs back to John
Cassia sees soldiers entering with
John
CASSIA:
drops flower pot, starts getting girls
out of the garden Roman
Soldiers! Mercy! Quick, girls! Into the house! Those soldiers mustn't see you!
Girls dash away, Cassia hurries to
John.
Soldiers let John--now exhausted
and out of breath--slump down on the first garden bench. John, Cassia and Polycarp all speak at once.
|
John: to soldiers You'll have to let me sit
down. I--I-- This is where I live. sweeps
hand in gesture to include whole courtyard, turns to Cassia and Polycarp Cassia: much
distressed John! Are you all right? Polycarp: What's happened? |
JOHN:
Cassie, I-- Bad news-- I-- Ah, Polycarp, I'm glad you're
here! You can help my sister.
POLYCARP:
Sir, you look ill!
CASSIA:
What're these soldiers doing here? Did you faint and fall in the street?
JOHN:
still panting I'll explain. I--
CASSIA:
John, you're pale as a sheep! starts fanning John with her headpiece.
Quick, Polycarp! Run get some wine!
Polycarp wheels around to go, Linus grabs his arm
LINUS:
Not so fast! You don't go anywhere unless we tell you!
Pulls Polycarp
over to one side
ATTICUS:
matter of fact tone Lady, the Old Man is all right. He didn't faint and
fall in the street. He's under house arrest.
CASSIA:
outraged House arrest?
ATTICUS:
That's right. We're here to guard him. That wine, though-- Uh-- Uh-- we all
need a little wine, now and then!
CASSIA:
ignoring A.'s hint about the wine He-- He--
He's an old man! Nearly ninety years old!
ATTICUS:
starts fastening chain around one of John's ankles
He's being exiled to
CASSIA:
dismayed Exiled! O, merciful
heavens! bends over John John!
John!
Atticus fastens free
end of chain around a tree or shrub or post.
POLYCARP:
How dreadful! I'll go get help!
LINUS:
grabbing Polycarp's arm again
You won't go anywhere. And you'd better be glad it's
not you!
Atticus saunters
over to Linus and Polycarp.
JOHN:
lowering his voice so that Atticus
does not hear Cassie, take the girls and leave! Go to
CASSIA
whispering This
morning?
JOHN:
Right now! As soon as you see those soldiers looking the
other way.
CASSIA:
That emperor in
JOHN.
You'll be safe in
CASSIA:
half to herself
That tallest soldier wanted some wine. I know what I'll do! I'll bring out some
wine, and while they're drinking, the girls and I can slip out!
Spotlight shifts to Polycarp
and two soldiers.
LINUS:
to Polycarp I take it that you must be Polycarp?
POLYCARP:
Yes, I'm Polycarp. I'm from
ATTICUS:
The Old Man gestures toward John
told us about you. Said you're his pupil.
POLYCARP:
I've been studying with him several years now.
ATTICUS:
We're gonna let you stay here with him the rest of
the day, but you'd better not try anything funny!
LINUS:
Nothing! Understand? We'd as soon run you through with a spear as to look at
you! raises spear in threatening motion
POLYCARP:
taking a deep breath and backing away
from spear Yes, I know!
ATTICUS:
Linus, you want to take the morning watch or the
afternoon watch?
LINUS:
Makes no difference to me. It's gonna
be pure boredom, morning or afternoon.
ATTICUS:
Let's cast lots.
LINUS:
Sure! High man gets the morning. takes dice from his pocket, hands them
to Atticus
You roll the bones first.
ATTICUS:
shakes dice,
looks up
and holds
up dice
Now, all you gods of
Polycarp eases his
way over to John.
LINUS:
laughing Atticus,
you don't know anything about the gods! Listen to my prayer! holds out dice in
his fist You brand new, self-made Roman Emperor
Lord God Domitian, gim'me
a higher number! squats,
rolls dice
Rats! You win, Atticus. pockets dice
Oh well, never mind.
ATTICUS:
walking with Linus to
courtyard gate I'll see you then at high noon?
LINUS:
I'll be back with bells on. leaves
Atticus goes back to
John and Polycarp, begins fastening John's chain to his own ankle.
ATTICUS:
to John You'll
have to remember, Old Man, that I don't like this any better than you do.
Cassia hurries in with barley loaves, wine, and three
glasses. She goes first to Atticus.
CASSIA:
with a tinge of sarcasm
Our sacred Law of Moses says that we are to be kind to
"the stranger that is within our gates." You're a stranger; so I'm
offering you a glass of our best wine, and barley bread.
ATTICUS:
openly pleased Well!
Lady, you surprise me! I am a stranger, and I haven't had a decent glass of
wine since I left
Cassia takes tray to John and Polycarp,
sets it down and goes back into house. Polycarp pours
for John and takes small amount for himself.
JOHN:
Not much for me. takes a sip, breaks off and eats crust of bread
Polycarp, as soon as you can, get word to the seven
churches. Ask them to pray that some good will come out of this tragedy.
POLYCARP:
I will. I will. I'll start tomorrow.
Atticus brings his
cup over for a refill.
ATTICUS:
This is good stuff! takes another gulp You'd better drink up, Old
Man. You won't have anything like this on the i-land of Pat-mos. drains glass, starts to his seat, swaying back and forth.
Turns around, staggers as he goes to get wine pitcher. Tongue thickens and
speech slows.
Does
your Law of uh-- eases himself down on the
ground, leans back against bench. Does your law of What’s-his-name say how much a stranger in the gates
can drink?
Pours and drinks another big gulp, wipes his sleeve across
his mouth.
What’s-his-name sure
made you Jews a firs’ class law!
Slumps over asleep, the handle of the pitcher still
clutched in one hand. He moves one leg just
enough to cause his spear to fall to the ground.
POLYCARP:
He's asleep!
JOHN:
getting up cautiously so as not to rattle chain.
Good! Run tell Cassia! Ah, I'll get to tell the girls good bye, after all! Polycarp starts to
leave. Warn 'em to be quiet!
POLYCARP: whispering I will.
Polycarp meets Cassia
and two girls.
CASSIA:
stage whisper We
were watching! turns to shush girls Sh-h,
girls! We'll say goodbye real quiet and slip out the gate!
Girls run to their uncle, in tears. John gathers girls and
Cassia in his arms. The farewells are whispered.
JOHN:
My little girls! My sweet girls! Goodbye! Goodbye, Cassie!
CASSIA:
Goodbye, John. God be with you!
TABITHA:
between sobs Uncle John, we don't want
you to go to that terrible island!
ZULAH:
We may never see you again!
JOHN:
trying to reassure group Sure
you will! It may be a few years, but God will see me through all this. You
girls go with your Aunt Cassie up to
ZULAH:
Uncle John, you won't get to tell us about the miracles, anymore!
TABITHA:
And we wanted to hear all his miracles! And what Jesus said, too!
JOHN:
somewhat surprised. Well, I-- I-- becomes suddenly inspired The Lord be praised! I just
had a wonderful idea! I'll write down the miracles! I'll write down what
he said! What Jesus did! Everything! Well, no, not everything.
The world couldn't hold all the books that should be written! But I'll write
down all I can remember!
CASSIA:
John, that will be wonderful!
POLYCARP:
enthusiastically I'll help you!
JOHN:
still talking fast and excitedly
Yes, Polycarp, you can help me! Yes! You can write it
all down as I tell it! And make copies for the girls! And copies for the seven
churches! Tone becomes more serious, contemplative
I’ll
record it in such a way that whoever reads it-- or hears it-- will BELIEVE THAT
JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, AND BELIEVING, MIGHT HAVE LIFE THROUGH HIS
NAME!
CASSIA:
Oh, John, that will be a marvelous thing for you to do!
JOHN:
I'm beginning to see the hand of God in my exile!
Atticus groans,
stirs in his sleep.
All
whisper "Goodbye" to each other, wave. Cassia and girls hurry out. Polycarp accompanies group to gate, returns to John, who is
pacing back and forth as best he can with one foot chained. John is highly
elated.
JOHN:
rubbing hands together
Polycarp, get your paper and ink and let's get
started.
POLYCARP:
It’s right over here. brings over his scroll and writing materials
What title do you want me to put on it?
JOHN: sitting back down Never mind the title, or
heading, just yet. Polycarp, do you remember that
line the great prophet Isaiah wrote that said something about how the grass
withers and the flowers fade, but God's word is forever?
POLYCARP:
quoting "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but
the word of our God shall stand forever!"
JOHN:
That's it. Now the first thing I want to show in this record of what I saw
Jesus do and what I heard him say is that man is like grass, while God is
eternal.
|
I
want to show that Jesus is like God’s "Word"--His promise to
man--and that all who believe will have life forever. |
pauses, leans forward
|
So,
begin this way: dictates slowly,
deliberately. "In
the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God.... The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory,
the glory of the Father, full of grace and truth. From John 1:1, 14 |
pauses
|
Next,
write: "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men." |
ATTICUS wakes abruptly, sits up, looks around
as if in a daze.
ATTICUS:
Hey, what's going on? Old Man, what're you up to?
JOHN:
We're writing down things about Jesus the Christ. I hope you don't mind.
ATTICUS:
getting up off the ground I don't know the first thing about your Jesus the Christ,
and I could care less; So far as I'm concerned you can write till the sun goes
down.
JOHN:
Thank you.
ATTICUS:
Just don't be dictating stuff that will bore me to
distraction. Picks up wine pitcher,
tries to drain out a few drops. Rats! Empty! Just my luck!
JOHN:
to Polycarp, in musing,
reflective tone Let me see, Polycarp, what should come next. Hmm-mm-m.
rubs
beard, tries
to think
POLYCARP:
You plan to include something about John the Baptist, don't you?
JOHN:
glad for the suggestion Of course. John, the forerunner.
I think I've told you that, at first, I was a follower of John the Baptist. He
was truly a man sent from God.
Write
that down. Say: "There was a man sent from God, whose name was
John...."
changes tone as if
just giving additional information
John looked like one of the prophets of old. He roamed the wilderness
country near the
Many
people came to him to be baptized. Some even thought he was the Messiah... voice trails off
Spotlight
shifts audience attention to another part of stage for the beginning of Scene 3
Scene 3
A wilderness road, near the
YOUNG
JOHN: Sir, people are saying that you must be the Messiah!
ANDREW:
Some think you might be Elijah come back, but most say you are the Christ.
JOHN
THE BAPTIST. No, no. I am not the Christ. I am only the
voice of one crying in the wilderness. "Prepare ye the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.... Make a highway for our God!...
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill be made low.
"And
the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough
places plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed!"
--Isaiah 40: 3-5a
YOUNG
JOHN: But you baptize. And--
JOHN
THE BAPTIST: Indeed, I do baptize in the
YOUNG
JOHN: repeating, as an echo The Holy Spirit!
ANDREW:
repeating, as an echo Fire!
JOHN
THE BAPTIST: as if he did not hear
comments I'm not so much as worthy to stoop down and
unloose the latchet of his shoes! He is in the world, and the world was made by
him, yet the world knows him not. See John 1:10
He
has come unto his own, and his own receive him not.
ANDREW:
What will happen to those who do receive this mighty man?
JOHN
THE BAPTIST: As many as receive him, to them he gives the power to become the
sons of God--even to them that believe on his name.
YOUNG
JOHN: with much amazement, eagerness Believe on his name? And become the
sons of God? Who is he?
ANDREW:
eagerly And
where is he?
JOHN
THE BAPTIST: I bear witness that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God!
Some days ago--when he came to the River Jordan, to be baptized of me--we saw
the heavens opened. And the Spirit of God, like a dove, descended upon him. And
there came a voice from heaven, saying, "Thou art my beloved Son, in whom
I am well pleased."
--Cf. Mark 1:9-11
John the Baptist and his companions see the Christ Figure and
a crowd of people come into view, in the distance. The group stops.
JOHN
THE BAPTIST: with a wave of the hand
toward C.F. Behold, there he
is--the Lamb of God, who will take away the sins of the world.
|
Go,
both of you, and follow him, for he has the words of eternal life! |
Young John and Andrew hesitate and then step
away from John the Baptist. John the Baptist changes his tone and begins
talking to himself.
|
The
time has come when he must increase and I must decrease. And, so, my joy is
complete. |
John the Baptist slips away, while his companions hurry on toward the Christ Figure and the crowd. There is no break between Scenes 3 and 4
Scene
4
At a roadside not far from the
Young John and Andrew are in such a hurry and so intent on
reaching the Christ Figure that at first, they do not notice the beggar.
BLIND
BEGGAR: as he hears Andrew and John approach
Alms for the blind! Give alms to the blind!
Young John and Andrew pause. John tosses a coin to the
beggar.
BEGGAR’S
WIFE: shaking her finger at Andrew
You, too, rich man! Give a pittance to this poor
beggar!
BEGGAR:
without enthusiasm Have
mercy on the blind.
ANDREW:
tossing a coin Oh, I'm sorry! We're in
such a hurry I didn't notice you.
Young John and Andrew hurry on the find a place at the edge
of the crowd.
Spotlight remains with beggars.
Immediately following Young John and Andrew comes a large man carrying his crippled son in his arms. The
boy holds a crutch in his hands. The father drops a coin into the beggar's cup
and hurries on.
BEGGAR: to his wife Where
do you suppose these people are going in such a hurry?
WIFE:
impatiently How
would I know?
BEGGAR:
Well, there seems to be a lot of people passing by here this morning.
And I just wondered where they're all going.
WIFE:
You quit wondering, and concentrate on looking dejected! Slump down
some! The more pitiful you look, the more strangers will give. I've told you
that a thousand times!
BEGGAR:
Yes, I know. cups hand behind one ear It seems to me I can hear
people talking--way down the road somewhere.
WIFE:
shading her eyes with one hand and looking toward crowd.
Well, there is a crowd of people gathering--farther down the road.
BEGGAR:
Let's go where the crowd is!
WIFE:
No. We'll stay right here. Plenty of people come by here every day. It's a good
spot.
|
glances
in opposite direction from crowd and sees four men approaching with a sick
person on a stretcher Ah,
here comes four men carrying a fellow on a litter. pauses Hm-mm-m, he looks half dead. |
BEGGAR:
Let's ask 'em where they're taking him!
WIFE:
Simpleton! You're here to ask for money! Not where four men are taking
some poor wretch. Start begging!
BEGGAR:
with resignation
Alms for the blind! Give alms to the blind.
WIFE:
approaching men with litter
Give a pittance to the poor blind man! heightens pitch of
voice to sound desperate For fourteen long years,
he doesn't know day from night!
BEGGAR:
Alms for the blind. Give alms to the blind. holds out cup
Men ease stretcher to the ground. Patient groans and moans.
Each of four men gives a coin. Wife quickly stuffs coins into her moneybag.
PATIENT:
with much effort Are
we there? tries to raise up, falls back.
STRETCHER
SPOKESMAN: No, Simon, but we're almost there. We just stopped to give a few
mites to a blind man.
Men pick up patient and go on toward the crowd. Beggar and
Wife remain behind. Spotlight follows the stretcher bearers. The Christ Figure
is blessing an old woman kneeling at his feet.
CHRIST
FIGURE: placing his hand on old woman's head Daughter, thy faith has made thee
whole. Go in peace.
OLD
WOMAN: Master, thank you! Thank you! rises and moves to background
Father with crippled boy in his arms moves to C.F. Little Boy
is wide-eyed, holds on to his crutch, and looks intently at C.F.
FATHER:
Jesus of
CHRIST
FIGURE: moving closer to two What
is wrong with your son?
FATHER:
It's his leg. And foot. See? starts unwrapping boy's foot. He was born this way. His
left foot is all right. But the other one is withered.
CHRIST
FIGURE: taking bandage from father
Yes, I see. continues unwinding cloth.
Do you believe I have the power to make your child well?
FATHER:
Yes, Master! I believe you come from God. hesitates I-- I-- I know you can heal
my son!
CHRIST
FIGURE: smiling at boy and holding
his lame foot in both hands
Little Boy, do you think I can make your lame foot into a good foot?
LITTLE
BOY: Sir, if my father says you can do it, you can do it!
CHRIST
FIGURE: continuing to hold boy's foot
Ah, my child, it is my Father in Heaven who has given me all power.
looks up, gently
rubs foot, and prays
|
takes crutch, helps child to slide from his father's arms to the
ground
|
BOY:
beginning to walk about
slowly at first; and then he begins to run
Look, Father! I can walk! I can run!
FATHER:
kneeling before
C.F. My Lord, how we do thank you!
CHRIST
FIGURE: Go in peace.
Crowd murmurs its astonishment and approval of the miracle, with
all individuals speaking at once, as follows:
|
Frail Woman: Some
say he's a carpenter from 1st
Daughter: Such a miracle! 2nd
Daughter: Mother, I know he can heal you! Stooped
Man: Surely God has visited us this day! Old
Man: This is a sign from heaven! He's the Messiah! Others:
He has the power of God! Never have we seen such as this! YOUNG JOHN: It's true! He is the Messiah! ANDREW: Let's do follow him! I can't wait to
tell my brother we've found the Christ! |
Father with Young Boy lingers on fringe of
crowd. Others move to allow Stretcher Bearers to bring litter patient to C.F.
STRETCHER
SPOKESMAN: Master, we heard that you go about teaching and doing good and healing all manner of diseases. So we
brought our friend.
2nd
STRETCHER BEARER: points to patient
Simon, here, has been afflicted a long time.
Please help him.
3rd
BEARER: None of the physicians can do him any good.
4th
BEARER: Not even the physicians in
SPOKESMAN:
to C.F. Please heal him, if it's possible.
CHRIST
FIGURE. With God, all things are possible takes Simon by the
hand Simon, rise, take up your bed and walk.
Crowd reaction as Simon gets up is even louder than when the boy
was healed. There is much confusion and milling about as all talk at once.
Daughters get their mother to C.F. after he has spoken again to Simon.
Exclamations of various individuals in crowd--to be said all at once--are as
follows:
|
Frail
Woman: Now I know he can make me well! |
OLD
MAN: as tumult
subsides once I was young, and now I
am old, but never have I seen the power of God in this fashion.
SIMON:
holding the
folded stretcher
in his
arms Lord, let me be one of your
followers and go with you everywhere.
CHRIST
FIGURE: Simon, go back to your home. And there, tell what great things God has
done for you.
SIMON:
Yes, Lord! I will! I'll tell everybody!
Crowd again closes in around C. F. and talking gradually
subsides. Father and Little Boy leave, and spotlight
follows them back to Blind Beggar and his wife. They stop to talk to the
beggar.
BLIND
BEGGAR: when he hears father and boy approaching
Alms for the blind! Give alms to the blind!
WIFE:
Be quiet! This man gave you two farthings less than an hour ago to herself Hmm-mm-m, that child looks
different, some how or other. I would have sworn he was crippled.
BOY:
hurrying to beggar, taps him on shoulder
Blind Man, go get Jesus to fix your eyes, like he fixed my foot!
BEGGAR:
Child? You sound like a child. reaches out to touch boy Yes, you're a child. What
did you say?
LITTLE
BOY: Jesus fixed my foot! He could fix your eyes!
BEGGAR:
appealing to
wife or
father What's
the child talking about?
WIFE:
angrily, to Father
Man, is this some sort of a joke? Or maybe a lie?
Tell this-- This-- This son of yours, I guess, that he ought not to be saying
such things to a poor blind man!
FATHER:
Ma’am, he meant no harm! Besides, it's true. Jesus of Nazareth is up the
road there, performing many miracles! He healed my son's withered foot.
He can make the blind to see!
BEGGAR:
excitedly Let's
go to him!
WIFE:
still antagonistic No! We're not going
anywhere. turns to Father
I don't believe a word of what you're saying. My husband's been blind for
fourteen years! He will go to his grave blind! Nobody can change that.
BEGGAR:
pleading tone Maybe
the miracle man could help me! turns to Father What'd you say his name is?
FATHER:
He's Jesus of
BEGGAR:
Then I'll ask him! I'll call out to him as he passes by!
WIFE:
curtly You'll
do no such thing! You'll beg for alms. Get started right now!
Crowd comes closer. Wife runs to meet them.
WIFE:
trotting back and forth in front of crowd
Have pity on the blind! Give alms!
BEGGAR:
calling out
loudly Son of David! Have mercy on
me!
Wife runs back to bang husband on the head because he is not
begging.
WIFE:
swatting husband with moneybag
You fool! Beg for alms!
BEGGAR:
loudly, as he tries to protect his head with his arms
Jesus! Son of David! Heal me! Put light in my eyes!
WIFE:
gives husband final bang
You are out of your mind! runs back toward
crowd Alms for the blind! Give alms!
Give a mite! Give a farthing! Give anything! goes from person to person,
holding out her open bag
BEGGAR:
crying out
Jesus, Son of David, where are you? Have mercy!
Christ Figure comes to Beggar. Wife stays with crowd.
CHRIST
FIGURE: calmly You
are Keilah. And you're blind.
BEGGAR:
eagerly Yes, Sir. I have to beg!
And I don't like to beg!
CHRIST
FIGURE: I'm sorry you have to beg.
BEGGAR:
Sir, a man just told me that there's a wonderful man called Jesus who can make
the blind to see! And that he's here in the crowd! Do you know which one he is?
CHRIST
FIGURE: Yes, Keilah. I am Jesus. Stand up.
Beggar scrambles to his feet, with assistance of C.F. The
C.F. then places the tips of his fingers on the beggar's closed eyes and prays.
Wife quietly creeps up to watch.
CHRIST
FIGURE: looking up and praying
Father, you have sent me into the world to be the Light of the World, the true
Light.
Give this man back his eyes so that he may see.
Let him see, and let him know--let all men know--that he who follows me
shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of Life!
--Cf. John 8:12; 1:9
C.F. lets his hands fall to his sides and again looks at Beggar.
Beggar opens his eyes.
BEGGAR:
virtually screaming
I can see! I can see! to C.F. I can see you! looks around at
crowd I can see everybody! All praises to God!
Beggar falls down before C.F. in kneeling position. Wife bows
herself down in front of C.F.
WIFE:
contritely My Lord! And my God!
BEGGAR:
Master, what can we do? Let us go with you! Let us be your servants! Let us serve
you day and night!
CHRIST
FIGURE: Keilah, if any man would serve me, let him
follow me. Yea, if any man serves me, him will my Father
honor. Cf. John
12:26
steps away from
Beggar and Wife and speaks to Crowd
|
Entire group follows C.F. off stage.
END
OF ACT I
ACT II
Introduction: Apostle John,
Polycarp and Roman Soldier Atticus
are still in the garden of John's home in Ephesus, as in Act I. John is still
dictating as Polycarp writes. Atticus
has become much interested in John's dictation. He still has John chained to
him. As ACT II opens, Polycarp is taking out a fresh
roll of paper.
ATTICUS:
with genuine
interest Say, Old Man, those things
you're telling Mister Polycarp to write down are
plain interesting! I thought I'd be bored to death, but I'm not.
JOHN:
I'm glad you're listening.
ATTICUS:
This Jesus of Nazareth was some guy! Was there always a crowd of people
following him around?
JOHN:
Much of the time, yes. But not always. There were
twelve of us disciples who went with him on most of his journeys. And he had
other dear friends--like Lazarus of Bethany and his two sisters.
|
The older sister was named Martha. I can remember her because she was
always bustling about, cooking and fixing. But the younger one, Mary, was
always sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to every word he said. |
Jesus
has secret followers too, like Nicodemus.
|
I remember one time my brother James and I were with Jesus in the home
of Lazarus. It was close to festival time. Jesus always stayed in |
Lights come up for Scene I of ACT II
Scene l: It is dusk at the home of
Lazarus in
MARTHA:
calling from behind stage
Ma-ry! I need you, to help me!
MARY:
calling back, without moving
Coming, Martha! In just a minute.
YOUNG
JOHN: Mary, you should have been in
MARY:
to C.F. Were you at the temple?
CHRIST
FIGURE: Yes. And, as usual, many people came.
JAMES:
There was a huge crowd!
MARY:
Master, what did you teach today?
CHRIST
FIGURE: I tried to make the people realize that I am like a good shepherd who
will give his life for his sheep.
I
said this to the crowd: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they
follow me: "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
"My
Father, which gave them to me, is greater than all.... I and my Father are
one."
--See John 10:11, 27-30
changes tone to
simple conversation
|
When
I said those things, some believed on me. But some wanted to stone me for
saying I am the Son of God! |
MARY:
astonished Stone You? Why, I never
heard of such a thing! They must have--
CHRIST
FIGURE: Mary, my child, it is just as the prophets foretold. People watch my
miracles and listen as I teach. But they have eyes that don't see, ears that
don't hear.
Martha hurries in, hands on hips, much exasperated that Mary
is not helping her with the supper preparations.
MARTHA:
to Mary,
quite firmly
Sister, you've just got to come help me! Lazarus will be here any minute, and I
want the supper to be on the table!
turns to C.F.
Master,
I suppose I'll have to get you to send Mary in to help me!
CHRIST
FIGURE: gently Ah, Martha, don't be
troubled over so much serving.
MARTHA:
I'm not troubled. It's just that all Mary wants to do is sit at your feet and
learn about the
CHRIST
FIGURE: patiently Martha, Martha. I believe
Mary has chosen the better part. Wouldn't you agree that we should be more
concerned about "the Bread of Life" that God has sent than we are
about the bread on the table!
The
words I speak--they are Spirit. And they are Life.
--John 6:63b
MARTHA:
O, Master, I'm sorry! You're right. I’ve just been so worried about the
supper. As you know, Lazarus is bringing his friend Nicodemus to meet you. And
he's one of the richest, most powerful men in
Lazarus strides in, followed by Nicodemus. Christ Figure,
James and Young John stand for the introduction. Martha and Mary ease
themselves out of the room.
LAZARUS:
as he is entering Come on in, Nicodemus.
Jesus is here, already. going
closer to C.F. Ah, Master, I want you to
know my good friend Nicodemus, who is much interested in your teachings.
Nicodemus bows
NICODEMUS:
I am honored.
CHRIST
FIGURE: It is good that you have come.
LAZARUS:
Nicodemus, you already know James and John, here.
NICODEMUS:
Ah, yes. Brothers from the
YOUNG
JOHN: Good evening, Sir. We are from that section.
JAMES:
Good evening, Sir.
NICODEMUS:
I believe I recall that you're the sons of Zebedee,
the master fisherman.
JOHN:
We are, Sir.
JAMES:
Yes, Sir.
CHRIST
FIGURE: lightly, pleasantly These
two used to be fishermen, but I've made them into "fishers of men." I
call them "Sons of Thunder." But I love them just the same!
During this light talk Martha comes and whispers to Lazarus
that supper is ready.
NICODEMUS pleasantly to
J. & J. That speaks something of your
personalities?
YOUNG
JOHN: I'm afraid so!
JAMES:
It does, unfortunately.
NICODEMUS
turns to C.F. His tone becomes serious.
NICODEMUS:
Jesus of
CHRIST
FIGURE: Of this you are certain?
NICODEMUS:
No man could do the miracles that you do, except God be with him. I came
tonight to hear--
LAZARUS:
interrupting Excuse me for interrupting,
but my sister says that all is in readiness for us to eat. Let's sit down at
the supper table.
Lazarus shows four men to their places: C.F. at the left end of
the table, Nicodemus to his right, then J. and J. Lazarus sits
at the end opposite C.F. Just after they're seated, Martha brings in a big
round loaf of bread and places it in front of C.F. and Mary sets a platter of
fruit near the center of table. Mary and Martha slip out.
LAZARUS:
Master, if you will, bless our bread.
C.F. picks up bread and prays, looking up.
CHRIST
FIGURE: Our Father, Lord of the universe, bless this, our daily bread. Amen.
Breaks bread, passes it to
others--not ceremoniously, but informally. All serve themselves, reaching--all
at same time--to get food in center of table.
LAZARUS:
Nicodemus, you were about to say a few minutes ago when I interrupted you...
NICODEMUS:
I was about to say that I came tonight, especially to learn more about the
Rabbi,
I am a ruler of the Jews, a member of the powerful Sanhedrin. But still I do
not know how to enter the
CHRIST
FIGURE: Nicodemus, to see the
NICODEMUS:
rather shocked
Born again? Rabbi! What're you saying? How can a man be born when he is
old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
CHRIST
FIGURE: Truly, truly, I say unto you, "Except a
man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the
That
which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is
Spirit.
NICODEMUS:
This-- This-- This comes as something of a surprise to me. I don't quite
understand it.
CHRIST
FIGURE: Don't be so amazed when I say to you that you must be born of the
Spirit of God.
|
Think of the wind. The wind blows where it will, and you hear the
sound thereof. But you can't tell from whence it comes or where it goes. |
See John 3:3-8
NICODEMUS:
I believe I'm beginning to understand.
CHRIST
FIGURE: Nicodemus, I speak to you of heavenly things. I came down from heaven
as the Son of God and the Son of Man. Those who believe in me shall have
eternal life.
NICODEMUS:
marveling Eternal life! Ah, Rabbi! leans closer, to
hear more
CHRIST
FIGURE: God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life!
John 3:16
CURTAIN
Spotlight returns to John, Polycarp and Atticus.
ATTICUS:
jumping up and speaking with much excitement
In all my days I've never heard anything like this!
Eternal life? I'd like to have eternal life!
turns to J. and P.
|
Linus comes striding in, talking loudly as he enters.
LINUS:
Here I am, Atticus! Ready to
relieve you. Sorry to be a little late.
ATTICUS:
displeased that Linus has
interrupted what he is hearing Late?
I hadn't noticed. steps closer to Linus and speaks under
his breath
|
Linus,
if you don't mind, I'll just stay with the old man. You go ahead and do
whatever you want to and I'll guard him. When it's time to leave, you can
come back and help me get him down to the ship. |
LINUS:
rather bewildered
What's come over you?
ATTICUS:
Oh, nothing. Nothing. pauses
LINUS:
Yeah?
ATTICUS:
Linus, I may as well tell you the truth. The old man
is dictating some stuff about this Jesus the Christ. And this other fellow, Polycarp, is writing it all down.
LINUS:
So?
ATTICUS:
I want to hear what happens next! It's fascinating!
LINUS:
Atticus, sometimes I wonder about you! But have it
your way. I'll be glad to spend the afternoon in town.
turns to leave,
pauses at gate and calls back
I'll let you know how many
pretty girls I see! exits
Atticus turns back
to John and Polycarp.
POLYCARP:
enthusiastically Once
you told me about the time Jesus and you twelve disciples went through
JOHN:
Yes. Not because of the trip through
Now,
back to the well-- Jacob's well is near the city of
Voice trails
off. Lights come up on Scene 2
Scene 2.
Woman at the Well
At Jacob's Well, near the city of
CHRIST
FIGURE: Woman of
WOMAN:
gasps, in
surprise Why-- Uh-- Uh-- Sure! I'll
pour you some water!
takes small
earthen cup, from a pouch tied to her waist, pours water and hands it to C.F.,
and, keeps talking.
|
You
surprise me! You're a Jew. And Jews don't have any dealings with us
Samaritans. |
CHRIST
FIGURE: accepting the cup Thank you.
WOMAN:
rattling on, half to C.F., half to herself
This is really something! Wait ‘till I
tell my friends in town that a real live Jew spoke to me. Me, a woman of
CHRIST
FIGURE: Ah, Woman, if you knew the gift of God, and who it is asking you for
water from Jacob's well, you would have asked me for a drink. And I
would have given you living water.
WOMAN:
Why, Sir, you don't have anything to draw water with! And this well's deep.
Where're you going to get this living water?
Are
you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this well? He dug the well, and
drank of it himself. And his children. And his cattle. Are you greater than Jacob?
CHRIST
FIGURE: Whosoever drinks of this water lifts cup slightly shall thirst
again. But whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never
thirst. The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing
up into everlasting life.
WOMAN:
with enthusiasm
Oh, I'd like to have some of that water if I wouldn't ever get thirsty
again! And just think! I wouldn't have to walk way out here every day to draw
water. That would be wonderful! So, please, Sir, give me this water.
CHRIST
FIGURE: Go and call your husband to come.
WOMAN:
hesitating Uh-- Uh-- I have no husband.
CHRIST
FIGURE: You've said it very well: "I have no husband." You have had
five husbands. And the man you now have is not your husband. You've spoken
truly.
WOMAN:
gasps, somewhat
set back
Sir, I see that you must be a prophet!
|
CHRIST
FIGURE: In the mountain? In
WOMAN:
I know that one day the Messiah, who is called Christ, will come. And when he
comes, he will tell us all things.
CHRIST
FIGURE: I, who speak to you, am the Messiah.
WOMAN:
gasps The MESSIAH! looks at C.F. in
utter amazement, hesitates a few seconds.
I'll go tell everybody! I'll tell everybody in Sy-char!
I'll tell 'em I've found the MESSIAH! runs off,
forgetting her water jar
Woman has to dodge around Young John, James, and Andrew, who
are arriving with food. They ignore her. C.F. remains seated, does not look up.
Disciples begin talking even before they get close to the well.
YOUNG
JOHN: Master, Simon and Thomas and the others will be along in a minute. They
said for us to go ahead and eat.
Men begin spreading out bread, meat, cheese, grapes on edge
of well. Christ Figure shows no interest in food. He is almost oblivious to the
disciples.
ANDREW:
spreading out grapes These grapes sure look good. The
old man who sold 'em to me claimed he picked 'em this morning.
JAMES:
The meat is what looks good to me. And am I ever hungry! There's nothing better
than lamb, cooked just right. Master? C.F. does not answer. James steps closer to his companions
and speaks under his breath
Does
the Master look sort of strange to you?
YOUNG
JOHN: in low tones Well, yes, he does. And he hasn't
said a word since we got back. raises voice Master,
come on. Let's eat. We bought a lot of real good meat.
CHRIST
FIGURE: I have had meat to eat that you know not of.
Disciples look from one to another, in surprise.
YOUNG
JOHN: aside, to
others Do you suppose somebody
brought him something to eat while we were gone?
CHRIST
FIGURE: My meat is to do the will of the Father who sent me, and to finish his
work.
Crowd of Samaritans come hurrying in. Woman of
WOMAN:
pointing to C.F. There he is! The one sitting down. He's the Messiah! Like
I told you.
SAMARITAN
SPOKESMAN: coming to
C.F. Sir, we're citizens of Sy-char, and this woman here has convinced us that you're
the Messiah, the Christ, sent from God!
CHRIST
FIGURE: I am.
SPOKESMAN:
We want you to come to our city. And stay. As long as you
will.
CHRIST
FIGURE: I will come. And I will stay in your city two days.
SPOKESMAN:
Oh, we're glad!
A murmur of approval sweeps through crowd. Comment of OLD MAN
is loud enough for audience to hear. C.F. gets up.
OLD
MAN: My, my, today God is smiling on us! Blessing us!
SPOKESMAN: to C.F. Come, let's be on our way.
Christ Figure walks with Spokesman. Others follow. All leave, the disciples last.
As they quickly gather up the food, they talk among
themselves.
YOUNG
JOHN: This is incredible--the Master going to teach the Samaritans!
ANDREW:
Come to think of it, he has been saying that God sent him to be the Saviour of the world.
JAMES:
Yeah.
YOUNG
JOHN: contemplative tone
Yeah, he has. The world. Everybody.
Not just us Jews.
Three hurry to catch up with crowd.
End
of Scene and ACT II
Note: This time, there is
no break by going back to John, Polycarp, and Atticus. The lights simply come up on the set depicting the
place where Lazarus lies dying.
ACT III, Scene 1
Scene 1: In the garden, at the home of Lazarus and Mary and
Martha in
MARTHA:
pacing, and talking to herself
Oh, me! What to do. What to do. looks
up to
utter prayer
Lord, don't let our brother Lazarus die! turns to
Mary Mary,
do you think his fever is down any this morning?
MARY:
laying her hand on Lazarus' brow
No, Martha. I'm afraid not. sadly He's burning up with
fever. rinses towel in basin of water, folds it and puts it back on her
brother's forehead
Two Neighbor Women come in quietly.
FIRST
NEIGHBOR: to Mary Is he any better this morning?
MARY:
shaking her head and sobbing He seems worse instead of better.
SECOND
NEIGHBOR: Martha, we've come to help. What can we do?
MARTHA:
wringing her hands I don't know what to do. But we've got to do something!
|
We can't just sit here and let Lazarus die. gets rather hysterical |
MARY:
excitedly, as if the idea has just come to her
Martha, let's send for Jesus! He can make blind people see and lame people
walk! He can even cleanse lepers! He could keep Lazarus from dying!
1ST
NEIGHBOR: Do send for him!
2ND
NEIGHBOR: He can work miracles!
MARTHA:
I had thought of sending for Jesus. The only problem is: where is he? Several
weeks ago, we had word that he was way up beyond
MARY:
Let's try to find him. Let's send a messenger--a fast messenger.
MARTHA:
drying her eyes and speaking in calm, resolute tone
All right. I'll go see to it. hurries out of room
CURTAIN
End of Scene 1
Scene 2 Two days later. Along a road, not far from the River
MESSENGER:
still back stage and calling as if far away
Jesus of Nazareth! Jesus of
YOUNG
JOHN: motioning C.F. and others to halt
Master, I think I hear somebody calling you.
All pause
JAMES:
I didn't hear anything.
ANDREW:
Me neither.
MESSENGER:
still off stage, calling a bit more loudly than before
Jesus of Nazareth! Wait up! Wait!
CHRIST
FIGURE: Somebody is calling.
All turn around. Messenger runs to them.
MESSENGER:
panting Which
one of you is called Jesus?
CHRIST
FIGURE: I'm Jesus of Nazareth.
MESSENGER:
still hardly able to catch his breath
Sir, I'm sure glad I finally found you! Your friend Lazarus is bad sick! About
to die! His sisters sent me and they said please come! Quick as you can!
Young John hands Messenger flask of water. He takes big
gulps.
CHRIST
FIGURE: I'm sorry to hear about Lazarus. steps aside;
several disciples cluster around him
JAMES:
This is Lazarus of Bethany?
MESSENGER:
still holding flask That's
the one. I just hope the poor man's not already dead. It took me two whole days
to get here. gulps more water
Thanks
very much. hands flask back to Young John
Well, I've got to get going. Coming up here, I ran nearly every step of the
way. But going back, I'm taking it easy!
YOUNG
JOHN: Yeah, you do that. Take it easy.
MESSENGER:
I'll see you.
Messenger waves, turns and trots off stage, going back the
same way he came on. Young John and James join C.F. and others.
YOUNG
JOHN: Master, I guess we'll be leaving for
CHRIST
FIGURE. No, John. We will wait. Two days.
All disciples gasp, astonished.
ALL:
murmuring and mumbling
Two days?
YOUNG
JOHN: speaking fast and excitedly
Master! Wait two days? The-- The-- The messenger said Lazarus is about to die!
And he's our friend! I've heard you say, yourself,
that he's one of your best friends!
CHRIST
FIGURE: Our friend Lazarus sleeps. And I will awaken him.
YOUNG
JOHN: Oh, well then, that's all right.
All others murmur their agreement.
|
CHRIST
FIGURE: No, John, not that kind of sleep. Lazarus is dead.
turns to others
|
And
I'm glad, for your sakes, that I was not
there. Because, I want you to believe. |
pauses
|
When
we reach |
Disciples quietly follow C.F. off stage. Young
John and James linger behind and whisper to each other.
JAMES:
John, what do you think the Master wants us to believe?
JOHN:
I don't know, any more than you do. I don't know what he's talking
about. But I sure hate it about Lazarus. He was a good man.
Two hurry to catch up with others
END
OF SCENE 2
Scene 3: In
1ST
NEIGHBOR: placing soup on table near sisters
Martha, we've fixed you and Mary some hot soup. Please try to take a little of
it.
2ND
NEIGHBOR: And here's fresh barley bread. You must try to eat a little
something, to keep your strength up.
1st
JERUSALEM FRIEND: getting up to help
neighbors. Your brother has been gone four days and
you've not eaten in four days!
MARTHA:
when cup of soup is offered
to her I'm sorry, but I can't eat. I just can't. But I do thank you. You've all
been so kind to us.
MARY:
looking at her cup of soup and shaking her head
I can't eat either. But we do appreciate all you've done for us.
2nd
JERUSALEM FRIEND: We understand. And we know your hearts are broken.
A servant enters, whispers to Martha. She gets up, abruptly,
and leaves without saying anything. Servant follows her out. At the doorway,
one of the men from
MAN
FROM
SERVANT:
Sir, Jesus of Nazareth is coming. He's on the outskirts of
Man releases servant's arm; he goes on. Man turns to his
companions, and they converse in low tones. Women in the room remain unaware
that C.F. has almost reached
3rd
JERUSALEM FRIEND: picking up a bouquet of
flowers to show to Mary Mary,
did you notice these lovely flowers the wife of the honorable Nicodemus sent?
MARY: wiping away
tears No, I'm sorry, but I hadn't noticed them. When
tears are in your eyes, it's hard to see even beautiful things!
Lights go out. Players
remain in place. Spotlight picks up Martha as she and servant arrive on the
outskirts of
Scene 4: A few minutes later. On the
outskirts of
MARTHA:
much distraught Master! Master! If you had
been here, my brother wouldn't have died!
CHRIST
FIGURE: Yes, Martha, I know. helps her to her feet
MARTHA:
Oh, if you had only been here!
CHRIST
FIGURE: Don't grieve.
MARTHA:
I know that, even now, whatever you ask of God, God will grant to you.
CHRIST
FIGURE: Your brother shall rise again. You shall see the glory of God.
MARTHA:
Lord, I know he will rise again--in the resurrection on the last day.
CHRIST
FIGURE: Martha, I am the resurrection, and the life. He that believeth in me,
though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Pauses
Do
you believe this, Martha? If you believe, you shall see the glory of God.
MARTHA:
Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come
into the world.
All disciples murmur their agreement and move slightly closer
in.
MARTHA:
Oh, Master, I must run and tell Mary that you're here!
CHRIST
FIGURE: Yes, I want to talk to Mary.
Spotlight follows Martha back to Scene 3 set, where Mary
still sits with friends.
MARTHA:
whispering to Mary Mary,
Jesus is here! And he wants to talk to you!
MARY:
getting up quickly I'm glad!
Martha and Mary hurry out.
1st
JERUSALEM FRIEND: Oh, those poor sisters! They must be going to their brother's
tomb again.
MAN
FROM
Entire group
leaves hurriedly. Servant girls put down their fans and accompany the neighbors
and friends off stage. These players should arrive at the hillside cave where
Lazarus is buried--Scene 5--shortly after the Christ Figure, Martha and Mary,
and the disciples arrive.
Continuation of Scene 4: Spotlight picks up Mary and Martha
and Servant as the reach the outskirts of
MARY:
sobbing Lord-- If-- If-- If you had
been here, Lazarus wouldn't have died!
CHRIST
FIGURE: Yes, Mary, I know. helps Mary to stand And I know it's a sad time
for you. Sad for all of us. wipes own eyes
But sadness shall be turned to joy!
|
Where did you lay
him? wipes eyes again, for this is the occasion--as
recorded in the Bible--that "Jesus wept." |
Entire group walks slowly to set where tomb is.
END
OF Scenes 3 & 4
Scene 5
A few minutes later. At the door of the cave where Lazarus is
buried. As the Christ Figure, the sisters, the disciples and the Servant
and Man from
MAN
FROM
CHRIST
FIGURE: to Man from
Young John, James, Man from
MARTHA:
much distraught No, Lord! No! You mustn't open
the grave! Lazarus has been dead four days! His body-- It will be--
You-- Lord--
CHRIST
FIGURE: putting his arm around Martha's shoulders
Martha, don't you remember? Don't you remember I told you that if you
would believe, you should see the glory of God!
MARTHA:
nodding her head Yes-- Yes, Lord. I remember
what you said. pauses
I do believe.
C.F. leaves Martha; Mary comes to her side, and Martha puts
her arm around Mary. Christ Figure walks closer to cave and motions for men to
move the stone.
CHRIST
FIGURE: Roll it away.
Men push stone away from the door of the cave, step back.
Christ Figure prays, his eyes lifted up. A hush comes over the crowd.
CHRIST
FIGURE: praying Father, I thank you that
you've already heard my prayer for Lazarus. You hear me always.
|
Now, I pray again, so that all these people who stand by may BELIEVE
THAT YOU HAVE SENT ME. Father, give life to Lazarus! |
Christ Figure moves closer to door of cave and
calls out, loudly
|
Lazarus walks out, bound hand and foot with graveclothes and with a napkin bound about his face. All
onlookers gasp, loudly, and show utter amazement.
CHRIST
FIGURE: to Young John and James
Loosen the graveclothes.
Martha and Mary run to C.F., bow down. Mary clasps her arms
around feet of C.F. Lazarus--his face and hands free--hurries to kneel before
the Christ. C.F. lays his hand on Lazarus' shoulder.
LAZARUS:
looking up at C.F. Lord, my Lord, you
are Life! Enternal Life!
CURTAIN
END
OF ACT III
Begin ACT IV
Introduction: Lights come
up on set where Apostle John, Polycarp, and Roman
soldier Atticus are seated in John's garden. Polycarp is rolling up the scroll on which he has been
writing. John is handing him a fresh scroll. Atticus
is much excited over what he has just heard.
ATTICUS:
What you two are writing down is incredible! It's-- I-- Old Man, were you there and actually saw this Jesus
raise that man from the dead?
JOHN:
Yes, Soldier, I saw the Christ bring Lazarus back to life!
ATTICUS:
Then, what happened? What did this Jesus do next?
JOHN:
Well some weeks, or months, after that there was a conspiracy among the Jewish
leaders in
|
We twelve disciples heard about it. Jesus knew about it. But when festival
time came again, he insisted on going to For that last Passover supper
with him we met in a large upper room. I remember I was sitting next to the
Master-- I always sat by him when I could, to hear every word he said. He
loved all twelve of us, but he loved me more than the others, I think.
Possibly because I was the youngest. My
brother James was sitting next to me. Judas Iscariot, the one who was to betray
him, was on the Master's right hand. Next to him was Andrew. Simon Peter was
way down at the end. And I forget just where the others sat. But,
anyway, all twelve of us were there. And what
an evening that was! Jesus even washed our feet to teach us a lesson in
humility. He talked to us a long time. Yet, we noticed that as the evening
progressed, the Master became unusually quiet, even sad. So, I asked him
why... |
voice trails off. Lights come up
on Last Supper set.
Scene 2: (Last Supper)
An upper room in
As the lights come up, the scene comes to life. The
participants talk among themselves. They eat, each
reaching over to dip his bread into common bowls. On the table are bread, meat with broth, green herbs, wine. The first
talk that the audience hears plainly is young John's question.
YOUNG
JOHN: Master, you seem troubled tonight. And this is a celebration! It's the
feast of the Passover! Shouldn't we be joyful?
CHRIST
FIGURE: Ah, John, I am troubled in spirit. Exceeding
sorrowful.
YOUNG
JOHN: But, why, Lord? I know you've been saying "My hour is come.... My
hour is come." We don't understand what you mean by that, but we hate to
see you so downcast.
CHRIST
FIGURE: My hour is at hand. And this is the joyous feast of the
deliverance from bondage in
|
We
have had the traditional Passover supper. We've eaten the unleavened bread,
the lamb, the bitter herbs. We have taken the cups
of wine. I blessed the bread, gave thanks
for the wine. You heard me. Now, I say unto you that my body
will be broken like bread. takes up
loaf, breaks it in half, passes it to disciples My blood will be poured out like
wine. pours wine from large pitcher
into goblet, passes it to disciples Little Children, eat the bread.
Drink the wine. All of it. It is for you a new testament, a new covenant with
God. I sorrow not because my hour is
at hand. I weep within me because one of you shall betray me! |
All the disciples, except Judas Iscariot, gasp
in dismay and disbelief. There is something of an uproar and confusion as all
talk at once. Simon Peter gets up and beckons for Young John to come aside to
speak to him. The exclamations of the eleven are as follows:
|
Young
John: Betray you? Never, Lord, never! |
All except Judas Iscariot, John and Simon Peter
turn and begin speaking in low undertones to persons seated on either side.
John hurries to confer with Peter. Talk among group must be so low that
audience can hear the private conversation between the Christ Figure and Judas.
Christ Figure turns to Judas, dips a piece of bread into the
bowl of broth and hands it to Judas.--See John 13:26b
JUDAS:
for only C.F. to hear Master, is it I? takes bread, or
"sop" from C.F., eats it.
CHRIST
FIGURE: to Judas only Judas, you have said it. I
didn't. Now, what you have to do--do quickly.
Judas gets up quickly and hurries out, moneybag in hand.
Spotlight shifts audience attention to Simon Peter and Young John.
YOUNG
JOHN: in stage
whisper What
is it, Simon Peter?
PETER:
with hand cupped so that others won't hear
Find out who it is! Ask the Master who's
going to betray him! He'll tell you anything!
YOUNG
JOHN: still whispering All right! I'll sure ask.
This is a terrible thing!
As Young John and Simon Peter are returning to their places,
the other disciples ask, one by one: "Lord, is it I?"
YOUNG
JOHN: leaning over
to C.F.,
after the
questions end
Who is it, Lord?
CHRIST
FIGURE: It is one of the twelve. He has dipped into the dish with me this
night. Woe unto that man. Better for him that he had never been born. changes tone
|
Now, Little Children, a new
commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you. In a little while I will go away,
and where I go, you cannot come. |
SIMON
PETER: Lord, where are you going?
CHRIST
FIGURE: Where I go, you cannot follow me, now. But you shall follow me,
afterwards.
SIMON
PETER: Lord, I will follow you anywhere! I would lay down my life
for you!
CHRIST
FIGURE: Ah, Peter, this night, before the cock crows twice, you will have
denied me three times!
SIMON
PETER: Master!
YOUNG
JOHN: Lord, we would all lay down our lives for you!
CHRIST
FIGURE: All of you will deny me this night, for it is written: "I
will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered
abroad."
Murmur of uneasiness sweeps through group
YOUNG
JOHN: in serious, sad tone Lord, now all our
hearts are troubled. You say you're going away. We don't want you to leave
us!
CHRIST
FIGURE. Let not your hearts be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in
me.
In
my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you.
And
if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto
myself, that where I am, there you may be also.
And
where I go, you know. And the way you know.
THOMAS:
No, Lord, we don't know where you're going. So how can we know the way?
CHRIST
FIGURE: Thomas, I am the Way. The Truth. And the Life. No man comes to the Father, except by me.
...
I go to the Father.... But he will send you a Comforter, the Holy Spirit of
truth....
|
Peace I leave with you, my peace
I give unto you. |
|
Christ Figure stands up. |
Come, let us go.
CURTAIN
Spotlight directs audience attention back to set where John is
dictating to Polycarp. Atticus
is absorbed in listening. Polycarp stops writing, picks up empty ink container and gets up.
ATTICUS: excitedly Don’t
stop now! Keep writing! Old Man, Sir, keep talking!
JOHN: I’m not going to
stop, but Polycarp’s got to go in the house and
get some more ink.
Polycarp goes for ink.
ATTICUS:
eagerly Couldn’t
you just go ahead and tell me what happened next? Then you can re-tell it
when he gets back with the ink.
JOHN:
Why, sure, Soldier. That same night--after we had the Last Supper--we all went
on over to the Garden. of
But
he arose! The third day, he arose! We saw him, and-- Linus comes sauntering in, talking loudly
LINUS: Time to go! Time to
go! The ship sails within the hour! Linus comes on over to
Atticus and John.
ATTICUS: displeased
Linus, what’re you doing here? And what are
you talking about? It’s not time to leave!
LINUS: Yes it is!
ATTICUS: That captain told
me, plain as day, that he wasn’t going to sail till sunset.
LINUS: The good captain has
changed his mind. So come on, and let’s get the prisoner on board and
forget about it. turns to John Old Man, have you got your
stuff packed?
JOHN: getting up. Why, no. I haven’t
packed anything. I--
ATTICUS.
He hasn’t had time to get his things together.
LINUS: Well, you’d better get something
together. Clothes. A blanket.
Whatever you’ve got. ‘Cause, like we told
you, that
ATTICUS:
as he unchains John Old Man, Sir, you
stay here with Linus, and I’ll go help Mister Polycarp pack your clothes and things. hurries toward house
JOHN: calling
after Atticus Get lots of paper!
LINUS:
What you think you’ll need the paper for?
JOHN: Soldier, I’ll fmish writing this
book about Jesus the Christ. picks up scroll And,
who knows, God may reveal many more things for me to record during this exile.
LINUS: calling loudly Atticus,
hurry up in there!
Atticus and Polycarp return with several sacks,
bundles, and scrolls. All four start moving
toward gate. Linus carries the chain. Atticus helps John to walk. Polycarp
carries the bundles, but John holds the unfinished scroll.
ATTICUS:
earnestly Old Man, Sir, I’d give
my right arm to hear the rest of what you’re going
to write.
JOHN: I
wish you could hear it.
ATTICUS: Now the things this
Jesus said about eternal life, and believing! pauses I-- believe ‘em!
JOHN: I’m glad, Soldier. Glad you
believe. Jesus the Christ is God’s promise--his Word, come down to earth.
God is forever.
Jesus the Christ is forever.
All who believe on him shall have life forever. The old prophet Isaiah said the same thing, in
another way:
“The grass withereth, The flower fadeth; But the Word of
our God shall stand for ever”
All exit
END OF
PLAY
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