AT THE GATE CALLED BEAUTIFUL
A Play for Easter
by
Jewell Ellen Smith
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Copyright © 1986 Jewell
Ellen Smith. First performed at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, in 1986. All scripture
quotations are from the King James Version. Nonprofit groups may perform this
play without payment, but if you plan to perform the play, Jewell’s children
ask that you e-mail Jewell’s older son David at
DSmith1204@aol.com.
"And a certain man lame
from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the
temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the
temple."
--Acts 3:2
TIME: About 30 AD, the year after the
crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.
PLACE: A street in
Jerusalem, near the temple gate commonly called the Beautiful Gate. Also, the
Antonia Fortress at the northwest corner of the temple complex.
SYNOPSIS: Zimri, a resident
of Jerusalem, who for more than 40 years was a lame beggar sitting at the
temple gate, encounters two Roman soldiers on patrol duty. And they listen with
great interest as he tells of the many times he saw Jesus of Nazareth come to
the temple:
When
he was 40 days old,
When he was 12 years old,
When he drove out the money changers,
When he taught daily at the temple,
When his enemies conspired to have him put to death,
When an adulteress was brought before him.
One of the Roman soldiers, in turn, describes how
his own detail of men mocked Jesus and crowned him with thorns. And, how
Pontius Pilate gave in to the angry mob and ordered the crucifixion (this,
despite his wife's warning), and finally how Pilate literally--with great ceremony--washed
his hands of the whole matter.
The soldiers ask old Zimri
to tell the story of his miraculous healing, at the hands of the apostles Simon
Peter and John. And finally the young soldiers ask Zimri to teach them to know
Jesus the Christ.
THEME: Every man is a beggar
at the gate--At The Gate Called Beautiful--until he knows the Christ.
CHARACTERS: (in the order of
appearance):
Zimri, a citizen of Jerusalem, once a crippled
beggar.
Atticus, a Roman soldier who
has been stationed in Jerusalem for two years.
Linus, a Roman soldier who has just arrived in
Jerusalem.
Zimri, as a child beggar.
Zimri's father.
Simeon, a just and devout
man who worships daily at the temple, as he awaits the coming of the Messiah.
A passerby
Two women
Anna, an aged prophetess who
serves God "with fastings and prayers night and day."
Mary, the mother of the Christ Child.
Joseph, the husband of Mary.
Christ Child, when he was 40 days old.
Zimri, after he became an adult beggar.
A crowd of people from Galilee,
including Mary and Joseph and the 12-year-old Jesus.
Jesus of Nazareth, at age 12.
The doctors, learned men at
the temple: Urijah, Jaazamiah, Jehu, Zebadiah, and Jekamiah
Three merchants
Christ Figure, at about age 30
A crowd of people, including
a few small children, who hail Jesus as king.
Enemies of Jesus: Sadducee, Pharisee, and Scribe
Disciples of Jesus: Peter, James, and John
A poor man
An adulteress
Woman's First, Second, and Third Accusers
Roman soldiers: Longinius, Justinius, Titus, and two
Guards
Centurion, a Roman army officer.
Mob of people, enemies of Jesus of Nazareth.
Claudia Procula, the wife of Pontius Pilate.
Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator, or governor,
of Judea.
Servant, an attendant in the Antonia Fortress.
Note: Some 40 or more adult
players and extras are required. Obviously, several players can do two or more
minor roles. Numerous players can appear in all three crowd scenes.
Players would do well to
read from the Bible all the background references and quotations. This will
help you see your character, do your role, and bring the story to life.
--JES
BIBLICAL REFERENCES FOR
EASTER PLAY: At The Gate Called Beautiful
Zimri's Miracle: Acts 3:1-11; 4:22.
Dedication of Infant Jesus and Simeon, Anna Parts:
Luke 2:21-38.
Child Jesus in the Temple with Doctors: Luke 2:41-52.
Jesus Hailed as King, with loud "Hosanna to
the Son of David!": Matthew 21:8-11, 15; Luke 19:37-40.
Jesus Casts out
Moneychangers, Merchants: Luke 19:45-48. See also: Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-18, and Isaiah
56:7
Enemies Ask Jesus about Paying Tribute, Or Tax: Luke 20:19-26.
James & John Ask for High Positions: Matthew 20:20-23, Mark
10:35-45.
Jesus says to Peter:
"Get thee behind me, Satan": Matthew 16:21-23; Mark 8:31-33
Teaching of Jesus about faith, prayer: Mark 11:22-26.
Teaching about God's Son: John 3:16.
Teaching that "I am the way, the truth, and the
life.": John 14:6
Further teaching: John 11:25.
Soldiers Crown Jesus With
Thorns:
John 18:l-3, Matthew 27:27-30, Mark 15:16-20.
Claudia, the wife of Pontius Pilate: Matthew 27:19, 20
Jesus the Christ Before
Pontius Pilate:
Matthew 27:11–26, Mark 15:2-15, Luke 23:2-7, John 18:29-38
Pilate Washes His Hands: Matthew 27:24-26.
Woman Taken in Adultery: John 8:1-11.
ACT
I Scene 1
Scene I: In Jerusalem, along
the street in front of the temple, shortly before daylight. O1d Zimri, faithful
to his vow to praise God before dawn each day for the rest of his life, arrives
at the gate of the temple called Beautiful, spreads down his mat and prostrates
himself in silent prayer. He raises up his head and then bows down, again and
again. Atticus and Linus, on patrol duty to enforce a newly imposed curfew,
come walking around the corner and at first do not notice Zimri.
LINUS: enthusiastically
Atticus, you didn't tell me Jerusalem is such a big city!
ATTICUS: in matter-of-fact
tone Yeah. It's big all right, especially when you get this night-time
curfew patrol.
LINUS. I think I'm gonna like
it here!
ATTICUS: stopping to
stare at his companion in amazement Like
it? You've gotta be kidding, Linus.
LINUS. No! I mean it!
ATTICUS: Linus, if you like
being assigned to Jerusalem, they're gonna crown you with laurel and
give you some sort of gold medal! You will be the only soldier in
the whole Roman Army that ever liked Jerusalem! This is a
stinkin' place!
LINUS. How come?
ATTICUS: Lots of reasons.
Oh, I admit that the Antonia Fortress is nice. Our barracks, not bad. But the
Jews hate the Romans. Naturally! And you can't blame 'em. So, there's always
some kind of riot or disturbance going on. And that gets Pontius Pilate all
riled up and worried that he will lose his position.
LINUS. Pontius Pilate?
ATTICUS: The governor. He's
a snake! A ruthless coward! You should'a been here last year during the Jewish
Passover Festival!
LINUS. What happened?
ATTICUS: On the orders of
the great Pilate, our unit had to crucify three men--two wretched
thieves and a poor fellow from Nazareth who hadn't done a thing! They
called him "Jesus the Christ."
LINUS: amazed, much
interested Well, what--
Both soldiers see Zimri for
the first time.
ATTICUS: pointing toward
Zimri Look! There's some old man who evidently hasn't heard about the
curfew. I'll tell you about that crucifixion as soon as we get rid of him.
Soldiers come up behind
Zimri.
ATTICUS: in commanding
tone You there! Old man! Move on! Zimri pays no attention,
keeps praying. Atticus shakes Zimri's shoulder.
Don't you know about the curfew? Nobody is allowed on the streets from sundown
to sunup! Orders of Pontius Pilate.
ZIMRI: scrambling to
his feet Curfew? Well, I-- I-- I have-- I have to pray!
ATTICUS: You have to move
on!
ZIMRI: But I must keep my vow!
Every day, as long as I live, I have to thank God that I can walk!
ATTICUS: with a
wink at Linus He's thanking his god he can walk! to
Zimri What's so great about walking? We can all walk.
ZIMRI: Oh, but for forty
years, I couldn't make a step!
ATTICUS: What do you mean,
you couldn't make a step?
ZIMRI: earnestly
Soldier, for forty years--every day for forty years--I sat right here at this
temple gate begging!
ATTICUS and LINUS: in
unison Begging?
ZIMRI: I was a crippled
beggar. When I was just a little boy, my father would bring me down here
to the Temple every morning to beg from all the people who passed by.
Spotlight focuses on another
part of stage where Zimri's father brings in the crippled child Zimri, sets him
down on a pallet and then leaves. Several passersby drop coins in child's small
basket and move on. Meanwhile, Old Zimri keeps talking
And I sat there, at the temple gate called
Beautiful, day after day, year after year--a lame beggar.
Spotlight returns to
soldiers and Zimri.
LINUS: seriously
Well, Old Man, why aren't you crippled now?
ZIMRI: joyously A
miracle! A plain miracle! Done in the name of Jesus of Nazareth!
LINUS: Jesus of Nazareth? turning
to Atticus Atticus, that's the name of the innocent man you said
was crucified, isn't it?
ATTICUS: Yes. And later on
we heard a very strange thing about him. It was said that he came back to life
and walked out of his grave. But naturally, I didn't believe that.
ZIMRI: It's true!
LINUS: to Zimri
Did you ever see this Jesus?
ZIMRI: Many times!
Many, many times. The first time I saw him was a good thirty years ago. He was
a baby in his mother's arms, and I was still a child. Would you like for me to
tell you about it? It was a wonderful thing!
LINUS: Sure.
ATTICUS: I'd like to hear
your story, too, old man, but it's getting daylight, and I've got to turn in my
curfew report. turns to Linus Linus, since you're not
officially on duty yet, you can stay here as long as you like, but I can't.
LINUS: I would like
to hear about this man who walked out of his grave, that is, about when he was
a baby.
ATTICUS: I'll tell you what:
you stay here. I'll go sign in and make my report, and I'll meet you back here
in exactly half an hour. Then we'll go have breakfast together.
LINUS: Sounds good to me.
Atticus leaves, walking at a
brisk pace.
ZIMRI: Soldier, son, my name
is Zimri. What is your name?
LINUS: It's Linus. And my
friend is Atticus.
ZIMRI: Atticus and Linus,
both good Roman names. Linus, this is a long, wonderful story I have to tell
you. Let's find a place to sit down.
Zimri and Linus move a short
distance arid sit on the temple steps, a bench in the courtyard, or whatever is
convenient. Zimri keeps talking as they are getting settled.
ZIMRI: As I was saying a few
minutes ago, I was just a small boy when the infant Jesus was brought to the
temple for the traditional dedication and sacrifice. Rich people sacrificed a
lamb. Poor people brought two pigeons or two young turtledoves.
That's all according to our
Law of Moses. But of course, you being a Roman, you don't know anything about that.
But it's our religious custom to dedicate the firstborn son to the LORD.
Now it happened that at that
time I had two special old friends who came to the temple every day to
worship: a devout man named Simeon, and the prophetess Anna. I had great
respect for both of them....
Voice fades out as Simeon enters
and stops to talk to the child Zimri. There is no break as Scene 2 opens.
Scene 2
Scene 2. At the temple gate.
The child beggar Zimri is already in the spot where he always begs. Old Simeon,
his robes dragging the ground, waddles in from right stage and goes straight
over to talk to little Zimri. Since he is a friend, little Zimri does not hold
out his coin basket. His face lights up when he sees Simeon approaching, and he
waves to the old man.
SIMEON: cheerfully
Ah, good morning, my little friend! pats Zimri's head, eases
a coin into the basket
CHILD ZIMRI: Good morning,
Honorable Simeon.
SIMEON: It is a good
morning, Zimri. Like all other days, "this is a day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice
and be glad in it!"
CHILD ZIMRI: Yes, Sir.
SIMEON: Zimri, you're too
young to know much about God, but remember this: God will bless you. He has
blessed me more than any other man in all Jerusalem.
CHILD ZIMRI: He has?
SIMEON: One day God will
send the Redeemer--to save all Israel. He promised it long ago, by the old
prophets.
And we've waited for this
Redeemer, this Messiah, for hundreds and hundreds of years. My father and his
father and his father's father waited.
And now God, by his
Spirit, has told me that I, Simeon, will not see death until I have seen
the LORD's Messiah!
CHILD ZIMRI: Will I get to
see him?
SIMEON: I hope so, Zimri.
Maybe today will be the day. I am very old now. So he has
to come soon.
Simeon walks slowly away and
enters the temple door. A passerby gives the little beggar a coin, keeps going.
From the opposite direction, two women--chatting to themselves--approach.
CHILD ZIMRI: holding his
basket toward the women Alms! Alms! Give alms to
the lame!
One woman stoops and drops a
coin into the basket, and they hurry on, still talking and talking.
1ST WOMAN: That
poor beggar child!
2ND WOMAN: I wonder why he's crippled?
1ST WOMAN: His
feet are all twisted. He was born that way. His mother told me that, and I
hadn't even asked her.
2ND WOMAN: So
there he must sit the rest of his life. A pity.
The aged prophetess Anna
enters, walking slowly and with great difficulty. She carries a basket and an
extra shawl over her arm. She and the child beggar are glad to see each other.
Both wave.
ANNA: Zimri! Guess what I brought
you this morning? kneels down by child and starts uncovering contents of
basket.
CHILD ZIMRI: eagerly,
as he leans over to look into basket
What is it?
ANNA: I brought you a sweet
cake! takes out big round bun and hands
it to child
CHILD ZIMRI: much delighted
Oh! A sweet cake! With honey on it? takes cake
ANNA: Yes! A big, fat cake
with plenty of honey!
CHILD ZIMRI: turning cake
over in his hand and them giving
it a big lick with his tongue May I
eat it now?
ANNA: Sure! Eat it whenever
you like.
CHILD ZIMRI: Oh, thank you,
Ma’am! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! begins eating bun as if he is half
starved
ANNA: standing up
Zimri, it's right chilly this morning. The wind is out of the east, and it
feels like it's going right through me. So I want you to keep this wool
cloth wrapped around you. puts shawl around child, tucks it under his feet If
you get too cold, you could get sick.
CHILD ZIMRI: Yes, Ma’am.
ANNA: Has the honorable
Simeon come yet?
CHILD ZIMRI: still eating
Yes, Ma’am. He is real happy today. He said somebody is coming.
ANNA: Did he say who
is coming?
CHILD ZIMRI: He told me, but
I didn't understand it. continues eating
Anna walks on, going toward
a different door from the one Simeon used. She stops, talks to herself.
ANNA: pleasantly Ah,
I know who Old Simeon thinks is coming today. Bless his heart! Every day, every
day he thinks the Messiah will come. I never saw anybody so patient as
good Old Simeon. We all know the Messiah is coming some time. God has
promised to send him. And the prophets have foretold it. Simeon just knows he
will live to see him come. And he will. God has told him so.
I hope I can see him, too.
But I don't know. shakes head I'm getting so old. Eighty-four already.
walks a few steps,
stops again
But I can hope...
I wonder how the Messiah
will look when he does come. Surely he will be a great king!
One of the prophets foretold
that he will rule upon the throne of David! That he will be praised! That
"his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The
Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace!" Isaiah 9:6,
7
Oh, I hope and pray
I get to see the Messiah King!
tone becomes more
contemplative
Yet, he may not be a king.
One of the old prophecies handed down to us is that he will be a child.
That "a virgin will conceive and bear a son." And he will be
the one. sighs, heavily
Well, God in his wisdom will
decide, and then send him. As a king. As a babe. It won't matter which he
chooses. exit
There is no break before the
next scene. Child Zimri remains on his pallet, enjoying his bun. Mary, Joseph
and Christ Child enter from left stage.
Scene 3
Scene 3: Mary and Joseph
arrive at the temple gate called Beautiful. She carries the 40-day-old Christ
Child. Joseph has a cage in which there are two live pigeons, or doves. Joseph
is unsure of which entrance to take into the temple proper. They notice young
Zimri and go to him.
JOSEPH: as he drops
a coin into Zimri's basket Beggar Boy, do
you know which door we should take? We've come to dedicate the Child Jesus and
to make the sacrifice, but we don't know where to find the priest. Do you know?
CHILD ZIMRI: I don't know.
But Honorable Simeon knows, and he went that way.
points to door used by
Simeon; at the same time Simeon comes out
That's him. That's Honorable
Simeon. He knows everything.
Joseph approaches Simeon.
Mary lingers behind. Joseph and Simeon talk; but the audience does not hear
them.
JOSEPH: Mary! Bring the
Babe. The Honorable Simeon wants to see him.
Mary hurries to Joseph and
Simeon. She holds the Babe out toward Simeon.
MARY: Sir, he is 40 days
old, today. Pulls blanket back from child’s face.
SIMEON: taking child
in his arms Let me see this little one. exclaims with
great joy Ah! It's him! It's the Messiah! The Lord be praised! This is the Holy Child! Israel's
Redeemer! The Messiah has come! My prayers are answered! I did
live to see him!
Simeon turns from Mary and
Joseph, and still holding the Child, lifts his head in prayer.
Oh, Lord! Blessed be the Lord! Lord, now I can depart in peace,
"according to thy word. Mine eyes have seen thy Salvation, which thou hast
prepared before the face of all people; A Light to lighten the Gentiles, and
the glory of thy people Israel." Luke 2:25-38
Mary and Joseph speak to
each other, as an aside.
JOSEPH: What wonderful
things he says about the Holy Child!
MARY: Yes! Marvelous things!
SIMEON: coming to
Mary and Joseph Ah, I bless you! Both of you! looks
at Babe again This Child! This Child! The prophetess Anna
must see him! She, too, has been looking for the coming of our Redeemer. calls
out Anna! steps closer to doorway Anna! Come
see!
Anna hurries out.
ANNA: You called me, Simeon?
sees baby, steps closer to look at
him.
SIMEON: in a tone
of triumph He's the blessed Messiah, Anna! Our long-awaited
Saviour!
ANNA: gazing at
Babe with awe Oh! Thanks be to the Lord our God! He has redeemed
Israel! softly touches Babe's head Look how
beautiful the Holy Child is. His little face shines like a star.
SIMEON: This Child shall be
"the bright and morning star" for Israel; for the Gentiles, too...
ANNA: Yes! Yes! This blessed
Babe will be the "Light of the World." Oh, I must tell everybody in
Jerusalem! turns to Simeon Just think, Simeon, we have both
lived to see the Messiah come!
SIMEON: Yes, we have. The
mercy of God is from everlasting to everlasting.
turns to Mary and Joseph
Come, come, let us take this
Holy Little One into the House of the Lord.
Simeon still holds Babe as
the four exit into the temple door. Spotlight returns to Old Zimri and Linus.
Child Zimri's father comes and carries him off stage.
End of Act I
ACT
II, Scene 1
Scene 1: Old Zimri, the
former crippled beggar, and the Roman soldier, Linus, are still seated near the
temple gate called Beautiful. Zimri continues to recount the times he saw Jesus
of Nazareth come to the temple.
ZIMRI: Ah, Linus, you cannot
imagine what Jerusalem used to be like when the Passover festival time came. It
was wonderful! Even I enjoyed it--despite the fact I was just a crippled
beggar. As I grew larger, my father could no longer carry me in his arms. He
had to drag me down here every morning on a sort of sled.
Spotlight picks up
20-year-old Zimri as his father drags him to his usual begging place and leaves
him. Old Zimri continues his story.
People from everywhere flocked to the temple. Whole
families would come, traveling for days to get here. There would be parents,
grandparents, children, aunts, uncles, cousins all coming to Jerusalem to
celebrate our greatest religious festival: The Feast of the Passover!
Crowds of people begin to
pass by the temple gate, some going in one direction, some the other. A number
go in and out the temple doors--with the men and women using different doors. All
are in a holiday mood, talking and laughing. Mary, Joseph, and the 12-year-old
Jesus are the last to be seen entering the temple. Zimri continues talking.
Stagehands place small round table, four stools on far right stage.
When I was something like 20 years old, I remember
seeing young Jesus of Nazareth here at the temple. Under rather odd
circumstances.
LINUS: How was that, Sir?
ZIMRI: Well, the festival
was over and the family of the Child Jesus started their long journey back to
Galilee. But the young Jesus lingered here at the temple, talking to the
learned men--scholars and doctors--who always gathered here to discuss the
ancient writings, the Law of Moses, and what-have-you.
Five Doctors and 12-year-old
Christ Child enter from right stage, settle themselves around the small
table--three at the table with young Jesus, two in the background. The men
appear to be talking, making gestures with their hands; but what they say is
not audible until Zimri stops speaking.
ZIMRI: At the time, the
Child Jesus was only 12 years old. And the learned men were amazed at his
wisdom. I was close enough that I could hear them speaking. As I listened, I forgot
all about begging!
There is no break. Scene 2
simply opens as light shifts to the 20-year-old Beggar Zimri and then to the
Doctors
Scene 2
Scene 2: Child Jesus is
seated at a table with doctors Urijah, Jehu, and Jekamiah. Jaazmiah
(Ja-as-a-mi-ah) and Zebadiah stand in the background. Urijah holds a sacred
scroll, another lies on the table. Young beggar Zimri pulls his pallet a few
feet closer to the group.
URIJAH: I declare, young
Jesus of Nazareth, it's a pleasure to talk with you!
JEHU: Very refreshing,
indeed!
JEKAMIAH: It is a pleasure
to be in your company. You are an unusual child.
CHILD JESUS: Sirs, I
am the one who is fortunate. I love to hear you speak of the LORD our God.
URIJAH: Tell us, young
Jesus, what do you think the LORD requires of our nation
Israel--such as it is now, ground under the heel of the Romans?
CHILD JESUS: Sir, God
requires of us the same as he has always required: "To walk in all his
ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD our God with all our heart
and all our soul." Cf. Deuteronomy 10:12-14
All Doctors murmur their
agreement.
URIJAH: That is well said,
my son.
CHILD JESUS: May I ask all
of you a question?
URIJAH: By all means.
CHILD JESUS: We all know
that no man has seen God. But what do you think he is like?
URIJAH: Ah, now that is a
question to make us think. turns to Jehu What say you,
Honorable Jehu? What is God like?
JEHU: Well, I-- uh-- I-- grabs
up scroll on table Let me quote, or read, a line
from the Song of Moses:
"He is the Rock, his work is perfect;
For all his ways are judgment;
A God of truth and without iniquity,
Just and right is he." Deut. 32:4
URIJAH: to Child
Is that a good answer, my son?
CHILD JESUS: Yes. God is
our Rock, our hiding place in time of trouble. And God is a Spirit. But he is
also our Father in Heaven. We can pray to him.
Doctors nod their heads,
murmur agreement, and look from one to another. Jaazamiah and Zebadiah speak
the following two lines as an aside.
Jaazamiah: This child is
wise beyond his years.
Zebadiah: He must have had a
great teacher up in Galilee.
JEKAMIAH: Young Jesus, the
rabbi in your village of Nazareth must have taught you the holy writings, that
is, the Law and the Prophets and the Psalms. What do you know of the words of
God?
CHILD JESUS: Sir, I know
that our ancestor, David the king, spoke truth when he wrote these words:
"The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver
tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times." Psalm 12:6
ALL DOCTORS: in unison
Amazing!
Spotlight shifts to
20-year-old Beggar Zimri. Mary and Joseph--both much distraught--have just
stopped to question him. They speak rapidly, without waiting for answers.
MARY: Oh, Beggar Man, our
son is lost! Have you seen him?
JOSEPH: He's a boy twelve
years old! From Nazareth!
MARY: He's about this
high! measures with hand And he has brown hair and blue
eyes! His name is Jesus!
Editor's note: this may be
modified to match the description of the person playing the part of Child
Jesus.
JOSEPH: We haven't seen the
Child in three days! And we've looked all over Jerusalem! We
thought he was among our relatives, with the other boys. But he wasn't!
MARY: Have you seen him, or
heard of him? He was wearing a blue cloak.
BEGGAR: Ma’am, could that be
him over there with the doctors? points to group on opposite side of stage.
Mary and Joseph notice group for first time.
MARY: gasps Oh! It is!
Joseph, that's Jesus! runs to group
JOSEPH: right behind
Mary Yes! under his breath God be praised! We've finally
found him!
Mary runs to Child, kneels
arid grasps his feet.
MARY: with much
emotion Oh, Son! Son! We've been looking for you for three days!
JOSEPH: We thought we'd
never see you again. turns to men Gentlemen, you must
pardon the Child's mother and me. We were almost halfway back to Nazareth when
we discovered him missing. And we've been worried to death!
URIJAH: We understand.
MARY: to Child
Jesus, Son, how could you do this to us? We've wept and we've prayed and we've
wept some more. gets up
CHILD JESUS: getting up
and putting his arm around his mother
I'm sorry, Mother. But I thought you would know that the time has come when
"I must be about my Father's business."
JOSEPH: Come, we must go
home to Nazareth.
Three leave--via left
stage--arm in arm, with the Child walking between Mary and Joseph. Doctors
leave--right stage. Beggar remains on stage. Spotlight returns to Zimri the
narrator and Linus.
End of Scene 2
Scene 3
Scene 3: Zimri and Linus
continue their conversation from extreme left stage. Zimri's descriptions set
the mood for the episode in which the Christ drives the merchants and
moneychangers from the temple grounds.
LINUS: Honorable Zimri, did
you see this young Jesus of Nazareth every year when the Passover time came?
ZIMRI: No, unfortunately I
didn't. It was almost 20 years before I saw him again. I'm sure he came, but I
just didn't see him because of the crowds of people.
Jerusalem has some 25,000
people living here, but at Passover! My, oh my! There must be a hundred
thousand! The temple courtyard is always alive with people. There are rabbis,
and scribes, and pilgrims from all over Palestine and the Roman Empire.
Merchants selling doves, young sheep and cattle for the sacrifices.
And the money changers. In
this whole area gives sweep of hand they had their
tables set up to convert foreign currency into Jewish silver shekels.
As Zimri talks, merchants
and moneychangers set up shop, bringing in three small tables, stools, two
cages with birds, three cages with young goats or lambs. At the same time a
Crowd ,of People walk through the area, most going off left stage--in
preparation for the Triumphal Entry episode.
LINUS: I don't understand
why the moneychangers were necessary.
ZIMRI: Our Jewish law
requires that every man pay an annual Temple Tithe, or tax, in silver
shekels. So, the people had to deal with the moneychangers.
And of course the pilgrims
who came from far away were obliged to buy their sacrificial animals
after they got to Jerusalem.
I'm afraid the merchants and
moneychangers were corrupt. They made enormous profits.
Zimri's voice fades;
spotlight picks up moneychangers.
1ST MONEY
CHANGER: with glee, as he takes coins from his moneybag and stacks them on
his table I don't know what you intend to do this Passover, my
friend, but as for me, I'm going to get rich!
2ND MONEY
CHANGER: Me too! To get their hands on my silver, these pious Jews are going
to have to fork over the limit!
1ST M. C.: leaning
over and speaking confidentially I tell you what
let's you and me do!
2ND M. C.: eagerly
What?
1ST M. C.: Let's
you and me agree on a rate of exchange, add 50 per cent to that, and then both stick
to it!
2ND M. C.: Great!
Friend, you are a money genius! We'll stick to this bargain now,
no matter what!
Two shake hands. Light
shifts to three merchants and their caged animals. First Merchant is stuffing
hay into a cage. Second Merchant is posting a sign on his bird cage. Third
Merchant, just arriving, pauses to talk to Beggar Zimri.
3RD MERCHANT: tossing
coin to Zimri Well, Beggar Man, I guess you're glad
Passover time is here again!
BEGGAR ZIMRI: Yes, Sir. I'm
glad. Many people will go into the temple to worship, and I hope they will
remember to give alms to the lame.
3RD MERCHANT:
Beggar, it's a pity you don't get yourself something to sell to these
pilgrims--like we merchants and moneychangers do. waves hand toward
companions
You could make a fortune! What you do is raise
the price on everything.
Everybody wants to buy the
traditional "lamb without blemish." Of course the poor have to settle
for a couple of pigeons or turtledoves.
But they're all so excited
they don't know what they're buying. Yesterday I sold completely out of lambs.
So today I’m going to get rid of some scrawny little goats! Laughs The
people that buy 'em will never know the difference!
Laughs again, starts to move
on, turns back and shakes his finger at Beggar.
Beggar, don't you dare
repeat what I just told you!
Third Merchant turns
abruptly when he hears the distant noise of many people shouting "Hosanna!
Hosanna! Hosanna!"
3RD MERCHANT: running
over to First Money Changer By the beard of
Abraham! I wonder what that is?
1ST M. C.: It's
people shouting! But I can't tell what they're saying! Can you?
CROWD: still off
stage Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest!
3RD MERCHANT:
They're crying "Hosanna!" Look!
CROWD: comes into view on
stage, all waving palms, with children in front, the Christ Figure in the
center, and friends and followers on the sides and behind, and all chanting
joyously
Hosanna!
Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!
Hosanna!
Hosanna to our King!
Major portion of Crowd
halts. Two women guide children on through the temple door, as the children
continue chanting.
CHILDREN: Hosanna! Hosanna!
Hosanna!
Christ Figure strides toward
money-changers and merchants. Peter, James and John stop near Beggar Zimri.
Pharisee, Sadducee, and Scribe join the crowd, stopping not far from Peter,
James, and John.
CHRIST FIGURE: indignantly
What is the meaning of all this? waves hand toward animal cages What are
you merchants and moneychangers doing here at the temple?
3RD MERCHANT:
We're just selling a few lambs for the sacrifice.
1ST MONEY
CHANGER: We're offering a service to the pilgrims.
CHRIST FIGURE: Scoundrels! knocks over
first money table
Robbers! knocks over second money table
Shoves third table aside, throws an empty cage across courtyard
It is written that this temple, my Father's House,
is a house of prayer! The house of prayer for all people! You
have made it a den of thieves!
There is a wild scramble as
money changers grab and scrape up their money, the merchants grab their cages,
and all run away--going off right stage. Sadducee, Scribe and Pharisee speak to
each other as an aside. Peter, James, and John overhear their remarks.
Crowd gathers around Christ
Figure, who sits down to teach.
SADDUCEE: gesturing toward
Christ Figure Look at that! Something has to be done about this
man from Galilee! You heard this crowd hailing him as "the Son of
David!"
SCRIBE: Yes, even the
children! That means they'll try to crown him king! Probably during Passover!
SADDUCEE: If it comes to that,
the Romans could kill us all!
PHARISEE: We Pharisees
know something has to be done to stop this madman from Nazareth. But the people
adore him, hang on his every word. turns directly to Sadducee
You know the High Priest personally. What does he say about this would-be
king?
SADDUCEE: Caiphas thinks
this Jesus--this prophet from Galilee, or whatever he is--is a danger to
Israel! That we must find a way to have him destroyed!
SCRIBE: But how?
SADDUCEE: We could bring
charges. Legal charges. Have him tried, and condemned, by Pontius
Pilate.
SCRIBE: Yes! That's the
answer, since our Council can't impose the death penalty!
SADDUCEE: The High Priest
says it is better that one man should die than that our whole nation perish.
PHARISEE: with his
finger on his lips Shh-hh-h! Not so loud. Some of
his followers may hear us. Let's stay and hear what he is going to teach the
people today.
SADDUCEE: Perhaps we can
trap him with a clever question, force him to incriminate himself.
PHARISEE: That should be easy.
I know! I'll ask him about paying taxes to Rome!
Three move on a short
distance. Spotlight shifts to Peter, James, and John. They are huddled together
and speak among themselves--for the audience.
John: with alarm
Peter, what should we do? Should we warn the Master?
Peter: By all means! And
right now! I'll just tell him outright that his enemies are plotting his death
and that he has to leave Jerusalem.
James: Let's see if we can
get a word with him before he begins teaching. John and I want to speak to the
Master about another matter, too.
Peter: What, if I may ask?
John: When he is crowned
king, we want him to keep us in mind for important positions!
Peter: Don't be ridiculous!
If you brothers start asking favors, the other disciples won't like
it! Neither will I.
Three move on toward Christ
Figure. A mutual friend stops Peter to talk with him. James and John go on.
Spotlight shifts to seated Christ Figure. He is encircled by followers and
strangers; several are kneeling in front of him. Others stand farther back. James
and John go directly to C. F.
JOHN: Master, could my
brother and I have a word with you, in private?
Christ Figure rises, leads
James and John aside--one on one side, the other on his other side.
CHRIST FIGURE: speaking
fondly, cheerfully, as he puts his arms around their shoulders Ah, my dear
disciples, my "Sons of Thunder" from Galilee, what is it you
wish to speak to me about?
JOHN: Master, it's a favor
we ask. We know that soon you will be crowned king. So, when you come into your
kingdom, we want to be with you!
JAMES: Yes, Master. Please
let one of us sit on your right hand and the other on your left!
CHRIST FIGURE: in sad
tone Oh! shakes his head You poor young disciples.
You don't know what you ask.
Could you drink of the cup
that I shall drink of, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized
with?
JOHN: with enthusiasm
Yes, Master, we could drink of any cup!
JAMES: Master, we will do anything
for you!
Peter approaches, but says
nothing.
CHRIST FIGURE: warmly,
sadly You are two of my beloved, my chosen disciples--with me a long
time--but you still do not understand what lies ahead. There will be a bitter
cup: untold suffering. The baptism will be death.
JAMES & JOHN: with
shock Master!
CHRIST FIGURE: Many times I
have told you that my kingdom is not of this world. But when I do come into my
glory and my kingdom, it will be my Father in Heaven who prepares the seat on
my right hand and the seat on my left. These are not mine to give.
JOHN: to Christ
Figure But we just thought that--
PETER: interrupting
Master?
CHRIST FIGURE: Yes, Simon
Peter?
James and John ease
themselves aside
PETER: cupping his
hands near his lips so as not to
be overheard Master, it's not safe for you to stay here!
You must leave Jerusalem! Before the Passover! Your enemies are plotting your
death!
CHRIST FIGURE: calmly
Simon Peter, you sound more like Satan than like yourself. If you talk like
this I will have to say: "Get thee behind me, Satan!"
PETER: much shocked
Master!
CHRIST FIGURE: I know what
my enemies have planned. I know the will of my Father in Heaven. And I will do
My Father's will.
Today, and every day during
Passover, I will teach here at the temple--as is my custom. So, call the people
together.
Have I not told you, Simon
Peter, that I came to give my life as a ransom for many?
PETER: subdued, disappointed
tone Yes, Master, you have.
steps forward, raises his
voice
Friends, strangers, pilgrims from far away, and
residents of Jerusalem, if you would hear the teaching of the Master, Jesus of
Nazareth, come near. beckons to all
Peter steps back. Crowd
comes in closer. All stand or sit in something of a semi-circle so that there
is no person between the Christ Figure and the audience. Scene 3 melts into
Scene 4 without any break.
Scene 4
CHRIST FIGURE: now seated
Verily I say unto you--as I said to the wicked merchants and moneychangers--the
Temple of God is a house of prayer.
When you come to the house
of prayer, or when you pray in secret, have faith in God. The man who
has faith can say unto a mountain, "Be thou removed, and be thou cast into
the sea" and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe
that what he asks shall come to pass--that man shall have whatsoever he asks.
The mountain will be moved into the sea.
Therefore I say unto you,
what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive
them, and ye shall have them.
And when ye stand praying, forgive,
if ye have ought against any; that your Father also which is in heaven may
forgive you your trespasses.
But if ye do not forgive,
neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
--Mark 11:23-26
Pharisee whispers to his
companions, then approaches C. F., bows and speaks. Players, see Mark 12:14-17
for this episode.
PHARISEE: loudly, with
seeming humility Great Teacher, we know that you are true and do
not favor one person above another, and that you teach the way of God. So, tell
us this: "Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?" Shall we
pay taxes to the Romans, or shall we not pay?
CHRIST FIGURE: Ah, Sir, you
are of the Pharisees.
PHARISEE: I am.
CHRIST FIGURE: Why do you
tempt me with such a question? pauses What? No answer? Bring me a coin,
that I may see it.
Pharisee beckons to his
companions. Scribe hurries over with a coin and hands it to Pharisee.
PHARISEE: as he
hands coin to Christ Figure Here is a
denarius, which--as all know--is our most common coin, a day's wages.
CHRIST FIGURE: holding up
coin so that the inscription is visible to the Pharisee Whose image and
superscription does it bear?
PHARISEE: That of Tiberius
Caesar.
CHRIST FIGURE: handing
coin back to Pharisee Then I say this to you:
"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that
are God's."
Crowd murmurs agreement.
Pharisee and his companions fade into background, but do not leave. A tattered
looking man, obviously poor, comes to C. F.
POOR MAN. Great Teacher, I'm
just a poor man standing here in rags, but please tell me what I could do
to inherit eternal life.
CHRIST FIGURE: I am the Way. The Truth. And the
Life.
He that believeth on me--though he were dead--yet shall he live.
POOR MAN: Believe on
you? What does that mean?
CHRIST FIGURE: Believe that
I am the Christ, the Saviour. That I am the Son of the living God! spreads
out hands to crowd Let all who have ears to hear listen to my words: “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
CROWD: loud murmur of
delight
POOR MAN: with enthusiasm
Let me be your disciple and follow you!
CHRIST FIGURE: The man who
would follow me must deny himself and take up his cross. Yet the yoke is easy
and the burden is light.
POOR MAN: I will bear any
burden, Master! I will!
CHRIST FIGURE: You, Poor
Man, and all other men who are my disciples shall be like the salt of the
earth.
Ye shall be the light of the world.
Therefore, let your light so shine before men, that
they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Which is in heaven. Matt.
5,16
turns to CROWD
A new teaching I give to every man who hears my
voice: "Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.
"Bless them that curse
you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." Luke 6,27,28
CROWD: in disbelief
Love our enemies?
CHRIST FIGURE: In all
things, "whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to
them." Matthew 7:12
Moreover, I say unto you
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are they that
mourn: for they shall be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek:
for they shall inherit the earth.
”Blessed are they which do
hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall
obtain mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall
see God.
"Blessed are the
peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Begin Scene 5 without any pause
There is a sudden and great
commotion on the fringe of right stage as three Accusers drag in a woman taken
in adultery. Two of the men are pulling and shoving the screaming woman along,
the third carries a big container of rocks. These he begins passing out to any
spectator who will take one. The Pharisee, Scribe, Sadducee and three other men
grab one of the stones. Players, read John 8:3-11 for a detailed account of
this event.
ADULTERESS: screaming
and kicking No! No! You cruel men! You can't do this! tries
to dig in her heels; her sandals
slide on the ground
1ST ACCUSER: loudly
Come on, Woman! You're an adulteress!
2ND ACCUSER: very
loudly You must be stoned to death!
ADULTERESS: wailing and
screaming No! No! Not me! You can't stone me to death!
No! No! I want to live! Let me go! No! No! Don't! Don't!
Let me go! keeps up struggle Please don't kill me!
1ST ACCUSER.
Hush, Woman! It's our law!
Accusers compel Adulteress
to stand before Christ Figure. They continue holding her arms. She gets quiet,
now looks constantly at the ground.
1ST ACCUSER: somewhat
out of breath because of his exertion
Great Teacher, this wretched woman was taken in adultery! In the very act! Now
the Law of Moses commands us that such a stupid, vile woman be stoned to death.
But what do you say?
Christ Figure does not
answer. Instead, he stoops down and with his finger writes on the ground--as if
he had not heard.
2ND ACCUSER: with
considerable irritation Great Teacher, didn't you hear what my
friend said? This creature here--this woman--was taken in adultery! The
Law of Moses says stone her to death! And we've brought the stones. But we--
3RD ACCUSER: very
loudly as he shakes and holds up his bag of rocks Plenty of stones! Who else
wants to help us put this wicked woman to death? continues walking up and
down, shaking bag of rocks
2ND ACCUSER: still
speaking to Christ Figure We know the Law, but we want to hear what you
say.
Christ Figure stands erect.
CHRIST FIGURE: "He that
is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone."
stoops again to write in the
sand
There is a hush, throughout
the crowd. The Accusers and all others look from one to the other. One by one,
they all leave, the ones holding rocks going first. Peter, James and John
remain in the far background. The Adulteress continues to stand motionless in
front of Christ Figure. Christ Figure stands erect again.
CHRIST FIGURE: with great
compassion "Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man
condemned thee?"
ADULTERESS: humbly No
man, Lord.
CHRIST FIGURE. Neither do I
condemn thee. Go and sin no more...
Woman exits right stage.
Christ Figure walks slowly off left stage. Peter, James and John follow him.
Father of Beggar Zimri comes and drags him and his pallet away.
END OF ACT II
ACT III, Scene 1
Scene l: Same as previous
scene. The area before the temple is now empty. But Zimri and the Roman Soldier
Linus are still on far left area of stage. Linus is much impressed with Zimri's
account of the many times he saw Jesus of Nazareth at the temple. The two are
waiting for Soldier Atticus to return.
LINUS: eagerly This
Jesus of Nazareth! I never heard of a person like him! His teachings are
fantastic! And to think--he was crucified!
ZIMRI: sadly On the
very day of Passover, last year. It was as if he were the lamb, slain
for Passover.
Atticus hurries in, cheerful
and apologetic for being late.
ATTICUS: Sorry to be late
getting back. I thought our Centurion would never get through giving orders.
LINUS. What's going on?
ATTICUS: For one thing, all
leaves are cancelled and all soldiers garrisoned in the Antonia Fortress have
been put on alert.
LINUS: All of us?
ATTICUS: All six hundred.
LINUS: But why?
ATTICUS: Evidently, Pontius
Pilate is afraid there will be an uprising among the Jews during their
Passover. I sure hope Pilate doesn't order any crucifixions this year.
If he does, this is one Roman Soldier taps himself on
chest who is going AWOL without blinkin' an eye!
Editor’s note: ”AWOL” is a
military abbreviation for “absent without leave”--meaning a serviceman has
deserted.
LINUS: I wouldn't blame you.
ATTICUS: I told you, didn't
I, that last year my pal Longinus was ordered to stab his spear into the side
of this man from Nazareth, and after he did it, he went plumb berserk! That
night he cried! Oh, he cried. Like a baby. He cried so much he went blind!
Completely blind! They sent him back to Rome.
Note to players: There is a
legend, dating back to the Middle Ages, that the soldier who pierced the side
of the Christ as he was dying on the cross was named Longinus and that he went
blind.
ZIMRI: to Atticus
Did you see the trial before Pilate?
ATTICUS: Yes, I was there
for part of the trial. But I'm sure not proud of the role I played. It was
after Pontius Pilate had ordered our Centurion to keep the poor man under
constant guard that I got involved.
We had heard that this Jesus
was accused of claiming to be "King of the Jews." So, we soldiers
thought we'd be smart and crown him king.
There is no break as Scene 2
unfolds on another section of stage
Scene 2
Scene 2: A cell-like Room in
the Antonia Fortress, where the Christ is being held during part of his ordeal
before Pontius Pilate. The room has one or two stools, a small table, and a
rack on which there is a scarlet cape which is part of the Centurion's uniform.
As
the scene opens, three soldiers are bringing in the Christ Figure, whose hands
are tied before him. As the four enter, Atticus leaves Zimri and Linus and
becomes part of the action.
It is Longinus and Titus who
hold the arms of the Christ Figure. Justinus carries a heavy chain.
ATTICUS: to fellow
soldiers Step lively there, soldiers! When you're guarding a king,
you mustn't drag your feet!
LONGINUS: Still grasping
arm of C.F. Atticus, what do you know about
guarding kings or anybody else?
ATTICUS: Plenty, my dear pal
Longinus! Plenty! grabs up stool and brings it forward For one
thing, you've got to seat a king on a throne! Titus, help Longinus bring
this great "King of the Jews" to his throne.
Two shove C.F. onto to
stool. Justinius hands over the chain and they fasten feet of C.F. to stool.
ATTICUS: coming over
to Justinius Justinus, don't you know how to behave in the
presence of royalty?
JUSTINUS: Of course I know
how to behave in the presence of royalty! kneels before C. F. in a short but
elaborate bow
LONGINUS: as if
searching everywhere Where is the king's crown?
TITUS: We may have to make
the king a new crown. But out of what?
ATTICUS: Titus, you have
absolutely no imagination. Go out in the courtyard and gather some
laurel leaves.
TITUS: Laurel leaves?
Atticus, this is not Rome! The only thing growing around this wretched
place is briars and thorn vines!
ATTICUS: Well, go get
something! A king can't be a king without a crown! Longinus, you go help him.
Titus and Longinus hurry
out.
As this scene is in
progress--and the soldiers continue the crowning of the prisoner--the MOB
assembles on another part of stage, where Pilate's judgment seat is set up.
JUSTINIUS: walking around
Christ Figure as if interested in his appearance I think our great
king would look better in royal garments--something colorful. Purple is
the color kings wear! Where can we get him a purple robe?
ATTICUS: grabbing up
Centurion's scarlet cape Let's pretend the king is
colorblind and put this scarlet robe on him!
JUSTINIUS: No! That belongs
to the Centurion! What if he comes in?
ATTICUS: Aw, the Centurion
won't be back for hours. drapes cape around Christ Figure
Now, that's better!
Titus and Longinus stride
in. Titus carries a crown of thorns, Longinus a long reed. Two Guards follow T.
and L. in.
TITUS: triumphantly
Here's the beautiful crown! holds up mass of
thorns And, furthermore, we've recruited two more loyal subjects
for the king! Loyal Subjects, kneel before his highness!
Two Guards kneel, rise and
back away.
LONGINUS: bringing reed
to C.F. Here, King! I brought you a scepter ... A Golden
symbol of your authority! tries to hand reed to C. F., who does nor respond.
King, you can't rule without a scepter! whacks C. F. with
the reed and then leans it up against
him.
TITUS: Who wants to crown
the king?
LONGINUS: Not me! My hands
and fingers are bleeding now--just from making the blasted thing! looks at
fingers I'm gonna have my head examined if I ever touch another thorn
bush! tries to pick thorns from his fingers.
TITUS: looking at
Atticus You, Atticus?
ATTICUS: The honor is all
yours, Titus.
TITUS: mashing crown
down on head of C. F. Prisoner, I
crown you King! "King of the Jews!"
Six soldiers kneel in mock
humility.
ALL SOLDIERS: in Unison
Hail to the "King of the Jews!" Hail! Hail!
Centurion strides in,
wearing uniform that includes red-plumed helmet. He is surprised, and outraged
at the antics of the soldiers.
CENTURION: What's going on
in here?
Soldiers scramble to their
feet, come to attention.
ATTICUS: It's nothing, Sir! Nothing!
We were just having a little fun. Trying to pass the time away.
CENTURION: coldly, calmly
How stupid.... Bring the prisoner in to stand before Pontius Pilate--in his
private chambers.
Turns to go, then wheels
back around and shouts at the soldiers when he realizes that they have draped his
uniform cape around the prisoner
My cape! You idiots!
ATTICUS: grabbing cape
from C.F. and shoving it into hands of Centurion Here's your cape, Sir!
It's not damaged a bit, Sir! But I'm sorry!
CENTURION: grabbing cape
Any more fool stunts like this shakes crumpled cape
at group, and I'll have you court-martialed!
ALL SOLDIERS: in quavering
chorus Yes, Sir!
CENTURION: still in
a rage Every last one of you! storms out
ALL SOLDIERS: not in
unison Yes, Sir!
Two guards make a dash for
it, and get ready to take their stand on either side of Pontius Pilate's
judgment seat.
ATTICUS: all frivolity
gone Let's get with it, guys.
Four unchain Christ Figure, take
him out, leaving the crown of thorns on his head and his hands tied. They also
leave the heavy chain attached to one of his ankles.
End of Scene 2
Scene 3
Scene 3: An outdoor area in
the Antonia Fortress, where Pilate's official judgment seat has been set up and
where a MOB, all enemies of Jesus of Nazareth, have assembled to await the
conclusion of the trial. These spectators, led by the Jewish authorities, have
made secret plans to demand the death penalty for the Christ.
The Sadducee, the Pharisee, and
the Scribe are in the forefront. As the scene opens, the Two Guards march out
and take their stand on either side of the judgment seat.
The MOB is quite restless.
There is considerable murmuring. The MOB becomes quiet as the Centurion--now
wearing his scarlet robe--enters from left stage.
Before the Centurion reaches
the area of the judgment seat, Claudia, Pilate's wife--a lovely woman who
evidently knew much about Jesus of Nazareth--rushes in and goes directly to the
Centurion. Claudia is greatly upset, out of breath from running.
CLAUDIA: grasping the
Centurions arm to steady herself Oh,
Centurion, Sir, you must help me!
CENTURION: stopping to
give her his full attention, though he does not know who she is Of course,
Madam! What is the matter, Ma’am? You look exhausted.
CLAUDIA: still trying
to catch her breath I ran all the way! I must speak
to Pontius Pilate! It's urgent! Very urgent!
CENTURION: with sympathy
I'm sorry, Ma’am; but that's impossible! You see, the governor is questioning a
prisoner brought in by the Jewish authorities. And the trial will start any
minute now!
CLAUDIA: But you don't
know who I am!
CENTURION: No, Madam. I don't
know who you are. But we--
CLAUDIA: I am the wife
of Pontius Pilate!
CENTURION: much flustered
Wife? Well, I-- I-- I don't--
CLAUDIA: I have to warn
him! My husband must not condemn this Jesus of Nazareth! I had a terrible
dream last night because of him!
CENTURION: A dream about the
Jewish prisoner? You know him?
CLAUDIA. Yes, I know him. I
have heard him teach. And, oh, this dream I had last night! Parts of the dream
were dreadful! Parts beautiful!
Claudia becomes calm, speaks
slowly now and with much feeling.
CENTURION. Yes, Ma’am.
CLAUDIA: I dreamed that my husband
condemned Jesus of Nazareth. Ordered him crucified. And four soldiers
nailed him up on a cross--out there on that hill they call "the Place of
the Skull."
Hour after hour he was
hanging there.
And then, a great darkness
came over the land, and the whole world trembled and shook. Rocks crumbled to
dust.
The dead came up out of
their graves and walked to and fro on the streets of Jerusalem.
After a long while, the sun
came out again. And the man on the cross was dead. His rich friends came to my
husband and asked if they might bury the body. He said yes.
So his friends wrapped him
in burial garments--pure fine linen--and brought layers and layers of burial
spices, as is the Jewish custom. And they laid him in a tomb in a garden--a
garden all green, and quiet. There was a great stone there. With it, they
sealed the tomb.
But angels came down from
heaven and rolled the stone away. And I saw Jesus of Nazareth walking in the
garden. Alive!
Then, I saw him go to
Galilee, and his friends found him there. Forty days passed by. The angels came
again. And Jesus disappeared with them, into the shining clouds, into heaven.
Claudia pauses, changes
tone.
Centurion, I believe this Jesus is the Son of the
living God! My husband must not condemn him!
CENTURION: much moved
Oh, Madam, I don't know what to say! I wish--
Pontius Pilate strides in,
the soldiers bring in the Prisoner, and Pilate sits down, while the Centurion
and Claudia are still talking.
CLAUDIA: Oh, goodness!
CENTURION: in haste, as
he holds out a writing slate he has been carrying along with his official
papers Here, Ma’am. Write a message to your husband, and I'll try to get it
to him--before it's too late.
Claudia grabs slate and pen,
quickly writes a few lines, hands slate back to Centurion. Cf. Matthew 27:19
CLAUDIA: Thank you,
Centurion.
Claudia hurries away;
Centurion goes to Pilate.
PILATE: looking up
Yes, Centurion?
Centurion leans toward
Pilate, says something in undertones, hands him the slate, and moves aside.
PILATE: looks at
the message briefly, frowns Ah, my wife and her
dreams! puts it down in his chair as he stands up to address the MOB in
stern, matter of fact tone Here is your prisoner, a man from Nazareth, whom
you have accused and brought to me for judgment.
MOB: loudly, in
unison Away with him!
PILATE: raising his
hand for silence I have questioned this man, and I find he
has done no evil.
SADDUCEE: loudly, as
he waves his fist He deserves to die!
MOB: very loudly,
in unison He deserves to die!
PILATE: again, holding
up hand to quiet Mob What crime has he
committed?
SADDUCEE: He stirs up our
people! He could cause an open revolt!
PHARISEE: We heard him telling
the people--right at the temple gate, mind you--that we Jews should not
pay taxes to Caesar.
PILATE: with disbelief
Not pay taxes?
SCRIBE: Your Honor, this man
claims to be "King of the Jews"!
Pilate sits back down.
PILATE: turning to
Christ Figure Jesus of Nazareth, are you the "King of
the Jews"?
CHRIST FIGURE: My
kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, then my
servants would fight! And I would not be standing here in chains, accused by
the Jews.
PILATE: Then you do consider
yourself a king?
CHRIST FIGURE: You
say that I am a king because you have heard others say it.
PILATE: Be sensible. Don’t
you realize that I have the power to crucify you? And I have the power
to release you!
CHRIST FIGURE: You could
have no power at all against me, unless it were given from above.
PILATE: in undertone
to C.F. You are being most difficult. If you would try to defend
yourself and say the right things, I could let you go!
Pilate gets up, turns to
Mob.
As you all know, in Jerusalem we have a
custom that each year at your Passover festival I release one prisoner for you.
MOB: loudly, in
unison Right! One prisoner!
SCRIBE: with disrespect
Yeah, Governor, who is it goin' to be this year?
PILATE: disregarding Scribe
Now tell me, would you like me to let this innocent man go? Or would you prefer
that I release the notorious robber and murderer, Barabbas?
PHARISEE: shouting Release
Barabbas! signals to mob Right, everybody?
MOB: loudly, in
unison Release Barabbas! Release Barabbas! Release Barabbas!
PILATE: Then what shall I do
with this man called Jesus the Christ?
MOB: waving arms,
shouting very loudly, in unison CRUCIFY
him! CRUCIFY him! CRUCIFY him!
Pilate throws up his hand in
disgust, sits back down.
PILATE: The man is guilty of
no crime!
SADDUCEE: easing himself
closer to Pilate and speaking in his most cunning tone But, Honorable
Pontius Pilate, we have a law that says he should die! He has blasphemed!
He has claimed to be the Son of God!
PHARISEE: joining
Sadducee, right in front of Pilate’s chair And don’t forget this man is
trying to make himself king! Caesar wouldn't like that, now would
he?
SADDUCEE: As a thinly veiled
threat If you let this man go, you are not Caesar's friend!
Pharisee and Sadducee back
away, smiling triumphantly at each other. Pilate, visibly shaken, beckons the
guard on his right; the guard comes, Pilate whispers to him; the guard hurries
out.
Pilate looks at Claudia's
note again, puts it aside, gets up to address the mob. He paces back and forth,
as if trying to decide what to say.
PILATE: in desperation
Very well. Have it your way! First, the man shall be flogged--as is your Jewish
custom. Then, he shall be crucified--as is Roman law. BUT HIS BLOOD IS
ON YOUR HANDS!
Murmur sweeps through mob,
showing all to be pleased. Servant trots in with a large silver bowl of water,
a towel. He goes straight to Pilate, holds out the bowl before him.
PILATE: loudly I wash
my hands before you!
carefully washes and dries
hands
I am innocent of the blood
of this just person.
Gives wave of the hand
toward Christ Figure
Soldiers, take the prisoner
away!
Soldiers lead Christ Figure
off stage. Pilate exits in another direction.
There is considerable
undertone talk among members of the Mob. Individuals leave gradually, some
going in one direction, the others by another exit. Without being noticed,
soldier Atticus returns to Zimri and Linus.
End of Scene 3
Scene 4
Scene 4: At the place near
the temple gate where Zimri and the two Roman soldiers have been talking.
Atticus has rejoined Zimri and Linus. They continue their conversation as if
there had been no break.
ATTICUS. Now, like I was
telling you, I am sorry I had any part in that whole affair. I wish I hadn't
even been there! But you know something? Part of what that lady told the
Centurion about her dream came true! There was an earthquake, and
it got pitch dark at high noon!
ZIMRI: All of that
dream the lady had came true! Jesus of Nazareth walked out of his grave! Alive!
His friends saw him. Talked to him. Ate with him. And they
saw him disappear into the clouds.
ATTICUS: I wish our
Centurion had seen him. He got really shook up. Right after the crucifixion he kept
saying to us--over and over--"He was the Son of God!" Surely
he was! I know he was the Son of God!
ZIMRI: I know it, too,
Soldiers. Or else, how could his very name have cured me?
LINUS: Sir, you were going
to tell us about that. You said something about it being a miracle,
after you had been a lame beggar all your life.
ZIMRI: It was like this: I
was sitting right over there "At the Gate Called Beautiful"--begging
just like I'd been doing every day for over forty years--when two men named
Simon Peter and John came along.
They were disciples of this
Jesus and were on their way into the temple. pauses And--Well, just let
me show you how it was, how I was begging and everything.
Zimri goes over to his
former begging spot, sits down, and wraps his cloak over his feet to show how
he looked as the crippled beggar.
ZIMRI. slumped over,
looking at the ground, holding out his beggar's basket, and wailing in a
pitiful chant
Alms! Alms! Alms for a poor crippled beggar!
Alms! Alms! Pity the poor who have to beg!
Alms! Alms! Give alms!
Alms! Before you enter the temple! Alms!
Peter and John approach and
stop near the beggar. Zimri does not look up. Instead, he shakes his basket,
keeps repeating his droning chant.
PETER: with kindness
Beggar, look at us.
ZIMRI: without lifting
his head I'm asking alms. A farthing. A mite. Just anything you
can give. I'm a poor beggar.
PETER: Lift up your head,
Beggar. Look at us.
gently lifts up Zimri's face
by placing his hand under the beggar's chin.
"Silver and gold have I none; but such as I
have, give I thee.
"In the name of Jesus of Nazareth rise up and walk!"
Peter clasps Zimri's right
hand. John assists. And Zimri stands up--a bit unsteadily. He takes a few
halting steps. Then he begins leaping about.
ZIMRI: overcome with
joy My feet! My feet! Look at my feet! They're not twisted!
They're straight! I can walk! I can run! Praise be to God!
JOHN: Friend, would you like
to go with us into the temple, to thank God and His Son, Jesus our Lord?
ZIMRI: Yes! Yes! I will
thank Him! In the temple! On the streets! Everywhere! And so long as I live, I
will come here at dawn--every day of my life--and thank God.
Zimri walks with Peter and
John toward temple. They enter; Zimri comes back to Atticus and Linus. The
soldiers are amazed at what they have seen and heard.
ATTICUS: Honorable Zimri!
That was an amazing thing that happened to you!
LINUS: What can we say,
after that?
ZIMRI: Soldiers, let me tell
you both a truth: Every man is a beggar at the gate--At the Gate Called
Beautiful--until he knows the Christ.
ATTICUS: in slow,
contemplative tone You must be right. Yes. Beggars.
LINUS: seriously, slowly
Yes. We're all lame beggars at the gate. Crippled in heart and soul.
brightens and quickens
speech
I wish I knew this
Jesus the Christ!
ATTICUS: Me, too.
ZIMRI: joyously Come
with me, Soldiers, and I will teach you of Christ our Lord.
Three go off together.
Zimri, in the center, is talking and waving his hands with much delight.
THE END