THE TOUCH OF THE ROBE
A Biblical Play in Two Acts

By Jewell Ellen Smith

First performed at a “Good Friday Prayer Breakfast” at the Officer’s Club at Fort Rucker, Alabama, on April 16, 1976. All scripture quotations are from the King James Version.  Nonprofit groups may perform this play without payment; if you do perform the play, Jewell’s children request that you let her older son David know at DSmith1204@aol.com . Please use this e-mail address if you have any questions or problems in performing the play.

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THEME: “Truly this was the Son of God.” “...Now when the Centurion and they that were with him, watching Jesus (on the cross), saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God.” Matt. 27:54

Sub-Theme: “Whatever He saith unto you, do it.” “...There was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there; and both Jesus ... and his disciples. ... And when they wanted wine, his mother saith unto the servants, “Whatever He saith unto you, do it.” St. John 2

Sub-Theme: “All things are possible to him that believeth.” “...And one in the multitude answered and said, ‘Master, I have brought unto thee my son which hath an evil spirit. ... If thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us. ... Jesus said unto him, ‘If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.’” Mark 9

TIME AND PLACE: Jerusalem, late in the afternoon the day of the Crucifixion. And, early in the morning the day of the Resurrection.

RESUMÉ OF SCENES:

Act I

Scene 1. A detail of four Roman soldiers and one NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) named Felix have been assigned to clean up the place,’ immediately after the crucifixion at Golgotha, the place of the skull, They divide Jesus’ garments, casting lots for the “robe without seam.” The Centurion in charge returns. He believes Jesus was the Son of God. And while the soldiers take down the crosses, the Centurion tells the NCO of Jesus, and His miracles. (Felix and Centurion thus serve as narrators for remainder of Act I.)

Scene 2. Christ asks disciples “Whom say the people that I am?” This, while the group walks (across ballroom floor) toward Coast of Caesarea Philippi.

Scene 3. The marriage feast in Cana of Galilee, at which Jesus turns the water into wine. This, after the supply had been exhausted and Mary had told the servants to go to Jesus. She added, “Whatever He saith unto you, do it.” Scene is climaxed by Mary’s singing a solo. Its theme is “Do the will of God.”

Scene 4. In an outdoor place, Jesus and his disciples are thronged by a crowd of people. Two blind men try to get to Jesus to be helped. A woman with a plague pushes her way through the crowd and touches the hem of His garment. A man brings his epileptic son to Jesus. After the son is made whole, the father sings a solo which declares to the audience exactly what Jesus told the father, “All things are possible to him that believeth.” (Woman, blind men and boy join in on chorus.)

The conversation between the Centurion and NCO Felix is interrupted by the arrival of a messenger who comes from Pontius Pilate, The Centurion is instructed to post a guard at the tomb of the so-called “King of the Jews” so that his followers will not steal his body away at night and say that he arose from the grave. Soldiers finish removing crosses as NCO speculates on whether or not Jesus was the son of God. (It is Felix who has acquired the “robe without seam” and he takes it with him into Act II.)

ACT II

Scene 1: At twilight on the day following the crucifixion, two soldiers are in the garden at the tomb when Jesus’ body was placed--standing guard. Two others, with NCO Felix, arrive to relieve them. Felix does not stay, but does leave Jesus’ raiment, including the robe.

There is a storm just before dawn. Two angels appear. The soldiers “become as dead men.” Angels roll away stone. They find the robe and other raiment left by Felix and take it into the tomb for the Christ to wear.

Scenes 2 & 3: NCO Felix returns just in time to see three Women of Galilee coming to the tomb to bring spices to anoint the body of the Christ. He listens as the angels tell the women Christ has risen. Felix (visible to the audience but not to others in the garden) talks to himself in stage whisper. He becomes convinced tha Jesus is the Son of God. After the angels and Christ Figure and women leave, Felix shakes the sleeping guards. He declares to them that Jesus is the living Son.

The guards bring up the possibility of reporting what has happened to the Centurion and to the authorities. Felix replies: “You two can tell the Centurion anything you want. I am going to tell the world about the Crucified and Resurrected One! And each time I tell His story, I will add these words:

By a game of chance, I took His robe!
The robe of God’s Son touched me!”

Felix begins singing Grand Finale hymn. He is joined by entire cast. Cast sings certain sections of song and final chorus.

--The End--

(It is customary for the entire cast to remain on stage and sing a medley of Easter hymns while the ceremony of “The Cross of Elower Petals” is in progress.)

 

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE:

Opinion of Roman soldiers regarding Jesus. And their decision on his robe:

Matt. 27:54: “Now when the centurion and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.”

John 19:23-24a: “Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be. ...”

Opinion of the disciples regarding Jesus

Matt. 16:l3-16: “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Phillippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am. And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” cf. Luke 9:18-20

First Miracle: The Good Wine:

John 2:1-9: “...There was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there; and both Jesus was called, and his disciples to the marriage... And when they wanted wine -- his mother saith unto the servants, whatever He saith unto you, do it. ... Jesus saith unto them (servants) ‘Fill the waterpots with water.’ And they filled them to the brim. And he saith unto them, ‘Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast.’ And they bear it.

“When the ruler of the feast had tasted the wine and knew not whence it was (but the servants which drew the water knew) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom. Every man at the beginrdng doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse; but thou hast kept the good wine until now.”

Summary of healing:

Matt. 9:35: “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.”

Mark 5:25-34, a woman with a plague: “...For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.”

Mark 9:17-23, a man and his epileptic son: “...Master, I have brought unto thee my son which bath a dumb (evil) spirit. ...have compassion on us, and help us. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. ...”

Guard for tomb requested of Pilate:

Matt. 27:62b-66: “...The chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure. ... Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch. ... So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”

Soldier guards faint at sight of resurrection angels, Women come to the tomb at dawn to bring spices; they see Jesus:

St. Matt. 28:1-11. (cf. Mk. 16:1-14, Lk. 24:1-49; John 20:1-23)

“...As it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.... the angel of the Lord... rolled back the stone…. For fear of him the keepers (soldiers) did quake and become as dead men.... As (the women) went, Jesus met them, and they worshiped Him.”

List of Characters, in the order of their appearance:

NCO Felix -- A Roman soldier in charge of the detail which is taking down the three crosses used at the Crucifixion. Felix is the chief narrator. He has many lines. He must have solo voice.

Four Roman Soldiers Lucius, Arcalla, Otholus, and Gaverus: Remain on stage during all of Act I. Come and go in Act II. Minimum of lines. At least two could be played by women.

The Centurion -- A Roman officer in charge of 100 soldiers. Has many lines in Act I. Does not appear again until Grand Finale.

Simon Peter -- Appears in scenes 2, 3, 4 of Act I. Few lines.

Disciple John -- Appears in scenes 2, 3, 4 of Act 1. Very few lines.

Christ Figure -- Appears in Act I and II. Always wears purple robe. Few lines, but his scenes are the most important.

Ten other disciples -- No lines. Can be female players.

Governor of the Feast -- Good many lines. Should be fat, rough.

Boy Servant -- Appears only at wedding feast. Not too many lines. Woman can play role,

Bridegroom -- Few lines. Must be male actor.

Bride -- No lines.

Chief Servant -- Average number of lines. Must be male actor.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus - - Few lines. Sings solo. Appears only in Act I.

Wedding Guests -- group of about 15 persons. No speaking parts.

A Servant -- No lines. Helps to fill water jars, serve wine at marriage feast.

A Throng of People -- about 15 persons. (May be same as the wedding guests.)

Woman with Plague -- minimum of lines. Appears only in Act I, scene 4.

First Blind Person -- few lines. Can be woman.

Second Blind Person -- few lines. Can be woman.

Bystander -- very few lines. Can be woman.

A Father with his son -- Few very dramatic lines. Sings solo; persons healed join in singing.

Epileptic son -- No lines. Can be small woman.

First and Second Angels -- Average number of lines. Can be women. Appear only in last scene.

Mary Magdalene, Slaome, and The Other Mary -- Average number of lines. Last scene.

Total number of players required: about 40. Several can play double roles. All sing final song.


THE TOUCH OF THE ROBE

ACT I, Scene 1

The curtain rises on the Golgotha scene some few hours after the Crucifixion of Christ and two thieves. A Roman noncom (noncommissioned officer) named Felix and a detail of four soldiers under his direction are ready to take down the three crosses. But they are making little progress on cleaning up “the place of the skull” because they are arguing over Jesus’ clothes. Arcalla is holding the sandals in one hand, looking them over very carefully. Lucius holds the tunic. Otholus and Gaverus have both grabbed the purple robe “without seam.” Felix is anxious to get on with the job at hand for ha expects their commanding officer, The Centurion, to return at any moment.

FELIX: All right, you guys! Let’s get with it! We’ve got to take down these crosses! The Crucifixion is over! Our Centurion gave orders that we are to clean up this “place of the skull.” And he’ll be back here any minute!

Lucius takes the sandals. A.rcalla takes the tunic to examine it. Otholus and Gaverus keep looking at the robe. None make a move toward taking down the crosses.

FELIX: Come on now! You’ve argued long enough over these clothes. What’s the problem, anyway?

LUCIUS: Well, it’s like this: We are going to divide the clothes that belonged to that so-called “King of the Jews” that died on the middle cross into four stacks. Then, each of us will take a stack. But I don’t want these sandals!

ARCALLA: I don’t want this tunic! But I wouldn’t mind having the sandals! I want this purple robe, but Gaverus here claims he ought to have it!

GAVERUS:  I need the robe! It would feel mighty good these cold windy nights here in Jerusalem.

LUCIUS: taking the robe Gaverus, you’ve got a robe! Let me have this one! It’s not new, but it surely is a good one!

ARCALLA: Just a minute now! I outrank all three of you guys! If anybody deserves the robe, it’s me!

FELIX: pulling out his dagger I can settle this! Hold up the robe, and h I’ll cut it very neatly, very exactly, into four pieces. And you can sac take a piece!

ALL Soldiers: Oh, no! Don’t do that! No!

ARCALLA: It would be a shame to cut it up!

OTHOLUS: Yeah! Just look at it! turning robe this way and that It’s a nice cloak!

GAVERUS: picking up edge of robe There’s not a seam in it!

LUCIUS: Let’s cast lots for it! That would be fair!

ARCALLA:  Yeah! And winner take all! Sandals, underclothes, tunic, the purple robe! Everything that belonged to that poor man they called “King of the Jews”!

FELIX: Well, now, that does sound like a good idea, Arcalla! We’ll cast lots!

ARCALLA: What do you mean, we?

FELIX: You guys don’t mind me being in on it too, do you?

ARCALLA: grumbling tone I guess not. If you insist on it.

FELIX: with much enthusiasm Who’s got the dice?

ARCALLA: Here’s mine.

FELIX: You roll ‘em first.

Soldiers squat down in semi-circle to roll dice, in turn. There’s much excitement and suspense. Felix is last and wins!

FELIX: I win! I win! Winner takes all! Remember?

Grumbling soldiers gather clothes together. Arcalla rolls sandals & tunic up in a bundle and ties it. Hands bundle and robe to Felix.

ARCALLA:  Here you are, you lucky old so and so.

Felix tries on robe. Strides back and forth, much pleased with the robe, and with himself.

FELIX: Ah! It fits perfectly! Just like it was made for me. Well, now that this is all settled, let’s tear these crosses down. Removes robe and puts it aside. Before our Centurion gets back!

GAVERUS: Is the Centurion going to run an inspection?

FELIX: I don’t know if he will run an inspection, as such, or not. He just told me that he had been called to come to the hail of Pontius Pilate and that he would be back out here at Golgotha before sundown!

Soldiers take down cross on left. Start taking it apart. They work without enthusiasm. The Centurion arrives, walking slowly. He is evidently in a downcast mood.

FELIX: salutes and addresses The Centurion Sir, is anything wrong? You look almost ill! Can I send and get you a bit of wine or something? One of the soldiers here could run and--

CENTURION: No, no, thank you. I’ll be all right. sits down on rude bench It’s just that this crucifixion was the worst one I ever had to carry out. I can’t get over it--especially seeing the middle one die.

FELIX: Well, Sir, it’s all finished now. Think about it this way: these thieves and revolutionaries and murderers here in Jerusalem bring it on themselves. They deserve to die!

CENTURION: The one who died on the middle cross was no criminal! He was. Jesus of Nazareth. He didn’t deserve to die.

FELIX: I know one thing about that man that hung on the middle cross: He had two very, very rich friends! And those two men--whoever they were--came here just about an Ixur ago and took down the body. ... And I wish you could have seen the fine linen they wrapped it in. I know it was linen from Egypt! And burial spices! I never saw the like! Those two men had to be rich to afford all that imported spice and that fine Egyptian cloth!

CENTURION: One of them was Joseph of Aramathea, a rich ruler of the Jews. I was still in Pilate’s chambers when he came to Pilate and asked permission to place the body in his own new tomb.

FELIX: Who was the other rich man? I’d like to get acquainted with him!

CENTURION: It was probably a ruler and teacher of Israel named Nicodemus. I happen to know that Nicodemus and Joseph of Aramathea both believed on this Jesus of Nazareth.

FELIX: Believed on him? What do you mean , Sir?

CENTURION: They believed this Jesus was the Son of God!

FELIX: The Son of God? Sir, I don’t see--

CENTURION: All of his close followers beieved him to be the Son of God! I know a couple of his disciples. One of them is a big fisherman named Simon Peter. And he told me a lot about what people said of this Jesus. Once he told me that there was no doubt about Jesus being the Son of God.

Spotlight picks up Scene 2.

Scene 2

The Christ Figure and 12 disciples are walking near the coasts of Caesarea Philippi. This scene--very brief--simply moves across ballroom floor. The group talk as they walk, pausing briefly in center stage for the key lines.

SIMON PETER: We should reach the coasts of Caesarea Philippi within an hour.

DISCIPLE JOHN: I wish we were there now. This long journey has made me weary. Master, are you weary?

CHRIST FIGURE: Not so weary. As we go on our way, there’s something I should like to ask all of you.

Group pauses

JOHN: Just ask us. Master, we will tell you anything.

PETER: If we know the answer, we surely will tell you. Truthfully.

CHRIST FIGURE: Whom do men say I the Son of man am?

JOHN: Some say that you are John the Baptist come back to life!

PETER: Others think you must be Elijah. Or one of the other old prophets.

JOHN: Many, many people say that one of the old prophets is risen again. They often mention Jeremiah.

PETER: Yes, if you were to ask the ordinary person whom he thinks you are, he would call the name of one of the three--John the Baptist, Elijah, or Jeremiah.

CHRIST FIGURE: But whom say you that I am?

SIMON PETER: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

CHRIST FIGURE: Simon Peter, Flesh and Blood have not revealed this to you, but My Father which is in heaven.

Spotlight goes back to Felix and Centurion. C. F. and disciples move into position for marriage feast.

FELIX: So his disciples thought he was the Son of God? I find that-- It’s-- Why, Sir, it’s impossible for me to believe that!

CENTURION: I believe it!

FELIX: You’ve been stationed over here a long time haven’t you, Sir?

CENTURION: Oh, yes. I’ve been attached to Pilate’s headquarters in Caesarea a long time. And before that I was assigned right here in Jerusalem. I’ve watched this Jesus--for about three years--I’ve watched him going about the countryside, teaching, and heating and performing miracles!

FELIX: Miracles? What sort of miracles?

CENTURION: The first miracle he ever performed in public was at a wedding. A big wedding in Cana of Galilee. There were people there from all over, especially from Nazareth. Of course Jesus was there, and his disciples had been invited, too. And Mary, his mother. There were so many people at the marriage feast that they soon drank up all the wine.

Voice trails off, as spotlight picks up Scene 3, the Marriage Feast.

Scene 3

A round banquet table is spread. Some guests are seated. Others are walking about, talking, laughing. Three servants weave their way in and out among the guests, bearing large trays of fruits and other foods. Jesus is not seated at the table. Rather, he sits on a low bench at right stage. Some five persons are gathered round him, intent on hearing him. Mary and two other women are on left stage, talking together. The Governor of the Feast is everywhere at one time, issuing orders to the servants, consulting with the bridegroom, having something of a merry time himself.

GOVERNOR of the FEAST: Let us have a toast to the bride and groom!

All GUESTS: To the bride and groom!

GOVERNOR: May Jehovah, the God of our fathers, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, make his face to shine on you and bless you!

GUESTS in unison Jehovah Bless you! All lift glasses in toast

GOVERNOR: to a boy servant who carries a huge platter of grapes Step lively, Boy! This is a wedding feast! Not a funeral!

BOY SERVANT: very nervously Yes, sir! Yes, sir!

GOVERNOR: Put those grapes on the table and go bring in some figs! And more dates!

BOY SERVANT: Yes, sir! I will, sir!

GOVERNOR: walks over toward bridegroom and beckons him to come aside for a minute Is the feast going all right, Sir? Is everything satisfactory?

BRIDEGROOM: very merry Everything is perfect! Couldn’t be better! Starts to resume his place at the table, then turns back to talk to Governor You might bring out some more wine! I want to propose another toast. Perhaps two more toasts!

GOVERNOR: Very good, Sir. I’ll see to it right away. Governor rushes over to Boy Servant, who is just setting the grapes on the table Boy, I thought I told you to step lively! You go back in the kitchen and tell the chief servant that I said to bring out more wine!

BOY SERVANT: But-- But-- But, Sir, the wine’s all gone!

GOVERNOR: The wine is all gone? Don’t you tell me that, Boy! You servants have been drinking it up! That’s what! grabs his collar You get some wine in here, or else! makes motion to show how he could slit the boy’s throat Boy rushes away. He runs to get Chief Servant, and in their excitement they both bump into Nary, the mother of Jesus, Both are very apologetic and bow and apologize profusely.

CHIEF SERVANT: Madam, we’re sorry! Very sorry! We didn’t intend to bump into you!

BOY SERVANT: Oh, Madam, we didn’t see you! Please forgive us, Madam!

MARY: That’s all right. It couldn’t be helped. You seem quite upset! Is something wrong?

C. S.: Oh, Madam, we are in terrible trouble! The Governor of the Feast has ordered us to bring in more wine! But the wine is all gone! I don’t know what to do! We could send into the village for more, but that would take hours!

MARY: Why don’t you speak to my Son? He can help you.

C. S.: Your son is a wine merchant?

MARY: Oh, no. He is not a wine merchant. But He will help you.

C. S.: Which guest is your son, Madam?

Mary: There! points to Christ Figure The man in the purple robe. He wears his new robe today. It doesn’t have a seam in it! But then you’re not interested in robes! You’re anxious for wine for the wedding feast. Go to my Son!

C. S. much surprised Oh! That’s Jesus of NazaDethl Madam, I didn’t recognize you! You must be the wife of Joseph, the Carpenter of Nazareth!

MARY: Yes, I am Mary of Nazareth. Go speak to my Son about the wine. And whatever He says to you, do it!

Two servants approach Christ Figure, bow. Persons near C.F. move aside so that servants can talk with Him.

C. S.: Sir, can you help us? Your mother said you could!

CHRIST FIGURE: Ah, my mother! Already, she knows that all power is given to me in Heaven and in earth. Why do you need help?

C. S.: The wine for the wedding feast is all used up! There is no more! And the Governor of the Feast is furious with us servants. He is demanding that we serve more wine! wrings hands There is no more wine!

CHRIST FIGURE: Do you have some water jars?

C. S.: Oh yes! lere are plenty of water pots! Right over here on this shelf. Points to earthen jars on low shelf. But they are empty right now.

CHRIST FIGURE: Fill the water pots--to the brim.

C. S.: To Boy, in kind tone Boy, run get water! Fresh water! Get some help and bring enough to fill these three pots! To C. F. and disciples standing nearby I’ve never seen such a marriage feast in Cana! So many guests! From near and far!

CHRIST FIGURE: to the group, as they wait for the water to be brought The kingdom of Heaven is like unto a marriage feast. The Father bids all who will to come. ... Now when any of you make a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makes a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee; for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. Luke 14:13, 14

Boy Servant and another servant hurry in with jars of water. Chief Servant takes these and fills up the water jars. He waits for Christ Figure to give more instructions.

C. S.: What shall we do now? Before C. F. can answer, Chief Servant discovers the water is now wine. Look! Look! It’s wine! It’s wine! Red wine!

CHRIST FIGURE: Go and give it all to the Governor of the Feast.

Christ Figure sits back down. Disciples gather around Him, as before. Servants hurry to the Governor of the Feast, who is on the opposite side of the room.

GOVERNOR of FEAST: Well! It’s about time you got here with some wine! Let me taste it before you serve it. Servant quickly pours wine into Governor’s wine glass--in such a manner that audience can see red oolthr.) Hu-mm! licks his lips Let me taste of that again! Yum-yum! licks lips even more noticeably Pour me some more of that!

Gulps down glassful, hurries to call Bridegroom aside and brings him over to see the wine.

Sir, in my time, I’ve managed many a wedding feast! Dozens of wedding feasts! But never, never have I seen this done! Taste of this wine!

Bridegroom tastes wine. Governor keeps talking.

Always, it‘s customary at the beginning of a feast to set forth good wine. Then, when all the men have had plenty, serve that which is not such fine quality. But you, Sir! You have kept the good wine until now!

BRIDEGROOM: Well, I don’t know how that happened! Is is delicious! So bring it on to the table!

Bridegroom hurries back to the table. Two younger servants pick up jars. Governor gets himself another glassful and staggers away.

CHIEF SERVANT: to younger servants We know how the good wine happened!

Young servants go to pour wine. Chief Servant goes back to speak to Mary.

C. S.: bowing to Mary Madam, your 3on, Jesus of Nazareth performed a miracle! He turned water into wine!

MARY: I’m glad.

C. S.: You said to do whatever he said to me! He made wine! Good wine, out of plain water! All I did was to obey him!

MARY: I am very glad. If only all men would obey Him!

Chief Servant joins semicircle of persons near Christ Figure. Mary steps away from feast scene. Spotlight follows her. She sings solo “God’s Love, the Wine for Thee” to the audience (see below). Figures in scene leave quietly. At end of Mary’s solo, spotlight goes back to Felix and Centurion.

Scene 4

FELIX: Great Jupiter! What a miracle! Turning plain water into wine! This Jesus must have been some sort of a magician. Picks up robe and gets quite excited Say, Sir, do you suppose if I wear this robe, some of his magic will rub off on me?

CENTURION: No, no, Felix, don’t get the wrong idea! It wasn’t magic. It was the power of God. But, seeing this robe picks up robe again makes me thing about one day--it’s been a couple of years ago now--one day while I was on leave, I went over to the Sea of Galilee. And on the way over there, I came upon a big crowd of people ganged up around this Jesus. Wherever he went the multitudes followed him, bringing all manner of sick people to be healed. And I remember there was one old woman sick with a plague, and she kept wailing and begging to get up close.

Spotlight picks up large crowd of people gathered about Christ Figure. Some are elbowing their way closer. Several are obviously crippled, blind, sick. One man leads his teenage son, who keeps falling down. Two blind men grope their way to the crowd, holding on to each other and begging someone to show them the way to Jesus. Woman with Plague is nearest audience.

WOMAN with PLAGUE: Please! Please make room! Let me get through I Let me just get close to Him!--Please!--If you’ll just let rne touch the hem of his garment! That’s all I want to do! Touch his robe! I’ve been sick for years! I’ve spent every mite I have going to the doctors, and they can’t do a thing! Somebody, just help me get to where I can touch the hem of his robe! That will make me well!

Woman manages to get close enough to touch hem of robe Christ Figure wears. Then, she rushes back to edge of crowd.

CHRIST FIGURE: to the crowd Who touched my raiment?

DISCIPLE JOHN: Why, Master, anybody could have brushed against your robe! With all these people so close here, any one of them--maybe two or three--could have touched you.

SIMON PETER: bustling up closer to Christ Figure Why do you ask, Master? Did somebody tear your robe, or something?

CHRIST FIGURE: I felt power go forth from me--healing power. Someone touched me and was made well.

Woman now healed of the plague comes back, very much afraid. She kneels at the feet of the Christ Figure.

WOMAN: Oh, Master, have mercy! Forgive me! I touched the hem of your robe! And my plague was gone! I could feel my tortured body healed. For twelve long years I had been sick and I wanted so much to be well! Forgive me!

CHRIST FIGURE: Daughter, thy faith has made the whole. Go in peace.

WOMAN: My Master! And my Lord! bows again to the ground, rises, and moves into the crowd

Two blind persons are groping their way toward the throng of people. They hold to each other, use canes, beg for guidance.

1ST BLIND PERSON: Is Jesus of Nazareth here? We heard that Jesus of Nazareth is here!

2ND BLIND PERSON: Show us the way to the Son of David, who can make the blind to see!

1ST BLIND PERSON: Jesus is here, isn’t he?

BYSTANDER: Yes, Jesus of Nazareth is here. Many have come to be healed. Just now one poor woman just touched the hem of his robe and she was made well.

2ND BLIND PERSON: Lead us to him! He can open our eyes.

BYSTANDER: Come this way. We’ll walk around on the left side. Go slow so that you will not run into any of the others who are lame and halt and blind. Many are waiting to be healed.

Father with epileptic son accidentally bumps into two blind persons. Son fails on ground, writhes about.

FATHER: Oh, I’m very sorry! My son is so dreadfully ill!

BYSTANDER: Let’s let this father take his afflicted son to Jesus first. And we will follow him. Both of you stay right here. I’ll help with the boy and then come back and lead you to the Great Physician.

Crowd parts, making way for Man and Bystander to half carry, half lead writhing boy to Jesus.

FATHER: Master, I have brought my son who has an evil spirit. Many times it has tried to destroy him by making him fall into the fire, or into the water. If you can do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.

CHRIST FIGURE: If you can believe. All things are possible to him that beliveth.

FATHER: crying out, with tears Lord, I believe. Help mine unbelief! Christ Figure lifts boy by the hand. He stands up, smiles. Father embraces son.

FATHER: My son! My son! He has made you whole! It is true! His words are true! “All things are possible to him that believeth!”

Spotlight shifts to Christ Figure, momentarily, to show him placing his hands on the eyes of the two blind persons.

CHRIST FIGURE: Faith has made your eyes to see!

The Father begins singing “If Thou Canst Believe...” (see below). He is joined by the Woman healed of the Plague, his son, the two blind persons who now see, and the Bystander. Father does solo part. Others do sections of song. Light returns to Centurion and Felix.

CENTURION: to Felix I saw this Jesus of Nazareth perform many such healing miracles. It is no wonder his followers believed He was the Son of God. For three years, he went about...

FELIX: excuse me for interrupting you, Sir, but here comes a soldier, who looks like a messenger. That is , he has a scroll in his hand.

CENTURION: I’m willing to bet you my last denarius that he is a messenger from Pontius Pilate. Yes, I know him. He is from a detail assigned to the hall of Pilate. There must be some trouble-- Probably a riot!

Centurion and Felix rise

MESSENGER: walking straight to Centurion, and saluting Sir, here’s a sealed message. From Pontius Pilate. I was or4ered to deliver it to you in person.

CENTURION: takes scroll, breaks seal and reads message to himself, mumbling loudly: Of all the foolish things! turning to messenger But don’t let Pontius Pilate hear I said so!

MESSENGER: What is it sir? Is it bad?

CENTURION: No. It’s not bad! It’s just useless! I’ve been in the Roman Army fifteen years and I never had such orders before! I am ordered to post guards at the tomb of this crucified Jesus of Nazareth!

FELIX: Guard his tomb?

CENTURION: That’s Pilate’s order. We have to keep a watch there in that garden where his friends buried him--every night for the next three days!

FELIX: Why, Sir?

CENTURION: Oh, the Jewish authorities went to Pilate and told him that the twelve disciples of Jesus might come and steal the body by night and say that he arose from the dead.

FELIX: Now, I’ve heard everything! Will you post guards?

CENTURION: Of course! Orders are orders. You and your detail, here, finish taking down the crosses, then come on back to the barracks. I’ll work up a tomb--guarding roster. You and your detail may as well be at the top of the list. I’m not going to wait for that wine. I’m going to go on back with the messenger.

FELIX: Yes, sir.

Centurion leaves without messenger. Felix picks up the raiment and talks to himself as he rejoins the four soldiers who are taking down the crosses. By this time, only the center cross is standing.

FELIX: to himself I just wonder about that man whose tomb we soldiers have to guard. Was he the Son of God? He turned water to wine! And did all manner of other miracles. My Centurion believes he was divine! I almost half--believe it myself. shakes head No, no! He couldn’t be the Son of God! ... This crucifixion and orders to guard the tomb is all a strange business. Looks closely at robe

Oh, well, at least I got myself a good robe out of the whole thing. Tosses robe over his shoulder and tucks bundle pith sandals and tunic under his arm.

FELIX: to soldiers All right, guys, knock down that other cross and let’s go. It’s nearly chow time.

LUCIUS: picking upKing of the Jewssign What are we going to do with this “King of the Jews” sign?

FELIX: Nothing! We may as well throw it away. takes sign and looks at it, reads it aloud “King of the Jews.” If it read “Son of God,” I might keep it as a souvenir.

LUCIUS: Felix, sometimes we wonder about you!

CURTAIN on Act I

ACT II, Scene 1.

It is night, on the eve of the Resurrection. Soldiers Otholus and Gaverus are standing guard at the Tomb, one on one side of the rock which seals the door, the other on the other. Arcalla and Lucius--accompanied by Felix--arrive to take their places. Felix still has the clothing which the Christ had worn. The robe is draped carelessly across one arm.

OTHOLUS: Are we ever glad to see you guys!

GAVERUS: Yeah! We’re tired of standing here guarding this tomb! If you ask me, the whole thing is ridiculous!

FELIX: Has anything happened?

OTHOLUS: Nothing! Absolutely nothing! We’ve just been standing here! For four hours!

GAVERUS: Felix, I see you’re still carrying around that bundle of clothes and that good robe you won yesterday. What are you doing that for?

FELIX: No particular reason. I just haven’t been back to the barracks yet. But right now I’m going to leave all these clothes here--with Lucius and Arcalla. I have sort of a special errand--into the city!

Places clothes on a clump of rocks not far from the tomb.

LUCIUS: Special errand! Yeah, real special! You’re going into the city to call on your new girl friend, I bet! turning to Arcalla Isn’t that what you say, Arcafla?

ARCALLA: Yeah! Old Felix is going to see his new girl friend!

FELIX: Could be! Could be! But, you two better not count on it! I’ll be back out here to check on you--long before daylight! Guarding this tomb is a crazy assignment. But it’s got to be guarded right! Understand?

LUCIUS: Sure, Felix! You can count on us. We’re not going to go to sleep, if that’s what you’re worrying about!

FELIX: I’m not worried. See you later.

Felix leaves with Otholus and Gaverus. Lucius and Arcalla take up their post. There is a short interval of quiet music. Then, loud music, thunder-effect sounds, followed by bright, bright lights! Two angels appear. Lucius and Arcafla are so frightened that they slump to the ground, becoming “as dead men.”

1ST ANGEL: looking down at soldiers Poor Roman Soldiers! Little do they know! All the guards from all the armies of the world could not keep this tomb sealed!

First angel easily rolls away stone.

2ND ANGEL: Few men of this earth can comprehend God’s plans! Or, His ways. picks up clothing lying on rocks The soldier who left these clothes here did not know he left them! He couldn’t know the Son of God would need them again. But the Father in Heaven knew.

Second Angel enters tomb, carrying the clothes. Spotlight shifts to group of women approaching tomb, with spices.

Scene 2

Mary Magdalene, Salome, and the Other Mary come to the garden, carrying burial spices with which to anoint the body of Christ. One carries a candle, for it is yet dark. They pause as their conversation begins.

MARY MAGDALENE: Let us wait here until daybreak. Just as soon as dawn comes, we can easily fine the tomb. It’s the new tomb of Joseph of Aramathea.

SALOME: I do hope we have brought enough burial spices.

OTHER MARY: in frantic tone Oh, I just thought of something!

SALOME: What?

OTHER MARY: Who will roll away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?

MARY MAGDALENE: I hadn’t thought of that either. Perhaps all three of us together can push it back.

OTHER MARY: I doubt it. Stones used at tombs are enormous. But we can try.

SALOME: Let’s walk a bit farther, because it’s getting lighter. In a few minutes we won’t need this candle.

Light shifts back to Angels at the tomb.

1ST ANGEL: I see followers of Jesus coming!

2ND ANGEL: Yes, women who bring burial spices. They’ll be frightened when they see us!

1ST ANGEL: Let’s speak softly to them. And, just explain that they don’t need burial spices here! It may be hard for them to understand that their Lord is risen.

As women reach tomb area, they are terrified when they see the Angels. They huddle together.

ALL WOMEN: in gasping, incredulous tone Angels! Look! Angels from Heaven! And the stone! It is already roiled away!

MARY MAGDALENE: I am so frightened!

OTHER MARY: What shall we do?

SALOME: I don’t know what to do! Let’s wait and see if they leave.

Spotlight picks up Felix, who has just returned to the garden. Felix stays in background, partially hidden by shrubbery. Audience can see him.

FELIX: Great Jupiter! Angels! Something’s going on here! Where’d these angels come from? What are they doing here? And those women! Where are my two fine guards? Just look at them! They look like dead men! They must have been so frightened they fainted! I don’t feel so brave myself!

Spotlight goes back to women, as First Angel approaches them. Women are still huddled together.

1ST ANGEL: Fear not! I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

Angel directs women to look into door of tomb. Felix creeps closer. The women cautiously look into door of tomb. Then, they are incredulous.

MARY MAGDALENE: He is risen!

SALOME: Yes! He is not in the tomb!

OTHER MARY: Now, I remember he said he would rise again! Back in Galilee, our Lord told us he would be crucified at the hands of sinful men. And the third day rise again! And this is the third day!

2ND ANGEL: Go quickly and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee. There shall you see Him.

1ST ANGEL: Lo, we have told you. Go quickly. Tell his disciples that He is risen.

Women turn to leave. Angels fade into background. Spotlight picks up Felix. While Felix talks to himself, he follows the women. Immediately after he speaks the women encounter the Christ Figure in another part of the garden.

FELIX: to himself This is incredible! The tomb is empty! Angels saying this Jesus has risen from the dead! I’ll follow these women till they leave this garden! Then I’ll see if I can’t revive the guards.

Felix sees Christ Figure. He is almost speechless!

FELIX: That’s him! That’s that Jesus! His clothes! He’s got on his own clothes! I left those clothes right over there on those rocks! Yes, they’re gone! He’s wearing them! He is alive! Felix gasps again. Now I know he is the Son of God!

Three women fall at feet of the Christ Figure.

WOMEN: Master! Master! You are risen from the grave!

CHRIST FIGURE: to women “Go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”

Women rise and as they leave the spotlight shifts to Felix

Scene 3

FELIX: He is the Son of God! He is! He is! Rushes to grab up sleeping guards, shakes them good, as he keeps talking in very excited tones Wake up! Wake up! He is the Son of God!

ARCALLA: rubbing his eyes What happened?

FELIX: I’m trying to tell you what happened! God’s Son lives!

LUCIUS: rousing up, shaking himself Felix? What did you say, Felix?

FELIX: I’m trying to explain to you guys that while you were asleep angels came down from heaven and opened this tomb! And that the crucified man who was in there dead is not dead now! He lives! He is the SON OF GOD!

LUCIUS: Felix, I don’t know what you’re talking about, but please don’t report us to our Centurion!

ARCALLA: No, please don’t report us! Honest to goodness, Felix, we didn’t go to sleep. Something just happened to us! Please don’t tell the Centurion. Oh, my word, here comes our Centurion now!

Centurion approaches.

LUCIUS: Felix, quick, think of something to tell him! All this will have to be reported to the authorities! But don’t tell that we went to sleep on guard duty!

FELIX: You two can tell the Centurion anything you want. I am going to tell the world that the Crucified and Resurrected One is the Son of God! And each time I tell His story, I will add these words: “By a game of chance, I wore His robe! The robe of God’s Son touched me!”

Felix begins singing Grand Finale song (see below). Entire cast comes on stage and joins in singing.

THE END

Cast remains on stage to serve as choir during ceremony of “The Cross of Flower Petals.” Medley of Easter hymns is used.



 














Words for “The Touch of the Robe, theme song for play of same name.

Sung by Felix and the entire cast, as the Grand Finale.

It takes the form of a dialogue between Felix and the members of the cast, as he recalls and tries to understand what manner of man the Christ was, why and how He died, and His Rsurrection.

Felix sings a prologue, as it were. Then comes the dialogue. Then, an epilogue-summary.

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“The Touch of the Robe”

Felix:
By a mere game of chance I wore his robe!
The robe of God’s Son touched me!
This will I tell again and again:
The robe of God’s Son touched me!

The touch of the robe was the touch of God!
This is true! Would you not agree? (Felix is addressing the cast.)

Cast:
The touch of the robe was the touch of God!

Felix:
As we took down the cross where He had died,
Never knowing who He might be,
We soldiers rolled the dice in the dust,
Just to gain a garment there free.

“A cloak without seam! Oh, I must have that!”
Each man wanted the robe to wear.
But wearing that robe has chang-ed my life.
The Crucified one seems now dear.

Cast:
The touch of the robe will change any life,
Make The Crucified one seem dear.

Felix:
I marvel at Jesus and how he died.
What manner of man then was he?

Cast:
A man of sorrows, acquainted with grief,
Bruised for our iniquity.
We saw him wounded for our transgressions,
As prophets foretold He would be.

Felix:
Did He not make many miracles great?
Even turning water into wine!
Did He not heal all manner of illness,
Showing Himself to be divine!

Cast:
Jesus did make many miracles great,
Even turning water to wine!
Yes, He did heal all manner of illness,
Showing Himself God’s Son divine!

Felix:
Then why did He choose to die between thieves,
To suffer, to hang on the cross?

Cast:
He came as the Lamb to be sacrificed,
To Him, this death was not a loss.
To redeem the world which God so loved,
Christ was willing to bear the cross.

Felix:
When He had died, friends laid Him in the tomb;
A wonderful thing did happen.

Two soldiers of Rome stood guard at His grave;
God closed their eyes in deep sleep.
As angels came down to move the great stone,
Daughters of Judah came to weep.

Sweet spices they brought to anoint the dead,
But they found their Lord had risen!
”See this place where He lay,” the angels said.
”He is not here. He is risen!”

Then I saw the Christ walk through the garden.
I know indeed He is risen!

Cast:
Jesus, our Lord, conquered death and the grave!
The Crucified One is risne!

Felix:
I, a Roman soldier who saw these things,
Think now of Him whose robe I wore.
Christ the Lord is God’s Son!
God’s Son shall live forevermore!

By wearing His robe, I found Christ, my God.
Twas by chance His robe touched me.
The touch of the robe is the touch of God!
Will you then let His robe touch thee?

All:
The touch of the robe is the touch of God!
Let His Robe touch thee!

--Jewell Ellen Smith