A Handful of Nails. Lapel mikes would be useful for many of the characters

Transcription

1 A Handful of Nails Theme: Sound: Lighting: First hand report on the crucifixion. A segmented drama includes two monologues. The "thread" that ties this complete Easter drama together is the conversation between the two thieves that were on the other two crosses. We also hear from Judas as he has second thoughts, from the carpenter that built the cross, Simon of Cyrene, Mary, the disciples, Mary and Martha, (sisters of Lazarus), at the tomb. A wonderful drama with suggested music, (One Drop of Blood and Does He Still Feel The Nails), by Ray Boltz. Uses a split stage where action alternates between sets 1 and 2. Requires little in sets, props or special effects. Lapel mikes would be useful for many of the characters Some lighting control and a followspot if available. Costuming: Biblical period clothing Cast: Central theme: Elishua (el-ee-shu-ah) Benaiah, (ben-ay-ah) Ishpan (ISH-pan) Off stage voice of Guard Sin of the Follower Judas Guard off-stage voice Annas off-stage voice Caiaphas other off-stage voices Carpenter Segment Simon of Cyrene Monologue Monologue Golgotha Jesus Mary John Centurion Cornelius Several soldiers, priests, crowd (note these roles are very small and can be combined) Bringing Good of Evil Mary sister of Lazurus Martha, sister of Lazurus A Handful of Nails Page 1

2 Thomas, the disciple Centurion Cornelius Dawn of Belief Mary Magdalene Joanna Narrator Suggested Songs: Feel The Nails by Ray Boltz One Drop Of Blood by Ray Boltz Time: 60 Script: Elishua is standing at upstage Set 1. Benaiah and Ishpan are thrown into the set, sprawl on floor, the off-stage voice of unseen guard is heard Guard: Into this holding pen then, until the carpenter finishes his little gift for you! Let s see, standard issue cross should do quite well, don t you think? (laughs) Welcome to my humble abode! Don t you like the strong iron bars for windows, the dirt floor packed hard by hundreds of shackled feet? May I ask, what brings you two gentlemen calling today? Fool! How can you make jokes when you know full well our next stop will be Golgotha? Joke? Why not? The reality of crucifixion will hit quickly enough, allow me if you will, a few last moments of optimism. Optimism? And of what can we be optimistic, whoever you may be? Elishua ben Jona, robber extraordinaire, at your service. And by what name may I refer to you two? Doomed perhaps! Though the world knows me by the name of Benaiah, I have known many aliases, each recruited when a new identity seems wise. And those whose throats I have slit care not whether my name be Benaiah or Caiaphas. And a fine humour you have as well, may I declare, however I doubt that Caiaphas would chuckle that a murderer place himself on the same level A Handful of Nails Page 2

3 as the high priest. But, yes, it is doomed we all are, no doubting that. And, you sir? The name is Ishpan, and like Benaiah was found guilty of robbery, if you would know. Would you two mind keeping your humour and your observations to yourselves? Allow me to make what I can of my last few minutes. Look the soldiers are bringing in another prisoner. Wonder what he has done? Done? And since when does one need to do something in this Godforsaken town to be brought to trial? Benaiah! One could hardly count either of us as guiltless. We are worthy of our penalty. Yet, he out there does not look the ruffian. Whether worthy or whether not, makes no matter, should Pilate decide to exercise ius gladii at his whim. All it costs them is a mere handful of nails! Ius gladii, oh yes, Pilate does takes delight in his power to pronounce death penalty. Look at the crowd out there, not only will that poor fool be crucified, he has been made into a laughing stock by all of them. Yes, Roman soldier and Jew alike, making the poor fool the butt of their cruel and ugly jokes. Strange how barbarism makes friends and cohorts of those who otherwise would gladly slit each other s throats. Look at the crowd; they have placed a purple cloak on his shoulders, woven thorns into kind of a crown. Why do they do this? Who is the prisoner that they would treat him this fashion? Where have you been? Have you not heard of the self-proclaimed King of the Jews, the supposed long-awaited Messiah, Jesus the Christ? Oh, another Messiah declared? I have just traveled through Alexandria and Rome and in either city it seems there are those on every street corner purporting to be the true Messiah. In Alexandria, Rome or elsewhere yes, I can see this, for in those unenlightened areas anyone making a statement is likely to be heard. But here in Jerusalem? I find that strange, bizarre! A Handful of Nails Page 3

4 Look around you Benaiah, these are strange, bizarre times! Our nation have waited in desperation, to the point of frenzy, for the Messiah long promised! See how they mock Him! Raw hatred for all he stands for! Why such universal hatred for the man? Ishpan, hatred today yes, but only a few days ago all these same people, save those closely affiliated with the Sanhedrin, all, to a man, hailed His triumphant entry to this same city! Why, what has He done to make this change in their opinions? He, what has he done you ask? What would any person have to do to change the minds and hearts of a leaderless people? Perhaps you haven t noticed.... the scene out there is a mob, and mob rule requires no rational thinking, only a scheming instigator. And, behold, the instigator, Caiaphas, the chief priest! Why would the chief priest take interest in a delusional self-appointed prophet? Perhaps for the same reason as Pontius Pilate and Herod have such a tenuous relationship. And that would be? Jealousy, jealousy my good man! Caiaphas fears that any other man s shadow fall longer than his own lest the gullible Jewish nation pick up and follow in his retinue! So this Messiah has called the nation to rise up against authority? Rise up against authority, the opposite actually, His teaching tells his followers to submit to those in authority, even to pray for their enemies. Delusional, I take it. Take care that you do not confuse delusion with discernment. The man is no fool, He is a healer of sicknesses, I am told he has even raised people from the dead. No, don t write Him off as the fool; Caiaphas himself made that mistake early and has lived to rue his lack of judgment. I can t believe my eyes! The man is being treated worse than a mangy dog yet he is looking at His tormentors without hatred, even with love. A Handful of Nails Page 4

5 How, why does He not react as all hunted animals do? Is He not a normal, ordinary human man? Elisuah: Elisuah: A normal, ordinary human man? No, of course He is not! What then, some god? Behold, the son of the one true God. The son of the one true God? What foolish drivel, surely you don t for a moment believe that He is the Son of God? Yes, of course He is! That man before you is the Messiah. And after their gamesmanship, their torturing Him, they will crucify Him this same day. Elishua, this time you ramblings have gone too far! We three will indeed be put to death today, but this man can not. He has only been tried today, the law provides that sentence not be carried out until the day following. And you very well know that tomorrow, being a Holy day, no execution will be carried out. The man will have a few days to wait for whatever sentence is pronounced here. The law? Fool who makes the law? And those who make the laws can most easily bend or break them to suit their whim. No, the Messiah will die today. Look the pathetic little man crying there at the outside edge of the crowd. A supporter of your Messiah perhaps? Some good your friend s tears will do now for either he or your Messiah! My friend, I think not! No friend of the Messiah either! Behold the traitor, Judas of Kerioth! He who was by Jesus side, posing as a friend, all the while stealing from the treasury over which he had control, and finally, for the few filthy coins he now clutches in that purse, he sold the Messiah as a lamb to the slaughter. You mean this man from Kerioth was a follower, turned traitor? I question that he ever was a believer, but though there be doubt in that, there is no doubt that it was he who sold Jesus, the Christ to the Sanhedrin, and who identified Him with a kiss to the Messiah s cheek. See, see this traitor now, running off to the temple to talk with his fiendish friends! Yes, so he is, and I saw that the Sanhedrin are in meeting, they all entered that door only as we were being led here. But this traitor is not acting like A Handful of Nails Page 5

6 one who has triumphed, he is crying, tearing his clothing as he approaches the temple. Do you suppose the traitor has changed his mind? Yes, I can believe that, (laughs scornfully), as sure as I believe that a snake raises up off his belly and stands upright on two hind feet! Besides, what difference would his relenting make, even if that should happen? No, the die has been cast, the Messiah is as good as a dead man. He is approaching the guard at the temple lights down on Set 1, up on Set 2 Sin of The Follower segment Cast - Judas Guard Off Stage Voices - Annas (older voice) Caiaphas several others (older voices) Lighting - one followspot Sound - two lapel mikes. Offstage sounds could possibly be pre-recorded Costumes - Judas and the guard will have period costumes Set - backdrop at Set 2 upstage indicates a house, at center stage is a rough doorway which Judas approaches to give the impression of entering a room. Script Judas comes in from back of sanctuary, runs down the aisle, up on stage. While running he screams at the top of his voice. Judas: Please! Listen to me! I must talk to you. There has been a terrible mistake! As Judas comes to door, Guard comes out. Guard: You! Stop that noise! The Sanhedrin is meeting, you will be... Judas: Guard: The chief priests, the elders! I must see them! No one is allowed in there! A Handful of Nails Page 6

7 Judas: I must see them, and now, before it is too late! I have betrayed innocent blood! An innocent man is about to die! I must stop them! Caiaphas talks from offstage: Guards, the racket, what is happening out there? Did I not tell you we were not to be disturbed? Now tell the person to... Guard: Sorry Caiaphas, sir, this man demands to see you and the rest, he... Judas pushes the guard out of the way, rushes through the door, Guard follows him. Judas and Guard are only ones on stage, all others are voices from offstage. Judas and Guard act and react as though the others were right there in front of them, just offstage around the corner. Judas: Caiaphas: I must see you Caiaphas! I must explain to you and the elders! A terrible wrong is about to be.. Oh, it s you, what s your name,.. ah, yes, Judas, Judas Iscariot! And just what brings you here again, Judas Iscariot? I thought our business had been concluded. You have received what you bargained for, the thirty pieces of silver. And as for us, why we too are well satisfied with the transaction which we made, right, friends? There is a stir of voices in the background, murmuring approval, agreement, some laughter. Judas: Caiaphas: But you don t understand! I was wrong! He is innocent! You, wrong? Him, innocent? (laughs) Well, well! Quite a change in thinking from just two days ago! Remember, Judas Iscariot, remember how anxious you were then for His riddance! What, then, man? You, Judas Iscariot, you have your wish, and, we,... we have our wish as well, do we not, good friends of the Sanhedrin! (Again sounds of agreement, laughter). Judas: But you don t understand! I was wrong! We were all wrong! He is... Caiaphas: See here, my good man! Wrong you may be! Wrong we are not! Even now, as we speak, He is on His way. He, who seemed to enjoy His walks about the country, He is now on a final walk, up the hill to Calvary! Were we wrong? I think not! (Again sounds of agreement, laughter). Judas: Caiaphas: But, that s just it, listen to me, He must not die! We dare not murder the Son of God! Come here to me you little weasel! Today has ended all talk of sons of God! Now, then, look into my face you, you, parasite! And listen to my every word! We shall hear no more talk of this Jesus, your dear, dear friend! (laughs) Yes, a dear, dear friend of your s, was He not? Such a dear friend that you betrayed Him, didn t you, you, vermin! So don t try to impress us with aspirations toward A Handful of Nails Page 7

8 eleventh hour integrity! You have taken our money in payment for your deed. We have no more reason to have you around us! Judas: Caiaphas: Judas: Caiaphas: Judas: But here, here is your money, every last coin! See, count it! And just why would we want your money, your blood money, Judas Iscariot? Take it and go, you.. No, listen to me, you must take the money back, I can t,... He mustn t die, He must not die! I have sinned, I have betrayed innocent blood Well, well! Judas Iscariot, follower of this Jesus, the Nazarene, the selfappointed Son of God. Dear friends of the Sanhedrin, do you all hear the words of this Judas, the disciple? (scornfully) He has sinned! Tell me, dear Judas Iscariot! What is that to us? That is your responsibility! But, please! I beg you! Here is your money! Judas throws a money bag on the floor, out of sight. Sound of coins hitting the floor. Caiaphas: Annas: Caiaphas: You, you fool! Caiaphas, as high priest, I must warn you! It is against the law to put this back into our treasury, since it is blood money. Dear Annas, my friend and father-in-law, as always you give good counsel. But, may I suggest that we make a purchase with this money, land, perhaps. Yes, yes, we could donate the land for some good cause. Perhaps as a burial ground for foreigners. Does not your neighbor, Caleb, have the potters field which he wishes to sell? Thirty silver coins, oh, yes, I am sure Caleb would be most pleased to accept that as payment! Are we agreed then? Sounds of agreement heard from a large number of voices. Caiaphas: Judas: Enough time spent then! Guard, throw this fool out in the street! And see to it that he does not return! Please! Please, listen to me! Do not let this happen! Sound of struggle, grunting, groaning as Judas and Guard struggle. Guard: You! You heard them! Out! Judas is thrown out of door, lands heavily on stage, raises to his knees, looks around, as spot comes up tight on him. Judas: They wouldn t listen to me! I begged them and they wouldn t listen to me. I must go to Calvary, I must stop them before it is too late. Judas rushes off stage, lights full off on Set 2, up on Set 1. A Handful of Nails Page 8

9 Poor fool! Choices made, are often inconvertible. You spoke well, Ishpan, poor fool indeed! The man did what he had to do, what fate gave him opportunity. He is no different from I, from you. We took that which fate provided to us, and we did the best with that we could. Benaiah, have you learned nothing from the lessons given here just before your death? Nothing at all? Lessons come very day, some are beneficial, some are not. I am what I am. What man alive save perhaps the prophets ever lived a life in accordance with all of the laws? Look at Him, the Messiah. He came to fulfill the law, that the law may be complete. He can make you what you could never be on your own. You talk of Him as though you are a believer. A believer Ishpan? Yes, of course I am a believer. What man could hear his message and not believe? Believers! Messiahs! I for one have always lived life to the full, with the full acceptance that after life comes,..... nothing! I have no quarrel with that! Your only quarrel then be that which you will have with the everlasting fires of hell! Whatever! (pause, looks out) And who is he there standing looking on? Him? Abraham, the carpenter. He has delivered his load of tree trunks for today s spectacle. Doesn t look that satisfied with his labor, doers he? lights down on Set 1, up on Set 2 The Carpenter Segment actor is at center of Set 2 It is finished! My work completed. I delivered as was contracted, six stout cross beams, strong enough to hold the weight of a full grown dying man. A Handful of Nails Page 9

10 I m always pleased to see a job completed. Pleased with the feeling of accomplishment. And also with the financial rewards as well, no reason to deny that. I am a carpenter,... a fine carpenter, like my father..and his father before him. A Carpenter, an honorable profession. I have made the things that the people of Jerusalem take for granted. Things on which they sit, or lie, or eat, sometimes those on which they die. Once delivered I no longer think of these articles, or the people who pay me handsomely for supplying them. Should I worry about the thoughts or character of the one seated on the chair I have made? Should I lay awake wondering if the meals served on my tables tonight were healthy and nourishing? The very thought is preposterous. I admit to some discomfort when first the Roman guard gave me this task, but honestly more than I chaffed at this work, I chaffed at having to perform services for the Romans. Overbearing fools! And at any rate, the crimes committed by those who will die on these works of art were done in full knowledge that retribution would be swiftly and painfully accomplished. And further, Roman gold buys food as well as any other gold! Yet when I saw my handiwork on hillside of Golgotha, great chills ran throughout my body. What have I done? What have I done? Look, it is surely, nothing to be ashamed of. I did my job, nothing more, nothing less. I did as I was expected, and I did it well. Why, then, is it strangely different this time? I see the three in the holding pen there, that they deserve their fate I have no doubt. That one, Elishua, one of the most feared robbers in the nation. No highway was safe by night or day with the likes of him about. Yet I heard he had some miraculous conversion when the prisoner yonder entered Jerusalem some days ago. In fact, I ve heard it was the letting down of his guard that allowed the Romans to capture Elishua. Nonetheless, who am I to judge whether the crimes of these men were sufficient to merit death on the cross? That weighty matter is Pilate s domain. My role is simply to find a strong tree out of which to fashion the beams, which will bear the broken bodies high that all might see the shame of sin. They say that the Nazarene was also a carpenter. A man like me. Could that be why my soul seems ill at ease? I could not know that. For all I know dozens of carpenters have found cruel support across the work of my hands... My hands... I have used these hands, as likely he used his, to make something useful out of nothing. These hands of mine have given new life to that which was dead, an ugly, useless old log became a stool on which a mother could sit with her child. These hands have shaped and molded old pieces of wood until they became utilitarian tools, even works of art, in use and on display in homes throughout the area. With these hands, many times I have cut and hammered. My hands, a hammer and a handful of nails fashion great works.... hammer......and a handful of nails. They hammer a nail through the hands of the crucified, you know. And the feet! (pacing) A Handful of Nails Page 10

11 But what was I to do? Was it not their choice to commit their crimes? I did not place any man upon the cross; it is their offense, not mine, which hangs them there. And yet, in how many ways we are alike! We worked the same trade, he and I, but I go on with my craft while he hangs on my cross. I don't know who this man was. I no way of knowing what he did to receive this punishment. But this I know; I can no longer continue my trade. I will inform the Romans immediately they can find somebody else to make these cruel instruments of death. I did that which I had contracted for... and now...., my work...it.... is....finished. lights down on Set 2, up on Set 1 Poor man, crying! One thing about the Messiah, no one who encounters him comes away the same. Turned you soul into mush! Mush? Perhaps. Or, perhaps into potter s clay. Clay? Rubbish! Man will die without a soul of steel! You are forgetting Benaiah, in mere moments we will be lead away to die and no soul of steel will be there to protect us or determine our rest. Rest? What is rest? There is no rest! (shouts through the bars) Come you vile idiots! To the cross with us, what are you waiting for? Guard s voice off-stage: So it is fool, your wish is granted! Come forth and take your cross. Elishua, you may wait a few days more to think on your death. Banaiah: May He protect you and give you safe passage to his heavenly home. Heavenly passage? Can you tell me more? No time for great details, and no need. Just believe in the Messiah, confess your transgressions, rest in His perfect power, find life everlasting. Just that simple, you say! You would have us believe that something so simple and simplistic can achieve life everlasting? Do I look the fool? It makes no sense that something as elusive as eternity can be achieved without relentless effort and search. A Handful of Nails Page 11

12 Banaiah: Banaiah, why search for what is before your eyes? Behold the Man, behold the Lamb of God! He is right here with you! Believe on Him and be saved! Truly Elishua, I do believe! I go to die with Him! Rubbish! Bring on the cross! lights down on Set 1, up on soloist Via Dolorosa Simon of Cyrene Segment Monologue Simon speaks: What do you mean, carry His cross? I ll have you know that though I am from another country, Cyrenaica, I am a Jew, here for the purpose of observance of the Holy days. I tell you I do not wish to carry His cross! Ask one of His friends. The whole countryside seemed rallying behind Him just days ago when He made His triumphal entry riding that silly colt. Yes, I was there. I had nothing pressing, I went. I watched with some amusement as the locals were literally falling out of trees, desperate to catch a glimpse of Him. Calling out to the Messiah. Hardly my style. Look, I barely know anything about Him. Roots in Nazareth I m told. Although not particularly a provincialist by nature, I can see some justification for those who said, what good can come out of Nazareth? Insignificant, meaningless little town in an insignificant, meaningless setting. Why do you insist that I carry His cross? Why me? There are half a million people here in this town. What would cause you to choose me? See, there is a man double my size, muscular, ask him. I see he even has tears in his eyes, a follower perhaps, a fisherman I would guess. The fisherman would I m sure be anxious I m sure to carry this cross. Yes, ask the fisherman. Or him, the one in the priestly robes, why not ask him? I m a common man, a business man, I have no interest and no time for politics, no concern over those who the Sanhedrin do, or do not, support. The priest, he would most capably handle this detail much more competently than I. Yes, the priest, a good choice. Take you hands off me. Can't you see, I do not wish to be involved! Were it not that I just happened by, made curious by the shouts of the crowd, I would not even be here. I am not like those who take great delight in public executions, they do nothing for me. Choose another. Why should it mean anything to me that He stumbles under the weight of His cross? I m sure that He is likely guilty of whatever crime has been tacked there at the top of His cross. What does it say? Ummmm, King of the Jews? Guilty of madness, more like! His face, His whole manner disturbs me. Choose another for this task. Normally those who are condemned to die on the cross will beg, will plead for their lives. He appears A Handful of Nails Page 12

13 not to be begging. He is mumbling...he is praying. I beg you, choose another to carry this man s cross. He can t go on any further. His beaten, spent body unable to go one step further. Someone ought to help Him. Someone... Here, someone help Him, He has fallen under the load of His cross. He has obviously lost much blood. The cruel hard splinters of the cross heartlessly digging into his scourged back, dislodging raw flesh which hangs like shredded mutton in the marketplace. Won t someone help? Please? Someone, please. He is looking at me. Looking up into my face. Not a request for assistance, more an invitation. As though He holding out an offer, Will you carry my cross? Why me Lord? Why me? Did you not hear me, I am a devout Jew, you have no reason to expect this of me. I am...devout..... I have better things to do...i am a devout Jew... The soldier turned his gaze to the tall, muscular man beside me, saying, Very well then, you...you carry the cross... No, no, let me carry His cross! Who spoke those words? The soldier, the crowd, all staring at me, were those words from my lips?....no, can not be...why me, Lord? Why me? What lunacy would cause me to volunteer for a duty I dreaded, detested, despised, loathed? I have no clear mind knowledge of what caused these ridiculous words to tumble forth from my lips, nor the reasoning for the moronic smile across my countenance. All I know is, at this moment, I would fight any man sufficiently foolish to offer to replace me in this glorious, scandalous, insane position of honor. Carry the cross! And, so, with poignant and conflicting emotions all welling up inside, I bend over to pick up the cross. As I pick up the cross I touch him, His blood spilling out on me. Is it the emotionally charged significance of the moment, or why does my mind recall, how our ancestors put lamb s blood on their doorways, that our children be spared? To be this close to Him, to touch Him, to feel His blood on my hands, and more, to look in His eyes! Never I think shall I forget those eyes: piercing, probing, yet kindly, warm, yes, loving! In this milieu one would expect to see a man of violence, not so. No, this was a man of peace, a man of joy, of love, of kindness. Kindness? In the face of the atrocities aimed at Him, the insults, the wounds, the recriminations? I had heard of the instruction that He gave regarding the turning of the other cheek... ludicrous under any circumstance, insane in this scandalous concept! Yet here truly was, or so it appeared, a man confronted with the enormity of the moment, yet resolutely practicing that which He had preached! Under His penetrating stare I could not but acknowledge that just minutes earlier I had rejected His need for my involvement. And, in rejecting involvement, I had rejected Him. I was deserving of His reproach, His condemnation. But none is evident. And this stings more deeply than if He were to issue the strongest reprimand. Suddenly I feel that should time forever stand still I will be satisfied. Whereas before only idle curiosity had brought me, and my mind was eager to do things more interesting, now it is as though nothing under His clear blue sky could possibly be more important than to be with Him, carrying His awful wooden burden. Slowly I lift the crossbeam to my shoulder, straighten up, look back and see that He is unable to rise. I offer my hand to Him and, smiling at me, He painfully rises to a A Handful of Nails Page 13

14 standing position. And this Man blesses me. He blesses me! Not as man would bless man, in a superficial, passing manner, no, He... blesses...me! To the point where I feel truly blessed of God. Step by painful step we walk up that hill of sorrow to the place they call Golgotha. Just ahead through the crowd which had gathered I can see three forlorn, hideous uprights, one of which the crossbeam which I carried will surely be attached, after gaining it s awful human consignment. It is more than I can do to continue forward, I can only imagine what thoughts must be in His mind. Strange, it seems that as we drew nearer and nearer to what will surely be His final rest, well, it just seems as though He gains strength,.... strength and resolve. As though He is marching resolutely to a preordained appointment with a Master plan. And there at the foot of the center upright our desperate cavalcade comes to a stop. The centurion, a handful of nails in his hand, lifts the wooden shame from my shoulders, bids me to leave my effort complete. For me, it is finished. Lights down on Scene 2 Song: One Drop of Blood by Ray Boltz Lights up on Scene 1 which is now Golgotha scene. Backdrop shows hill scene. There are three crosses at upstage center with Ishpan, Jesus and Banaiah. Crosses can be quite close together by having the center cross higher than those on the outside. We suggest that the actors on the cross face upstage, their backs to the audience, this to create a more hard-hitting scene. Mary, Mary Magdalene and the other actors are at the foot of the cross. There is a great deal of crowd noise as lights come up Soldier 1: Soldier 2: Soldier 1: Centurion: Excellent tunic here, blood stains will wash out well enough! Lucky stiff! I wanted the tunic. These sandals I won when we cast lots are barely usable, practically worn out. Must be the long, dusty roads the God-man traveled. God-man! I like that! See the sign above his head, This is Jesus, The King of The Jews. The fool is......the fools here are the two of you! You have your duties, I would suggest you attend to them! people from crowd scene are at extreme upstage position, walk in front of Jesus, shaking their fists, shouting in downstage direction, looking at audience Person 1: Person 2: You said you would destroy the temple and build it again in three days! Yes, now then, (emphasize) Messiah! Now, save yourself if you can! A Handful of Nails Page 14

15 Person 3: If you truly are the Son of God, prove it to us this day! Come down from that cross and we will believe that truly you are the Son of God! Banaiah, leans toward Jesus, looks around so his face can be seen: Yes, indeed, Oh Almighty King, save Yourself and us as well! Remove these nails from our hands and feet if You truly are the Messiah! Ishpan, leans toward Jesus, looks around so his face can be seen: Banaiah, how dare you talk this in manner to the King of Kings? Preist 1: Priest 2: Priest 3: Priest 4: Priest 5: Priest 6: The King of Kings indeed! He saved others, but look at Him! He can t save Himself! So you on the cross, I would not wait for the dying Messiah to help you! The One who proclaimed Himself the King of Israel! Come down from the cross now, Oh King of Israel! Even we in the priesthood want to follow you! You talk of Your trust in God! Where is your trust now, Oh King? Did you not proclaim Yourself the Son of God? Does God want you now? Seems God may have deserted You, does it not? Banaiah, leans toward Jesus, looks around so his face can be seen: Messiah! Messiah indeed! Are You not the Christ? If it is the Christ You are, save Yourself, and us! Ishpan, leans toward Jesus, looks around so his face can be seen: How dare you talk thus about the Messiah? Do you not fear the Holy God? Our punishment we have earned from deeds we have done. Look at Him, this man has done no wrong! And surely you must understand that it is only by not saving Himself that He can save us. (more softly) Jesus, dare I ask that You remember me when You come into Your kingdom? Jesus: Jesus: I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise. My son, my son! Come here! John comes to the foot of the cross A Handful of Nails Page 15

16 Jesus: Dear woman, here is your son, this is your mother. Guard attempts to give Jesus a drink using a sponge on a stick, Jesus turns away. Lights slowly down Jesus: Priest 1: Priest 2: Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani! My God, my God, why have You turned Your back on Me? He is calling Elijah. Watch, see if Elijah might come to help Him. lights full off Jesus: Centurion: Song: Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit! (pause) It..is...finished! Certainly this was a righteous man, the very Son of God! Does He Still Feel The Nails? by Ray Boltz Bringing Good of Evil Segment Cast Mary, sister of Lazurus (Luke 7:46, John 11:2) - could be late teen or older Martha, sister of Lazurus (John 11:2) - could be late teen or older Thomas, the disciple - could be mid 20's or older Cornelius, the Roman Centurion - any age, late teen to middle age appropriate Costumes Mary, Martha and Thomas would be in appropriate Bible period clothing. Cornelius would be dressed in Roman soldier attire. Set Set 2 has a background indicating a sepulchre. Props Women will carry white cloths and spice containers. Cornelius will have sword. Sound For best results all actors should have lapel mikes. Lighting A spot to follow the ladies up the aisle from the back of the sanctuary and a fixed spot on the men is all that is required. Script A Handful of Nails Page 16

17 Scene 2 As the drama begins the two women are outside the rear, (or side), doors of the sanctuary and the men are at the front on stage. Men's attention is on each other as though in conversation, however they are frozen as lights come up 50% on them. As soon as lights come up on men, the voice of Martha can be heard. Martha, it has been a long weary day, it would be good to rest! Two ladies come in to sanctuary from rear, (or side), doors and spotlight comes up on them. Martha: Good? Mary, what good could come in this day! My Lord always was able to take the most bleak situation, and turn it to His glory. He turned plain water into the finest wine. And, He turned me, Mary, the woman who had lived such a sinful life, into someone worthy of following Him. I remember when I first met Him when He was eating at the Pharisee's house. I brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as I stood behind him at his feet weeping, I began to wet His feet with my tears. Then I wiped them with my hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. Such glory to worship the living Messiah! Martha: Martha: Martha: Mary! Living? He is dead! Jesus was able to bring our brother Lazurus back from the tomb. Now this same Jesus lies in His own tomb yonder! Jesus, the one we believed to be the Messiah, has proven to be just another false hope! I was foolish enough to believe that He was the Son of God! Martha, He is the Son of God! Listen to your own words! He brought life back to our brother, Lazurus! No common, ordinary man could raise a man from the dead! No, not a common man, there is no doubt He worked miracles! But neither could He be the Son of God, for if he were, surely no forces of man could bring about His death. And He is dead, that's what He is! (louder) Dead! He lies stone cold in that tomb yonder, guarded by a fiendish Roman soldier! But at the tomb is Thomas Didymus, the twin, one of us. Thomas Didymus indeed! Doubting Thomas is he! Dear sister, Martha, Thomas is a good man! Remember what Thomas the twin said to the others when the Master announced that He would return to A Handful of Nails Page 17

18 Jerusalem to raise to life our brother, Lazurus? Thomas said, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him!" Martha: Martha: Martha: Fiery rhetoric indeed, Mary! And where was Thomas and all the rest when Jesus needed them most? Scattered like thistle before the whirlwind, that's what! Talk! All talk! It's easy to talk when you're not at risk! (pause) Why did Jesus return to Jerusalem? He knew full well the consequences! Why, Mary? Did He come only to raise our brother Lazurus from his tomb? No, dear sister, I think not. Remember, He told His disciples, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified". No, the Master knew full well what lie ahead in Jerusalem. Why, did He have to die, why,... why? Martha, Martha, you forget the most important part of His message! Remember? He said, "On the third day he will be raised to life!" Just as Jesus raised our brother Lazurus, he who had been in his tomb four days, so shall Jesus rise from the tomb! Raised? To life? Mary! Who is to raise Him to life? He who raised Lazurus to life is now Himself dead! See there, His tomb! That is reality! The talk of life loses it's bloom at time of death! (shakes her head) But, no matter, let us go, it is Preparation Day, and the Sabbath is about to begin! Come with me then, we must prepare the spices and ointments; and then rest the sabbath day according to the commandment. I will gladly come with you, Martha, but I'll not give up my belief, He shall rise, just as He promised! Men watch as women exit upstage or side stage past the men. Cornelius: Thomas: Cornelius: Friends of His, I presume? Yes! Poor women! Sisters. Their brother Lazurus who had died was brought back to life by Jesus. Like the rest of us, Mary and Martha believed that Jesus was the One! Believed Him to be the Son of God, the Messiah! (pauses, looks towards tomb, shakes his head) They were right you know. The skeptics. We should never have believed that the Messiah should come as a baby child! Believed? You mean, you no longer believe? You? Thomas, Didymus? Are you not His disciple? You doubt His very claim to be the Son of A Handful of Nails Page 18

19 God? How could you, as one who has known Him so intimately, ever doubt? Thomas: (laughs) Doubt? Didn't you know? They call me "Doubting Thomas". But, this time for just reason. Had He, in fact, been the Son of God, He would have overcome the powers of your army. Cornelius: Thomas: I am overwhelmed! You have given up on your Saviour! The very one who all of you, but a few days since, trumpeted in to the city with music, and with rejoicing, and with the laying of palm branches, now you doubt His very Godhood! I can not believe you, his disciple! Did He not make claim that He would be crucified, and that He would rise again? Did you not hear it from His own lips? How could you not believe? Believe? Me? Seems as though you believe on Him! Cornelius (matter-of-factly): Me? Believe? Yes, of course I believe! Truly He was the Son of God! Thomas: Cornelius: Thomas: My, my, my! A Roman centurion believer! What is your name, centurion believer? My name is Cornelius. (kor-nay'-lee-os) I was one of the guards who arrested Him at Gethsemane, and who later watched over His crucifixion. And, tell me, Cornelius, just how did you come to believe in a, a dead Saviour? Cornelius (laughs): Oh, my, yes, I can see how you did come by your name, dear Doubting Thomas! But, how could you doubt, you who spent innumerable hours at His side, learning life lessons from His very lips? You were there! I saw you and the rest cringing around the periphery, first at Gethsemane, then at Golgotha! Through it all you saw how He behaved! No one but the living God could have withstood that torment: alone, undeserving! And when your Jesus cried with a loud voice, and said, "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit": and then having said thus, He gave up the ghost. When I saw what was done, I glorified God, and said, Certainly this was a righteous man, the very Son of God! Thomas, Thomas, Thomas, how could you doubt? Thomas: Cornelius: And if His death struck you so, how could you, Cornelius, bear to be here, guarding His tomb, for your Roman pittance? How could I? How could I not? I wanted to be here, near Him. I had to be here! You see, dear Doubting Thomas, yes, I do believe! I believe that A Handful of Nails Page 19

20 though today has brought the horror of evil, somehow, someway, your God will bring something good of all this evil. Thomas: Cornelius: God, bring good of evil? I envy you, friend Cornelius! You truly believe that One now dead can be the Lord of all Creation! Thomas! Thomas! Thomas! Can you truly believe that all the Messiah stood for could be brought down by a cross and a handful of nails? Draw on the strength, and the knowledge, and the will given to you during your time with Him! How can you disregard the many times He told that He would rise again? Yes, I do believe, and with all my heart! My heart, which is broken for the injustice which I brought to Him today, is also a heart which knows, better than all intellect, that as sure as this has been a day of darkness, and turmoil, and hate, and fear, so shall come, three days hence, the glory of His triumphal return! And I, Cornelius, shall wait here as the very ground about us erupts in deference to His Holiness and Power! Lights out Dawn of Belief segment Cast Mary Magdalene (mar-ee'-ah mag-dal-ay-nay') - could be late teen or older Joanna (Ioanna ee-o-an'-nah) - could be late teen or older Costumes Mary Magdalene and Joanna would be in appropriate Bible period clothing. Sound None should be needed as actors should be speaking in very loud, excited voices. However, if additional amplification is necessary, use lapel mikes for both actors. Lighting A spot to follow the ladies up the aisle from the back of the sanctuary and onto the stage is optional. Script As the drama begins the two women's excited voices are heard from the foyer outside the sanctuary. Note that when women enter the sanctuary they must reflect the great joy and excitement which their words are telling. They must run, not stroll or walk, up the aisle to the front of the sanctuary. Their voices will be extremely loud Joanna and Mary's excited voices off stage:: Peter! He asked that you be told! John! The cords of death could not hold Him! James! The tomb is A Handful of Nails Page 20

21 empty! Salome (sal-o'-may)! We were there! Mary! Good news! Joses (ee-o-sace')! Just as He told us! Martha! Wondrous news! Lazurus! He who raised you has now risen! Mary! Weep no more! Two women rush in to sanctuary from rear, (or side), doors and light comes up on them. Joanna: Joanna: Joanna: Joanna: All of you! All of His disciples! He has risen! He who was crucified! He is alive! Alive! We were there! We saw it with our own eyes! The tomb is empty! Where is everyone, Joanna (ee-o-an'-nah)? We must let them all know! Jesus, the one who was crucified! He is now alive! Oh Mary Magdalene (mar-ee'-ah mag-dal-ay-nay')! He truly is risen, has He not? I mean, we are sure, aren't we? Joanna, we saw it with our own eyes! The tomb was empty! The linen cloths with which His body was bound were lying neatly on the ledge. But the men, will they believe us, we who are only women? Will they not question what we saw, the angel, the empty tomb? You saw Cornelius (kor-nay'-lee-os), the centurion, you even talked with him this morning at the tomb! Did he not tell you what had happened? You, the wife of Chuza (khood-zas'), Herod's own house steward, surely you would believe the testimony of the centurion Cornelius! Poor Cornelius! The Jewish leaders were offering large bribes to all of the soldiers who were guarding the tomb, all the soldiers had to do was offer a false report, to say they had fallen asleep while guarding the tomb, and that friends of our Master stole the body while they slept. Some dilemma! If the Roman soldiers said they had fallen asleep, they were liable to death at the hands of their Roman superiors. If they told the truth, they must say that when the earthquake, or whatever it was, rolled the huge stone from the entrance to the tomb, the tomb was empty, the body of Jesus was gone. Would anyone believe them? Empty? Cornelius told you that the tomb was already empty when the stone was rolled away? But I thought that God had unleashed that earthquake, and had sent the angel to release Jesus, to allow Him to come out. If what you say was true, the stone was rolled away, not to let Jesus come out, but to..... A Handful of Nails Page 21

22 Joanna: Joanna: Joanna: Joanna: Joanna:...to let us look in! The purpose was not for Jesus to come out, for He had already risen in glory, but for us to come in, to come in to His presence, to come in to His eternity! What will Cornelius and the rest of the Roman guards do? Will they accept the bribe, will they some will. Cornelius will not! Cornelius plans to report to his superiors his first-hand proof of the resurrection, and then he will join with Peter and the rest of us, to wait until the Lord appears, as the angel promised. Will they....., will Peter and the others believe us when we tell them what has happened? Yes, Mary Magdalene, they will, because our story will be corroborated by Cornelius when he comes. And more, the angel told us that Jesus, Himself, would visit with us. Many of the disciples, especially Thomas, may be doubtful at first, but when the Master appears, then they will say to us, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard and seen for ourselves, and we know that this man truly has risen, and that He really is the Savior of the world." When the Saviour does appear to us, He will reward us, the women, will He not, Joanna! After all, were we not the ones who stayed to very end with Him, at the cross? And were we not the first to the tomb? Or will the Saviour tell us that we showed much love but little faith in His resurrection, being last at the cross and first at the tomb? All I know, He will forgive my doubting faith. Oh, Joanna, here we stand, at the dawning of a new life. Remember how the curtain in the temple was torn in two when He died. The tearing of the thick curtain that separated the holy place, into which the priests might enter, from the most holy place, where only the high priest could enter once a year on the day of atonement, signified that a new and living way has been opened for all into the very presence of God, by Christ's death and resurrection. Are we now at the coming of new promise, where blood sacrifices, a physical temple, and a special Aaronic priesthood are no longer required, where all men and women may worship God, freely and with hearts of love? The angel announced the message of joy: 'He is not here; he has risen, just as he said,' and then the further proof of the reality of the event. 'Come and see the place where he lay.' A Handful of Nails Page 22

23 Joanna: Joanna: Joanna: Slain because He claimed to be King of the Jews, He is now raised because He is King of kings and Lord of lords. Rejected by all Israel during His first life on earth, He has returned to be accepted as the King whom we now and forever acknowledge. Come, Mary, let us find Peter and the others! Let us tell them the good news! Jesus Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Women exit side door. Lights out In the dark narrator speaks: Now that you know the truth, go into all the world and tell My good news to all who need to hear. All who hear and believe will be made whole through My redemption on the cross, but there is no hope for those who turn from me and the gift of salvation which I offer. This should be all the motivation you need to be diligent in making My name known throughout the world, even in your own neighborhood. Those who accept my free gift and live according to my design will be able to do things far beyond that they have even dreamed. Fear and ignorance will be overcome. Those who previously could not listen will now have minds and hearts wide open to accept the good news. I will empower all who follow me that they can perform feats which can only be described as miraculous. I will keep them from harm as they obey my will. Their lives shall be full and plenteous and their accomplishments significant. They shall bring new life to all around them. And now I go to make ready the place for those who come after me, that we can live together in friendship and harmony forever. Although you can not now see me, still be calm, know that I am God and I live in your everyday world with you. You have my promise that I will never leave you alone, nor will I allow that your troubles be more than you can bear. Peace and love will be the constant companions of those who put their full trust in me. All this I swear in my own Holy Name, that you may feel total security. But, one last thing..... Do you love me more than the trivial things around you? (pause) Then feed the lambs in my flocks. (pause) Do you truly love me? (pause) Then take care of all the sheep I treasure as my possessions. (pause) Dear friend, do you love me? A Handful of Nails Page 23

24 (pause) Then take up my cause, walk boldly in my footsteps, and join with me in service to those who need My touch. Join with me while you still can. The need is overwhelming, those available for the task are few, but the rewards to the server and the served alike are without parallel. Come! Take up your cross! Follow Me! the end A Handful of Nails Page 24