Description
Slaughter of the Innocent
Bible Ref: Matthew 26 -27; Mark 14 -15; Luke 22-23; John 18-19
Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linking text as well as the characters in the scene itself.
List of scenes:
The Jewish Trial
Peter Denies Jesus Three Times
Judas Returns Thirty Pieces of Silver
The Roman Trial
Herod Meets Jesus
Pilate Releases Barabbas
The Crown of Thorns and the Flogging
Jesus is Crucified
The Two Criminals Crucified with Jesus
John and Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Jesus Dies
The Centurion Believes
Joseph of Arimathea Asks for the Body of Jesus
Guards Stationed by Jesus' Tomb
John and Mary, the Mother of Jesus (Short Sketch)
A group of frightened woman stood close to Jesus’s cross, staring up at the tiny withered figure. When Jesus saw his mother among them and John standing nearby he summoned his strength and called down to them.
Jesus: Mary – look! Look to John over there. See him – from now on this is your son. John – you hear me? You take my mother and make her yours. Look after her, care for her. Comfort her in her grieving.
John was the only disciple who had followed Jesus to Golgotha, the others were absent, in hiding. As the last words died away a cloud passed over the hill and all went dark. It was as if night had suddenly fallen and the light had been extinguished forever. The voice of Jesus cried out in that darkness.
Jesus: My God! Where are you? Where have you gone? Why have you forsaken me now? Where are you? Father! Listen to me!
But the sky remained dark and silent, and this time there was no voice from heaven affirming God’s own dear son. The land was silent and the day remained as night. Eventually Jesus raised his head one last time.
Permission is hereby given for this material to be performed before a live non-paying audience or for any non-profit or charitable occasion. This sketch may be printed by the purchaser for use by amateurs within their organisation only on condition that such copies are not given, lent or sold to any other organisation or individual. Reproduction or transmission in any form or by any means other than stated above is forbidden without written permission from the publisher: Active Media Publishing Ltd, 71 Lowther Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 3LN Tel: 01582 603413
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