By Annette Wetherbee
The owner of the house where Jesus and the disciples celebrated the Last Supper reflects on the Easter events. Can be used as continuity for a Communion Service.
Josiah
Rebecca (his wife)
Welcome/Prayer
Singing : (Praise song)
JOSIAH
What a joyous sound! It does this heart good to hear the name of the Lord lifted in praise. What is the psalm... (Stops center aisle for scripture) “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to His name, O most high. To declare His loving kindness in the morning and His faithfulness by night.” (Continues up aisle) You look a little surprised to see me - that's all right. I on the other hand, was expecting you. I mean, it's that time of year when many make the pilgrimage. (Up center stage)
You are not the first crowd I've seen gathered in his name. Oh, if you could have seen the streets of Jerusalem the day He came to town riding on the back of a donkey. Multitudes of people lined the streets, waving palm branches and shouting “Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! (Pause) So many people, so long ago.
Some sought a Messiah, a Savior of the people - who could save them their sin - or the rulership of Rome. Some came for a show - to see a miracle performed before their very eyes. Some came to keep track of an enemy - looking for any reason to trap or condemn Him. Some came, not knowing the reasons why, but hoping they would discover something to give them hope along the way. (Pause) It's probably not much different from today: so many people, so many reasons. Regardless, let us go on this journey toward Jesus together. (Turn and move off side.)
Praise & Worship team: (song)
JOSIAH
The days following the amazing entry Jesus made, what on some call Palm Sunday, seemed to pass in one gigantic blur. There was tension you could feel - a threat hanging overhead. Being just a child, I wasn't sure what was happening, but I knew there was danger. And I knew it had to do with Jesus. There were people out to get him. But I didn't understand why, he was such loving and kind man. I was a bit startled to hear how he had flipped over the money changers table in the temple and drove them out with a whip. But I also confess, I was glad that he did!
(Enter Rebecca)
REBECCA
(Gentle smile, trying to explain Jesus' behavior) He had no patience for those who claimed to know God, but lied. The religious leaders and the profiteers didn't care about the holiness of God or his temple, but only in power and wealth. They were the ones who felt his wrath. But those of us who were rejected, looked down up, despised - with us he was patient, gentle, and firm. We had to turn from our sinful ways, but with him, there was hope.... a chance to begin again.... while with the ones who were in power, only wanted people like me eliminated. And they wanted Jesus destroyed, as well.
JOSIAH
The last time I saw him alive was the night the disciples came to our house. It was for Passover. The meal was prepared in the upper room. For one last time they were all together. It was there Our Lord gave us communion...
SCRIPTURE/REBECCA
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many”, he said to them. “I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.” When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. (Mark 14.22-26)
JOSIAH
Jesus knew what lay ahead of him. He prayed earnestly that it would not have to be this way, but he also knew God's plan would bring all those he loved back to him. That is why whenever I drink of the cup, or break bread in communion, I remember the awesome sacrifice he made for me, and of his own free will. (Beat) Are you a fellow believer? Then come.... join around the Lord's Table and remember as well.
Prayer/Communion
Choir: Thy Will be Done
REBECCA
They arrested Jesus that night. Hidden in darkness. Betrayed by a friend. Abandoned by his disciples. His enemies dragged him off like a criminal, had a mockery of a trial, tossed him back and forth between heads of state, and finally condemned him to die. All the while he was beaten, mocked, whipped - it was insane. This man had done no wrong. He committed no crime. He committed no sin - EVER. (Covers ears as sound of pounding spikes are heard in back) When they pounded the spikes through his hands and feet, I couldn't believe it. There was still time, I knew, he could still save himself. Why wouldn't he? Why was he allowing himself to be treated this way?
SCRIPTURE/JOSIAH
It was the third hour when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself.”
In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can't save himself! Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.
The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” Mark 15.25-33 / 37-38
OPTIONAL- Choir/Still the Cross
REBECCA/SCRIPTURE
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, some other women and I took spices we had prepared and went to Jesus' tomb. There hadn't been time before to prepare his body for burial. We found the huge stone (which we were worried about having to move) rolled away and an empty grave! Angels appeared and asked us, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.” Oh how could I forget?!
JOSIAH
The journey was completed - a debt was paid in full, for you and me. Let us rejoice in the Lord our God whose mercies last forever!
CHOIR with Congregation added: Crown Him/Majesty
MESSAGE
OFFERING
DISMISSAL
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Copyright Annette Wetherbee, all rights reserved.
This play may be performed free of charge, provided no charge is made for entry. In return the author would appreciate being notified of any performance. She may be contacted at annettebee2001@yahoo.com