The Passover Meal
By Kurt Jarvis
Summary
The famous painting of the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci is brought
to life.
Characters
Narrator, 12 disciples, Jesus, two women for Mary and Martha and perhaps
2 elementary age children or young teenagers.
Setting
The “picture” of this setting is the Last Supper. The platform is set with
a long table. The table needs to seat 9 across the back and two at either
end. The table can be covered with tan or brown solid color fabric. The
fabric should hang down in the front at least half way to the floor. Seating
can be any sort of benches or stools, or combination of these. The table
should have several wooden bowls and some clay type of pitchers on the
floor. There could be one or two side tables from which one of the women
or children characters could use to move items between tables. If possible,
solid color brown or other dark color. There could be some fruit in the
bowls, either on the main table or the side tables. The table will also
need six smaller size loaves of bread, two for use by the disciples and
four for the congregation. The bread might be brought in by some of the
disciples when they enter. There will also need to be at least two larger
earthenware type mugs and four chalices or heavier stemware glasses of
grape juice for the communion part of this presentation. In the front of
the sanctuary should be sufficient small round tables to quickly accommodate
the congregation for participating in the communion part of this presentation
at the end of the drama. These tables should be covered in a color cloth
to match the platform table coverings. On each of these tables the disciples
will bring one glass of grape juice and a plate with a loaf of bread.
Script
Narrator: The place is the Upper Room in Jerusalem. It is the time of Passover.
The portrait we see on the stage is the picture depicted by the artist
da Vinci in his well-known painting of the Last Supper. This is a picture
we see often, but let me tell you about people in the picture, who they
are and what they are really like.
Jesus had already sent disciples ahead to have the room prepared. The
innkeeper has arranged the room. Now the guests begin to arrive.
Let’s begin filling this picture with the disciples. Here comes John,
the apostle of love. (Pause)
(John enters slowly room back of auditorium and walks down aisle. He
walks into the set and begins to make his way to the table. While the narrator
continues John can arrange fruit in a bowl on the table.)
Narrator: (continues) John. Sensitive, gentle in spirit, yet
bold and courageous. Although John was not the first to be called to discipleship,
it was he who stood at the foot of the cross in the midst of a hostile
crowd. It was John who best understood the depth of God’s love for mankind
and gave his love back to God by his faithfulness at Calvary.
(Andrew enters from back of sanctuary. (Andrew has a sack with items
inside. Andrew calls out as he walks down the aisle) “John, John
…” (and walks quickly to the stage. Andrew and John embrace. He takes
out items for the table. Perhaps a few mugs. He and John engage in quiet
conversation, pointing at different things. Laughing.)
Andrew: John …. John
Narrator: Andrew, a good and true friend to all he knew and all who
knew him. It was Andrew who, as a disciple of John the Baptist, became
the first to recognize Jesus as Lord and promptly went about the Father’s
business, bringing all who he encountered to listen to Jesus teach. Andrew,
a true friend indeed, who, out of respect to that friendship, is compelled
to share the greatest gift a friend can receive: the eternal love of God.
And, of course, then there was Andrew’s brother, Peter
(Three disciples enter from up the stairs behind the table, Peter first,
with Nathaniel and Philip lagging behind him. Peter gets to the top of
the steps and calls back)
Peter: Nathaniel … Philip, come along. It is time for Passover.
(The three enter into the stage and greet John and Andrew.
Narrator: Peter… a leader of men. An outspoken, impulsive and impetuous
individual who knew his own mind and who followed a conviction of his own
heart. Yet, in spite of his outspokenness, he was keenly aware of his own
shortcomings. His humility toward himself and in the face of God made him
a man that others wanted to follow. Jesus recognized his true, humble heart
and bestowed grace upon grace to this simple fisherman. It was upon the
confession of this man that Christ placed the foundation of the Church.
Philip … practical, careful and precise. Always one to pursue an understanding
of the nature of God.
And Nathaniel, a man without deceit, without hypocrisy. Nathaniel was
a visionary who saw God’s dreams and believed them.
(Enter James the Greater and James the Other. They enter from
the back together, quietly talking between themselves, walk down the aisle
and are carrying baskets)
James the greater: James, come along, the others are already
there.
James the lesser: Always in a hurry, James, slow down.
Narrator: There were two apostles, both with the name of James. Two,
but also two very distinctly different personalities. Complete opposites
in every way. One was mentioned many times in Scripture; the other, almost
never. And yet they both saw Christ in everyday ministry and participated
in the healings and other miracles. Much like some today, James the lesser,
going about the Father’s business in a quiet unassuming way.
Extremes apart from one another; yet a compliment to the ministry of
Jesus together. Perhaps there is no greater testimony to the healing unity
of Christ than in these two men of God.
(Enter Simon and Matthew from the back and down an aisle)
Simon: Paying taxes only supports the rich, Mathew, all not pay them.
Matthew: But Simon, that is how government is supported. Without taxes
we would all crumble.
(Simon and Matthew continue down the aisle and enter the stage)
Narrator: Simon, the Zealot, a political freedom fighter for Israel.
A proud, zealous man whose passion was to overthrow Rome and set his homeland
free from taxes and Roman rule.
And Matthew, a former tax collector who, in the midst of a lucrative
and blossoming career, ran head-on into God when he met Jesus. Despite
his reputation as a traitor to Israel, because of his past obedience to
Caesar, he became a major force in spreading the gospel of Christ throughout
the world.
Although intense with each other in their opinions and discussions,
God choose this volatile pair for mighty ministry.
(Enter Thomas and Thaddeus up the back stairs, Thomas first)
Thomas: Thaddeus, do you think the Messiah will be here? He gets so
busy talking with others, perhaps He will not come. What will we do if
He is not here for the Passover meal?
Thaddeus: Not to worry so much, Thomas. Jesus said to meet Him here.
He will come, He will come.
Narrator: Thomas, the doubter, was beyond question the most pessimistic
and stubborn of all the apostles. Unlike his companion, Thaddeus, who was
steadfast and unswerving in his beliefs and faith in Jesus the Messiah,
Thomas had to be led to the nail prints of his Lord’s hands before he would
accept the victory of Calvary.
But, again, in Thomas we see the abundant grace that is showered on
even those with little faith. Though Thomas’s faith seemed always thin,
it did not prevent him from allowing Christ to work through him as a disciple.
(Enter Mary, Martha and two children from the back of the sanctuary
and up and aisle)
Martha: Come along children. And, you too, Mary. We have much to do
to prepare for the Passover meal. I wonder if we will have enough bread.
Mary: Martha, does the bread matter? Jesus will be with
us, what more is there to be concerned about?
Narrator: Mary and Martha served the Lord in His everyday needs:
hunger, thirst, warmth, and shelter. They responded to His teaching “When
you have done these things to the least of my brethren, you have done them
to me.”
Martha: (Enters on stage) Oh …Mary, look at this room. Such a mess.
Come, come along quickly, this must be arranged. (She begins to tidy up
things and directs Mary and the children to assist.)
(Judas enters from the back but walks down the side aisle along the
outer wall. He is carrying a bag of coin. He enters set)
Judas (meets Martha as he enters the set at the side) Martha,
is the Master here yet?
Martha: No, He has not yet arrived but come, Judas; but the others
are all here and waiting.
Narrator: Judas, Iscariot: villain, betrayer, and a traitor. Judas
chooses to betray a Man who had loved him and taught him so much. Judas,
a solitary figure in history, which warns us all that we have the ability
to betray God in one form or another.
And so the portrait of Jesus and His disciples is near compete. Love
as is found in John, The friendship of Andrew. The humble leadership of
Peter. The practicality of Philip. Vision form the apostle Nathaniel. The
boldness of James, The quiet servant of the other James. The passion of
Simon. The wise stewardship of Matthew. The strong faith of Thaddeus. The
ever-searching faith of Thomas. And, as a reminder, the treacherous heart
of Judas.
How like the church of today is that first apostle group of twelve.
Twelve distinct individuals in personality, different gifts, levels of
faith and confidence, yet God used all of them to build His Church.
(Jesus enters the back of the sanctuary and makes his way down an aisle
to the platform)
But the honored guest is yet to come. Jesus, the Messiah, the Master
Teacher, the Son of God. Jesus joins his disciples for this, His
last Passover meal with them.
(Jesus enters set and is greeted by the disciples. Those seated at
the table go to front to greet Him, all except Judas who remains seated
and aloof from the group. After greeting everyone, Jesus and the disciples
take their place at the table. Jesus in center. The women begin setting
bowls and mugs on the table. Judas is seated at one end of the table)
Jesus: (seated with the disciples) It is good to be together. I have
looked forward to this time with great longing in my heart and anxious
to share this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. And, I
must tell you now that we will not eat this meal together again until it
comes time for the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God.
(Jesus lifts the cup)
Here, this cup, this wine. This wine is a token of God’s new covenant
to save you – an agreement sealed with the blood I will pour out for you
and all mankind. Drink this and remember this night and what God has accomplished.
(Jesus drinks and passes the cup)
Jesus: This bread is my body that will be broken for you. This is God’s
plan for you and all others. I break this bread to remind you of what is
to come. Take this and eat this. Eat this bread and remember me. But here
at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray
me. For I, the Son of Man must die since it is part of God’s plan.
(All the disciples except Judas put down their bread and the cups.
They all begin to ask one another who it is that would betray their Master.
Judas says nothing but dips a piece of bread into the cup and eats it.
He then looks at Jesus and Jesus looks at him. Without saying a word Judas
quietly rises from the table and leaves quickly through the congregation
and out the back, holding his arm or one hand over his eyes.)
Jesus: Take this wine and take this bread and share it among yourselves.
(At this command four disciples take a chalice of grape juice and a
plate with a broken loaf of bread to the four tables in the front of the
sanctuary. Some of the other disciples leave by the back platform stairs.
Jesus and several disciples walk down the aisle and leave the sanctuary.
After the juice and bread is placed on the tables those disciples also
leave.
Narrator: This Passover meal was the last that Jesus ate with His disciples.
But he ate this meal with them and established that when the meal was eaten
together in the future it would be a continual reminder of the sacrifice
that God gave this world though His only Son, Jesus. Today, those who know
Jesus as Savior can share in this. The communion elements have been placed
on the tables for us to take this morning.
God’s Word reminds us that each should examine their own life and heart.
If we know Christ as Savior, He asks us to come and partake in this as
a reminder of His life, His death and His resurrection, until He comes
again.
While our worship team continues in this part of our time together
this morning, you are welcome to come, break a piece of bread, dip it into
the cup and eat this to remember God’s gift to you.
Come…. Come and celebrate Easter at these communion tables.
.............................
Copyright Kurt Jarvis,
Essentials International,
118 Hickory Rd.
Marlton, NJ 08053
Email: MetDistCE@aol.com
This script may be used without royalty payment, provided no charge
is made for entrance to the performance. In return the author would like
to be told of any performance.