Category Archives: Drama Ideas

Activities that require youths to take on particular roles of characters and experience situations in order to better understand feelings, conflicts and other emotions

The Day Peter Ran

I ran across this story in my my email archives today. I had saved it as i thought the message was quite powerful. As it is getting close to Easter, I thought I’d share it with you as well. Use it with your youth or adults for a great message.

An Easter Story based on John 20:1-9
by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

Source: http://www.wilsonweb.com/archive/easter/peter-ran.htm

By day it gnawed at him, but nights were even worse. He had betrayed his dearest friend. Not privately, not secretly, but blatantly, out in the open for all the world to see. And now it was too late to say, “I’m sorry.” His friend was dead.

Peter tossed sleeplessly, unable to find a position that felt comfortable. Outside he could hear the sounds of Jerusalem stirring to life. This city he had once loved to visit, he now hated. It held too many painful memories impossible to erase from his mind. Today he would leave for Galilee and fishing, though even fishing held no allure for him now. Nothing did.

“How could I have so utterly shamed himself? How could I? Peter, you d— coward!” For the thousandth time he cursed himself. “He was my friend! How could I have done this to my very best friend?”

He could see Jesus riding that donkey down the hill into Jerusalem to the cheers of thousands. He saw him in hot anger overturning coin-laden tables in the temple. “You have made my Father’s house a den of thieves!” the Master had told them in carefully measured but biting words.

Peter recalled blind men abruptly seeing, lame men suddenly walking, and loathsome lepers’ skin turning baby-soft within a moment of Jesus’ touch. He saw Jesus’ smile, his compassion, his hours of gentle teaching. He felt the Master’s hand on his shoulder after a long day of caring for the multitudes. The accompanying words repeated themselves over and over in his mind, “Thanks, Peter, for your help today. You are a faithful friend … a faithful friend … a faithful friend.” Tears began to well up in Peter’s eyes. Faithful? Me?

When the High Priest’s soldiers had tried to arrest Jesus, Peter had defended his Master with a sword. But later, when a servant girl had challenged him with: “You’re one of his disciples, aren’t you?” he had denied it with an oath. A mere servant girl! But again and again he had compounded the cowardly lie until the cock crowed, and Jesus’ eyes from far across the courtyard met his. Sad, disappointed eyes. Then he had broken and run. Run from the High Priest’s home into the dark streets. Run until he could run no more. Run until he had flung himself onto the cobbled streets sobbing.

Later that morning he had watched from a distance as they mocked and tormented his friend, finally nailing hands and feet with huge spikes, and suspending him from a cross until his life was spent. He couldn’t bear another day in this city!

The thin light of dawn had appeared under the door. Night was finally over; today he would leave. Today he would run away, back to the only life he knew. Today Peter would leave this bloody city
behind.

Bang! Bang! The nearby door shook as someone kept banging on it. Peter reached for his sword, and quietly took his place behind the door.

“Peter, John, it’s Mary! Let me in.”

It was a woman’s voice, Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus’ close friends who had traveled with them for months. He unbolted the door and Mary slipped inside. She took several deep breaths before she could speak, then blurted out her message: “They’ve stolen the body! Jesus’ body is gone, and we don’t know where they’ve put him!”

John, who was wide awake by now, looked at Peter, and then threw on his clothes. Peter was out the door running, running down the streets, tearing around corners, headed for the garden tomb where Jesus’ body had been laid.

Now John was close behind. Younger and faster, John soon outdistanced Peter. By the time Peter got to the tomb, John was standing outside the door peering in. The huge stone, designed to prevent desecration of the tomb, was rolled away. Peter brushed inside. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dimness of the damp limestone cave.

There was the linen gravecloth that had been wrapped turn after turn around the body. It lay on the chiseled stone shelf where the body had been. Yet now with nothing inside, its coils lay collapsed, empty, like a chrysalis after the butterfly has emerged. Folded separately was the cloth that had been around Jesus’ head.

Peter looked at John and motioned him inside. How curious! If the tomb had been robbed and the body stolen, he would have expected the wrappings to be nowhere in sight. Or perhaps strewn in haste around the narrow stone room. Yet here they were, orderly, as if laid aside, no longer needed.

John looked at Peter. Peter looked at John. Peter could catch the faintest smile playing at the corners of John’s mouth.

What if …? What if … he is risen?

Peter walked back into Jerusalem, but each step was a bit quicker than the one before. What if he is risen?

As Peter turned the corner onto the street where he was staying he say a figure waiting for him at the door. A very familiar figure — Jesus!

Peter ran to meet him!

——————————–

The Scripture records, “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the scripture, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than 500 of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:3-6).

“They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them assembled together and saying, ‘It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon'” (Luke 24.33-34). Note: Peter is referred to by three names in Scripture: Simon son of Jonas, his Hebrew name, Peter (Rock, the Greek form of the name Jesus bestowed on him), and Cephas (the Aramaic word for Rock).

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A letter to Zacchaeus the Tax Collector

From Johanan, Collector at Magdala
to Zacchaeus, Commissioner of Taxes at Jericho

Dear Zaccheus:

I have had Jesus, the prophet of Nazareth, to dinner today, and a number of our friends came to meet him. I promised to let you know what happened, but I promised too much. I will tell you when I can, but it is only an hour since he went, and he has left me full of thoughts. As you know, I was rather nervous about the whole affair. First thing this morning, I would have given a good deal to stop the dinner altogether. You and I often say that our sort of people are no worse than other folk, but when I went over the invitations in my mind, I couldn’t help feeling that we were strange company for such a man as Jesus. I wondered what would happen if Reuben began talking the way he does sometimes, and I meant to give him a hint before the meal began, however, I did not get an opportunity, and as it happened, there was no need. Reuben wasn’t himself today.

Well, Jesus came. What is he like?

If you had asked me halfway through the dinner, I should have said that he was the nicest man I had ever met. But now I think, – Oh, I don’t know what I think, except that I am not fit to touch his feet. Of course we were all very anxious to hear him talk. Reuben was hoping that he would give the Pharisees a dressing down, and made an opening for him, but Jesus never mentioned the Pharisees and to tell the truth I believe we all forgot that there were such people. He seemed just as ready to listen as to talk. And what a listener he is! I never met anyone who listens as he does. I happened to mention my boy, Benjamin, for we are wondering what trade to put him to, and of course we are rather anxious as there are not many openings for a publican’s son. Jesus was interested immediately, and asked me questions about the lad. He told me some things, too, about his own boyhood. I began to feel rather ashamed at last for you know it is very strange to meet some one who understands your own lad better than you do yourself. But does he understand boys!

I cannot tell you all the things we talked about. They were much the same kind of things you and I might speak of, but there was a difference. I found myself talking to him as though I had known him all my life. I began telling him – I can’t think how I did it – how I got into this business of ours, and I was explaining our difficulties and how impossible it is always to keep straight when everyone is trying to take advantage of you, especially in these hard times when the future is so uncertain and one must make provision while one can for wife and family. He just listened, and looked straight in my face as though he understood all I said – and all I didn’t say as well – and as though he were sorry for us. He didn’t interrupt or argue with me, but the more I looked at him, the more I wished I had never got into the cursed business and the more I wished I could begin again.

You will think it ridiculous, but as he sat there, I wondered why we were not all like him. We were all sick, and he alone was well. I remembered the time when you and I were boys together, and I felt that we had missed the road. If I had been alone with him, I think I should have made a clean breast of it, and asked him what to do. He could see that .my feelings were getting out of hand, – they say in the town that Johanan has no feelings, and I half believed them until today. But really the tears were in my eyes, and I had such a longing, and felt so helpless. And Jesus said to me, as though he understood everything. “Don’t be afraid, think it over again, and remember your Heavenly Father knows what you need. Don’t lose your life in trying to save it.” Do you see what he meant?

Well, the meal ended, and I was bidding him goodbye at the door, when the girl, Rachel – perhaps you guess her trade came up to the door, and I felt the blood rush to my cheeks, lest she should show that she knew me. But she had eyes only for Jesus. Some of his friends drew back when they saw her, but Jesus said only this, “Don’t do it any more.” She stood gazing after him as he went, then covered her face with her hand and ran down the street. As for me, I watched him until he was out of sight, and had to work hard not to run after him. He is on his way to Jerusalem, and is to pass through Jericho. I mentioned you to him. Be sure to see him. Don’t let anything stop you.

Peace be with you!

JOHANAN

P.S. Benjamin has just come in. You would love that boy, Zacchaeus, I must be a better father to him. Do you remember the first time you and I went up to the temple? We were Benjamin’s age. Do you remember how we all sang as we went up –

“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?
He that hath clean hands and a pure heart.”

We have missed our way, Zacchaeus, but I think, since Jesus was here, that God has not altogether cast us off. Do you think we could begin again?

[Original Source: Unknown]

 


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Missing

“Missing”

Based on this verse in Matthew 28:4: “The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men”

Cast: 3 guards

If technically possible, start sketch with a flash of light or stage pyrotechnic explosion, and/or sound effect of explosion, earthquake, etc.

Scene: A garden; the guards are lying on the ground, 2 of them perfectly still, and one (Guard 1) shaking slightly.

Guard 1 (slowly gets to his feet, still shaking and looking around in fear; walks over to Guard 2 and shakes him) Wake up, wake up.

Guard 2 (jumps to his feet, bolt awake, thinks the angel is still there) I’ll be good, I promise I’ll be good…(breaks off when he realises that the angel has gone, and turns to Guard 1) Did you see it, I mean him, I mean that, that BEING…?

Guard 1 I’m not sure, I think we must have imagined it.

Guard 2 (looking behind Guard 1) Well, we didn’t imagine THAT (pointing) – look, the stone’s been rolled away.

Guard 1 Oh no – you know what that could mean – someone’s stolen the body!

Guard 2 We’d better check – I’ll wait here while you pop inside.

Guard 1 No way – you go inside!

Guard 2 Not me!

Guard 1 Well one of us has got to do it…unless (they both turn and look at Guard 3, who is still lying on the ground, then look at each other, give each other a grin and a thumbs up sign, and walk over to Guard 3)

Guard 1 (bending over Guard 3) Oh Theo, wakey wakey…

Guard 3 (starts sucking his thumb) Oh mummy, please can I have another 10 minutes in bed…

Guard 2 (Tiptoes up, leans over and shouts in his ear) NO!

Guard 3 (jumps up) Whoa, what, where, who, when, why, how…..Oh it’s you two. I was having the weirdest dream – there was an earthquake, and an angel, and a rolling stone, and…oh! (breaks off as he realises, looking around, that it wasn’t a dream)

Guard 2 Now Theo, we were just wondering if you’d be kind enough to pop over here (they start to guide him towards the tomb – which is offstage)

Guard 1 Just have a quick peek inside, and we’ll be right behind you.

Guard 3 Hang on, wait a minute, I mean…aargh! (they push him offstage)

Guard 2 Now I’m sure the body will still be there – that angel chap was only here for a moment, and I didn’t see him go inside, and besides he’d have needed some help to carry the body away…

Guard 1 Yeah, I mean it’s not as if he could have got up and walked away, is it?

Guard 2 Now that WOULD be unusual…!

They both laugh, as Guard 3 walks back on. They’re still laughing, then they catch sight of the expression on Guard 3’s face and stop laughing immediately.

Guard 3 (points back inside the tomb and finally stammers) It’s EMPTY

All freeze.

USED BY PERMISSION

The script may be used freely (ie. printed, copied and acted out in church services or other free events) with no permission required, or royalties due. However, it remains Copyright © 2000, Mike Burn and may not be published or sold without prior permission of the author at http://www.familyworship.org.uk

 


MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

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Lord’s Prayer Drama

Characters

  • Person (seen)
  • God (unseen)

Stage Setting

  • No particular setting is necessary, but it is good if the person could sit on a chair and lean on a table that has a Bible on it.

Script
Person: Our Father, who…
God: Yes?
Person: Don’t interrupt me! I’m praying.
God: But you called me.
Person: Called you? I didn’t call you. I was praying. Our Father who art in heaven…
God: There, you did it again.
Person:Did what?
God: Called me. You said, “Our Father who art in heaven.” Here I am. What’s on your mind?
Person: But I didn’t mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord’s Prayer. It makes me feel good, sort of like getting a job done.
God: All right. Go on.
Person: Hallowed be thy name…
God: Hold it! What do you mean by that?
Person: By what?
God: By “hallowed be thy name”?
Person: It means…it means…. Good grief! How should I know what it means? It’s just part of the prayer. (pause) By the way, what does it mean?
God: It means honoured, holy, wonderful.
Person: Ah, that makes sense. I never thought about what hallowed meant before. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
God: Do you really mean that?
Person: Of course! Why not?
God: What are you going to do about it?
Person: Do? Nothing, I suppose. I just think it would be rather good it you got control of things down here the way you have up there.
God: Have I got control of you?
Person: Well, I go to church.
God: That isn’t what I asked you. What about that bad temper? You’ve really got a problem there you know!
Person: Stop picking on me! I’m just as good as some of those hypocrites down at the church!
God: Excuse me, but I thought you were praying for my will to be done? If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you, for example.
Person: Oh, all right! I guess I do have a few hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I probably could name some others.
God: So could I.
Person: I haven’t thought about it much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I really would like to know how to be free.
God: Good! Now we’re getting somewhere! We’ll work together, you and I. Some real victories can be won. I’m proud of you!
Person: Look, Lord, I need to finish this up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does! Give us this day our daily bread.
God: You need to cut out the bread you’re a little overweight as it is!
Person: Hey! Wait a minute! What is this? Here I am doing my religious duty and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my faults!
God: Praying is a dangerous thing. You could end up changed, you know. That’s what I’m trying to bring across to you. You called me, and here I am. It’s too late to stop now. Keep on praying. I’m interested in the next part of your prayer. (Pause) Well. go on!
Person: I’m scared to…
God: Scared of what?
Person: I know what you’ll say!
God: Try me and see.
Person: Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.
God: What about Peter Brown?
Person: See! I knew you would bring him up! Why, Lord he told lies about me, and he cheated me out of some money. I swear that I’ll get even with him.
God: But your prayer. What about your prayer?
Person: I didn’t mean it.
God: Well, at least you’re honest! But it’s not much fun carrying around that load of bitterness inside, is it?
Person: No, but I’ll feel better as soon as I get even! Have I got some plans for old Peter!
God: You won’t feel any better. You’ll feel worse. Revenge isn’t sweet. Think of how unhappy you really are. But I’ll change all that.
Person: You will? How?
God: Forgive Peter. Then I’ll forgive you. Then the hate and sin will be Peter’s problem and not yours. You may lose the money, but you will have settled your heart.
Person: It doesn’t sound easy, but deep down, I know it would be worth the effort. Thank you, Lord, for helping me work through this. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever and ever. AMEN.

This document copyright (c)1995 by Mathew Pole. Reproduction and/or distribution for non-commercial purposes is permissible providing that the drama is left fully intact. Permission is given to modify the drama for personal use, under the condition that the changes are not redistributed. Please send additions or corrections to Mathew and Paulyn Pole (mathew.paulyn@iname.com)
Last changed: Saturday 12 August 1995


MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

Learn More…

Freeze Frame

BOB: Hey Becky, How ya doin?
BECKY: Great (freeze)
BOB: (To audience) This girl’s got an ego the size of a choir loft.
BECKY: How is School?
BOB: (Proudly) Pretty Good (freezes)
BECKY This is Mr. Athlete. I couldn’t care less, but in a minute he’ll rattle on and on about football, wrestling and baseball
BOB: Thought I’d try out for football, wrestling and come spring some baseball.
BECKY Well, Uh… How’s the Lord been treating you (freeze)
BOB: Oh fine. (To audience) Now what business is it of hers how things are going spiritually for me? I’ve got problems, but a man’s gotta have some privacy.
BECKY Oh Good. Boy it’s warm in here! Isn’t there any air conditioning in the church?
BOB: Nope. We make fans out of the bulletins (BECKY laughs. BOB freezes)
BECKY (Stop Laughing) What a sick joke. Did you notice how he dodged my question about the Lord… typical!
BOB: You know I haven’t seen you at church much lately… Is everything OK?
BECKY: Oh yeah! Just fine (freeze)
BOB: What nerve! She comes on like Joan of Arc, hot off the ashes and won’t even open up. She’s obviously bugged about something. Her whole spiritual act just went to lunch.
BECKY: (Ashamed) Actually… I haven’t been going to church because… uh.. I’ve…
BOB: been sick?
BECKY No. Kinda bored
BOB: (Smiles) Yeah, I know what you mean (freeze)
BECKY Look at the smirk on his face… All this boy does is sleep in church. He doesn’t care about my needs or anybody else’s.
BOB: Have you tried gum?
BECKY A little chew in the pew? (freeze)
BOB: (Laugh) I think I’m gonna be sick. You know. I can’t believe it but everybody used to say how strong Becky was spiritually… She sang in the choir, taught Sunday School…Now look at her. I kinda feel sorry for her.
BECKY (embarrassed) That was a bad joke. I know.
BOB: Oh heck! I crack’em all the time.
BECKY (Nervous) I guess I’m in good company.
BOB: Yeah. Well, you’ve got good taste (laughs and freezes)
BECKY Here I am trying to open up and look what he does. I Can’t believe it. Everyone says how friendly Bob is… when you’ve got a problem, go to Bob… All the Jr High boys look up to him – Cold, aloof, a real meathead. But you know, I sorta feel sorry for him.
BOB: Where were you headed?
BECKY Well. Seeing how this is the back of the church on a Sunday morning….
BOB: Church. That’s right, how stupid of me. Maybe you would like to sit with me?
BECKY Well.. I don’t think I should this week.
BOB: Oh well, it’s been nice talking with you (freeze)
BECKY Well, maybe it’s best that he didn’t try and help me. All I’ve got to do is share a few of my problems with him and end up being laughed at in some locker room with half a dozen football players.
BOB: Maybe next week
BECKY We’ll see (freeze)
BOB: You can’t communicate problems to girls–they couldn’t care less besides, the junior high boys look up to me. That’s enough.
BECKY: You can’t communicate problems to guys. They couldn’t care less. Besides, my old Sunday School Students look up to me. That’s enough.
BOB: Goodbye Becky!
BECKY: Goodbye Bob!
BOTH: God Bless

Questions for youth discussion

  • What stereotypes of youth are shown in this skit? Are they accurate?
  • What girls – guys stereotypes are shown?
  • In this skit, when one youth freezes, you hear the thoughts of the other young person. Do you often think certain thoughts but keep them to yourself instead of saying them out loud? why?
  • If you could, would you want to hear the true thoughts of others? Why or why not?
  • Is honesty always the best policy? Explain.
  • What suggestions would you make to Bob and Becky regarding their thoughts, communication, and relationship?
  • What issues and areas for growth can you find in the two youth in this skit?
  • If you were to write a similar skit about youth in your school, what are some of the issues that would be realistic that you could write about?
  • What are some spiritual principles that apply to such issues?


MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

Learn More…

Resource for Puppets and Drama Skits

skitsforfunandlearning.jpg

Through a partnership with Christian Counseling and Education Service (CCES) I am now able to offer you a wonderful resources for your drama or puppet ministry that will help your children to Learn, Love and Live the Word of God!

In many churches, puppets are wonderful tools to teach children, youth, and adults the truths of God’s Word! But finding scripts that are suitable for puppets can be difficult.

But there is help. CCES (Christian Counseling and education service) has published a book that contains 15 scripts/skits that can be acted out by children or performed by puppets.

Click here to order your puppet / skit resource today.

Here’s a bonus script (not in the book) to give you an idea of what you will be getting:

NEW GLASSES FOR BRADY
By Ann Shorb

Script may be performed by puppets or by children.

AIM: To encourage children to develop a thankful heart.
CHARACTERS: Two children–one grumpy, one cheerful.
PROPS: A pair of glasses; books or backpacks, optional.

(Both puppets enter from left while talking–may be carrying books, or wearing backpacks. Sally is wearing the glasses.)

Brady: School was terrible today!

Sally: Why?

Brady: (Very upset.) There were peas in the soup at lunch; the teacher gave us tons of homework; and even the basketball was flat at recess!

Sally: (Shakes head.) You had a pretty rough day!

Brady: And tonight it’s my turn to help with dishes. (Sigh.)

Sally: It won’t take long. (Pause. Look straight at him.) Brady, you haven’t noticed my new glasses yet.

(Both puppets stop walking and he looks at her carefully.)

Brady: I noticed, but I think glasses look dumb.

Sally: (Proudly.) They make me look sophisticated, and I think they’re wonderful!

Brady: How come you’re always happy about everything?

Sally: Because I try to be thankful for everything.

Brady: But everything always goes wrong for me! There’s nothing to be thankful for.

Sally: There’s always something to be thankful. You just have to look for it.

Brady: How about homework?

Sally: It helps us learn more.

Brady: Washing dishes?

Sally: Well, I’m thankful we have food to put on the plates, which is what makes them need washing . . . and that Mom cooks it for us . . . and for water to wash the dishes . . .

Brady: O.K, O.K., I get it.

Sally: It’s all in the way you see things. You can complain, or you can be thankful.

Brady: How could I be thankful when the ball was flat today?

Sally: You fixed it with that little pump, didn’t you?

Brady: Yeah.

Sally: Then, be thankful you didn’t have to use your mouth!

Brady: Oh, Sally!

Sally: Brady, I think you need a pair of new glasses, too.

Brady: But my eyes are perfect!

Sally: Oh, these should go on the inside–on your heart.

Brady: Glasses on your heart? That’s crazy!

Sally: All you ever see are things to complain about. I wish you had a special pair of glasses that would make you see things to be thankful for.

Brady: I guess I could try to see things like you do.

Sally: It would be like having that special pair of glasses, and things would look better to you.

Brady: (Looks carefully at her.) You know, Sally, you’re new glassed don’t really look dumb. I think I actually like you in those glasses.

Sally: And I’m going to like you in your new glasses, too!

(Both they nod to each other in agreement and exit to right.)

THE END

Teacher, follow the puppet show with the reading of I Thessalonians 5:18, Colossians 3:15, Psalm 107:1. Let the class name things for which it is hard to be thankful. Close in prayer asking God to help each one develop a thankful heart.

©Copyright, Ann Shorb, Ph.D. Christian Counseling & Educational Services
239 York Street , Hanover , PA 17331 www.ccesonline.com


MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

Learn More…

The Risen One

By Rob Heverling (robhev@yahoo.com)
Used with Permission

Introduction: John – It’s hard to believe it was three days ago. Three days since I last saw my friend alive. He was a good man and an even better friend. The people loved him because he had compassion for them. He did so much for them, things like healing them of their sicknesses, giving them their sight, or curing their leprosy. Why once I even saw him bring a little girl back to life. He truly was like no other. It’s sad because at one moment they were ready to crown him king and a little later they were calling for his death. He did nothing wrong! Yet they acted as though they hated him. I can’t help but wonder just what went wrong. Why did they turn against him? He said he came to his own but yet for some reason they received him not. This was not the way it was supposed to end, no, not like this. His body is buried just down the road. The Romans have placed a guard in front of the tomb. They say it’s so no one can steal the body. Now tell me why would anyone want to do that?

Scene 1
Hiding out

John walks a little ways and knocks on the door of a small house.
Luke whispers through the door from the inside

Luke – Were you followed?

John – No, I am alone.

Luke opens the door.

Peter – John, where were you, we were worried about you?

John – Well the master’s followers are not the most popular people right now. I had to sneak around just to get here without being caught.

Thomas – Are you sure you were not followed?

John – Yes, I’m sure. (Walks over to Peter) Peter how are you holding up?

Peter – It’s been a rough three days. I don’t think I can ever forgive myself for what I have done.

Thomas – Peter we all denied him, we all ran away.

Peter – But you were not there. You didn’t see him look straight into your eyes at the moment of your betrayal, you didn’t see the hurt! Oh, how could I betray him? He was my friend, my Lord. (Crying)

John – Peter you have to pull yourself together. He wouldn’t want you to be this way. I’m sure he has forgiven you. No, I know he has forgiven you.

Peter – But how can you be so sure?

John – Isn’t that what he taught? Forgiveness, and not only did he teach it but the man lived it. Why, can you think of one person that he didn’t forgive when they asked for it.

Peter – No

John – All right then you have to believe that he has done the same for you.

Luke – So what do we do now?

John – We wait.

Thomas – Wait for what? The Romans to come kicking down the door!

John – Okay Thomas calm down.

Thomas – (Get’s up from the table) Calm down, you want me to calm down! I spent the last three years following a man that I, thought was going to deliver us from the Romans and you want me to calm down. My friend has just been executed and you want me to calm down. (Heads for the door) 

John – Where are you going?

Thomas – I can’t stay here anymore.

John – Thomas, what about the Romans, what about the Pharisees and the Sadducees. If they catch you, you might be next.

Thomas – I don’t care! They can find me just as easy on the street as they could if I stayed here. I have to go.

Peter – Wait Thomas! (Thomas slams the door as he leaves.) Well this is great; if he get’s caught, he might just turn us in as well. Someone should go get him.

Luke – Leave him. Maybe some time alone will do him some good.

End scene 1
Scene 2
He’s Alive 

The guards are sitting in front of the tomb. There is a large Rock sealing the tomb. All of the sudden there is a violent earthquake. Light begins to shine through the cracks around the outside of the stone and all the sudden an Angel from heaven rolls the stone away and sits on it. The soldiers are so scared they become like dead men. Jesus steps out of the tomb with his arms out stretched and looks up to the sky. Then he slowly exits behind the tomb. As soon as he is out of sight Mary Magdalene and the other Mary arrives at the tomb.

Mary Magdalene – Mary, do you see what I see?

Mary – What is this? What has happened here?

The guards are too afraid to respond just sit there pointing at the angel.

Angel – Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples. He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him. Now I have told you.

Mary sits on a stone and wonders what has happened while Mary Magdalene runs back to tell the disciples.

End scene 2


Scene 3
The empty tomb

Peter and John are still at the house everyone else is gone. There is a knock at the door.

Knock, Knock 

Peter – (Whispers through the door) Who is it?

Mary Magdalene – It’s Mary, Mary Magdalene.

Peter opens the door

Peter – What’s wrong?

Mary M. – They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!

Peter and John start off running to the tomb. They run right past Mary who is still sitting on the rock crying. John gets there first he bends over and looks in but does not enter. Peter shows up and enters the tomb.

Peter – Look here are the strips of linen and the burial cloth that was wrapped around his body. Why are these things here and who folded them up like this?

John enters the tomb and inspects the grave clothes. He falls on the floor and gives glory to God.

John – Peter, don’t you see what has happened here? It all makes sense now. The masters said destroy this temple and in three days, I will raise it back up again. Peter, the Lord is risen, He’s alive Peter, He’s alive!

Both of them get up and leave the tomb. They are so excited they do not see Mary sitting on the rock weeping. She gets up and goes over to the tomb again to look inside. When she looks in there are two angels sitting where Jesus body was laid. One at the head and one at the foot. 

Angel 1 – Woman why are you crying?

Mary – They have taken my Lord away, and I don’t know where they have placed him. (After saying this, she turns around and sees Jesus standing there. She does not realize it is him) 

Jesus – Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?

Mary – Sir are you the Gardner? If you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him and I will get him.

Jesus – Mary.

Mary – Rabboni (or Teacher)

Jesus – Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.

End scene 3


Scene 4

Back at the house

Peter and John are back at the house with a few of the other disciples when Mary M. and the other Mary knock on the door. 

Peter – (opens the door.) Come in

Mary – (Excited) I have seen the Lord he is alive!

John – What, you saw him…where.

Mary – He was at the tomb right after you left. He told me to tell you that he was returning to his Father and your Father. His God and your God.

Jesus comes and stands in there midst. 

Jesus – Peace be with you. (Everyone is shocked to see him; they think they are looking at a ghost.)

Jesus – Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.

The disciples are overcome with joy and amazement.

Jesus – As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven, If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.

End Scene 4
Scene 5
Jesus appears to Thomas 

Thomas enters the house to find everyone happy.

Thomas – What’s going on everyone? You all seem different, happy. What happened since I was last here?

Luke – We saw the master. He’s alive!

Everyone – Yes, he’s alive we saw him!

Thomas – Come on he’s dead. John you were there you saw him die on that cross. Have you all gone mad.

John – Thomas, were telling you the truth. He was here, you have to believe us.

Thomas – Look, unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails marks were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.

Jesus appears behind Thomas 

Jesus – Peace be with you! Thomas, put your finger here, see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.

Thomas – (Excited) My Lord and my God!

Jesus – Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed.

The End

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Take Up Your Cross

By Rob Heverling (robhev@yahoo.com)

Used with Permission

Steve is standing up front moving boxes around as if he is cleaning up when his friend Nate walks into the scene carrying a big heavy cross.

Nate- (out of breath) Hey Steve!

Steve – Hey Nate (looking at Nate curiously) uh…what are you doing with that cross Nate?

Nate – Oh this thing. (Struggling to talk as he drags the cross across the floor) Well I have been doing a lot of reading lately. You see I decided the other day that I needed to do more for Jesus. So one of the things I decided to do more of was read the bible.

Steve – Oh! Well that’s great sounds like you have finally realized that the bible is important to the believer. But why the cross?

Nate – Well I was reading about some of the things Jesus said and this one verse really stood out…I think it was in Matthew, where Jesus says, “if anyone wishes to come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me”. I read that and thought Hey that’s me…I want to follow Jesus so I went out and made this beauty in the back yard and well now I’m following Jesus just like he said I should.

Steve – Nate I don’t think that is quite what Jesus had in mind when he said you should take up your cross.

Nate – huh, what do you mean?

Steve– Well Nate what I think Jesus was saying is if you want to follow him you need to deny or forget about the things that you want and think more about doing things the way God wants you too. That’s what he meant Nate about taking up your cross; he was talking about sacrificing your life for him. You got part of it right though, your in the word God wants us all in his word because that’s where we learn how God wants us to live, you were just a little off on your interpretation of what it was really saying.

Nate – Oh…so you’re saying I really don’t need the cross.

Steve – That would be correct Nate.

Nate turns and heads quickly up the center isle dragging the cross.

Steve – Nate where are you going?

Nate – I have to get this home quick, I didn’t have any wood around the house so I kind of used parts of my neighbors fence to make it. If I hurry, I may be able to put it back together before he gets home from work. I’ll talk to you later.

The end


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Letter to Zacchaeus

From Johanan, Collector at Magdala
to
Zaechaeus, Commissioner of Taxes at Jericho

Dear Zaccheus,

I have had Jesus, the prophet of Nazareth, to dinner today, and a number of our friends came to meet him. I promised to let you know what happened, but I promised too much. I will tell you when I can, but it is only an hour since he went, and he has left me full of thoughts. As you know, I was rather nervous about the whole affair. First thing this morning, I would have given a good deal to stop the dinner altogether. You and I often say that our sort of people are no worse than other folk, but when I went over the invitations in my mind, I couldn’t help feeling that we were strange company for such a man as Jesus. I wondered what would happen if Reuben began talking the way he does sometimes, and I meant to give him a hint before the meal began, however, I did not get an opportunity, and as it happened, there was no need, Reuben wasn’t himself today.

Well, Jesus came. What is he like?

If you had asked me halfway through the dinner, I should have said that he was the nicest man I had ever met. But now I think, Oh, I don’t know what I think, except that I am not fit to touch his feet. Of course we were all very anxious to hear him talk. Reuben was hoping that he would give the Pharisees a dressing down, and made an opening for him, but Jesus never mentioned the Pharisees, and to tell the truth I believe we all forgot that there were such people. He seemed just as ready to listen as to talk, and what a listener he is. I have never met anyone who listens as he does. I happened to mention my boy, Benjamin, for we are wondering what trade to put him to, and of course we are rather anxious as there are not many openings for a publican’s son. Jesus was interested immediately, and asked me questions about the lad. He told me some things, too, about his own boyhood. I began to feel rather ashamed at last for you know it is very strange to meet some one who understands your own lad better than you do yourself. But does he understand boys!

I cannot tell you all the things we talked about. They were much the same kind of things you and I might speak of, but there was a difference. I found myself talking to him as though I had known him all my life. I began telling him – I can’t think how I did it – how I got into this business of ours, and I was explaining our difficulties and how impossible it always is to keep straight when everyone is trying to take advantage of you, especially in these hard times when the future is so uncertain and one must make provision while one can for wife and family. He just listened, and looked straight in my face as though he understood all I said – and all I didn’t say as well and as though he were sorry for us. He didn’t interrupt, or argue with me, but the more I looked at him, the more I wished I had never got into the cursed business and the more I wished I could begin again.

You will think it ridiculous, but as he sat there, I wondered why we were not all like him. We were all sick, and he alone was well. I remembered the time when you and I were boys together, and I felt that we had missed the road. If I had been alone with him, I think I should have made a clean breast of it, and asked him what to do. He could see that my feelings were getting out of hand. They say in the town that Johanan has no feelings, and I half believed them until today. But really the tears were in my eyes, and I had such a longing, and felt so helpless. And Jesus said to me, as though he understood everything. “Don’t be afraid, think it over again, and remember your Heavenly Father knows what you need. Don’t lose your life in trying to save it.” Do you see what he meant?

Well, the meal, ended, and I was bidding him goodbye at the door, when the girl, Rachel – perhaps you guess her trade came up to the door, and I felt the blood rush to my cheeks, lest she should show that she knew me. But she had-eyes only for Jesus. Some of his friends drew back when they saw her, but Jesus said only this, “Don’t do it any more.” She stood gazing after him as he went, then covered her face with her hand, and ran down the street. As for me, I watched him until he was out of sight, and had hard work not to run after him. He is on his way to Jerusalem, and is to pass through Jericho. I mentioned you to him. Be sure to see him, Don’t let anything stop you.

Peace be with you.
Johanan
P. 5. Benjamin has just come in. You would love that boy, Zacchaeus. I must be a better father to him. Do you remember the first time you and I went up to the temple? We were Benjamin’s age. Do you remember how we all sang as we went up:

“Who Jail ascend into the hill of the Lord?
He that hath clean hands and a pure heart.”

We have missed our way, Zacchaeus, but I think, since Jesus was here, that God has not altogether cast us off. Do you think we could begin again?


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Howdy Buckaroo

wanted_poster.jpgEver had done of those days when it seemed you couldn’t win no matter what you tried?

Characters

  • a mechanical quick-draw cowboy dressed in full cowboy attire
  • Three employees

Props
Two gun holsters and six-shooter play guns with blanks.

The Skit
The only person with lines is the mechanical quick-draw cowboy. His lines should be spoken in a mechanical manner:

“Howdy Buckaroo. So you think you can beat me, eh? Put on the holster at my feet and on the count of three, draw! Are you ready? One… Two. . .Three!”

The skit begins with the two warehouse employees rolling in a mechanical slot-machine “cowboy” for storage. The extra gun-and-¬holster set is placed beneath the foot of the mechanical “cowboy:”

One of the two then gets the inspiration to try his luck. He reads the instructions printed on the chest of the mechanical man and then places a coin in the coin slot. The robot winds up and gives the memorized spiel.

The employee is unable to pick up the extra gun and holster set because it’s trapped under the boot of the mechanical cowboy. He panics and turns to run as the robot counts to three and shoots him.

The other employee then decides to show him how it is done, lifts the robot’s leg and puts on the gun before inserting a coin. He even practices his quick-draw skills several times. Feeling quite secure with himself, he inserts another coin. The message is repeated but this time the gun sticks in the holster and he is also shot.

For the final attempt, the last employee gets the gun, stands to the side of the mechanical cowboy and holds his gun to the robot’s head. When he inserts the coin, the robot repeats the message except that this time the mechanical cowboy winds down in the middle of “two” as if his battery went dead. The employee bangs on the robot a couple of times to get him moving again, but no response. Disgusted, he takes off the gun, sets it down at the robot’s feet and turns to walk off.

The robot then suddenly comes back to life with the rest of the pre-recorded message, says “three;” and shoots the final employee.

Source: Not sure where this skit originated from. I remember it from camp as a youth more than 20 years ago!


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More Than A Baby

Theme:
Monologue tells of a young shepherd who looks for the King announced to him by angels, and finds only a tiny baby in a dirty barn. The Christmas story through the uneducated but “opened” eyes of a shepherd boy.

Cast:
1 This drama involves one young adult male actor.

Set:
No special set required.

Costume:
The actor, a shepherd in Biblical times, should be dressed in appropriate clothing.

Time:
7 minutes

Script:
Scene opens as actor enters from stage left. He speaks aloud thoughts to himself throughout the drama. Spotlight is always on him.
Actor: Going? Now? Just like that? Okay, I guess I’ll just keep up with them! They wouldn’t tell me much anyway, being the youngest shepherd out here and all. I guess we do what the angel just said, right? Listen to me – I’m talking like this kind of thing happens everyday! An angel of the Lord appeared to us and told us all that the Son of God has finally come! He has been born to the world! Of course we have to go and see. What an honor! An honor I really didn’t think a grungy old shepherd would have.
Wait up, shepherds! I don’t want to miss this!
Light fades to dark for a brief moment, then comes back up, indicating time has passed.

Actor: I wonder if we’re there yet. It’s strange, you know? Not only are they not talking to me, but they aren’t even talking to each other. It’s as though no words could describe this journey we shepherds are taking.
Well, looks like we’re stopping for the night, it looks like. An old barn. Not the greatest accommodations as usual, but I guess if it’s good enough for the horses and pigs, it’s good enough for a lowly shepherd to lay his head for the night. Oh, looks like this stable has already been claimed by some other weary travelers. Oh well, on to the next stop.
Turns around to go back out but stops to turn back again.

Why aren’t they coming? For once I thought they would want to keep up the pace! Come on, guys, we’ve got a King to see! I’ve never been in a palace before, let’s go! What’s taking them so long in there? (Peering in.) Why are they bowing down?
Slowly goes inside.

Wow! Looks like these travelers found shelter just in time! That’s a brand new baby right there! Poor thing, all they could find for a bed was an eating trough used by animals. Such a shame, for a baby’s soft skin to be poked with all that straw.
Looking up and moving back.

Oh, sorry, ma’am. I sometimes forget how low we shepherds are, and people sure wouldn’t want a grubby ol’ shepherd peering at their kids.
Looks up again.

The lady is smiling at me. I think she wants me to come and see her child. The other guys aren’t pulling at me as usual, so I guess it would be alright.
Moves a few steps closer.

Look at that – hands so small. Hard to believe hands that little could grow and accomplish so much in a lifetime. I wonder what those hands will hold one day?
And look at those feet – oh, they must be cold. There’s an old scrap of cloth barely covering those tiny feet – I guess that’s his first baby blanket. Wonder how many miles those feet will cross? I wonder where those feet will lead him?
His head, so soft and smooth, not a mark on it. I bet his mother will do everything in her power to be sure her baby’s skin remains so pure and untouched.
Looks like he’s got strong shoulders, probably got that from his father. I’ll bet he’ll carry a lot on those shoulders.
Looking around.
Well, this is a nice baby, but we really have to get to the palace to see the new King of Kings, the Lord of Lords that has been sent to save the world from the sin in which we created and now live. Come on!
Looks behind him.

We’d better get going, looks like there are others coming in. (Pauses.) Wait a minute! These people are obviously royalty, look at their clothes! We gotta get out of here or these poor travelers are going to think we came here to rob them! At least, that’s the general feeling when we shepherds are seen in public.
Wait a minute, why are three kings coming into a barn to visit this poor young couple? Who are these people – the parents of this new baby? The woman couldn’t be more than twelve or thirteen and the father would be maybe a few years older than that. They certainly don’t look like they come from any line of royalty, that’s for sure. Why would these kings make such a fuss about coming to visit a baby in a barn?
Baby? Could this baby be the King we were searching for? No, a king is born in a great palace with servants and riches galore! This is a dingy old barn – hardly the place the Son of God should be! Surely this couldn’t really be Him.
What are these thoughts that are swirling around in my mind? I see those hands – and I see mighty hands which will touch and heal many. I see those feet – and I see feet will travel many miles to seek and save the lost. I see that beautiful skin – so soft and pure. I see skin that will be covered with verbal and physical scars that he will bear on behalf of me and all mankind.

This much I know: This is more than a baby, born into such dirty and inhospitable beginnings. This baby will grow to one day impact the world in a way I can’t even begin to understand. This is more than a baby, so much more than a beautiful, precious moment in a manger.
This is more than a baby.
Spotlight fades.

©Copyright DramaShare® 2004, Used by Permission
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The Lord’s Prayer with Actions

(Introduction)
In kneeling position, fold hands in prayer and bow heads.

Our Father
Raise eyes upward.

Which art in Heaven
Raise arms straight upward, separating them on the word “heaven.”

Hallowed be Thy Name
Bring hands before face, then bend forward in a low bow with arms extended forward.

Thy Kingdom come
Rise to a straight kneeling position – arms open wide with the desire to clasp humanity close.

Thy Will be done
On the word “Will” lift left knee so that by the end of the phrase you will be standing and bring arms in to enclose humanity.

On earth
Eyes upward, arms downward

As it is in Heaven
(People in back rise) Eyes upward. Circle arms upward and down.

Give us this day our daily bread
Cup hand in raised position as if to receive, taking three steps forward.

And forgive us our debts
Cross arms on breast – look upward

As we forgive our debtors
Uncross arms to the side – look downward, taking two steps backward.

And lead us not into temptation
Take one step to the right, arms to the left as if pushing away

But deliver us from evil
Arms move from left position to a strong reaching upward to the right.

For Thine
Arms stretched wide open.

Is the Kingdom and the
Arms raised by degrees

power and the glory Forever
Arms circle down and cross in front

Amen
Arms gradually lower until four counts after the music has completely stopped. Head is bowed.
Adapted from p. 192 in “The Art of the Rhythmic Choir” by Margaret Palmer Fisk


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Drama in the Church

  1. What is drama?
  2. Controversy Surrounding
  3. Ways to Utilize
  4. How to Get Started
  5. Resources

An excellent article on using drama in the church by Becky Fox

It is said, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” There are also single words that conjure up vivid images – words like boom, sizzle, festival, surprise, Chicago. Drama takes both of these pieces – words and pictures – and creates an engaging expression of existence. Drama is communication and as such must include a giver and a receiver. Traditionally, the giver would be those on the stage, and the receiver, those in the audience. Today, drama is comprised of many creative expressions that blur the lines between giver and receiver, especially in this electronic age. Traditionally, drama was storytelling through individual spoken word, dialog amongst characters, and/or physical action. This kind of drama took on the forms of character monologues, presentational storytelling, sketches, plays, and pantomime presented by actors before live audiences. Then came the age of displaced receptors – Movies, TV, and Radio – encompassing the forms utililized previously, however now, the actors were performing for cameras, microphones, and technical operators. As the times have changed, so have the forms that encompass those things referred to as dramatic arts. They have grown to include participation on the part of the audience, improvisation by actors, and have even extended as far as oulets of dance and pageantry.

Drama and the theatre have been around for centuries, including within the confines of the church. It was not until the recent “Entertainment Age” that we have seen a resurgence of creative, dramatic, theatrical presentations within the church. For many years the use of anything remotely theatrical was forbidden from most mainline/fundamental/bible-teaching congregations not dissimilar to the ‘music-of-the-day’ creeping into worship services. Whether, it was seen as attempt to modernize the church or help it relate to society, or that eventually for good or bad, the church tends to resemble the culture in which it finds itself, we now find ourselves dropped in the middle of Engaging Entertainment that has brought drama and the creative arts back into the church. Now here in lies the controversy, simply the choice of the word Entertainment to in any way relate to the church or especially worship of our God. Notice the full choice however, Engaging Entertainment. Entertainment for entertainment’s sake is empty and devoid of true meaning or value. It may cause brief laughter or removal from the daily grind, but it doesn’t carry something to hold onto, to grasp, to understand, to engage our minds, our souls. Indeed, without one, one is left happily void, and without the other, reflectively irrememberable. It is in fact a balance of both that makes the dramatic arts creative and worshipful at the same time.

Scripture tells us to worship in spirit and in truth, mentally, physically, and emotionally. Because drama is a creative art form, there are literally an infinite number of ways to utilize it, adapt it, and make it work for any situation. Some options include: tell it yourself, tell it through others, tell it with others, tell it in your own words, tell it in others words, tell it without words. ‘Tell It Yourself’ means that you, as actor, are responsible for conveying the message of the story, problem, expression by yourself to some kind of audience, whether live or remote, hundreds or a few. ‘Tell It Through Others’ implies that there are actors separate from the words. Typically this would be presented as pantomime or to cross language barriers, where the actors are not the ones speaking. A third expression is to ‘Tell It With Others.’ This type of experience is just that, an experience for all involved from actors, directors, and technicians, to the audience alike. Any of these can be presented ultilizing ‘Tell It In Your Own Words’ – something the actor or director has written or adapted as an original art form – or as ‘Tell It in Others Words’ – something the actor or director has found and utilized in the context of worship. ‘Tell It Without Words’ implies choreography or staged pictures, pantomime or pageantry.

Here are some ideas for how to use drama in a church setting: reader’s theatre, Sunday school lesson, sermon introducer or recap, radio theatre, song introduction or recap, practical examples, ice breakers, mime (story/song), plays for outreach, outreach reperatory, telling Bible stories, discussion starters, announcements, involved worship, support groups, etc.

How to get started…. Pray. Determine whether you are the actor or director, producer, or all of the above. Find others of like-mind to help you or at least encourage you as you endeavor to serve God with your gifts, talents, abilities, hopes and dreams. Start slow. Whether its once a year, once a quarter, once a month, or once a week, start with what you can handle. It can be as simple as reading scripture dramatically or as complex as a full Broadway production for a dinner-theatre outreach. Pray. Decide what kind of help you’ll need to pull off whatever your plan is – actors, publicists, designers, script-writers, etc. Find or write, choreograph or adapt your play, sketch, monologue, dance or mime. Pray. Rehearse. Pray. Present. Pray. Recap. Pray.

Performing for an Audience of One…..

Source: Copyright Becky Fox
Used by Permission.

(Becky is the ICHTHUS Drama – Director (a worship and outreach dramatic ministry for 5th -12th grade students) at Liberty Bible Church: www.lbchurch.org and Founding Director of Area Christian Theatre Ensemble – a community theatre organization dedicated to producing family friendly productions with a distinctively Christian worldview. www.areachristiantheatre.org


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Emotional Charades

Activity
This is like normal charades, but the items to be pantomimed are different emotions. Do not announce this beforehand, but let the groups figure it out for themselves. The person who guesses the emotion gets a point.

Some suggested emotions that can be used are: anger, fear, happy, nervous, bored, bitter, overwhlemed, depressed, at peace, embarassed, loved, proud, detached, shocked, hate, and finally, love.

Icebreaker / Crowdbreaker Variation
In larger groups you might give each person one of the above motions. There should be at least two people that have each emotion. The objective will be to display the emotion until you find the other members of your group. When you think you have found your partners/group have a seat. Continue until all groups are seated. Then have each group strike a pose of their emotion.

Photo Variation
Obtain a variety of photos from newspaper clippings, magazines, and advertisements. Have the group identify the emotions displayed on people’s faces. Discuss the difficulty of recognizing love and other emotions.

Couples Variation
couples must perform the charade and whoever guesses it gets the next item on the list to pantomime. The person who guesses the emotion and the nearest person of the opposite sex on his/her right will be the next couple to get the clue. This means the two will have to demonstrate the emotion with each other… (e.g. Anger – pantomime yelling at each other, being upset, etc.)

Application / Debrief
1. What does love look like? What actions show love? How did you find your group? How do we find love? What do our emotions reveal about us? Are negative emotions a sin? Is it easier to control positive or negative emotions? Which emotions are the easiest to show? The most difficult?
2. Discuss the different emotions Jesus portrayed in his life as revealed in the scriptures.
3. Discuss the fruits of the spirit and how they relate to our emotions.
4. Focus in on the emotion of love and use the activity for Valentine’s Day
5. Use this as an introduction to a discussion on God’s Love


MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

Learn More…

I Am the Cross

dramashare.jpg

The story of Christ’s Crucifixion as told by the cross on which he hung and died.

Script by Vickie A. Puffer

“This script is made available through a special arrangement with Dramashare. If you are looking for free scripts for VBS, summer camps, youth meetings, mime, Children’s sermons, puppetry, clowning, human video, choral reading, interpretive movement, or a sermon starter, then DramaShare is one of the best Drama Ministry resources I have ever found. It is the world’s most visited Christian drama ministry web site. Purchase an annual membership to DramaShare ministry at the link http://dramashare.org/item.php?id=2959 to get free access to over 1,500 royalty free scripts on-line.” -Ken 

Monologue
Copyright 1998 Vickie A. Puffer Published by DramaShare®

Isn’t it amazing the variety of ways God speaks to us? Of course there are the obvious—like listening to the minister, reading the Bible, or singing hymns. But on those occasions that we allow ourselves to fully open up to Him, He’s there in the form of children laughing, a beautiful sunrise, a quiet moment with your dog, or even in a dream.

God touched me in a very special way a few months ago and He made it very clear that He expected more from me than to just tuck it away somewhere in the back of my mind. I was to write about it—to share what he brought to me. “But I’m no writer,” I rationalized, “I can’t do justice to such an awesome experience.” But that’s exactly what He expected. I procrastinated, but he persisted. Then I got distracted, but then He showed me how I was putting worldly things ahead of Him. That’s all it took. I started writing.

A young lady in our church performed an interpretive dance during the worship service one Sunday morning. I’ve always loved dancing and it was fascinating to watch her move with the music. Although I was mesmerized at the time, right now I’m at a loss to recall the details.

I do recall the look on her face. She was radiant, blissful as she offered her gift to the Father. I’ve had that feeling myself and rejoiced with her in it. But the one thing I remember with absolute clarity is the moment that she paused with her arms stretched out to either side. And in that simple pose I saw a cross, not in the traditional form of wooden beams, but in human form—a human cross, like me. I am the cross. In a flash of clarity I realized that it wasn’t the nails in his hands and feet that caused Jesus’ pain and suffering, it was me. He didn’t die as a result of being tortured upon a plank of wood, he gave his life to save me from the torment of my own sinfulness. He put himself between me and eternal damnation.

You still don’t quite understand, do you? It’s okay, I knew this would be tough to explain. Instead of trying to tell this story by starting at the end, maybe it will help if we go back to the beginning. Crosses, as we have come to know them, are made from trees, so let’s start with that in mind. Let’s start out as a tree.

As a tiny seed I was fortunate to fall onto the fertile ground of a garden where the rich soil made it easy to take root. I learned much through conversing with the other trees and plants that lived there. They explained what would happen when I got older—how we trees would eventually be taken down and hacked into firewood to be burned up or, at best, made into a piece of wretched furniture. What a miserable fate!

From time to time a procession would pass by offering glimpses of the most magnificent treasures and beautifully dressed people. Now that was more like it—definitely the life for me—and so it became my fervent desire to be part of one of those splendid households. I would be a lavishly carved banquet table, or a gilded chariot, or even the bearer of royalty…a throne for a King!

I was fiercely dedicated to this quest—constantly preening my leaves, working on my branches so they would be straight and unbreakable, and honing my trunk to be healthy and strong. This work was all consuming so, unlike the other trees, I had no time for frivolities like swaying in the breeze or playing drop-a-leaf-on-someone’s-head. Such behavior could have broken a branch!

All the hard work was worth it, though, because I was stunning. Even the other trees had to admit it was so. People would gather around me, resting in my luscious shade, gazing up at me with such adoration. I was the envy of the garden. Why, even the thorn bushes that grew on a nearby hill agreed that I was destined for greatness!
The peacefulness of the garden was disturbed one day by a large crowd lining the street nearby. They were waving palm branches and shouting joyously. Convinced that it was a royal procession, I fluffed up my leaves and put on my best showing. It was somewhat bewildering—not to mention disappointing—when all that appeared was a rather dusty man riding a small donkey.

A person standing near suddenly grabbed my lowest branch and began climbing. Several of my smaller limbs were broken and many leaves fell—apparently all because this person wanted a better look at the man on the donkey. I was outraged! What was he thinking?! Didn’t he know that it would take a long time for me to repair such damage?
When the rider approached, the man sitting on my branch shouted to him, calling him “Jesus.” He then climbed down and, after a brief exchange, they went away with the wildly cheering crowd. Whoever that Jesus was, he certainly wasn’t worth the damage done to my branches!

Over the next several days I heard a lot about this Jesus person. The people were in awe of Him—proclaiming him a great teacher and even calling him The Messiah, whatever that meant. Wherever he went there was a crowd—especially children. I liked it when they sat in the shade under my branches and I listened intently to his lessons.

He told the people all about God, his Father in Heaven, and how God had created all things. He shared with them how much God loved them. He also talked a lot about forgiveness of a terrible thing called sin.

Apparently, it was considered a sin whenever you did something that went against God’s will. And unforgiven sin would cause you great misery, and you’d spend your eternity in a frightening, evil place called Hell. This talk about sin made the people pretty uncomfortable and I assumed it was probably because they had done lots of it.
I also heard that Jesus performed miracles. Now I’d never, ever heard of any person doing the things that Jesus was said to do, so I found this hard to believe, until I witnessed it for myself.

A man who had been blind since birth had no family to look after him, so every day he would sit in my shade, begging food or coins from passersby. But they were poor, too, and the pathetic man was barely able to take care of himself. It was terribly embarrassing to have him hanging around because he was dirty, his clothes were ragged, and he didn’t smell very good. Despite my best efforts, whenever he was there the people tended to avoid coming near me.

Jesus and these men he called “disciples” noticed the blind man and one of the disciples asked Jesus what sin he or his family had done for him to deserve such a fate. Jesus replied that the man’s blindness was not the result of anyone’s sin. Then he made a dab of clay from dirt and spit, touched the blind man’s eyes with it, and told him to wash it off in a nearby pool. Jesus left, but when the blind man came back, he could see! This definitely was a miracle!

Although it seemed that everyone loved Jesus and wanted to be close to him, there were a few who criticized him, calling him a blasphemer and saying that the miracles he performed were just tricks he used to confuse people. Their talk had a dark, ominous tone and it frightened me. Once, I even saw one of Jesus’ disciples talking with these people. His name was Judas and he seemed quite torn about what was being discussed, but in the end, he took a small pouch from one of the men and ran away into the night.

Late one night, several figures entered the garden and although I couldn’t see their faces, I recognized one voice: Jesus. He seemed deeply troubled and asked the others to stay awake with him while he prayed—talked with his Father—but they fell asleep, leaving Him all alone in the darkness. And he did pray. All the pain and torment of his heart came pouring out like nothing ever witnessed in my quiet little sanctuary. He cried out until his voice was hoarse. His body tensed to the point that I thought his muscles would surely burst. And it was blood, rather than sweat, that gushed from his pores. Surely no one in the history of all the world would ever, ever know such anguish.

The light from a row of torches broke through the darkness as soldiers and a small crowd burst through the garden gate. There was some shouting and a brief scuffle. Then the oddest thing happened: Judas, the disciple, stepped up to Jesus and kissed him on the cheek. The soldiers grabbed Jesus and then took him away. It seemed that Judas had used the kiss to identify Jesus to the soldiers. But why? I tried to make sense of it all, but everything had happened so fast and I just couldn’t comprehend what it all meant.

I’d all but forgotten the incident when, some time later, several official-looking people gathered around me. I assumed they were there to enjoy my shade and admire my beauty, but this time there was something odd about the way they looked at me, whispering and nodding to one another. It made me very uncomfortable even though I felt certain their comments were positive.

The next thing I knew I had been cut down and was being transported to a carpenter’s shop. This was it! My moment of truth had come! For my entire life I had dedicated every effort to being the best. Surely these people would see that I should be reborn into something worthy of such perfection! Oh, please, let it be a throne for a King!
My new shape was unfamiliar—not part of a throne or a chariot, not even a simple table, but something I’d never seen before. Just a long, straight pole with a shorter pole joined across it. And my texture had been left rough and full of splinters. Surely this had to be a mistake. I reasoned that this couldn’t possibly be the final product and that someone would be along any minute to finish up.

As I bemoaned my fate, the doors opened and three soldiers dragged me outside. Nearby, in the dust, knelt a small figure that looked to be a man. It was obvious that he’d been severely beaten. One soldier yanked him to his feet as the other two hoisted me up onto his shoulder. When they let go, he staggered and fell. They could not possibly expect this one pitiful creature to carry what had taken three of them! But they did.

The beaten man was ordered to his feet, and once again I was placed on his shoulder. He staggered forward, dragging me through crowd-lined streets. He was so bent and lame that he could manage only a few steps before we would fall again. After what seemed like hours with little progress, one of the soldiers grabbed a bystander from the crowd and ordered him to carry me. He did so, but only in fear for his life. The beaten man followed close behind.

Progress was slow and the crowd was yelling angrily at the beaten man, although I couldn’t make out what they were saying. Soon we came to a hill and I saw at the top two wooden shapes that looked much like me. There was something attached to each of these shapes and, as we got closer, I could see that each shape had a man attached to it. I wracked my brain to remember if I’d ever heard the people talk about such a thing. Some vague recollection nagged at me and, as we climbed, I was hit with the cold, hard realization of what I had become: a cross. An instrument of torture. A method of execution.

How could this have happened to me? I had worked so hard—invested every ounce of my energy into achieving my goals. I had been so certain of my future, but those hopes and dreams had been smashed beyond all comprehension.

Tossed to the ground, I listened in stunned disbelief while the soldiers dealt with the beaten man, yelling and cursing at him, spitting on him. They gambled for his only possession, a robe, and when they took it away I could see just how savagely he had been treated. His hair was matted with sweat and blood. His legs, face, and arms were black with bruises. And his back was covered with thick red stripes of raw, torn flesh. He must be the vilest sort of criminal to deserve such punishment. I was just about to look away from the sickening sight when—to my horror—I realized who the man was. It was Jesus!

My mind was reeling. What is wrong with these stupid people? Even I know that Jesus is no criminal! What could he possibly have done that would merit such heinous torture? He had always been so gentle, so kind, so filled with love and forgiveness. Why would they turn on him like this?

There were more soldiers now—and the angry crowd that had followed us through the town pressed in so tightly that there was no air to breathe. Jesus was stretched out over me and one of the soldiers yanked his arm over my crossbeam. Then he took a long metal spike and, with three sharp hammer blows, drove it through Jesus’ hand. Of course, I couldn’t feel a thing, but Jesus cried out as his entire body reacted to what must have been unbearable pain. The process was repeated with the other hand and his feet—and with each strike of the hammer I could feel the jolting of his body.

Once this deed was done, the crowd was ordered to step back while lengths of rope were tied to each end of my crossbeam. With three strong men lifting and four on the ropes, we were set upright and secured. As we rose up, gravity took hold of Jesus’ body, pulling on him as if trying to tear him down, and once again he was wracked with searing pain.

He could scarcely breathe as my splinters dug deep into the raw flesh of his back. For a moment I forgot my own lamenting as I desperately tried to hold him up, but my timbers would not move. I had worked hard to make them rigid and inflexible—perfect for my needs, or so I had thought. But now, for the first time in my life, I truly understood the meaning of sin. It wasn’t something that only applied to others. It described how I had lived my entire life—primping and preening, focusing only on my wants and my needs. I had been prideful, vain, selfish, and now my sinfulness prevented me from offering even the slightest bit of relief for this innocent, suffering person.

The crowd surged around my base, much like they had done in the garden—but in their eyes I no longer saw adoration and appreciation—just hatred. They continued to jeer and curse Jesus but he didn’t seem to hear. He was speaking softly—praying to his Father in Heaven that I had heard him talk about so often.

A man on one of the other crosses confessed to Jesus that he was a thief and asked for forgiveness. He wanted Jesus to remember him once he was in Heaven. Then Jesus said the most remarkable thing: “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Paradise!? How could he possibly be thinking of paradise? This place was as far from paradise as one could get. Even the sound of its name—Golgotha—sounded cold and evil. Oh, how I longed for the safety of my garden.

Someone from the crowd seized a spear and thrust it into Jesus’ side. He made no sound but his head rocked back and it was only then that I noticed the thorns. Taken from the hill near the garden, lengths of them had been woven into a sort of headpiece—a crown of thorns—and placed firmly—painfully—on Jesus’ head.

With the crowd urging him on, a man tacked a piece of paper above Jesus’ head and read it aloud: “This is Jesus. King of the Jews.” And as they laughed and mocked him, my destiny was fulfilled: I was a bearer of royalty. I bore the King of the Jews. Blood mixed with sweat trickled down the length of me, mingling with sap that I shed as though it were tears. I wept not for me, but for the one who did not deserve this.

Why was this happening? This man had the ability to perform miracles—I had seen him—so why didn’t he save himself now? He could take the nails away and there would be nothing to hold him there. Why did he stay? What held him? Oh, how I wanted to help him, but my sinfulness had created a vast chasm that I could not reach across.

There was a moan from Jesus—all had been quiet for such a long while—but suddenly it was as if every vile and evil thing of the earth had seized him. The sins of all the people had come upon him and were trying to tear him apart. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” was his cry as his body convulsed violently.

Finally the convulsions stopped and he managed to whisper: “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they’re doing.” And there, at last, was the answer. Jesus was The Messiah—the Son of God—the only one capable of perfect, unconditional, all-forgiving love. The nails had no power to hold him there. Love is what bound him to me. With that belief anchored firmly in my heart, I prayed to the Heavenly Father, confessing my sins of selfishness, vanity, and pride, and humbly asking for his forgiveness. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

Now gasping for each breath, Jesus spoke again, “It is finished.” And with those words my sin was banished and I was reborn. No longer would I be a cross—rigid and inflexible, an instrument of pain and torment. My timbers yielded with new-found freedom and at last I could reach out to offer him comfort. He had given his all for me, and I now gave to him all that was mine to give. I gave him my heart.

The crowd had fallen silent and all that could be heard was his quiet breathing. It was as if we were all alone in that dark, unholy place. His body was so frail, broken under the burden of sin he alone had carried. Dark, red blood flowed out of the wounds from which I had been spared. One last time, Jesus spoke: “Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit.” And as I held him in my arms, Jesus died.

I looked out at the people. A few wept openly, as I did. Most looked away. But no one would leave that place unchanged by what they had witnessed there. One by one they went away, disappearing into the night. Finally, only a handful remained—Jesus’ friends and his mother. They came forward and took him from me—gently, carefully—and carried his body away.

A few days passed before I heard the rest of the story: Jesus had overcome death! He had risen from the grave and now walked triumphantly among the people! But his time here was short because he would soon ascend to Heaven to sit at the right hand of God. I had to see him one last time! I found him with the disciples on a road just outside the city. He smiled when he saw me and I wanted to ask him to remember me, but I couldn’t get the words out. He whispered to me, “I will be with you always, even to the end of time.” And I believe he will.

I am the cross—imperfect, undeserving—living by my own selfish choices. But because of the sacrifice Jesus made in my place on that blood-soaked hill, and because I believe in the grace of an all-powerful God, the cross—my sin—no longer has power over me. I am forgiven. I am reborn. I am a new creation in Christ.
The End (or the beginning)


MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

Learn More…

The Carpenter

dramashare.jpgMonologue about the builder of the cross on which Jesus was crucified. Can be used at any time of year, including Easter. Based on the ideas in a script written by Kate Rothacker.

“This script is made available through a special arrangement with Dramashare. If you are looking for free scripts for VBS, summer camps, youth meetings, mime, Children’s sermons, puppetry, clowning, human video, choral reading, interpretive movement, or a sermon starter, then DramaShare is one of the best Drama Ministry resources I have ever found. It is the world’s most visited Christian drama ministry web site. Purchase an annual membership to DramaShare ministry at the link http://dramashare.org/item.php?id=2959 to get free access to over 1,500 royalty free scripts on-line.” -Ken


Staging Information

Keywords

cross, carpenter, remorse

Cast

Monologue, likely male

Costumes

either traditional or contemporary

Sound and Lighting

Mic for actor
a tight spot on the actor would be useful, with the balance of the acting area in shadow.

Props

a few very large nails and a carpenter’s belt, hammer

Run Time – (approx)

5 minutes


Script



Actor comes on stage, looks down at mimed cross upstage, speaks

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.
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.
Well, I do 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!

looks over shoulder, upstage

Yet when I saw my handiwork on hillside of Golgotha, great chills ran throughout my body.

moves downstage as though begging audience to understand

What have I done?
What have I done?

more confident

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.

less self-assured

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.

quieter
They say that the Nazarene was also a carpenter. A man like me. Could that be why my soul seems ill at ease?

annoyed

I could not know that. For all I know dozens of carpenters have found cruel support from the work of my hands… (holds hands up, looking at them closely) 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!

(throws nails to the floor, loudly, begins pacing)
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 have 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.

actor off stage


MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

Learn More…

Easter Freeze Frames

Materials
Costumes and props related to the story (optional)

Game Play
Tell the group they are going to act out and photograph “freeze frames” of the important parts of the Easter story. Ask them to “Try to imagine how the Easter story happened 2000 years ago.” (You can provide Bible costumes and props for greater realism, but they are not required.)

Choose a number of Easter Bible events as freeze frames. Assign one event to each group. The participants must come up with at least four key scenes that include appropriate poses, facial expressions and hand gestures. They pose in a scene and freeze and a picture is taken.

Potential Scenes: Characters

Jesus annointed with Perfume – Jesus, Chief priests and teachers of the law, people (crowd), Simon the Leper, Mary the sister of Martha (the woman with the jar of perfume), disciples, Judas Iscariot
The Triumphant Entry / Palm Sunday – Jesus, Disciples, Crowd
The Lord’s Supper – man carrying the jar of the water, the owner of the house with the large upper room, the disciples, Judas, Peter, Jesus
Garden of Gethsemane – Peter-James-John, God the Father, Jesus
Jesus’ Arrest – The servant of the High Priest who had his ear cut off, the streaker who lost His garment, guards, Jesus, disciples
Peter denies Christ – the servant girl who questioned Peter, the crowd, Peter
The Trial – Jewish Leaders, Sanhedrin, High Priest, Jesus, guards, those who were asked to give false testimony
Christ’s beating by the Roman soldiers
The crucifixion – John, Mother of Jesus, centurions, Disciples, Joseph, God, Crowd
Easter morning – Mary and Martha, Peter, disciples, Angels, Guards
Upper Room – Disciples, Thomas, Jesus

During the skits take a picture of each of the four scenes (Digital camera’s work great). Put the pictures in a slide show or powerpoint file on your computer and you have an Easter keepsake, as well as, a gift for all the participants.

Variation
Create a video news report of the story. Have one person be the reporter in the newsroom (at a table), then go to a reporter in the field who interviews the various participants in each scene.]

Variation
Use follow up questions for the different scenes to facilitate some lively discussion:

Example:
• What did it feel like to be a Roman Soldier? A disciple? A character in the crucifixion scene?
• Why did the disciples scatter?
• How did the bretrayal feel?
• How would you have responded to the empty tomb?
• What feelings / thoughts were running through your mind for each event?

Note: This is also a great way to bring to life almost any Bible Story.

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Games and Activities in celebration of Easter.

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Compassion

The tale of the centurion

centurion.jpgThe sky was dark, gloomy, ominous.
A blackened canvas, awaiting a storm.

We had spit upon his face.
Blood and spit dripped down his body,
like rain off a tattered jacket.
He struggles to remain conscious,
His body is beaten, shredded, disfigured…
The braided whip, pieces of iron and stone, unleashed their fury.
Left behind–hanging skin, quivering ribbons of bleeding flesh.
His brow is punctured, dripping,
A pool of blood beneath him, a crown of thorns upon his head.

He stands and stumbles,
Dizzy in the center of the raging storm of hatred.
His eyes strain to focus, the blur of faces,
The jeering voices rising in thunderous commotion,
Cursing, mocking, taunting.

Seizing him, I spin him around and crack my fist upon his face.
Open wounds, stripped, naked, bleeding.
I push him to the rocky ground,
Stones embedding in his wounds…

I drag him, sideways to rough, splintered timbers,
His arms, stretched and held.
A spike at his wrist…
A hammer raised–Clank, Clank, Clank…
The timber raised, this man of Galilee upon it…

He had promised life, healed the wounded, took away pain,
But now, his life was draining, his body wounded, engulfed in pain.

Yet, with compassion in his eyes,
Not anger, not hatred, but compassion,
He looks…

He’s looking at ME, his executioner…
As if waiting?
What to do?

To look away, or look at him.
“How can I, a Centurion, believe?”
“Come down off the cross if you’re the Son of God!”

He still looks,
Compassionately, waiting,
What to do?
“Speak to me! Say something?”
…..Nothing…..

The crowd thins as the sky darkens,
“Come with us, don’t waste your time!”
“He’s no more God than you or I!”
I stand, speechless, agonizing…
…then…

As a child to his parent he says so tender,
“Father, into your hands my Spirit I give,”
And at that moment he is no longer.

The earth shakes, the thunder bellows,
“Run you fool, forget the wretch”
I can’t, can’t move, can’t budge.
Fall to my knees,
“Surely, this MUST be the Son of God”

Copyright 1988 by Ken Sapp
Free for non commercial use.

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Games and Activities in celebration of Easter.

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Easter Charades

Activity
Choose several events from the Easter story to be acted out by participants. Using these scenes, play a
game of charades.

Variation
Have participants re-enact the scenes in friezes–or stop-action scenes.

camera.jpg
Variation
Have the participants set up the scenes in the order that they happened. Take pictures of each pose.

List of events and scripture references

  • Jesus and the twelve disciples come into Jerusalem from Bethany, to partake of the Passover meal. (Mark 14.12-16)
  • Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:43-52)
  • Jesus’ brought before Annas (John 18:12-14)
  • Jesus before the Jewish Leaders (Mark 14:53-65)
  • Jesus before Sanhedrin (Mark 15:1a)
  • Jesus before Pilate (Mark 15: 1b-5)
  • Jesus before Herod (Luke 23:6-12)
  • Pilate releases a prisoner (Mark 15:6-15)
  • Jesus survived painful beating, whipping, and mocking (Mark 15:16-20)
  • Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified (Mark 15:6-15)
  • Jesus was mocked by the soldiers as they dressed Him in a purple robe and a crown of thorns (John 19:1-3)
  • Jesus was crucified on Golgatha, which means the Place of the Skull (Mark 15:22)
  • The sky turned dark for three hours (Mark 15:33)
  • Jesus cried, “Father! Into your hands I commit my spirit!” and He died (Luke 23:46)
  • Pilate’s sealing and guarding the tomb (Mt.27:62-66)
  • Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, Joanna and other women start for the tomb (Mt.28:1, Lk.23:55-24:1)
  • The earthquake, the stone rolled away by the angel, the open tomb, and the terror of the Roman guards (Mt.28:2-4)
  • The report of the guards to the chief priests (Mt.28:5-6)
  • The chief priests’ bribe to the Roman guards (Mt.28:12-13)
  • The Roman guards spread the lie that Christ’s body was stolen (Mt.28:15)
  • The women see the open tomb, and the message of the angels (Mt.28:2-7, Lk.24:2-8, M.16:3-8, Jn.20:1-2)
  • The recovery of the grave clothes by Peter and John (Jn.20:3-8)
  • Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (Jn.20:11-18, Mk.16:9)
  • Jesus Appears to women returning from the tomb (Mt.28:8-10)
  • Jesus Appears toPeter later in the day (Lk.24:34, 1Cor.15:5)
  • Jesus Appears to the Two Emmaus disciples (Lk.24:13-33)
  • Jesus Appears to the 10 Apostles in Jerusalem, on Easter Sunday, with Thomas absent (Lk.24:36-43, Jn.20:19-24)
  • Jesus Appears to the 11 Apostles in Jerusalem, one week later, with Thomas present (Jn.20:26-29)
  • Jesus Appears to seven Apostles, by the Lake of Tiberias, in Galilee (Jn.21:1-23)
  • Jesus Appears to 500 brothers and sisters on a Galilean mountain (1Cor.15:6)
  • Jesus Appears to Jesus Appears to James (1Cor.15:7)
  • Jesus Appears to the Eleven in Galilee (Mt.28:16-20, Mk.16:14-20, Lk.24:33-53, Act.1:3-12)
  • The Ascension (Act.1:3-12)

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Christmas Freeze Frames

Materials
Costumes and props related to the story (optional)

Activity
Tell the group they are going to act out and photograph “freeze frames” of the important parts of the Christmas story. Ask them to “Try to imagine how the Christmas story happened 2000 years ago when Christ was born.” (You can provide Bible costumes and props for greater realism, but they are not required.)

Choose a number of Bible scenes as freeze frames. Assign one scene to each group. The participants must come up with appropriate poses, facial expressions and hand gestures for each freeze frame.

Shepherds
* Scene 1: The shepherds hear the angels tell of Christ’s birth (example: Participants should show fear, awe, excitement, etc).
* Scene 2: The shepherds believe the angels’ proclamation
* Scene 3: The shepherds discover the Christ child
* Scene 4: The shepherds return to their homes and fields, glorifying and praising God

Wisemen
* Scene 1: Following the star
* Scene 2: Before Herod
* Scene 3: Finding Jesus
* Scene 4: Returning Home

You can also use events involving Mary, Joseph, In the temple with Simeon, Elizabeth, etc.

During the skits take a picture of each scene (Digital camera’s work great). Put the pictures in a slide show or powerpoint file on your computer and you have a Christmas keepsake, as well as, a gift for all the participants.

Variation
Create a video news report of the story. Have one person be the reporter in the newsroom (at a table), then go to a reporter in the field who interviews the various participants in each scene (animals included).]

Discussion
Use follow up questions for the different scenes to facilitate some lively discussion:
• What did it feel like to be a shepherd? Angel? A character in the manger scene?
• Why did the angels appear to the shepherds and not someone else?
• Why did the shepherds drop everything to go find out about some baby?
• What does this “baby” mean to them?
• What does this “baby” mean to us?

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Difficult Times Drama

Materials
You’ll need 1 role card for each person, tape, and Bibles. A tape player and blues music are optional.

Role Cards
Print the following “roles” on 3X5 cards. Not all options may be suitable so use your own discretion.
* Business and home were lost in a flood.
* Home and all belongings were destroyed in a fire.
* Family was killed in an auto accident
* Home was burglarized.
* Family member is dying of cancer
* Father Lost his job a week before Christmas.
* Failed all your examinations
* Best friend died in a freak accident
* You are being forced to leave Singapore
* Your brother died during an National Service drill
* You mother was hospitalized and can’t afford the bills
* Your sister was raped.

For a little humor you could include:
* You ran out of toilet paper
* Your goldfish died
* You were stood up on date

Think of a different role for each student; or simply repeat.

Activity
Form a circle. Walk among the youth and tape a role card on each person’s back so that others may read the role. Say: “I’m giving you each a role to play although you don’t know what it is. I will tell you that each of you has become the victim of some sort of disaster”.

For a few minutes, let youth mingle and role play, treating each other as if they were really in the designated circumstances, but without revealing the roles. You may wish to play some blues music.

Discussion
1. What was your initial reaction to your situation?
2. What are some feelings that you might have under these circumstances? Explain.
3. How might you feel toward other people? toward God?
4. How did others respond to you in your activity?
5. Were the reactions realistic? Why or why not?
6. How did their words make you feel?
7. Why is it difficult to trust God in hard times?
8. What is one reason we can trust God in the hardest times?


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Parable Plays

Materials
Props for acting out the parables. These can extensive or minimalist depending on the creativity ad age of your participants. You might include biblical costumes, props mentioned in the parables, and objects that are focal to each parable. Alternatively, let youth find their own props for creative variations.

Activity
1. Assign groups of youth/ children / adults one of the parables.
2. Instruct the groups to find their parable in the Bible and read it. If the parable occurs in more than one Gospel, have the group read each version, noting the differences.
3. After reading the parable, have members of the group volunteer for parts in a skit about the parable. Give them time to plan and rehearse.
4. As a variation, have the groups rewrite the parable in a modern context.

Parables
The Prodigal son (Luke 15:11)
The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8)
The Lost Sheep (Matt 18:10)
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25)
The Unforgiving Servant (Matt 18:21-34)
The Mustard Seed (Matt 13:31-32 and Mark 4:31-32 and Luke 13:18-19)
The Sower (Matt 13:3-9 and Mark 4:3-9 and Luke 8:5-8)
The Two House Builders (Matt. 7:24)pearl.jpg
The Three Servants (Matt 25:14)
The Lamp under a Bowl (Mark 4:21-25 and Luke 8:16-18)
The Pharisees and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9)
The Yeast (Matt 13:33 and Luke 13:20-21)
The Hidden Treasure (Matt 13:44)
The Pearl (Matt 13:45)

Discussion
1. What are the key characters in this parable?
2. What did it feel like to be the person you acted out?
3. What is the key point of this parable?
4. How is this key point important to the Christian life?
5. What real life situations remind you of this parable?
6. What difference will knowing this parable make in a person’s life?
7. How can you personally apply the lesson of this parable in your life this week?

Application
Mark 4:34 seems to indicate that Jesus usually used parables in his teaching. Jesus’ parables were meant for ordinary people so he talked about things that ordinary people knew about, like farming and shepherding.


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The Resurrection

Act out the Easter story with your youth. It will help them to remember the order of the events. It makes a great Children’s Message too!

Jesus died and was put in a grave. (Squat down and curl into a little ball.)
A giant rock was rolled in front of the place. (Pound on the floor with your hands.)
His friends cried and were sad that he was dead. (Pretend to cry.)
But on the third day, something happened. (Count to three on your fingers.)
A giant earthquake rocked the ground. (Have youth stomp their feet and clap.)
The giant stone rolled away. (Have youth roll over on the floor.)
Mary and her friends walked to the grave. (Walk in place.)
They felt the earthquake. (Stomp your feet.)
They ran to the open grave. (Run in place.)
They looked in. (Cup your hand over your eyes.)
A bright angel was inside the grave. (Shield your eyes from the brightness.)
The women were sad and afraid. (Act scared.)
The angel told the women that Jesus was alive! (Cheer.)
And so the women went to tell the disciples. (Run in place.)
Jesus appeared to them. (Act surprised.)
The women fell down at his feet. (Fall to the floor.)
They were so happy to see him! (Cheer and hug each other.)

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Pantomime Relay

rockingchair.jpg
Setup

Break the youth into several groups of equal number. Have each group form a line, sitting side-by-side in chairs. Have an empty chair at the front of each group. Create a list of index cards containing the actions.

Activity
The person at the front of the line comes to the leader to get the first action. The leader reveals the name of the action and the corresponding motions. The action must then be performed consecutively down the line . The last person must then run to the empty chair in the front of his line and perform the correct action for the leader. If not correct, he must go back to the end of the line and the person who initiated the action must again send the action down the line to the end. If he gets the action correct he is given a new action to ADD to the previous actions. He then takes the place at the beginning of the line and everyone shifts down a chair. He must perform all previous actions and add the new one. All actions are then performed down the line and the last man repeats the process. The first team to get through all the actions wins.

Sample Actions:
Rocking chair – rock back and forth
Knitting needles – knitting motions while sitting down
Toothbrush – motion brushing your teeth
Basketball – mime dribbling a basketball and shooting a shot
Bicycle – sitting in chair pretend you ar epedaling with your feet
Pogo stick – get out of chair and jump up and down
Hula Hoop – sway those hips like using a hulahoop
Jump rope – pretend you are jumping rope
Accordian – Side to side motions as playing an according
Escape from Prison – All stand Up – last guy must crawl through legs

Of course you can add or remove any items to control the time required for the activities. You may wish to start with the simpler actions and move to the more vigorous and humorous ones. Be sure to have a list of actions and corresponding motions to give to each youth as they come up. Also be sure to have a camera or video camera ready to record the chaos!

Debrief
1. Use this game to introduce the importance of setting a good example for others to follow.
2. Use this game to discuss discipleship – following Jesus.

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Filled Hearts

Materialsziplock.jpg
A plastic bag for each participant

Demonstration
Someone begins giving a discussion about the characteristics of the human heart, while eating something from a clear plastic bag (chips or candy etc), but is interrupted as soon as the bag is empty. The first interruption is by someone looking for her stereo. She grabs the plastic bag and holds it on her shoulder like a radio. The second interruption is by someone looking for a shoe. She snatches the bag from the person using it as a stereo and puts the plastic bag on her foot like a shoe. The third interruption escalating the chaos is by someone looking for his car – he holds the plastic bag like a steering wheel. Finally the speaker they interrupted takes the bag away and tells them it is just a plastic bag.

Debrief
The plastic bag is representative of our life. We are a reflection of that which fills our hearts. For some it is music, for others beauty, and still others it is possessions.

Provide a plastic bag for each person. Let volunteers use the paper bag to demonstrate something that is important to them or place something in the bag that is important to them.

What fills your thoughts? What actions fill your life? What words fill your silence? What have you made of your life for others?


MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

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