NARRATOR

Jesus was in the desert after being baptised by John the Baptist. He had been fasting and hadn’t eaten anything for forty days and forty nights. He hadn’t taken any food or drink with him, and he was on his own.

As you can imagine, he was very, very hungry.

DEVIL

If…if…if…if…if…if…if…

If you are God’s precious son,

the powerful, mighty, Holy One…

If you are his special child,

the spotless One and undefiled…

If you are the one true King,

then listen to the news I bring.

(He picks up a stone that’s been on the floor)

A stone so small…

Why did I choose it?

Because I know

that you can use it.

Now, I do not

mean to intrude,

but this small stone

can be your food.

You must listen 

to what I’m saying.

You must be hungry

from all that praying.

Famished? Gasping?

Be full instead!

you can turn

this stone to bread.

(He pushes in front of his face)

Eat it. Eat it.

You know you want to.

Eat it. Eat it.

you know you’ve got to.

Just do it for

your stomach’s sake.

There are different kinds

that you can make.

Bread that is flat,

bread made with yeast.

With your power,

you could have a feast!

You could add some herbs,

mixed fruit, or spice.

       (He puts a finger on his mouth and looks up)

What else could make

it tastes so nice?

(pause)

Nuts!

Use these rocks 

as a pestle and mortar.

Doesn’t it just,

make your mouth water?

(Pause for a reaction)

You could also make

a malted bun

and warm it up

in this hot sun.

Let’s see…what else

could you provide?

What about honey

running down the side?

(laughs)

You think I’m teasing,

that I’m cajoling,

but listen, isn’t that…

your stomach rolling?

JESUS

Stop!

Life is precious,

but not complete,

if you’re only concerned

about what you eat.

I will not be tempted

by this stone!

Man shall not live

by bread alone.

The Word of God

keeps us alive.

Living by that,

I will survive.

It is better

to fast and pray,

so take that stupid

stone away!

(The Devil makes out he’s going but turns around suddenly and grabs Jesus’ arm)

DEVIL

Okay, come, come,

come up higher.

I have something 

for the Messiah.

(He drags him to DOWN RIGHT where they stand looking over the edge of the stage.)

This is the highest

point of the city.

Look down there,

isn’t it pretty?

God has sent angels

to protect you.

So, if you fall,

it won’t affect you.

Throw yourself

down to the ground.

You’ll be fine,

you’ll just rebound.

JESUS

(Moving away from the edge)

It is written,

you evil pest,

Don’t put the Lord

through any test!

Have you not seen,

Have you not heard?

It is written plainly

in God’s Word.

DEVIL

Okay, okay,

I surrender,

but come and look at

all this splendour.

(He takes Jesus DOWN LEFT and looks past the audience)

See the world!

Look, what a view!

all of this

can belong to you.

I will give you

all you see,

if you will

bow down to me.

Look at what

the world displays.

It’s all yours if

you give me praise.

(Jesus pushes him and walks back to the centre of the stage.)

Away from me

you fallen creature!

Who are you

to be my teacher?

(Jesus laughs in disbelief)

Telling me all 

about creation.

It was God

who made each nation!

(Laughs again)

All the marvellous

things you see,

were here before

you came to be.

It is written,

worship the Lord,

but Hell, oh Satan,

is your reward!

You evil one,

you have a nerve!

It’s only God

who we should serve.

I want no more of

this conversation.

don’t follow me to

my next location!

I won’t listen to plans

that you devise.

I serve God with,

no compromise!

(Jesus leaves the stage. The Devil turns round to the audience, shrugs his shoulders, and turns his palms upwards. He talks to the audience.)

DEVIL

I’ll never win,

but I’ll keep on trying.

One day, one of YOU

will be complying.

I hate Christians

but I forecast,

not all of you will

be so steadfast.

I have a plan,

I have an inkling,

I could trip you up,

when you’re not thinking.

(He takes the Bible out of his pocket and points to it)

I will catch you

with my hook,

if you can’t be bothered

to read this book.

I have arrows of fire,

I’m waiting to shoot,

I’ll not give up

this hot pursuit.

so regard this book

as a lot of drivel,

then I can shoot

and watch you shrivel.

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!

(He turns around and walks off stage laughing. Just before he leaves, he turns around to face the audience once more and points randomly to someone in the audience then disappears off stage. He comes back briefly by popping his head around the corner onto the stage as if he has overheard someone talking about him. He is not happy that the Narrator is talking about him. He then disappears completely but in a manner of fear as if he must run because somebody is after him.)

NARRATOR                   

**Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

(Lights fade)

** 1Peter 5:8-10

-The End-