DOUBTING MAN
I hope you’ve not come to see Jesus.
You’ll never get through that door.
You’re better off staying outside.
Put your friend down on that floor.
I’ve tried to get in myself,
but people pushed me away.
I wanted healing, but I suppose,
I could come back another day.
FRIEND 1
He’ll not be here tomorrow.
He’s off to another town.
DOUBTING MAN
Well, it seems like you’ve wasted your time.
You better put your friend down.
PARALYSED MAN
No. I want to see Jesus right now.
I’m desperate for his touch.
I know if I saw him, he’ll heal me.
I’ve been wanting this so much!
DOUBTING MAN
It’s no use, there are too many people.
It’s no use, he’s too busy today.
(critically)
You’re not the only one in need.
Just accept it and be on your way!
FRIEND 2
Our friend is hungry for Jesus,
We’ll help any way we can.
Going away is not an option.
Besides, I’ve a clever plan.
(Friend 2 starts whispering to Friend 1, who nods excitedly. They both bend down and start talking quietly to the paralysed man. Friend 2 then goes UP LEFT and comes back with a ladder which he sets up LEFT CENTRE. He climbs the ladder and begins moving tiles off the roof and handing them to Friend 1 who is waiting below. After the fifth tile has been removed, people in the house begin to notice and react. After the tenth tile has been removed, the owner of the house comes outside and stands by the ladder with his hands on his hips.)
HOUSE OWNER
Thieves! They’ve taken the tiles!
Vandals! They’ve ruined the roof!
Who’s done this to my house?
DOUBTING MAN
(picks up a tile)
These men and here’s the proof.
FRIEND 1
We’ll pay for any damage,
We’ll come back to do repairs.
We just want to get him in
and onto the floor downstairs.
(Friend 2 removes three more tiles then beckons for the paralysed man to be lifted up towards him. When he’s about head-height, people inside the house get ready to help bring him down into the room.
When the paralysed man is safely on the floor, Jesus bends down to him and places his hand on his forehead. The people move to the sides so the audience can see what is happening.
The Pharisees push themselves forward so they are standing by the paralysed man.)
JESUS
Son, your sins are forgiven.
PHARISEE 1
Blasphemy! Blasphemy!
Did you hear what he said?
He’s speaking heresy
to the man on the bed!
ALL THE PHARISEES
Who do you think you are?
these people call you Lord,
but you are an impostor!
(all the Pharisees point to Jesus)
This man is a fraud!
PHARISEE 2
Your irreverence to God
is getting worse!
You’re not the creator
of the Universe!
ALL THE PHARISEES
Who do you think you are?
these people call you Lord,
but you are an impostor!
(all the Pharisees point to Jesus)
This man is a fraud!
PHARISEE 3
As a man of the church,
I can’t bear any more!
This person called Jesus
is breaking the law!
ALL THE PHARISEES
Who do you think you are?
these people call you Lord,
but you are an impostor!
(all the Pharisees point to Jesus)
This man is a fraud!
PHARISEE 4
You need to be…
duly apprehended!
We are shocked!
Your words have offended!
ALL THE PHARISEES
Who do you think you are?
these people call you Lord,
but you are an impostor!
(they turn around to walk away)
This man is a fraud!
JESUS
Blasphemy you say?
You don’t like my talk?
Is it easier to forgive
or to make him walk?
I’ll prove I have authority
to save the sins of a soul,
for before he leaves this room,
this man shall be made whole.
(turns to the paralysed man)
Stand up young man, stand up.
Pick up your bed and go.
Your legs are as strong as a lion,
your sins are as white as snow.
(The paralysed man sits up slowly, and everyone gasps loudly. People put their hands to their mouths and others stare at Jesus, amazed. He then moves his arms about then swivels so his legs are hanging off the bed. He gets up slowly and stands, looking down at his feet for a while. Then he looks at Jesus and smiles. He walks towards Jesus and puts his arms around him. He lets go, starts to laugh and tries a jump. Finally, he pushes past people and runs outside, facing the audience.)
PARALYSED MAN
I can stand, I can walk,
I can leap, I can run!
Praise to you Jesus,
for what you have done!
(he turns around and looks back at Jesus)
Thank you Jesus!
I’m truly amazed!
You are worthy
to be thanked and praised!
Today, you have been…
(he looks at the Pharisees)
disrespected.
Yet, you’ve given me more
than I expected.
(his friends come out of the house and put their arms around him)
You received dirty looks
and a verbal attack,
for healing my legs
and my broken back.
FRIEND 2
Our friend can walk! Praise God! Hooray!
BOTH FRIENDS
We have seen amazing things today!
FRIEND 1
(looking back at where the Pharisees were stood)
You did create the universe!
You made every star!
Yeshua Hamashiach –
that’s who you are!
FRIEND 2
No mortal man
Could do what you’ve done.
We were waiting for the Saviour,
You are the One!
FRIEND 1
This mighty miracle
Certainly reveals,
You’re Jehovah Rapha,
The One who heals.
FRIEND 2
Those blind Pharisees
Are greatly misguided.
You’re Jehovah Jireh
Because you provided.
PARALYSED MAN
You’re the long-awaited king.
You’re my sin purifier.
I’m healed and whole
Because you are the Messiah!
(everyone except for the Pharisees, turns to Jesus, and raise their hands in the air, then they all drop to their knees and bow their heads as the lights dim.)
-The End-
