NARRATOR
Jesus got into a boat with his disciples in order to travel to the other side of the shore. He was very tired after a busy day and began to feel quite sleepy, so he went and lay down his head. Very soon he was fast asleep. The boat began to move more rhythmically than usual. Then it began to sway. Then, as if the waves were trying to tip the boat upside down, it began to rock it very fast from side to side. The sea was angry. The wind had a temper. It rained and soaked everything in sight. This would make most people wake up, but not Jesus. He was having a peaceful sleep.
ANDREW
Look out you guys,
the sea’s getting rough.
PHILIP
Oh, I wouldn’t worry,
this boat is quite tough.
PETER
(points)
But see that big wave,
it’s heading this way!
JOHN
Now that’s a surprise.
It’s been such a fine day.
ANDREW
But this weather has changed.
We’ve run out of luck!
JAMES 1
Look, here comes a wave.
Quick everyone! Duck!
(They all go flying towards the right and as they get up, they start brushing the water out of their eyes.)
JUDAS
Ah, ah! That was awful!
THADDEUS
Oh! I am all wet!
ANDREW
Don’t dry yourself off,
it’s not over yet.
PETER
Look, another one’s coming,
higher than before!
JAMES 2
Everyone, take cover!
Lie down on the floor!
(Everyone crouches down except for Bartholomew, who turns towards UP CENTRE and points to an imaginary mast.)
BARTHOLOMEW
Oh no! The mast!
It’s broken in two!
(Everyone crouches down except for Bartholomew, who turns towards UP CENTRE and points to an imaginary mast.)
THOMAS
How can we fix it?
What shall we do?
MATTHEW
The wind’s too strong.
Just stay where you are.
SIMON
Can we turn back?
JAMES 1
No, we’ve come out too far.
THADDEUS
If this carries on,
we won’t keep afloat.
There’s too much water
flooding the boat.
PHILIP
The boat is tipping!
We’re all going down!
THOMAS
Every one of us
is going to drown!
JOHN
Where’s Jesus?
MATTHEW
He’s sleeping.
JUDAS
(With contempt)
Yea, he’s nice and warm!
THOMAS
What? While we’re drowning
in this terrible storm?
(Everyone moves aside so the audience can see Jesus on the floor.)
SIMON
Well, go and wake him!
Tell him to rise!
PETER
Tell him the boat
is going to capsize.
(John pushes his way to Jesus and bends down to where he is laid. He pushes Jesus’ shoulder vigorously in order to wake him.)
JOHN
Jesus, we’re in danger!
JESUS
Oh really? Tell me why?
JAMES 2
Can’t you see the storm?
We’re all going to die!
JESUS
(Looking totally unfazed and smiling at the disciples)
So, how are you all?
Are you enjoying the ride?
BARTHOLOMEW
Eh? Lord, can’t you feel
this raging tide?
MATTHEW
I’m going to be sick!
JUDAS
I feel rather ill!
JESUS
Oh, you of little faith.
(He raises both hands towards the left.)
Peace! Be still!
(There’s a silence as all the disciples stand still and move their eyes from one side to the other, then very slowly begin to move their heads around while looking up at the sky. They then start to look at Jesus in amazement. While they begin talking to each other, their eyes are fixed on Jesus who is tidying up the boat.)
THADDEUS
Oh! What happened?
SIMON
Well, he raised his hand
and the sea obeyed
his one command.
BARTHOLOMEW
Who is this man?
What did he say?
How did he make
the waves obey?
PHILIP
Who is this man?
What did he do
that the powerful wind
obeyed him too?
THOMAS
Who is this man
who protects and saves
by ruling the wind
and the mighty waves?
PETER
We ran to him
and raised the alarm,
and in the next second,
the whole sea was calm!
MATTHEW
We were so frightened!
JOHN
I was terrified!
THOMAS
If he hadn’t calmed the sea,
we all would have died!
SIMON
Who is this ma…
JESUS
(interrupts)
I did say we were going
to the other side.
If you didn’t trust me,
why did you come for the ride?
(They all sit while Jesus remains standing.)
I really need those
who believe what I say,
who won’t turn around
and go their own way.
You must serve God
with all your heart,
which means trusting
from the very start.
Learn to follow me
wherever I lead.
I’m your refuge and strength
in your time of need.
When your life is shattered
to pieces of rubble,
remember I am present
in the time of trouble.
(Jesus sits down and puts his arm around the two disciples either side of him. He is chatting quietly. John gets up and moves DOWN CENTRE facing the audience.)
JOHN
Who is this man
who is opening my eyes
with boldness, authority
and words so wise?
There’s power in his hands,
There’s power in his speech,
but there’s something else
that he wants to teach.
There’s power in his love,
so, we should be prepared
to face all things
and never be scared.
-The End-
