Topic: The woman who was bleeding internally (Based on Mark 5:25-34)
Main theme: Never give up hope in God
Approximate duration: 6 minutes
Cast
Cast: 20 characters + a narrator
Sick woman
Jesus
Disciple
Narrator – to read a bible verse at the end of the play. The narrator will be unseen, positioned backstage with a microphone. Alternatively, if there is no P.A. equipment, then the Narrator may enter the stage, and read the bible verse facing the audience DOWN CENTRE.
Non-speaking parts
17 people (the crowd)
Suggested Props & Costumes
1 x long flowing robe for Jesus to wear
1 x Old tatty clothes for the sick woman to wear
1 x table/dressing table with a large free-standing mirror.
1 x chair
1 x large hairbrush
5 x tatty pieces of clothing / old dresses which will be strewn on the floor around the chair.
As the lights go up, the woman is in the CENTRE, sitting on her knees. She is looking down to the ground and stays that way until the accusers leave the stage. Occasionally she flinches at the accusations. The accusers are standing behind her, in a semi-circle facing the audience. Jesus is standing DOWN LEFT facing the woman. He stares at her throughout the accusations and his expression is one of compassion.
There are ‘stones’ scattered all around the stage. After Accuser 12 has said, ‘It says women like her, should be taken out and stoned’, accusers 7, 8, 9,10,11 & 12 walk around the room and pick up two stones, one for themselves and one for one of the 6 accusers stood still. They each are allocated another accuser to hand a stone to which will have been already decided before the play begins.
Thank you for sitting patiently, watching, and listening while our students brought this great story to life by their excellent performance.
We hope that in this short time, you have gained a deeper insight into how amazing Jesus is when we let him work in our lives.
Like the accused lady, some of you may be struggling with feelings of guilt over something you have done or maybe over something that is not really your fault at all. It may be a direct accusation thrown at you by a relative, teacher or fellow student or something more subtle, like being ignored by people.
Like how Jesus reacted in the story, he feels the same way towards people who throw accusations at us. He hates hypocrisy and wants people to first look at their own faults and weaknesses before pointing their fingers towards someone else. Be encouraged if you are struggling with feelings of guilt or inadequacy – God wants to rid these things from your heart and replace them with peace.
If you would like the opportunity to get to know Jesus better and have a close relationship with God the father, there is a simple prayer you can pray right now.
We have to first acknowledge that we need to be forgiven of our sin. Sin is anything we do, think, or say that is displeasing to God, which includes living life independently of him.
When you become a Christian, your problems do not just suddenly go away. There will still be enemies to face, debts to pay, sickness and pain, fear, and loneliness. But the difference is that you will have the King of kings walking alongside you to help you, guide you, comfort you, deliver you, strengthen, and give you hope and peace. Best of all, you will have the assurance that when you die, you will be taken in God’s kingdom, Heaven, to live with him forever.
So now we will talk to God. If you mean what you say, God will hear you. Don’t look for outward signs of feeling different or crying. Some of you may, but some may not. That’s okay because God is concerned with your heart.
Also, some of you may feel embarrassed to admit you have prayed this prayer and some may be concerned about what your friends will think. Remember two things. 1. You came into this world on your own and you will die on your own. Nobody else will be able to save you, so it really is nobody else’s business what you are doing right now. When you stand before God at the end of your life, those friends whose opinions you were afraid of, won’t be there to help persuade God to let you into Heaven.
Secondly, you may not have another chance to get your life right with your Creator, so please take this opportunity to sort things out with God right now.
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us this story to show us how merciful and forgiving you are.
Thank you that if we give our lives wholeheartedly to you, we can receive, strength, peace, wisdom, and comfort. I desperately want those things and I want to be free from the guilt of my sin, so I humbly come before you now to give my life to you.
I am sorry for the wrong things I have done in my life, which you call sin.
I acknowledge that I was born a sinner, which means that it’s in my nature to do things that displease you. I know that this includes the deepest thoughts and attitudes of my heart and the real motives behind everything I do.
Please forgive me for those sins and especially for the sin of keeping you out of my life.
Even though you love me, I know that because you are a God of justice and holiness, if I die without having my sins forgiven, I will spend eternity without you, in a terrible place called Hell.
I acknowledge that I need you and I want you in my life.
I believe that Jesus Christ is your son and that he died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins. I believe he rose again and is the living power that can take the Devil’s hold off my life. Please come into my life now and touch my heart with your forgiveness and love. I want to have a relationship with and get to know you more. My very being was created for this purpose and without you, my hunger for peace and happiness will never be satisfied.
I give you my life now. Please lead me to people who will help me become a good strong Christian and who will show me how to relate to the things of God. Help me to find a Bible that suits my understanding and a church that I can call home.
Thank you, Lord. I believe by faith now that you have answered my prayer. I believe that no matter how bad I may feel about myself in the future, you have forgiven me and saved me from my sins. Thank you. Amen.
NOTE: If the words in the first few lines are considered inappropriate for the actors or audience, please us the alternative words below:
“She’s not good!” “She’s so bad!” “She is evil!” “She has no heart!”
ACCUSER 1
She’s a trollop!
ACCUSER 2
She’s a floozy!
ACCUSER 3
She’s trash!
ACCUSER 4
She’s a tart!
ACCUSER 1
We literally had to prize them apart!
ACCUSER 5
It’s depravity!
ACCUSER 6
It’s corruption!
ACCUSER 7
It’s degenerate!
ACCUSER 8
It’s perverse!
ACCUSER 5
From what I’ve seen,
there’s nothing worse!
ACCUSER 9
She’s immoral!
ACCUSER 10
She’s devious!
ACCUSER 11
She’s repellent!
ACCUSER 12
She’s tainted!
ACCUSER 9
When we opened the door,
I almost fainted!
ACCUSER 12
What a disgrace!
ACCUSER 11
What dishonour!
ACCUSER 10
What a shock!
ACCUSER 9
What a scandal!
ACCUSER 8
Debauchery is more
than we can handle!
ACCUSER 7
She’s guilty!
ACCUSER 6
She’s shameless!
ACCUSER 5
She’s a sinner!
ACCUSER 4
She’s unclean!
ACCUSER 3
She deserves to die
after what we’ve seen!
ACCUSER 2
No loose woman is ever reformed.
ACCUSER 1
A heart like hers,
can’t be transformed.
ACCUSER 8
We caught her!
ACCUSER 9
We saw her!
ACCUSER 10
There she was on the bed!
ACCUSER 11
She had no escape,
and now should be dead!
ACCUSER 12
In my book of the law,
which for years, I have owned,
It says women like her,
deserve to be stoned.
ACCUSER 1
That’s true. We should stone her!
Let’s aim for her back.
As they hit the centre,
Let’s watch her spine crack!
ACCUSER 2
No, I think we should aim them
at her brazen face,
for, what she has done,
is such a disgrace!
ACCUSER 3
Oh, what does it matter?
Wherever they hit,
it will be joy to see
her grubby skin split.
ACCUSER 4
At first, she’ll go blue,
like one big bruise.
Then after ten stones,
the blood will ooze!
ACCUSER 5
I’d like to aim one
right in her eye,
then watch it pop out
and fly to the sky!
(They all laugh)
ACCUSER 6
It’s her own fault.
This woman must pay.
Adultery’s unforgivable.
Jesus…what do you say?
(Jesus continues to stare at the woman for a while then closes his eyes and moves his head upwards towards the crowd of accusers.
He opens his eyes and looks at them for a moment then turns his back on them and crouches down. He starts writing on the ground with his finger.)
ACCUSER 7
What’s he doing?
ACCUSER 12
What has he found?
ACCUSER 11
Why is he stooping
on the dusty ground?
ACCUSER 10
Didn’t he hear us?
ACCUSER 9
Oh, he heard us alright.
At last, he’s defeated.
He’s lost the fight.
ACCUSER 8
Ha ha! We’ve got him!
What a joyful day.
He really doesn’t know
what to do or say.
(Jesus gets up and stares at them one by one. Accusers 7,8 and 9 are at the
back talking amongst themselves.)
ACCUSER 7
Oh, look at his eyes,
they’re so piercing and still
ACCUSER 6
They make me feel guilty.
ACCUSER 5
(Leaving the stage.)
I’m going to be ill.
(As Jesus begins to speak, they all jump in surprise)
JESUS
Who is he among you
that is without sin?
Let him throw the first stone.
Well, go on. Begin!
(The accusers begin talking to themselves and slowly turn around and walk away with their heads bent in shame. They exit the stage UP RIGHT.)
ACCUSER 1
I beat my wife,
so I’d better run!
ACCUSER 2
I’m feeling convicted!
ACCUSER 3
I’m feeling undone.
ACCUSER 4
It really feels awkward
to make this admission…
But I’m cocky and proud
and have selfish ambition.
ACCUSER 5
When it comes to food,
I have no self-control.
I’m a glutton who’ll devour
all the meat in the bowl.
ACCUSER 6
I’m a gossip who has
too much air in my lung.
I spread poison with my,
uncontrollable tongue.
ACCUSER 7
I am a hypocrite!
ACCUSER 8
I envy them next door.
ACCUSER 9
I swear at my mother.
ACCUSER 10
I steal from the poor.
ACCUSER 11
I’ll throw away this stone,
For, I cannot start…
I won’t forgive my brother
and there’s contempt in my heart.
(The remaining accusers walk away with their heads down.)
JESUS
So…where are your accusers?
They were so frenetic!
(He puts his hands on his hips, shakes his head and laughs.)
The bold in speech,
are often so pathetic!
(He bends down in front of the woman.)
Has no-one condemned you?
Has no-one thrown a stone?
WOMAN
No, my Lord, they’ve gone
and left us all alone.
JESUS
Everything you’ve done,
I already know.
But I don’t judge you either,
so, you’re free to go.
God has a plan for your life,
so, get up from the floor.
You are not worthless,
so, go and sin no more.
I am the Light of this world,
and those who follow me,
Will come out of darkness,
have the light of life and see.
Sin just drags you down,
but I can raise you higher.
Those who know they need me,
will get what they desire.
Forgiveness.
(The woman gets up and places her hands inside the hands of Jesus. She looks into his eyes and smiles. They walk off stage with his arms around her waist and her head resting on his shoulder.)
A small narration takes place at the beginning of the play. Jesus is sitting down UP CENTRE with his knees raised and his arm resting on them. He is facing towards the right. The Devil is pacing around Jesus throughout the narration. When the Devil starts his dialogue, he remains standing but leans very close towards Jesus’ face. He gets more and more agitated as Jesus resists his offers.
A bean bag is positioned opposite Jesus in the CENTRE, which the Devil sits down on after he says, “You could have a feast.” Hidden at the side of the bean bag are two bowls which he produces when offering the herbs, mixed fruit and spice.
When Jesus says, ‘I will not be tempted by this stone. Man shall not live by bread alone.’, he grabs two stones that are still in the Devil’s hand and throws them to the ground.
There’s another bowl which contains the nuts. When he says, “Nuts!”, the Devil tosses a couple walnuts at Jesus who doesn’t catch them. Throughout the dialogue, Jesus is calm but speaks with authority.
After the Devil stops laughing, 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. The Narrator comes onto the stage from the opposite side and stands DOWN CENTRE facing the audience.
The Devil 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. The lights fade after the Narrator has finished.
Thank you for sitting patiently, watching, and listening while our students brought this great story to life by their excellent performance.
We hope that in this short time, you have gained a deeper insight into how amazing God is when we let him work in our lives.
Like Jesus in the wilderness, we are often in situations where the devil is whispering things into our ears to get us to do things that displease God. Not only does this hurt our heavenly Father but it hurts us too. One of the main ways giving in to temptation affects us is that it floods us with guilt and shame. Another way is that separates us from God’s presence, and we find it so hard to find peace of mind.
You may have not realised the extent to which God’s word, the Bible, helps us to resist temptations and do the right thing. We cannot be holy without the help of Jesus and God has given us this story to show how when we use the Bible properly, we gain strength to overcome everything that is trying to hinder us.
If you would like the opportunity to get to know Jesus better and have a close relationship with God the father, there is a simple prayer you can pray right now.
We have to first acknowledge that we need to be forgiven of our sin. Sin is anything we do, think, or say that is displeasing to God, which includes living life independently of him.
When you become a Christian, your problems do not just suddenly go away. There will still be enemies to face, debts to pay, sickness and pain, fear, and loneliness. But the difference is that you will have the King of kings walking alongside you to help you, guide you, comfort you, deliver you, strengthen, and give you hope and peace. Best of all, you will have the assurance that when you die, you will be taken in God’s kingdom, Heaven, to live with him forever.
So now we will talk to God. If you mean what you say, God will hear you. Don’t look for outward signs of feeling different or crying. Some of you may, but some may not. That’s okay because God is concerned with your heart.
Also, some of you may feel embarrassed to admit you have prayed this prayer and some may be concerned about what your friends will think. Remember two things. 1. You came into this world on your own and you will die on your own. Nobody else will be able to save you, so it really is nobody else’s business what you are doing right now.
When you stand before God at the end of your life, those friends whose opinions you were afraid of, won’t be there to help persuade God to let you into Heaven.
Secondly, you may not have another chance to get your life right with your Creator, so please take this opportunity to sort things out with God right now.
(Hand out sheets that contain the ‘sinner’s prayer’ so they can be read and re-read when they get home.)
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us the story of the temptation in the wilderness to show us how you are able to help us resist the devil.
Thank you that if we give our lives wholeheartedly to you, we can receive, strength, peace, wisdom, and comfort. I desperately want those things and I want to be free from the guilt of my sin, so I humbly come before you now to give my life to you.
I am sorry for the wrong things I have done in my life, which you call sin.
I acknowledge that I was born a sinner, which means that it’s in my nature to do things that displease you. I know that this includes the deepest thoughts and attitudes of my heart and the real motives behind everything I do.
Please forgive me for those sins and especially for the sin of keeping you out of my life.
Even though you love me, I know that because you are a God of justice and holiness, if I die without having my sins forgiven, I will spend eternity without you, in a terrible place called Hell.
I acknowledge that I need you and I want you in my life.
I believe that Jesus Christ is your son and that he died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins. I believe he rose again and is the living power that can take the Devil’s hold off my life. Please come into my life now and touch my heart with your forgiveness and love. I want to have a relationship with and get to know you more. My very being was created for this purpose and without you, my hunger for peace and happiness will never be satisfied.
I give you my life now. Please lead me to people who will help me become a good strong Christian and who will show me how to relate to the things of God. Help me to find a Bible that suits my understanding and a church that I can call home.
Thank you, Lord. I believe by faith now that you have answered my prayer. I believe that no matter how bad I may feel about myself in the future, you have forgiven me and saved me from my sins. Thank you. Amen.
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.
Mary and Martha are disappointed with Jesus, but they remain respectful when speaking to him.
They are speaking out of ignorance, not mockery.
The board that covers the tomb will be situated UP CENTRE. When the lights go up, Jesus is sitting down, LEFT CENTRE with his arms resting on his thighs and looking down at the floor. Martha and Mary enter from UP RIGHT and walk forward until they are standing DOWN RIGHT facing the audience. Both have black hankies in their hands and Martha is comforting Mary who has started to cry.
As they turn round and see Jesus, they both place their hands on their hips and walk slowly towards him. They stand either side of him.
Thank you for sitting patiently, watching, and listening while our students brought this great story to life by their excellent performance.
We hope that in this short time, you have gained a deeper insight into how amazing God is when we let him work in our lives.
Like Mary and Martha, some of you may be feeling that you are in a hopeless situation where there is no chance of restoration. Or you may be feeling like Lazarus, dead and unable to do anything else of any value. Your opportunities have passed you by and it seems like your whole body is bound in cloth so that you cannot progress.
Others may not have realised the extent to which Jesus desires to bless us and help us in every circumstance.
God can bring to life any dead circumstance in your life – what is impossible for mankind, is possible for Him.
God wants to enable you and equip you to do the things he called you to do. He wants to help you be the person he made you to be. If you turn your heart to him, he can open doors for you that seemed locked tight. He can move you from one path to another and set you on the right road. He can restore dead relationships and bring to life, buried hopes.
If you would like the opportunity to get to know Jesus better and have a close relationship with God the father, there is a simple prayer you can pray right now.
We have to first acknowledge that we need to be forgiven of our sin. Sin is anything we do think or say that is displeasing to God, which includes living life independently of him.
When you become a Christian, your problems do not just suddenly go away. There will still be enemies to face, debts to pay, sickness and pain, fear, and loneliness. But the difference is that you will have the King of kings walking alongside you to help you, guide you, comfort you, deliver you, strengthen, and give you hope and peace. Best of all, you will have the assurance that when you die, you will be taken in God’s kingdom, Heaven, to live with him forever.
So now we will talk to God. If you mean what you say, God will hear you. Don’t look for outward signs of feeling different or crying. Some of you may, but some may not. That’s okay because God is concerned with your heart.
Also, some of you may feel embarrassed to admit you have prayed this prayer and some may be concerned about what your friends will think. Remember two things. 1. You came into this world on your own and you will die on your own. Nobody else will be able to save you, so it really is nobody else’s business what you are doing right now. When you stand before God at the end of your life, those friends whose opinions you were afraid of, won’t be there to help persuade God to let you into Heaven.
Secondly, you may not have another chance to get your life right with your Creator, so please take this opportunity to sort things out with God right now.
(Hand out sheets that contain the ‘sinner’s prayer’ so they can be read and re-read when they get home.)
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us the story of Lazarus to show us how much you want to help us. Thank you that we can have the hope that one day at the right time, you will deliver us from our awful circumstances, heal us and restore broken relationships.
Thank you that in the meantime, if we give our lives wholeheartedly to you, we can receive, strength, peace, wisdom, and comfort. I desperately want those things and I want to be free from the guilt of my sin, so I humbly come before you now to give my life to you.
I am sorry for the wrong things I have done in my life, which you call sin.
I acknowledge that I was born a sinner, which means that it’s in my nature to do things that displease you. I know that this includes the deepest thoughts and attitudes of my heart and the real motives behind everything I do.
Please forgive me for those sins and especially for the sin of keeping you out of my life.
Even though you love me, I know that because you are a God of justice and holiness, if I die without having my sins forgiven, I will spend eternity without you, in a terrible place called Hell.
I acknowledge that I need you and I want you in my life.
I believe that Jesus Christ is your son and that he died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins. I believe he rose again and is the living power that can take the Devil’s hold off my life. Please come into my life now and touch my heart with your forgiveness and love. I want to have a relationship with and get to know you more. My very being was created for this purpose and without you, my hunger for peace and happiness will never be satisfied.
I give you my life now. Please lead me to people who will help me become a good strong Christian and who will show me how to relate to the things of God. Help me to find a Bible that suits my understanding and a church that I can call home.
Thank you, Lord. I believe by faith now that you have answered my prayer. I believe that no matter how bad I may feel about myself in the future, you have forgiven me and saved me from my sins. Thank you. Amen.
Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha. Lazarus was very sick. The sisters sent a message to Jesus asking him to come and heal him. They trusted Jesus, but Lazarus died before Jesus arrived at their house, in fact, he had stayed on two extra days before making the journey to see them. The women had great respect for Jesus, but they could not understand why he had shown no urgency towards their heartfelt request.
MARY
You came too late,
our brother is dead.
“He’ll be alright…
don’t worry.” you said.
MARTHA
I thought you were coming!
MARY
What took you so long?
MARTHA
We trusted you, Jesus,
but your plans have gone wrong.
MARY
It’s not like we didn’t
give you a warning.
If you had been here,
we wouldn’t be mourning.
MARTHA
I thought you loved Lazarus
and I thought that you cared.
You could have come sooner,
his life could have been spared.
MARY
When we needed you most,
you were far, far away.
What was the reason
for this careless delay?
MARTHA
You were busy elsewhere.
MARY
You were out of town.
MARTHA
I’m so disappointed
that you’ve let us down!
(Jesus gets up but remains looking at the floor. He speaks softly)
JESUS
You feel disappointed?
Well, so do I.
(He covers his face with both hands and his stomach muscles start to retract rapidly. He sits down with his hands still over his eyes. His shoulders are visibly shaking.)
MARTHA
I think we’ve upset him,
he’s started to cry!
(Mary, unsure of what to do, bends down to put her arms around him but raises up again and looks at Martha. Jesus begins to weep aloud.)
MARY
I cannot believe
the noise he is making.
He’s weeping so much,
his whole body’s shaking!
(Jesus stops crying and gets up)
JESUS
Why don’t you trust me?
Why don’t you believe?
If you had more faith,
there would be no need to grieve.
Your brother’s not dead,
that’s why I weep…
for your unbelief.
Your brother’s asleep.
I promised you
that things would be fine.
The power to heal
and restore is mine.
You’ve been with me so long,
yet you don’t understand
that the gift of life
is within my hand.
MARY
But Jesus, he’s dead
so how could we tell?
After so many hours,
can you make him well?
MARTHA
We’ve bound him already,
we’ve laid him down.
We’ll be laughed at by
everyone in the town!
(The four bystanders enter from UP RIGHT. They are talking amongst themselves, unaware of what is going on. When Jesus starts to pray, they stop near Mary and Martha and look back and forth at Jesus and the tomb. One of them appears to be asking Martha what’s going on then, they whisper to each other and look back at Jesus.)
JESUS
Take no notice of
what everyone thinks.
MARTHA
But he’s been dead four days!
His whole body stinks!
(Jesus moves to the centre standing diagonally with his back to the RIGHT CENTRE.)
JESUS
Forgive them, Father,
they thought they knew best,
by wrapping his body,
laying him to rest.
Help them to see
your sovereign plan
behind taking the life
of this dear young man.
Take their faith
to a higher level.
When they see him rise,
let them praise and revel.
Let them glory like never before.
May they always remember
everything they saw.
(Jesus points to UP RIGHT where the 2 helpers enter to remove the stone. They slide it across until it is UP LEFT.)
Take away the stone
that blocks the cave.
I am the Resurrection
and I came to save.
(pause)
Lazarus! Breathe!
Get up and come out!
Your sisters and friends
are full of doubt.
Let them all see
you were only sleeping.
Hear their rejoicing,
instead of their weeping.
(Lazarus has been hiding behind the board and now enters from UP LEFT. He stands UP CENTRE until his grave clothes are removed.)
God sent me from Heaven
and this you now know.
Loosen his grave clothes.
He’s alive, let him go.
(Everyone is excited and animated as they stare at Lazarus. Lazarus moves towards Jesus and embraces him for at least 15 seconds. As the lights fade, he is seen embracing his sisters and the bystanders.)
Throughout the whole play, the Narrator will stand DOWN RIGHT, facing the audience at an angle to the left, so he can observe the stage. He stands behind a lectern from which he reads his script, and the spotlight on him will be dimmed when he is not speaking. If this is not possible, then the Narrator may enter and exit the stage from UP RIGHT, with script in hand.
Scene One
There is a large table UP CENTRE on which is a fruit bowl and 6 bottles of wine scattered about. Some of the bottles are lying horizontally. Three rugs are placed DOWN LEFT and DOWN CENTRE where 3 men are lounging, looking full of food and too stuffed to move. Three soft chairs are positioned close together LEFT CENTRE where 3 men are sitting, leaning forward with their heads together, talking softly. There is another seat which is a reclining garden chair, on which Vashti will sit in the next scene. This is positioned further away from the others, DOWN RIGHT at an angle with the footrest pointing towards DOWN LEFT. Next to this chair is a small table and a crown/tiara on it which is hidden by a cloth.
King Xerxes is on a couch, positioned diagonally RIGHT CENTRE, with the back of his head facing UP CENTRE and his feet facing DOWN RIGHT. A glass is in his hand and a bunch of grapes is on his lap. While he is talking, he picks a few grapes up and one by one, goes to put them in his mouth, then drops them by his side.
Just before the King begins his dialogue, a servant who has been standing UP LEFT facing the king, is beckoned over to him. The servant stands with his hands in front of him, clasped together. He is the one who goes to fetch Vashti and reports back to the King.
Scene Two
As there is no time for all the props to be removed from the stage, everything stays where it is, and all the men quickly exit UP LEFT. The women come on from UP RIGHT and sit slumped down in the chairs as if they’ve had too much to eat. Vashti sits down on a seat (the reclining garden chair that is acting as a chaise longue), leans back and puts her feet up next to the table on which the crown is resting. The servant comes back onto the stage from UP RIGHT, goes and whispers in Vashti’s ear then stands far back.
Vashti suddenly sits upright and looks shocked. She remains seated throughout the dialogue and looks down at her feet while speaking. Near the end of her dialogue, she reaches for the crown and puts it on her lap, then begins to wring her hands nervously. As the servant begins to walk away at the end, she lifts her head up and watches him exit the room.
Scene Three
The king is walking around the stage swiftly. His lines are drawn out to indicate the extent of his anger, so after he says, “How…” he makes about 4 fast steps in one direction, then when he says, “dare…” he makes about another 4 or 5 steps in a different direction, and so on. He stops roughly in the CENTRE and faces the audience. He beckons his advisers by lifting his left hand in the air and flicking his wrist. Marsena and Carshena are standing sideways DOWN RIGHT, looking up at the king, and Shethar, Admatha and Memucan are standing UP LEFT looking down at the king. When the king beckons them forward from each end, they barely move but just shuffle slightly towards him. The king doesn’t seem to notice this as he’s too preoccupied with the advice they are giving him. The servant enters with Vashti from UP LEFT. He is holding her right arm. She is nervous as she has already predicted her fate.
Vashti is very sad when the king asks for her crown. She is scared by his anger and hands it to him quickly. She turns around fast, puts her head in both hands and runs off the stage towards UP LEFT.
Scene Four
The portable rack of clothes is positioned in the CENTRE. A selection of long dresses is on the rack, together with the scarves that are draped around either end of the horizontal bar. A table sits DOWN RIGHT on which are the trinket boxes. These contain the beads and one of the boxes is slightly open with three necklaces hanging out. A few brooches and rings are also scattered about the table. While Hegai is talking, all the girls except Esther, are excitedly walking around, trying on the beads and the scarves, and holding the dresses up against their bodies. They pin the brooches on and look to each other for their opinion. The rings are also tried on and when they do, the girls stand with their arms stretched out in front of them, viewing the rings from afar. Occasionally, little ‘fights’ break out when a girl has an item that another girl wants. There is lots of pushing and shoving and snatching things away from each other. While this is going on, Esther is slowly walking around the clothes rack and table, occasionally running her hand lightly over the dresses & trinket boxes. She looks thoughtful and doesn’t make eye contact with anyone except Hegai. Whenever Hegai says, “It’s going to be fun and it’s all in the making…” he puts his arms on the shoulder of a girl from behind. He chooses a different girl each time he says this rhyme and at the last rhyme, he chooses Esther. The lights dim as he stands with his hands on her shoulders and looks up dreamily. Esther’s unemotional and just looks slowly to the left and right at the wares while Hegai stands behind her.
Scene Five
As the lights go up, the 2 government officials are sitting behind a desk each, one RIGHT CENTRE and the other LEFT CENTRE. Mordecai is sitting behind a desk positioned UP CENTRE. They are all busy writing on a piece of paper.
As Haman enters from UP RIGHT, the 2 government officials put down their pens, move to the front of their desks and drop to their knees with their heads bowed. Mordecai looks up at Haman briefly and smiles but carries on working. Haman walks forward, beckons the officials to go back to work then stands DOWN CENTRE facing the audience. He clenches his fists and keeps looking back at Mordecai. When the dialogue begins, Haman squeezes himself behind Mordecai and is talking at Mordecai who does not respond to any of this as Haman is really thinking aloud. Haman’s movements are jerky as he is tense and filled with anger.
After Haman says, “You’re the doormat!” Mordecai briefly looks round at Haman who at this point, pauses to give Mordecai a hypocritical smile. When Mordecai turns back around again, Haman’s voice becomes even more agitated and gives the impression that he is tempted to strangle Mordecai right there. Haman moves back to the front as he comes to the end of the first part of his dialogue (“When my plan is complete.”)
The lights go down as Haman rushes off stage and exits UP RIGHT. Mordecai and the 2 government officials quickly leave the stage taking the pens and paper (apart from the piece of paper that was on the desk Right Centre) but the desks stay where they are. While the lights are still off, King Xerxes comes onto the stage and sits at the desk which is RIGHT CENTRE. Haman rushes back on from UP LEFT and stands in front of Xerxes who is reading the sheet of paper in his hand.
Scene Six
Esther is walking around nervously. She’s wringing her hands and often looks towards the audience as if she’s pleading for their help.
Scene Seven
The dining table is positioned horizontally in the centre of the stage. Xerxes and Haman are at either end. Xerxes is sitting RIGHT CENTRE and Haman is sitting LEFT CENTRE.
Esther is sitting in the CENTRE facing the audience. When Haman starts to talk to himself (lines 5 – 8) he looks directly at the audience.
When Esther starts to reveal her plight to the king the next day, Haman begins to pull at his collar and twist his head as if he can’t breathe. He takes his napkin and wipes his brow three or four times, then takes a large gulp from his wine glass.
As soon as the king says, “I am so angry!” he rises. Haman stares across the table as he dares not look at the king in the face. At one point, Haman looks at the audience again as if they can help him in his time of desperation. Harbonah enters the stage from UP LEFT and points towards RIGHT CENTRE when he mentions the gallows. The king leaves the stage UP RIGHT after he has said his last line. Esther is still sitting at the table. Her eyes are focussed on the end of the table, but she does not look at the audience. Haman falls off his seat and onto his knees as he says, “Here they come with my very own rope!”
Scene Eight
Xerxes is standing next to Esther in the CENTRE, and they are both facing the audience. Xerxes is on the LEFT CENTRE side. He has his arm around her shoulder, and they are both looking directly at each other. Mordecai is standing behind them, UP RIGHT and walks slowly towards them and begins his lines as he approaches Esther. He places his arm around Esther’s shoulder as Xerxes lowers his. Xerxes nods in agreement with what Mordecai is saying to Esther. Esther is now looking directly at Mordecai. Near the end of Mordecai’s lines, she looks from one to the other, lovingly.
Mordecai hugs Esther and the King comes behind and hugs them both. They turn around and slowly walk off the stage UP LEFT with King Xerxes in front and Mordecai’s arm still round Esther.
Thank you for sitting patiently, watching, and listening while our students brought this great story to life by their excellent performance.
We hope that in this short time, you have gained a deeper insight into how amazing God is when we let him work in our lives.
Like Esther, some of you may be going through awful situations where you need courage and guidance as to the right choices to make.
Others may not have realised the extent to which God desires to bless us and help us in every circumstance.
Like Esther, Jesus was hated for being a Jew and he was eventually killed not just because of his heritage but because people felt jealous and threatened by his pure devotion to God and his true love for all mankind.
If you would like the opportunity to get to know Jesus better and have a close relationship with God the father, there is a simple prayer you can pray right now.
We have to first acknowledge that we need to be forgiven of our sin. Sin is anything we do, think, or say that is displeasing to God, which includes living a life independent of him.
When you become a Christian, your problems do not just suddenly go away. There will still be enemies to face, debts to pay, sickness and pain, fear, and loneliness. But the difference is that you will have the King of kings walking alongside you to help you, guide you, comfort you, deliver you, strengthen, and give you hope and peace. Best of all, you will have the assurance that when you die, you will be taken in God’s kingdom, Heaven, to live with him forever.
So now we will talk to God. If you mean what you say, God will hear you. Don’t look for outward signs of feeling different or crying. Some of you may, but some may not. That’s okay because God is concerned with your heart.
Also, some of you may feel embarrassed to admit you have prayed this prayer and some may be concerned about what your friends will think. Remember two things. 1. You came into this world on your own and you will die on your own. Nobody else will be able to save you, so it really is nobody else’s business what you are doing right now. When you stand before God at the end of your life, those friends whose opinions you were afraid of, won’t be there to help persuade God to let you into Heaven.
Secondly, you may not have another chance to get your life right with your Creator, so please take this opportunity to sort things out with God right now.
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us the story of Esther to show us how you are with us during scary times. Thank you that we can have the hope that one day at the right time, you will deliver us from our awful circumstances.
Thank you that in the meantime, if we give our lives wholeheartedly to you, we can receive, strength, peace, wisdom, and comfort. I desperately want those things and I want to be free from the guilt of my sin, so I humbly come before you now to give my life to you.
I am sorry for the wrong things I have done in my life, which you call sin.
I acknowledge that I was born a sinner, which means that it’s in my nature to do things that displease you. I know that this includes the deepest thoughts and attitudes of my heart and the real motives behind everything I do.
I believe that Jesus Christ is your son and that he died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins. I believe he rose again and is the living power that can take the Devil’s hold off my life. Please come into my life now and touch my heart with your forgiveness and love. I want to have a relationship with and get to know you more. My very being was created for this purpose and without you, my hunger for peace and happiness will never be satisfied.
I give you my life now. Please lead me to people who will help me become a good strong Christian and who will show me how to relate to the things of God. Help me to find a Bible that suits my understanding and a church that I can call home.
Thank you, Lord. I believe by faith now that you have answered my prayer. I believe that no matter how bad I may feel about myself in the future, you have forgiven me and saved me from my sins. Thank you. Amen.
After Haman was hanged, Esther asked the King to write another decree revoking the instructions to have the Jews killed.
Her people were saved from destruction and Mordecai was given Haman’s job as Prime Minister.
Scene Eight: “Celebration.” (Based on the story’s conclusion)
KING XERXES
Your people will be saved,
you’ve done a great thing.
You saved your cousin’s life.
Mordecai, take my ring.
You have Haman’s position
and the decree is reversed.
Your people no longer
shall fear the worst.
QUEEN ESTHER
Oh, Mordecai, what joy!
What victory is ours!
The evil, God destroys,
the righteous, he empowers.
MORDECAI
You are like my daughter
and you treat me like your dad.
You took all my advice,
for that, I am so glad!
You didn’t have to listen,
you didn’t have to obey,
but because of your humility,
we stand in royal robes today!
All the Jews will live –
you saved them from destruction.
All because you were willing
to follow God’s instruction.
(Mordecai hugs Esther and the King comes behind and hugs them both. They turn around and slowly walk off the stage with King Xerxes in front and Mordecai’s arm still round Esther.)
End Narration (Based on Esther 8:1 – Esther 10:3)
Mordecai ended up being given the second most powerful position in the provinces – only the king was higher than him. Mordecai was loved by the people he served as he was a kind and gracious man, who worked for the good of his people and spoke for the welfare and peace of the entire nation.
The Jews in every province were filled with joy and held celebrations and festivals in honour of what God had done for them. The King also wrote a decree granting the Jews the right to fully defend themselves against every other enemy that was planning to come against them. Five hundred enemies and ten of Haman’s sons were destroyed, leaving the Jews safe to dwell in their land in complete peace. They declared a national holiday, so for generation after generation, they would remember their deliverance and celebrate for years to come.
Scene Seven: Narration (Based on Esther 4:16 – Esther 6:4)
Esther got all her maids and assistants to fast and pray with her for three days and asked Mordecai to get all the Jews in the capital city to do the same.
When the time was up, she went in to see the King who held his sceptre towards her. He was so pleased to see her that he said he would offer up to half his kingdom if that was her request. She simply said that she would like the King and Haman to dine with her the following evening.
In the meantime, King Xerxes had a dream which reminded him about something that had happened a while ago. He remembered that he was warned by someone that he was going to be murdered and wondered who it was and if any reward had been given to that man. He got someone to check the historical records to see who it was and when he realised it had been Mordecai, he desperately wanted to show his appreciation.
Haman however, had other plans. Esther had invited him to dine with herself and the King. This had made Haman very proud indeed as no-one else had received an invite. He ran home to tell his wife, but on his way, he passed Mordecai, who again refused to bow before him.
He told his wife how happy he was that he was going to the King’s for dinner but how that happiness was marred by the anger he felt towards Mordecai. His wife suggested that he make a hangman gallows and hang Mordecai on it in the morning. That way, he could go to the meal with a happy heart.
Scene Seven: “The Boomerang Plan, Part 2” (Based on Esther 7:1-10)
(They are each holding a wine glass)
KING XERXES
My Queen, what is your request?
Would you like more rooms?
Or some more of the finest,
fragrant perfumes?
(Cocks his head)
More maids or servants?
Some more silk dresses?
Or more gold flowers
to adorn your tresses?
QUEEN ESTHER
My request is simple,
I’d like you both to dine…
with me again, tomorrow.
I’ll order the best wine.
(Haman looks at the audience)
Well, did you hear that?
I’ve been exalted!
She loves me so much,
I cannot be faulted!
KING XERXES
Haman. There’s someone I’d like to honour,
not many, just one.
For the man I’d like to honour,
tell me, what should be done?
HAMAN
(Looks at the audience again)
Well, I am the greatest
so it’s plain to see,
that the mighty king,
is referring to me!
(Looks back at King Xerxes and puffs his chest out)
Take a royal robe…
one that you have worn.
This should be the garment
that is used to adorn.
Decorate his shoulders
with what you’ve been wearing,
then he will get attention.
(Grins to himself smugly)
Everyone will be staring.
Then, take a horse you’ve ridden
one of the very best.
One which has upon his head,
your shining, royal crest.
(Getting excited)
Then, parade him on horseback
through the city square.
He deserves applause
and a loud fanfare.
Let someone shout aloud
that he’s honoured by the King.
Let this man on horseback,
hear his praises ring.
KING XERXES
Excellent idea!
That’s what you shall do.
Go and shout the praises
of Mordecai the Jew.
Do like you suggested,
leaving nothing undone,
for he’s worthy of this honour –
Mordecai is the one.
And don’t forget the banquet.
Esther’s very keen
that you alone should dine
with me and the Queen.
HAMAN
I feel ill.
I’m nauseated.
What a palaver
I have created!
My stomach’s cramping,
my face is blue,
at the thought of what
I have to do!
I’m sickened at how
he’s going to be treated!
I’m full of rage,
for I’ve been cheated.
(Looks up at the audience)
But I’m determined
not to accept defeat.
Mordecai will die
when my plan is complete!
(The King carries on drinking from his glass, while Queen Esther watches Haman closely. A sullen Haman, gets up from the table slowly and exits the stage UP RIGHT.)
(The lights dim, and the Narrator says, “The following evening…” the lights go back on, and Haman comes back in again and resumes his place at the table. He bows to the King and Queen before he sits.)
KING XERXES
What is your petition, Esther?
What do you need?
You know I’ll give you anything,
you don’t have to plead.
ESTHER
If I’ve found favour –
favour in your sight,
save my people
from a terrible plight.
If we were to be slaves,
I wouldn’t say a word,
but we’re going to be killed
on July the third.
Oh King, you’ve acted
so innocently.
You’ve been tricked into making
this dreadful decree!
You’ve been deceived,
you’ve been provoked
so this awful decree
cannot be revoked!
Your signet ring
has sealed our fate
and now I fear,
it’s much too late!
KING XERXES
What? Who is he
that would plot such a thing?
ESTHER
This wicked Haman,
that’s who, oh King.
(The king rises from his chair)
KING XERXES
I am so angry!
Get out of this place!
(The servant and Harbonah come onto the stage. He beckons them to come forward.)
With the signet ring’s stamp on the documents ordering the Jew’s execution, the decree could not be revoked. That meant that even if the King changed his mind, the Jews would still have to be slaughtered. The only way it could be revoked is if the King sent out a separate decree ordering the murder to be stopped. It did not look like that was going to happen.
Esther was told about the decree by Mordecai, who convinced her that she was probably the only person who could influence the King to change his mind. But she had to be quick. There was another problem though. No-one was allowed to go to see the King without prior invitation from him. Anyone approaching his throne without invitation, was in danger of being executed on the spot. If the king did not hold out his sceptre towards the person approaching, it meant that he wasn’t pleased to see them and therefore they would be dead in the next second.
Would the king be pleased to see Esther? Would he hold out his sceptre to her if she went into his courts? He hadn’t called her into his presence for quite some time. Was he bored with her and looking for a new queen? She didn’t know the answer to any of these questions, but something had to be done.
Scene Six: “Shall I Go?” (Based on Esther 4:13-17)
Hegai, who was the overseer of all the girls, liked Esther as soon as he saw her. He was impressed by her attitude and personality, and she listened intently to all the advice he gave. To Hegai’s delight, Esther was the one who was chosen to be the new queen. All the other girls were taken to the King’s harem where they would live for the rest of their lives. They would not see the King again unless they were specifically called for by him.
Although Esther was now the Queen, she maintained her humble spirit and met with Mordecai regularly to seek his advice. Mordecai had advised her not to reveal her nationality. She was a Jew and Mordecai felt that it was not the time to let this be made known, even to the King.
One day while Mordecai was on duty at the palace, he overheard two men plotting to have the King murdered. He immediately told Esther, who passed the report to the King. After an investigation, King Xerxes discovered that the plot was indeed real, and the two men were hung on the gallows.
A while later, King Xerxes promoted one of his employees, named Haman, to the role of Prime Minister. Haman was a very proud and arrogant man so he was delighted to see that whenever he walked past the other government officials, they would stop what they were doing and bow before him. Mordecai, however, would not bow. He did not have a bad attitude towards Haman, it was just that as a worshipper of the living God, he knew that God was the only one worthy of being worshipped in that way. Loyalty to God was far more important to him than people’s opinions. Haman was angry at Mordecai’s refusal to bow to him, and when he learnt of his nationality, he was outraged even more.
Yes, long before Adolf Hitler was born, this evil man named Haman, had a wicked plot in his heart to annihilate the entire population of Jews.
Scene Five: “The Boomerang Plan, Part 1” (Based on Esther 3:5-11)
HAMAN
(Talking to himself, but referring to Mordecai)
Bow! That means, lower your head!
Worship me
like you’re begging for bread!
Not a single man has
permission to rise,
until they’ve bent down
and closed their eyes.
But, you worship God.
What excuse is that?
I’m the boot
and you’re the doormat!
(pause)
You’ll regret this,
you arrogant Jew.
I’ll have dominion,
yes Mordecai, over you!
(Looks up dreamily)
In fact, I’d rather like
to see all you Jews dead,
then you’ll regret
not doing what I said.
In my heart,
there is a pang,
to make some gallows
and watch you hang.
Then I’ll have the pleasure
to go up and check
that you’re bowing now,
because you’ve broken your neck.
I’ll get the King
to issue a decree,
to give a command
that will fill me with glee!
These people are worthless,
we’ve got nothing to lose,
so who will regret
a life without Jews?
And what’s the point
of killing just one?
Kill them all!
Let it be over and done!
That dirty old Jew
won’t bow at my feet…
he’ll be begging for mercy
when my plan is complete.
(He leaves the stage)
(He comes back onto the stage to speak with Xerxes who looks up when he approaches.)
King…there is a certain people
who do not keep your laws.
To have them all destroyed,
will be a worthy cause.
If it were just a few,
it wouldn’t have mattered,
but across the provinces,
they are all scattered.
To whoever destroys them,
I’ll give ten thousand talents,
and into your treasury
will go the balance.
(Xerxes puts down his paper and claps his fingers together)
King Xerxes wasted no time in arranging for a search to be made in every area of his kingdom, for beautiful young girls to come to the palace, one of whom would eventually become his new Queen.
There was a man called Mordecai, who was a government official in the palace. He had a cousin called Esther, who he adopted and brought up as his own daughter, after both her parents died when she was young. Esther was one of the young girls who had been brought to the palace. However, none of the girls was allowed to go and see the King straight away. They had to be prepared with beauty treatments for a whole twelve months.
Scene Four: “The Preparation” (Based on Esther 2:3 & 2:8)
(Hegai stands RIGHT CENTRE, facing LEFT CENTRE and turns his head towards the UP RIGHT where the girls are slowly coming onto the stage. When the last girl is in, he continues looking back as he shouts to the imaginary girls who have been left outside.)
HEGAI
Come girls, this way. I’ll take you in ten at a time.
The rest of you, wait by the door.
(Pointing around the room)
Look! Jewels galore! Pearls to adorn your neck. Sapphire pendants. Diamond brooches.
It’s going to be fun
and it’s all for the taking.
Look in the mirror,
you’re a queen in the making!
(He walks around showing them various items.)
Gold-braided scarves. Silk flowers for your hair.
Thousands of beads. Try these silver bangles.
Experiment. See what works for you.
Inside these trinkets, you will find rings with every precious stone that was ever created.
It’s going to be fun
and it’s all for the taking.
Look in the mirror,
you’re a queen in the making!
Cosmetics. Kohl for your eyes. They come in every colour of the rainbow.
Try this lotion, so creamy and light. Watch it glide through your hands like a sheet of ice.
Look, smell…. Oil of Myrrh. For six months, this shall be your best friend.
You shall treat your body with the very best. Yes, see how the fragrance fills the room!
It’s going to be fun
and it’s all for the taking.
Look in the mirror,
you’re a queen in the making!
You will be given maids to attend you night and day.
You shall have massages…nail treatments…pedicures…facials…
Just put in your request. Nothing is too much trouble.
As Queen Vashti predicted, when the king’s servant came back and gave him her reply, he was furious. So, he called his chief advisers who were knowledgeable in the things of the law.
Scene Three: Banished (Based on Esther 1:12-17)
(Standing up and walking around crazily)
KING XERXES
How…dare…she…
humiliate me like this!
My summons isn’t something
she’s allowed to dismiss!
(Beckoning the other men towards him)
Come, my chief advisers,
you know about the law.
What shall I do with Vashti?
MARSENA
Oh King, show her the door.
For, everyone will laugh
and treat you with disdain,
and you’ll never have respect
in your provinces again.
CARSHENA
All the other wives
will follow her action,
and this will give Vashti
even greater satisfaction.
SHETHAR
All of the husbands
will be given no respect
for, any request they make,
their wives will reject.
ADMATHA
Yes, you offered her love,
that she chose to ignore.
She should lose her position
and not be queen anymore!
MEMUCAN
If it pleases you, King,
issue a royal decree
that cannot be revoked –
that everyone will see.
One that commands
Vashti never to reign,
or come into your presence,
ever again.
(Pause. Xerxes has his finger on his lips while he is thinking.)
KING XERXES
Let many women come
and be prepared for a year,
then I will choose the one
I feel is most sincere.
I want beauty from within,
as well as without,
a virtuous woman,
kind and devout.
Vashti wasn’t loyal,
but I couldn’t tell.
I want a new queen,
who’ll do her job well.
(Vashti is brought in by the servant. She is looking scared)
King Xerxes instructed the servant to make sure that Queen Vashti arrives wearing her royal crown. He couldn’t wait to see her and after so many days apart, this was surely going to be the perfect finale to his banquet. However…
It is commonly supposed that the queen was being asked to be immodest, by walking into the banqueting hall naked, with just her crown on her head. Some Bible scholars interpret the command “…tell her to come wearing her crown.” as meaning “…wearing only her crown.”, thus her having to be undressed in front of hundreds of men.
Either way, the king by this time was so intoxicated with many days of wine drinking, that he would not have been thinking straight, so it is highly possible that this was the reason for Vashti’s refusal. So, my dear audience, as there is no clear indication that she was being rebellious, please be a complying crowd and see our Vashti as a virtuous queen – a character in this story, not to be scorned, but pitied.
(Narrator puts a hand on his chest and looks down sadly)
Can you imagine receiving an invite to a party that was going to last for 3600 hours? How would you decide what to wear? Would there be enough food for everyone, right up to the last day? Who would host such a lavish banquet anyway?
There was once a king by the name of Xerxes. He was a powerful king who did not rule just one country, but several, spanning three continents. All in all, he governed over 127 countries, stretching from Ethiopia right across to India.
In the third year of his reign, he arranged a mighty banquet which lasted 6 months. He invited all of his officials, ministers, princes and military leaders to join him and dine to their heart’s content. He also put on an elaborate display of his wealth. After the banquet had ended, King Xerxes held another banquet, which lasted for seven days. This time, the people invited were all the residents who were living in the capital city where his palace was situated. They could eat and drink as much as their stomachs would allow, from golden goblets that were each unique in design.
King Xerxes’ wife, Queen Vashti, was holding a similar banquet of her own, for all the women who worked in the palace. On the last day of the banquet, King Xerxes realised that there was one precious thing that he owned, that had not yet been put on display…his beautiful queen.
Scene One: “My Queen” (Based on Songs of Solomon 1, 2, & 4)
(King Xerxes suddenly sits upright as Vashti enters his mind)
KING XERXES
Bring my wife to me.
Go and call the Queen!
Tell her, come right now.
Her beauty must be seen!
(He closes his eyes and places one hand on his chest)
She has eyes likes doves
and is often told,
her neck is like a tower
when it’s adorned with gold.
(He momentarily holds up his glass)
Her love is better than wine.
Yes, Vashti is so fair!
I’m completely overwhelmed
with one flick of her hair!
Her lips are like ribbons of scarlet,
her kisses are sweeter than honey,
her smile, worth more than the jewels
a rich man would buy with his money.
(He gets up off his chair and stands facing the audience, looking upwards.)
Throughout the whole play, the Narrator will stand DOWN RIGHT, facing the audience at an angle to the left, so he can observe the stage. He stands behind a lectern from which he reads his script, and the spotlight on him will be dimmed when he is not speaking. If this is not possible, then the Narrator may enter and exit the stage from UP RIGHT, with script in hand.
Scene One
Lights are up on both the Narrator and the main stage. As the narration begins, the ten brothers are seated, cross-legged on the floor. They are eating, drinking, passing around the bread and facing each other.
As ‘Let’s See’ begins, the brothers are being very animated, which includes throwing aside pieces of bread in anger. Throughout the whole dialogue, Reuben remains silent, looking from one to the other.
At the end of Scene One
At the end of the dialogue, there is a pause as Joseph enters from UP LEFT. He enters abruptly as if he’s been running, then suddenly slows his pace as he walks from UP CENTRE to DOWN CENTRE. While he is walking, he smiles and looks directly at each brother from left to right. His brothers stare at him hatefully and follow him with their eyes until he is at the front, standing DOWN CENTRE, facing RIGHT. As he meets Reuben’s eye, Reuben briefly raises his right hand and nods but looks back down again.
Scene Two
As the lights go up on the Narrator, Joseph goes to sit by Reuben but as soon as he is seated, Levi rises followed by the others. They drag Joseph to his feet and gather around him, roughly pulling off his coat. They spread widthways, trying to pick Joseph up and lay him across their arms, while stagehands quickly bring the boxes onto the stage behind them and place them in the CENTRE. These are arranged in a circle to give the impression there is a pit in the middle. They are stacked high enough so you won’t see Joseph when he’s inside, but a gap is left at the front so that he can be easily lowered into it. The brothers lift a screaming Joseph into the pit. Once he’s inside crouching down, the last box can be placed. As ‘Where Is the Hand?’ is recited, Joseph stays crouched down so all the audience can see is the ‘pit’ and maybe the top of his back if the seats in the audience are tiered. The stage is dark except for a small spotlight over the ‘pit’. As nobody can see Joseph properly, the actor may take advantage of this by reading the monologue off a sheet of paper, rather than having to memorise the whole thing.
Scene Three
Reuben enters from UP LEFT and runs to the ‘pit’ in the centre. He is facing DOWN RIGHT as he stares into the hole. When he says, “Joseph! Poor Joseph!” the brothers enter, from UP LEFT lead by Judah. They are all smirking.
They move to DOWN LEFT, while Reuben turns to face them. As Reuben says, “You raging maniac!”, he rushes towards Judah and tries to hit him on the upper chest with both fists either side of his torso. Judah grabs both arms and pushes him away gently.
Judah, Dan, Asher and Levi walk to the CENTRE and face DOWN LEFT, standing behind the ‘pit’ when each of them says their lines. The rest of the brothers remain DOWN LEFT at an angle facing CENTRE, watching Reuben and as he becomes more and more agitated, some of their expressions change from smugness to guilt and they look around one to the other.
Scene Four
During the first paragraph of the narration, Jacob comes onto the stage and sits down in the CENTRE, facing the RIGHT CENTRE.
At the beginning of the second paragraph, the lights go up on the main stage and the ten brothers enter from UP LEFT. Three of them are huddled together, clutching Joseph’s coat which now has a blood stain on it. They gather around behind Jacob then slowly walk around to face him. Jacob grabs the coat, and the brothers hastily exit the stage. Just before the last brother exits, (Reuben) he pauses and looks around guiltily at Jacob.
At the start of ‘Broken Promise’, Jacob remains where he is, but turns so he is facing the audience and looking upwards. Just before the dialogue begins, he drops the coat by his side, rips his shirt off his back and starts to cover his head with imaginary dust. At the beginning of the second paragraph, he picks the coat up again and holds it upwards and outwards, just below chin level.
At the end of the dialogue, Jacob clutches the coat to his chest, and he slumps to the ground with his head forward, weeping bitterly. The lights dim while he is still crying aloud. When the crying fades away, the lights go up on the Narrator for Scene Five.
Scene Five
At the beginning of the second paragraph of the narration, the lights go up on the main stage and a sullen Joseph walks in carrying a box which he places on the floor DOWN LEFT. He bends down facing the audience and begins to slowly take items out of the box and place them on the floor beside him. Potiphar follows him onto the stage and stands in the CENTRE watching him from afar. Potiphar’s wife enters and stands UP RIGHT looking past Potiphar’s shoulder at Joseph. Potiphar turns around to exit and startles his wife who quickly pretends she’s admiring something on the ceiling.
As Potiphar leaves the stage, his wife moves towards Joseph and stands so close behind him, he would trip if he got up suddenly. Joseph’s eyes move to the right as if he is aware of someone behind him and he shuffles forward. Potiphar’s wife moves to his right and stands looking down at him. She is smiling and starts to roam her eyes upwards as if she is planning something. Joseph gets up, dragging the box to the CENTRE and stoops down again. Potiphar’s wife follows him and stands to his left. While Joseph continues to take items out of the box, Potiphar’s wife removes a powder compact from her pocket and begins to check her make up in the mirror. She deliberately drops it in Joseph’s box and puts her hand to her mouth as if was an accident. Joseph stops, frozen to the spot, then slowly gets up and hands the compact back to her. As she takes it back, she clasps her hand over his and withdraws it slowly and seductively. She mouths ‘Thank you.’ Joseph quickly turns away and starts to hurriedly place items back in the box. While he’s doing this, the firsttwo paragraphs of the dialogue begins. After the second paragraph, Joseph gets up with the box and heads towards UP RIGHT to exit.
Potiphar’s wife stops him, and they stand face to face with the box between them. At the beginning of the fourth paragraph, (“You can do that after,”) Potiphar’s wife grabs the box from Joseph and throws it on the floor. If items spill out, they are to be left where they are.
During the whole dialogue, Joseph is constantly trying to ease away from Potiphar’s wife, while she continues to grab his hand and pull him nearer her, play with her hair, and make other manipulative gestures to try and win him over.
By the eleventh paragraph (“It can be our little secret…”) Potiphar’s wife has pulled Joseph to a nearby couch/bench and has sat him down. When she says “…here, undo my dress.” She swivels round bends her head and lifts up her hair so Joseph can pull her zip down. As soon as she does this, Joseph gets up forcefully and shouts “No!” Potiphar’s wife remains seated. From then on, Joseph’s tone of voice is assertive and confident.
As soon as Joseph completes the line that says, “…and I’m a God-fearing Jew.” Potiphar’s wife gets up and tries to grab Joseph from behind. She puts her arms around his neck as he begins to run off stage. With their backs facing the audience, she pulls off Joseph’s shirt then clutches it to her chest, laughing. She sits back down and stares at it for a while but as soon as she hears the sound of a door banging off-stage, she starts to frantically ruin her make-up to make it look as if she’s been crying for hours. (A bottle of water can be placed near the couch for this purpose) She smudges her lipstick across her face and grabs the mascara out of her make-up bag. She smears it around her eyes until she looks hideous. She then pulls at one of her shoulder straps, ripping it off at one end to make it look as if Joseph was trying to attack her (the dress has already been fixed so the strap comes away easily – maybe with Velcro). She sits back down and starts to practice a cry. Realising that Potiphar has not yet walked into the room, she stops, looks behind her and starts to cry again when she thinks he’s approaching. This happens twice before he finally enters from UP LEFT.
When Potiphar’s wife says, “Get out of that if you can.”, she is hiding behind Potiphar in mock fear of Joseph. Potiphar is oblivious to the fact that she is being smug.
The two jailers come on stage and stand either side of Joseph, holding onto an arm each. Before they pull Joseph away, there is a brief silence as Potiphar and Joseph stand staring at each other. Potiphar eventually looks down and away as if he caught a glimpse of innocence in Joseph’s eyes. He then glances at his wife who gives him no eye contact. She raises her head high and with an air of arrogance, leaves the stage. The lights dim, with Potiphar still standing where he is.
Scene Six
Joseph is sitting in a similar position to how he was when he was in the pit but this time, he recites the dialogue with the full lights on.
Scene Seven
No props are needed. Joseph and the Baker are sitting on the floor looking up at the Cupbearer who is walking around, gesticulating with his hands while he speaks. Joseph stands to deliver his dialogue. He walks around the Cupbearer while the Baker remains on the floor, getting increasingly agitated. The Baker jumps up and delivers his speech standing still. He uses his eyes to express his feelings and winces whiles recalling his dream.
As the dialogue ends, all three of them stand motionless. Joseph and the Cupbearer are staring at the Baker who is looking back at Joseph fearfully. He slowly moves his hand up to his neck, squeezes it gently then moves his hand down to his stomach, resting his other hand on top, as he looks down and closes his eyes. The lights dim.
Scene Eight
This consists of narration only. The lights dim and come on again for the narration of Scene Eight.
Scene Nine
The crowd of ten people are standing with their backs to the audience, from DOWN RIGHT to DOWN LEFT. They are shuffling about on their feet in an agitated manner, and everyone is holding at least one bag. One person leaves the stage as he has been given food by Joseph. The brothers are standing huddled together at the left side of the crowd and they move forward to the front when Joseph says, “Next.” They all fall to their knees and bow.
Scene Ten
Brief acting scenes take place during the narration of Scene Ten, therefore it is numbered from one to five below.
In Part One, the brothers are standing in the CENTRE, huddled together in a circle. They are occasionally flinging their arms into the air and beating their chests with one fist.
In Part Two, they leave the stage, looking down with their heads in their hands.
In Part Three of the narration, a spotlight goes up on Jacob who is seated UP LEFT and facing UP RIGHT. He is leaning forward on his knees with his head in his hands. Benjamin walks onto the stage from UP LEFT, looks down at his father and places a hand on his shoulder. Without looking up, Jacob removes his right hand from his head and gently pushes Benjamin forward who then walks off stage, exiting UP RIGHT. Jacob quickly leaves the stage.
In Part Four of the narration, all the brothers are on the upper part of the stage facing the audience. They are each holding a sack and Benjamin is in the middle. Joseph is standing in front of them, facing left so the audience can see what he is doing. He reaches into Benjamin’s sack while he’s still holding it and pulls out a silver cup. He holds it in the air while the brothers look round at one another, shocked. The spotlights stay up as Joseph leads Benjamin away by the arm and exits UP RIGHT.
During Part Five of the narration, the brothers exit the stage but are frightened and talking amongst themselves nervously wringing their hands, running their hands through their hair, and biting their nails.
Scene Eleven
Jacob stands UP LEFT facing the audience and looking at Joseph who is DOWN RIGHT at an angle, staring back at Jacob with his back partially facing the audience but they can see the right side of his face. Jacob is leaning on a walking stick (this can be either hand).
They both remain motionless, but Jacob wobbles a few times, and his hands shake out of shock and excitement more than old age.
When Jacob begins to praise God, he lifts one arm upwards towards the ceiling.
After Jacob says, “God gives the tormented peace of mind.” Joseph runs towards Jacob with his arms outstretched and Jacob drops his stick dramatically and takes two steps towards Joseph.
They then embrace for a considerable length of time – enough for it to have an impact on the audience. Joseph has his back to the audience and Jacob’s head is facing the audience, but it is buried in Joseph’s shoulder as he begins to sob.
After the embrace, Jacob and Joseph stay close together facing each other but turn slightly so that the audience can again see the right side of Joseph’s face. Jacob’s arms are outstretched, holding onto the arms of Joseph. Jacob bows his head and shakes it when he says, “…I was as good as dead…”
Occasionally, Jacob removes an arm from Joseph’s and puts his hand on his heart and closes his eyes. When he opens his eyes again, they are staring directly at Joseph.
After the last line, they embrace again then walk off stage while the Narrator speaks. There is no hurry for them to leave the stage. Jacob has his left arm around Joseph’s shoulder and Joseph’s right arm is around Jacob’s waist. The stick is forgotten and left on the floor.
Thank you for sitting patiently, watching, and listening while our students brought this great story to life by their excellent performance.
We hope that in this short time, you have gained a deeper insight into how amazing God is when we let him work in our lives.
Like Joseph, some of you may be going through a time of waiting and it may seem like God is taking forever to turn his face towards you and deliver you out of a horrible situation.
Others may not have realised the extent to which God desires to bless us and help us in every circumstance.
In some ways, the life of Joseph reflects Jesus by the fact that he was rejected by his own kind, suffered great loneliness and misunderstanding, had to face the jealous actions of people who felt threatened by him and ultimately, spent time separated from his Father just when he needed him most. But thankfully, he too ended up on a throne. His job is greater though, as he now governs the whole world, in power and glory.
If you would like the opportunity to get to know Jesus better and have a close relationship with God the father, there is a simple prayer you can pray right now.
We have to first acknowledge that we need to be forgiven of our sin. Sin is anything we do, think, or say that is displeasing to God, which includes living a life independently of him.
When you become a Christian, your problems do not just suddenly go away. There will still be enemies to face, debts to pay, sickness and pain, fear, and loneliness. But the difference is that you will have the King of kings walking alongside you to help you, guide you, comfort you, deliver you, strengthen, and give you hope and peace. Best of all, you will have the assurance that when you die, you will be taken in God’s kingdom, Heaven, to live with him forever.
So now we will talk to God. If you mean what you say, God will hear you. Don’t look for outward signs of feeling different or crying. Some of you may, but some may not. That’s okay because God is concerned with your heart.
Also, some of you may feel embarrassed to admit you have prayed this prayer and some may be concerned about what your friends will think. Remember two things: 1. You came into this world on your own and you will die on your own. Nobody else will be able to save you, so it really is nobody else’s business what you are doing right now. When you stand before God at the end of your life, those friends whose opinions you were afraid of, won’t be there to help persuade God to let you into Heaven.
Secondly, you may not have another chance to get your life right with your Creator, so please take this opportunity to sort things out with God right now.
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us the story of Joseph to show us how you are with us during the bad times. Thank you that we can have the hope that one day at the right time, you will deliver us from our awful circumstances, heal us and restore broken relationships.
Thank you that in the meantime, if we give our lives wholeheartedly to you, we can receive, strength, peace, wisdom, and comfort. I desperately want those things and I want to be free from the guilt of my sin, so I humbly come before you now to give my life to you.
I am sorry for the wrong things I have done in my life, which you call sin.
I acknowledge that I was born a sinner, which means that it’s in my nature to do things that displease you. I know that this includes the deepest thoughts and attitudes of my heart and the real motives behind everything I do.
Please forgive me for those sins and especially for the sin of keeping you out of my life.
Even though you love me, I know that because you are a God of justice and holiness, if I die without having my sins forgiven, I will spend eternity without you, in a terrible place called Hell.
I acknowledge that I need you and I want you in my life.
I believe that Jesus Christ is your son and that he died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins. I believe he rose again and is the living power that can take the Devil’s hold off my life. Please come into my life now and touch my heart with your forgiveness and love.
I want to have a relationship with you and to get to know you more. I believe that my very being was created for this purpose and without you, my hunger for peace and happiness will never be satisfied.
I give you my life now. Please lead me to people who will help me become a good strong Christian and who will show me how to relate to the things of God. Help me to find a bible that suits my understanding and a church that I can call home.
Thank you, Lord. I believe by faith now, that you have answered my prayer. I believe that no matter how bad I may feel about myself in the future, you have forgiven me and saved me from my sins. Thank you. Amen.
End Narration (Based on Genesis 46 & 47, Genesis 48:11, 49:33)
Pharoah was more than happy to have Joseph’s father and the family of his brothers to all come to Egypt to live near him. Joseph told them to leave their possessions behind because the best of all the land of Egypt was theirs to have. He looked after them well and made sure they had good jobs as shepherds.
Just before Jacob died, Joseph was summoned to see him. Jacob sat up in his bed and said to him, “Behold I will make you fruitful and numerous and I will make you a great company of people and will give this land to your descendants after you, as an everlasting possession.”
Then Joseph’s twos sons were brought in to see him and he said to Joseph,
“I never expected to see your face again but see, God has shown me your children as well.”
Not long after, Jacob who years before had thought that God had broken his promises, closed his eyes knowing that his God is faithful to the very end. He smiled a broad smile then died, a very happy man.
Scene Eleven: Narration (Based on Genesis 44 & 45)
Joseph urged his brothers to hurry back to the land of Canaan to tell their father that he was alive and now the ruler over the land of Egypt. He wanted them to bring him back quickly and promised them that they will live in a good part of the land where he will take care of them, as there was still 5 more years of the famine to come. He embraced his brother Benjamin and wept on his neck, then did the same with the rest of his brothers.
When Pharoah found out what had happened, he was very pleased and promised to give them the best parts of the land. Before their journey back, Joseph loaded them up with gifts for his father which included, 10 male donkeys 10 female donkeys and large supplies of grain. When the brothers arrived back in Canaan, they told Jacob what had happened. He was so shocked that his heart almost stopped beating. Jacob was overjoyed and declared, (this is spoken by Jacob himself – from offstage)
“Joseph my son is still alive! I will go and see him before I die!”
Scene Eleven: “Jacob Rejoices” (Based on Genesis 44 & 45)
Scene Ten: Narration (Based on Genesis 42:23 – 44:34)
(Please refer to Director’s Notes at end of play)
1. Joseph turns away and begins to weep bitterly. Before the brothers leave, he hears them talking in their native language about how they feel they are being punished for what they did to him years ago.
2. They were totally unaware that Joseph was standing there before them. He put them in prison for three days on suspicion of spying then sent them all except one, back home to collect Benjamin.
3. Jacob was deeply grieved when they told him that ‘this ruler’ had demanded to see Benjamin before he would release their other brother and give them more food. Reluctantly, and with a broken heart, Jacob allowed Benjamin to go with them on their return journey back to Egypt.
4. After meeting Benjamin, Joseph ran off to cry again as he was overcome with a mixture of emotions. Then he devised a plan to secretly hide one of the King’s silver cups in Benjamin’s sack to make it look like he’d stolen it. He wanted to test his brothers to see if their hearts had changed, for the one found with the cup would be taken as prisoner. Would they let Benjamin be taken because they were jealous of him too? He would indeed now be Jacob’s favourite son, not just because he was Rachel’s other child but because he was the youngest.
5. When Benjamin was finally accused of stealing the cup, the other brothers were terrified. How could they go back home to Jacob without Benjamin? Wasn’t Jacob’s worst fear that something bad would happen to his youngest son? Surely this would bring on the death of their Father.
Scene Ten: “The Appointed Time” (Based on Genesis 42 – 45)
JOSEPH
They look at me unknowingly,
for I am in disguise.
I’m speaking to them harshly
and there’s terror in their eyes.
It’s so strange to see them beg
as they get down on their knees.
ZEBULUN
Prime Minister Sir, look down on us
and show us mercy, please!
ASHER
We are full of sorrow.
GAD
There’s famine in our land.
Our livestock are so hungry,
they’re now eating sand.
SIMEON
You’re the only one
with supplies of grain and flour.
ASHER
We’d be grateful for anything.
DAN
We’re so desperate this hour!
We’ve brought gifts from our father,
So, please don’t take Ben.
REUBEN
If we go back without him,
our father will die then.
ISSACHAR
Something must have happened
when we turned our backs,
for our money was returned.
NAPHTALI
We found it in our sacks!
LEVI
Sir, we know you mistrust us,
but your thoughts are lies.
JUDAH
We plead with you to see
that none of us are spies!
JOSEPH
I cannot bear it any longer!
My tears, I can’t hold back!
I was me who put the goblet,
in your younger brother’s sack!
It’s me, Joseph! It’s me!
Oh, I love you and I forgive.
You meant to do me harm,
But look now! See! I live!
It’s not your fault I’m here,
this was all part of God’s will.
Just look what’s become of
the boy you tried to kill.
(pause)
Despair was planted in me,
but it never had a root.
What was planned for my destruction,
has only borne more fruit.
(Pause as he runs towards the brothers and embraces them one by one –
Back in the land where Joseph’s brothers lived, the seven years of plenty came to an end.
As the years of famine began, people from different countries came to Egypt to buy food. Jacob sent his starving sons to do the same thing. Well, he sent all except Benjamin – he didn’t want something bad to happen to Rachel’s other child.
Scene Nine: “My Brothers” (Based on Genesis 42:1-20)
JOSEPH
Who’s next? Get in line. Give me your basket. You’re welcome. Goodbye.
Next. Where do you come from? Oh dear. Is it really that bad? Sorry to hear that.
How much do you need? Be careful, it’s heavy.
Hello, thanks for waiting patiently. Where do you come….
(He turns to face the audience)
My heart has stopped! There is no beat!
I know those men I’m about to meet!
MY BROTHERS!
(Stays facing the audience but looks back briefly)
Scene Eight: Narration (Based on Genesis 40:20, Genesis 41:45)
In three days, everything happened just as Joseph had prophesied. The Cupbearer was released from prison, and given his old job back, serving wine to the King. And the Baker was killed just like Joseph had described.
Seeing that prisoners were being released, Joseph was excited and asked the Cupbearer to put in a good word for him when he went back to the King. He promised he would, but he didn’t really mean it. And so, because the Cupbearer kept silent, Joseph remained in prison.
Two years passed and one night the King had a dream that disturbed him greatly. He called all his false prophets to come, and interpret his dream for him, but because they did not serve God, they could not. Suddenly the Cupbearer remembered how Joseph had correctly interpreted his dream two years before. He told the King the whole story and Joseph was called from the prison to stand before the King and listen to his dream.
The interpretation Joseph gave was good and bad. He told the King that Egypt would have plenty of food for seven years, but it would be followed by seven years of famine. He said that God was warning them now so they could take preventative measures during the time of plenty. He instructed the King to tell all the people of the land to put aside one-fifth of the land’s produce and keep it in a storehouse so that when the time of famine arises, there will be plenty for the whole nation.
The King was so impressed, he promoted Joseph to be the person in charge of this project. Not only did this mean that Joseph was free from jail, but he was now to be second in charge of the whole land. Joseph was suddenly the second most important person in the country.
Yes, things had been looking good for Joseph until Potiphar sent him to prison. But God did not forget about him and proved he was with him by showing the chief jailer what a pure heart Joseph had. Everything he did was done with a good attitude and therefore, done well. Very soon, the chief jailer put him in charge of all the rest of the prisoners and made him responsible for everything that happened in the prison.
One day two prisoners had a dream…
Scene Seven: “The Dreams” (Based on Genesis 40:1-19)
CUPBEARER
I had a dream. I had a dream.
I had a dream. What could it mean?
BAKER
I am confused. I’m so confused.
I had a dream. I’m not amused.
JOSEPH
Well God is in the business of interpreting dreams.
I believe if I pray, he’ll show me what it means.
There is a plan God wants to fulfil.
God is in the business of revealing his will.
Yes, God is in the business of making things clear.
So, tell me what happened. Speak up. Make it clear.
CUPBEARER
Well, in my dream I saw a vine,
I squeezed the grapes – they turn to wine.
The vine then blossomed like a tree,
It grew a branch – not one, but three.
I really do not understand.
I poured wine into the cup in Pharoah’s hand.
JOSEPH
Now listen to what the mighty God says:
The three branches represent three whole days.
God intends to take you on a mission –
You’ll be restored in three days, to your first position.
Scene Five: Narration (Based on Genesis 37:36 & 39:1-7)
The market traders who bought Joseph, took him to Egypt. These people were very different from him. Their language was different, they wore different clothes, and worst of all for him, they did not worship his God. The people around Joseph wondered why he worshipped God at all. Here was a man who claimed that God was loving and kind to those who serve him, yet here he was, sold by members of his own family, living as a slave in a country far away from home.
The man who bought Joseph from the traders was called Potiphar. He was a rich man who had an important job working for the King of Egypt. Joseph honoured God by being good, hardworking, and obedient and Potiphar noticed this. He watched the way Joseph was and realised that God was helping him in everything he did. Because of this, Potiphar promoted Joseph to overseeing everything in his house and everything he possessed.
However, Potiphar’s wife wasn’t so faithful. She did not love her husband the way a wife is supposed to. Instead, she kept looking at Joseph and wondering what life would be like if Joseph was to start loving her like a husband. She liked the way Joseph looked and tried to be with him as much as possible.
Poor Joseph. Everywhere he went, she was there behind him, trying to get him to follow her into her bedroom. Potiphar knew nothing of this and Joseph…well he knew nothing of what this woman was really capable of.
Scene Five: “Confrontation” (Based on Genesis 37:36 & 39:1-20)
(Please note that this sketch is more appropriate to be performed by older children, owing to its suggestive content.)
POTIPHAR’S WIFE
(Talking to herself)
Just look at those muscles
showing through his shirt!
JOSEPH
(Talking to himself)
I must be careful of this woman,
she’s beginning to flirt!
(He moves away)
POTIPHAR’S WIFE
(Watches him intently, twirling strands of hair around her forefinger)
I wonder what he looks like
when he’s completely…bare.
(She puts the index finger of her other hand between her teeth)
JOSEPH
(Looks over his shoulder)
She’s made it quite clear
that she wants an affair.
POTIPHAR’S WIFE
(She approaches him and rubs a hand on his shoulder)
Joseph, you’re glowing.
Where did you get that tan?
Your skin is so golden.
You’re such a handsome man!
(Looks him in the eye)
You’ve been working all morning.
I think you need a rest.
(Runs a finger across his forehead)
There’s sweat on your brow.
Lay your head here on my chest.
(Joseph pulls away and walks rapidly to the other side of the room. Potiphar’s wife smiles and walks slowly towards him.)
I know you really want me,
I’ve seen you look my way.
JOSEPH
(Avoiding eye contact)
I don’t know what you mean.
Let go, I need to pray.
POTIPHAR’S WIFE
You can do that after,
But first, let’s have some fun.
JOSEPH
(Pulls away and looks upwards)
Father in Heaven, help me!
I think it’s time to run!
PORTIPHAR’S WIFE
(manipulatively)
Oh, don’t go yet, I need you.
Why do you want to pray?
I’m a woman, can’t you see?
Joseph, are you gay?
(Pulls at her clothes)
Doesn’t it excite you
that I’m scantily clad?
You say you want to pray…
Joseph, are you mad?
(sighs)
I didn’t offer you my body
for you to reject.
(Puts on a childish voice)
I’m sad and unloved.
I’m suffering from neglect.
(teasing)
Oh, what do I see?
Is that a twinkle in your eye?
So, my beauty overwhelms you.
(seductively)
Joseph…are you…shy?
(Looks around in mock fear)
Come on, we’re both adults.
It’s okay, we’re allowed.
JOSEPH
Let go!
POTIPHAR’S WIFE
(insulted)
Who do you think you are?
How dare you be so proud!
JOSEPH
Look. Your husband is my boss,
He’s given me many things.
What kind of result
do you think this evil brings?
He’s trusted me, he’s cared for me,
How could I do a thing like this?
POTIPHAR’S WIFE
(flippantly)
But Cutie, just think of
the pleasure you will miss.
(Pause as they stare at one another – him in disbelief and her cajoling with her eyes)
It can be our little secret –
I really think we should.
You deserve to be happy.
I can make you feel…good!
(She pulls him towards the bench and sits him down)
Look, the tension in your face.
Let me ease away the stress.
You can do what you like to me…
(She swivels round, bends her head, and sweeps her hair up from her neck so he can get to her zip)
Here…undo my dress.
JOSEPH
(Stands up forcefully)
No! God is my creator,
He has given me this life.
How could I grieve his spirit
by taking someone else’s wife?
Stop…trying…to tempt…me!
I’m determined not to fall!
I refuse to make God angry.
I’m staying in my call.
(pause)
The greatest pleasure
comes from serving the Lord.
(Her continued flippant manner angers him)
Go and buy some decent clothes
if you really are that bored!
(He takes a deep breath)
Now, I’m going to leave.
That’s the best thing to do.
I love Potiphar too much
and I’m a God-fearing Jew.
(She gets up and grabs at Joseph from behind. As Joseph runs out, she pulls off his shirt)
(A pause while Potiphar’s wife gets herself ‘ready’ for her husband’s arrival)
POTIPHAR
Hi Sweetie, I’m home.
(Stops abruptly as he sees her face)
Oh! Your face is a mess!
You’re crying and oh…
you’ve torn your best dress!
POTIPHAR’S WIFE
Something terrible has happened!
That man you think is so great…
Tried to take advantage of me
and left me in this state!
(Her eyes reveal that she’s struggling to make up a good story)
He wanted to lie with me
and of course…I said, no.
(More confident with her story)
Then he fled and left his shirt!
How could he stoop so low?
POTIPHAR
(Calling angrily)
Joseph!
(Joseph walks onto the stage looking confused)
You have shocked me greatly,
for I have been deceived.
I thought you were a faithful man.
Now I am just grieved.
(Hands on hips)
How dare you try
to seduce my wife!
JOSEPH
(Glares at Potiphar’s wife who hides behind Potiphar)
What? Tell him the truth!
Put an end to this strife!
POTIPHAR
How do you explain this shirt?
You greedy, evil man!
This is evidence enough.
POTIPHAR’S WIFE
(From behind Potiphar -leans to the side so she can see Joseph)
The brothers knew that their father Jacob would be furious if he discovered what they had done. They decided that the only way to prevent him from finding out, was to pretend that Joseph was dead. So, they ripped up Joseph’s coat, and dipped it in the blood of a dead animal, to make it look like he had been killed by something wild.
They took the coat back home to their father…
Jacob was deeply grieved. No-one could comfort him. He wept bitterly.
Scene Four: “The Cry of Jacob” (Based on Genesis 37:29-35)
Scene Three: Narration (Based on Genesis 37:25-30)
Reuben intended to rescue Joseph when his other brothers weren’t looking. However, he walked away from the area, and by the time he came back, he discovered that poor Joseph had been sold to market traders while he was gone.
Yes, it was too late. Joseph was gone forever – sold to foreign people and sent to a country far away. Being the eldest son, Reuben knew that the responsibility of Joseph’s welfare ultimately rested on him, but his fear of his brothers got in the way and now he was tormented with a guilt that he would never be able to shake off.
Scene Three: “Secret Intention” (Based on Genesis 37:25-30)
REUBEN
(whispering)
Joseph! Joseph! Jo…
(Looks into the pit, screws his eyes up and stares. Gasps. Gets down on his knees and cups his hands over his eyebrows, staring right down inside. Sits up and stares into space, shocked.)
He’s gone!
(Turns his head around sharply and looks into the distance.)
Joseph!
(He slumps onto the ground and sits on his knees. His right hand rubs his temples.)
My secret intention,
was to hide my feelings,
for I was against
their evil dealings.
(Rips his tee-shirt with both hands going in opposite directions across his body)
Machinations of murder
and hearts that hated,
while I could have had him…
Liberated.
(Rips again)
Machinations of murder
and hearts that hated.
My intended assistance
is now belated.
(Rips again)
Machinations of murder
and hearts that hated.
My untimely plan,
means the boy has vacated.
(Rips again)
Machinations of murder
and hearts that hated.
Look, what sorrow
I have created!
(Rips again)
Machinations of murder
and hearts that hated.
He disappeared while
I secretly waited.
(Rips again and shouts)
Machinations of murder
and hearts that hated!
And now my own heart is,
devastated!
(Sighs heavily)
Joseph. Oh Joseph! Poor Joseph!
(Looks at the audience)
My secret intention,
was to give him back,
but now he’s the victim
of a terrible attack!
(Gets up and faces Judah)
What have you done?
You raging maniac!
You took the boy away
while I turned my back!
JUDAH
(laughs)
You forget I’m the one
who loves to outwit.
That’s why I took him
out of the pit.
(Wiggles his finger accusingly)
I had a little hunch
that you cared for the boy…
(Taps his head)
…so, I concocted
a secret ploy.
(Puts his forefinger vertically over his lips while arm on other hand wraps around his waist. The elbow of the other hand will be resting on the wrist.)
Yes, I suspected
that you were a traitor,
(Raises his eyebrow)
plotting a rescue
for some time later.
(mockingly)
Sorry to cause
such humiliation,
but I doubted your allegiance
and affiliation.
(cockily)
So, we sold him to traders
carrying some spice.
DAN
They were eager to take him!
ASHER
We got a good price.
REUBEN
(Turns away from his brothers and looks down)
My secret intention,
was to be the deceiver,
but now I see,
I’m the receiver!
LEVI
Yes, when you left,
we were inspired.
We sold your brother.
Your plan backfired.
REUBEN
This is disgusting,
and now I know,
it’s far better
to go against the flow.
This is terrible.
I should have put up a fight,
for it is far better
to stand up for what is right.
Why did I not
boldly speak,
and tell them it’s wrong
to bully the weak?
Why did I not
say what I thought?
Why did I not give him
any support?
Why was I a follower,
too scared to say no?
Instead of being brave,
I just put on a show.
(Pounds his fist into his palm)
Respect God, not evil!
Don’t be scared of the crowd!
Don’t fear repercussions.
Make yourself feel proud.
I deceived them into thinking
that I was on their side.
My responsibility,
was to be his guide.
Now I share the same guilt,
for in my absence, fate prevailed.
I let the bullies win.
My integrity has failed.
(Turns back to his brothers)
We cannot tell our father.
He’ll be a broken man.
JUDAH
(Puts his hand on Reuben’s shoulder and grins mischievously)
It is said that * “A brother offended is harder to win over than a fortified city and heated disagreements in families, like the bars of a castle.
The eldest brother, Reuben, didn’t think it was right for them to kill Joseph, but he didn’t speak up and share his feelings. Maybe he was scared that they would turn on him too and shut him out of their lives. So, he suggested that they throw him into a large pit instead. They all agreed. Just before they threw him in, they pulled off his beautiful coat. Joseph sat alone in the pit. It was smelly, damp, dark and he was so afraid.
(*Proverbs 18:19 Amplified Version)
Scene Two: “Where is the Hand?” (Based on Genesis 37)
There are chapters in, “A Manly Man” and, “Why You Make God Smile” that stress the importance of surrendering your heart to God before it is too late. There are prayers at the back of these books to help you get started.
You might not know this heavenly father very well, and all this talk of having a relationship with Jesus may make you feel quite inadequate.
“Eek! I’m in my late 40s and have hardly spoken a word to God, let alone done any of the other things that she is encouraging me to do! I don’t know where to start and feel like hiding away, instead of facing my fears. It’s alright for her, because she’s known Him for ages. She’s been at this all her life and has a massive head start on me!”
That notion is partly true, partly false. Yes, I have had the amazing privilege of walking with the Lord before I was in primary school, and have gone through a myriad of experiences that convince me that he’s real, he’s faithful, and can be trusted. I also know my bible pretty well because like you say, I’ve had a bit of a head start with that.
But the length of time somebody has been a Christian and their spiritual maturity are 2 different things.
There are many people who have been Christians for less than 6 months, who are doing more for God and being more obedient and reverent towards him, than thousands of others who have regularly attended church and said their prayers each night, for decades.
In the Bible, there is a story about how an employer hired servants to work for him from early morning until late at night. Before they began, he told them what the wages would be and they agreed with the amount.
However, in the early evening, the employer hired a few more men, and they did a couple of hours labour. When it came round to dishing out the wages, the men who worked the whole day noticed that the servants who were hired last got the same wages as them, so they complained about this being unfair.
It wasn’t unfair, (you can read why in Matthew 20:1-16) and God wants you to know that if you seriously wish to accept him into your life and follow Jesus, the reward for your obedience will not be less than mine, just because I’ve been ‘doing this all my life’.
God is generous and willing to bless everybody in the same way, no matter the short length of time some may have with him before their passing. I’m not super-perfect just because I’ve loved him since I was a little girl. I am always putting my foot in it, take ages to learn spiritual lessons, fall asleep while praying, and struggle to discipline myself to stick to a Bible plan.
I have many regrets, made a ton of mistakes, still eat too much chocolate in one sitting, then wonder why I feel nauseous. I say, “Your will be done.”, then expect things to go my way. I get distracted during worship, feel like giggling during quiet times of reflection, and can be rubbish at morning devotions.
Then to top it all, I go to bed too late, drive too fast, eat too fast, talk even faster.
Ooh yes, I am definately a work in progress and that progress seems to be taking forever!
But even if I was someone who could be described as remarkably disciplined, a fast learner and knows God’s every thought, it would still not make me more highly favoured than you.
So be encouraged – you’re not as far behind as you think.
Therefore, dear friends, do not let anything or anyone deter, or intimidate you from getting to know Jesus just because you feel unworthy. Come to him as you are and let him ‘worry’ about the bits and bobs that need tweeking. He alone can make beauty from ashes, so give your pile to him and I guarantee he will do incredible things with your life.
Nothing corrodes the heart more than jealousy. Nothing destroys the soul more than anger. Nothing perverts the mind more than hate.
Blinded by the hunger to attack, the enraged cannot see that they have initiated their own destruction. As fury turns to loathing, it melts into a liquid more destructible than molten lava. The imagination takes hold, and all the brain can think of is murder – justification for the bitterness that has destroyed his soul.
There lived long ago, a man named Jacob, who had two wives and two mistresses. From these four women, he had twelve sons, one of whom was called Joseph. Joseph was special to Jacob because he was the son of his favourite wife Rachel, and because he was born when Jacob was a very old man.
Rachel had another son after Joseph, named Benjamin, but she died while giving birth to him. In his grief, Jacob made a beautiful, embroidered coat for Joseph. Even though his older brothers should have had pity on him for losing his mother, they felt only anger and jealousy when they saw the coat.
You see, Rachel had been the only wife Jacob truly loved. Six of Joseph’s other brothers were sons of an unloved wife and the other four, were sons of servants who worked in the house.
It says, * “A fool’s mouth is his ruin – his lips get him into trouble.” This was certainly true of poor Joseph, for when he started telling tales to his father about what his brothers had been doing out in the fields, their rage was fuelled to the point of explosion.
One day, when Joseph’s brothers were out in the fields again, Jacob sent him to check up on them. When they saw him in the distance, they began to think about some of the things Joseph had recently told them. It wasn’t wise of Joseph to open his mouth and reveal his thoughts.
Maybe his indiscretion was his way of trying to get them to like him. But it didn’t work. The more they thought about it, the more their hatred grew. You see, Joseph was having some strange dreams – dreams they were hoping would never come true. (*Proverbs 18:7)
