. all rights belong to Tanis Harms –
. refer to www.church-skits.com
ANNA, THE PHARISEE’S DAUGHTER – written by Tanis Harms
PREMISE: Jesus’s ministry included reaching out
. to women and children, as all people have
. the same need for forgiveness of their sins,
. and all should have the same opportunity
. to have personal relationships with God.
. As a young girl, Anna desires to learn,
. but being a girl, her training is always
. household-focused. Whenever she can, she
. sneaks away to eavesdrop at the boys’
. Hebrew school, or gets her brother to show her
. everything he is learning there. Now with
. the talk of Jesus’s ministry, she only has
. more questions, which does not sit well with
. her father, who is a Pharisee in Capernaum.
STYLE: drama
TOPIC: salvation, pride, faith
SCRIPTURE: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
NOTES: for CAST, SET, PROPS
SCRIPT: ACT 1
. CITY SQUARE
(People in background walk about their daily business.
A few MEN stand at the gate in an intense discussion.
There are several WOMEN around the well, talking, as
ANNA walks from house to well carrying two water jugs.)
WOMAN 1 Did you hear? He is on His way back.
WOMAN 2 How do I keep missing Him?
WOMAN 3 (to W1) So you’ve actually met this man?
WOMAN 1 I have. And He is NOT your ordinary man –
. AT ALL!
WOMAN 4 Careful how you talk. You wouldn’t want
. your husband hearing about this –
WOMAN 1 NOT like that -
(WOMAN 4 sees ANNA and catches herself, then adds.) 2
WOMAN 4 Or someone ELSE might hear who could –
. cause problems.
(WOMAN 4 eye-motions toward ANNA. The WOMEN get busy
filling their water jugs and ignore ANNA.)
WOMAN 4 Oh hello, Anna. How’s your father?
ANNA (speaking carefully) He’s fine. But, you know,
. maybe I want to hear more about this man
. that you keep talking about?
WOMAN 1 Why, so you can report this to your father?
ANNA Why would I do that?
WOMAN 3 Because your father is a Pharisee in this town.
. And he might feel threatened.
WOMAN 1 Listen, we sometimes overhear how the men talk
. at the gate. (motioning to the men at the gate)
. Anyone who is a Scribe, Saducee, or Pharisee,
. does NOT like this Man.
WOMAN 3 I think it’s because - Jesus knows MORE -
. than all of them put together.
(The WOMEN all laugh at this, then stop when they realize
ANNA is not joining in. BATIA comes from the market.)
WOMAN 3 (to ANNA) No offense to your father.
. He’s a very wise man. We’re just saying
. what we’ve heard, that’s all.
WOMAN 2 (nudging 3) Oh, here comes Batia. Someone
. told me they just went to hear Jesus speak.
(As WOMEN crowd BATIA, ANNA slowly begins to fill her jar
as she eavesdrops into the low-toned conversation.)
WOMAN 1 Batia, tell us everything. What did He all say?
(BATIA puts her hand to her chest, looking for words.)
WOMAN 2 Ladies, it’s not often Batia is speechless.
. 3
(As WOMEN laugh, YOUNG GIRLS 1-3 enter from the gate and
walk past the well carrying baskets.)
GIRL 1 Hi Anna.
ANNA Hi – (realizing and jealously) You’re allowed
. to go to market by yourself?!
GIRL 2 Mom and Sis are – you know?
GIRL 1 Sh! Yes, it’s – you know - that time of month.
ANNA Oh-I see.
GIRL 2 Have YOU started yet?
ANNA Ah, no?
GIRL 1 Sh! Really, we don’t speak of THAT in public.
. Come on, we have lots of work to do.
ANNA Must be nice to be in charge.
GIRL 3 (shaking her head) It’s not THAT nice.
GIRL 1 Come on!
(GIRLS exit upper stage right as ANNA finishes filling
the water jugs.)
. HOUSE
(ZEB sits at the table, intensely studying a piece of
papyrus-like material. MOTHER and SAVTA enter from the
house’s interior as they put shawls over their heads.
MOTHER Anna! (to ZEB) Zeb, have you seen your sister?
. How long does it take to fetch water?
. (ZEB just shrugs.) Are you still not finished
. with your studies? Your class begins soon.
ZEB I’m working on it.
MOTHER You do want to grow up to be
. as knowledgeable and wise as your father.
ZEB (mumbling) Yes, Mother. 4
MOTHER Because it’s important for your intended
. status in life-
ZEB Mom, please, I am trying to concentrate.
MOTHER (picking up empty basket to leave)
. I will let you be. Come, Savta. (stopping)
. (to ZEB) Tell Anna that we’ve gone to market
. for the day, and that she should have everything
. swept and cleaned by the time we return.
ZEB (mumbling) Yes, Mother.
(MOTHER and SAVTA leave into the square. ZEB looks up,
struggling to memorize something, then refers back
to his papyrus. ANNA enters and puts the jugs down.)
ANNA Oh, what’s today’s lesson?
ZEB Be quiet. I should know this ALREADY.
. (exasperatedly desperate) Can you help me?
ANNA (looks around, concerned) If Mother catches me-
ZEB She went to market with SAVTA. And Father
. has left already.
(ANNA shows relief, then excitement as she sits down
next to ZEB and takes the papyrus to look at.)
ZEB It’s no fair, you know. I taught YOU how
. to read, I don’t understand why you can now
. read better than me. You’re a girl, after all.
ANNA I don’t know. Maybe there are some things
. that just come more naturally to different
. people.
ZEB But you’re a girl.
ANNA So you keep reminding me. You’re a boy!
. Why do you struggle with this?
(ZEB sulks as ANNA studies the papyrus.)
ZEB (blandly) We copied that from the Psalms. 5
. It’s like, God is speaking to the people.
ANNA Okay, (becomes teacher-like) I’ll read it first,
. and then we will go over and over each line
. until you know it. (reading) “Listen,
. O my people, to my instruction; incline your
. ears to the words of my mouth. I will open
. my mouth in - a PARABLE” – THIS sounds
. exactly like what Jesus is doing.
ZEB (agitated) So?
ANNA But this Jesus speaks parables, and apparently
. knows God’s words - like they were His.
. People are saying that Jesus is our Messiah.
ZEB Don’t let Father hear you! That is crazy-talk.
. And very dangerous! Now, keep going, will you.
ANNA (reading) “But tell to the generation to come
. the praises of the Lord, and His strength
. and His wondrous works that He has done.
. For He established a testimony in Jacob,
. and appointed a LAW in Israel” (looking up)
. Father sure likes to drill in stuff about
. the Law, doesn’t he!
ZEB It’s EVERYthing!
ANNA It is everything. But –
ZEB Anna, we’ll never get through this!
ANNA (sighs, then continues reading)
. “-a LAW in Israel, which He commanded
. our fathers, that they should teach
. them to their – children” -
. (lowers papyrus and glares at ZEB)
. See – right there – a commandment from God –
. that His word should be taught to the CHILDREN.
. I am a child. Why am I not allowed to go
. to school and be taught God’s words?
ZEB You can hear them at the temple.
ANNA But I want to learn MORE than that.
. 6
ZEB You’re a girl. You don’t have to know
. any more than that.
ANNA See, THIS is not fair.
ZEB I didn’t write the stuff.
ANNA No, God wrote THIS (picking up papyrus).
But men see it - the way THEY want.
ZEB (shaking his head) One day, your talk is going
. to get you into BIG trouble, do you realize?
ANNA All right-all right, let’s repeat the first line
. until you know it.
. CITY SQUARE
(FATHER walks away from city gate and sees MATTHEW with
a ledge. FATHER tries to escape, but it’s too late.)
MATTHEW Ah, Teacher, a timely meeting. Might I
. remind you that your taxes are due
. at the end of this week.
FATHER You are despicable, Matthew, did you know that?
MATTHEW Ah yes, I actually do. People remind me from
. time to time. As the tax collector, I’m not
. exactly the most beloved person in town.
FATHER And you know why, don’t you?
MATTHEW (feigning ignorance) Because I must collect
. the taxes that are owed to the Roman government?
. I realize this - no one LIKES to just hand
. their money over to Rome! But as long as they
. are in our country, what choice do we have?
FATHER You could choose not to help them!
MATTHEW Ah, well, like everybody else, I need to
. put food on my table.
FATHER Seems like you are able to buy much more
. than food.
. 7
(FATHER motions to the big shiny ring on MATTHEW’S hand.
MATTHEW notices and puts his hand behind his back.)
MATTHEW I’m just - very good with money.
FATHER (suspiciously) Yes, I’m sure you are.
MATTHEW By Friday! I wouldn’t want to have to
. add interest. I know you have more than
. enough, yourself.
FATHER Certainly not after you take it all.
(FATHER goes toward the classroom to prepare and pray.
As MATTHEW walks off, JOSHUA, OBED and a bunch of BOYS
run into the square from upper stage right playing catch.
They “boo” rudely at MATTHEW as he disappears, then
continue to house. Stopping just outside, they call out.)
JOSHUA Hey, Zebadiah!
. HOUSE
(JOSHUA knocks on the door and peeks in and sees ZEB,
then smiles at ANNA.)
JOSHUA Zeb, you don’t want to be late for your father’s
. class, do you?... Hi, Anna.
ANNA (unsure) Hi – Joshua.
(ANNA shyly waves. JOSHUA keeps staring at ANNA
then nods at the papyrus piece in her hands.)
JOSHUA You’re not using your brother’s homework
. to houseclean are you?
OBED You need to be careful, those are holy words
. written on that.
(ZEB grabs the papyrus from ANNA and carefully
rolls it up.)
ZEB Mom says to have the house clean before she
. gets back.
(As the BOYS walk to the classroom, ANNA quickly 8
sweeps and tidies, then looks around the house, satisfied
that it should pass inspection. Grabbing a shawl, she
cautiously peeks outside. The coast is clear.)
. CLASSROOM
(ANNA sneaks toward the classroom. Finding a shrub
beside the classroom wall, she sits down low beside it
and presses her ear against the wall to listen.
FATHER sits with his back to the door. The BOYS sit
on pillows all around him.)
FATHER These scriptures speak of God’s promises to us.
. Israel has not had a rightful king on the throne
. for hundreds of years. But one day, our Messiah
. WILL come and take the throne. The Messiah will
. be the perfect King, who’ll bring about – what?
(ANNA picks up her head and blurts out.)
ANNA Perfect obedience and getting all our land back!
(There is silence. FATHER picks up his head and looks
around, wondering where that sound came from.)
(ANNA puts a hand over her mouth. FATHER suspiciously
goes back to his lesson.)
FATHER Anybody?
(FATHER looks at ZEB who twists his face while thinking.)
JOSHUA Oh, ah, perfect – obedience.
FATHER (not impressed) Yesssss. And?
(Again FATHER looks at ZEB who still twists his face.)
JOSHUA And the Messiah - is this Jesus - that everyone
. keeps talking about?
FATHER Young man, you better ignore the gossip and
. rumblings, and stick to your scriptures.
. Do not be lead astray with these wives’ tales.
. That Jesus – is a troublemaker! He is making
. a mockery of God’s Law.
. 9
JOSHUA The scriptures of Isaiah say that our Messiah
. will be born of a virgin. This is being claimed–
FATHER He can claim that all He wants, but it doesn’t
. make it true.
JOSHUA He’s a descendent of King David. And the prophet
. Isaiah said that His name would be Jesus –
FATHER Clearly this family was setting out to cause
. trouble right from the beginning.
JOSHUA AND Micah says that our Messiah will be born
. in Bethlehem, and this Jesus – WAS born there!
. AND He is from Nazareth, just as the prophet -
FATHER People who come from Nazareth never amount
. to anything! (OBED raises his arm.) Yes, Obed.
OBED I heard He turned the water into wine at
. a wedding feast in Cana. Is that even possible?
FATHER No, Obed, clearly it was some sort of trickery.
OBED (leaning forward, sucking up) So, how can we
. be sure that this man is fake?
FATHER For one thing, that Man, works on the Sabbath.
ZEB Ah, excuse me, Father, but - what kind of work?
FATHER It doesn’t matter what it is, does it? –
JOSHUA He heals people.
ZEB Isn’t that a good thing?
FATHER NOT on a Sabbath! You all KNOW that there
. should never be ANY work done on the Sabbath.
. And for another thing, leading up to this
. incident, He had just marched into the temple
. and upset the place. He socializes with those
. half-breed Samaritans, and He speaks to women
. out in public. Disgraceful! A reliable report
. says - that He actually spoke to a Samaritan
. woman, of all things.
. 10
(OBED nods his agreement. JOSHUA is more frustrated.)
FATHER I would like to emphasize the Law here again,
. as most of you boys are over the age of 13.
. As men, you should not be speaking to women
. in public. Not only could that lead you
. into trouble, but that is beneath you.
JOSHUA Our scripture from the other day mentioned
. that fathers should teach the laws to their
. CHILDREN - Isn’t it interesting that the
. scripture does not use the word “sons” – so that
. could imply women should be treated the same–
(Overhearing this, ANNA sits up, shocked and impressed.)
FATHER Interesting point, but - (tiredly) that’s it,
. class is finished for the day.
OBED What about tomorrow’s assignment?
FATHER Review the Laws. You’ll recite them all to me
. tomorrow.
. CITY SQUARE
(ANNA is caught off-guard with the abrupt ending.
Clamoring to her feet, she realizes that she will be seen
walking away. She dives behind the bush to hide herself.
The BOYS exit the classroom calmly at first. Once
outside, they continue their game of catch. Their “ball”
goes near the bushes. JOSHUA retrieves the “ball” and
notices ANNA. He calmly throws the ball to someone.)
JOSHUA Ah, I just remembered, I have a question to ask
. our teacher. I’ll catch up with you all later.
(ZEB goes into the house as the rest of the BOYS
disappear via different exits. Then JOSHUA walks
around the bush and stands there nonchalantly.)
JOSHUA Soooooo – (ANNA remains silent.) Anna!?...
. (JOSHUA refuses to leave until ANNA answers.)
ANNA (finally…) Yeeeess?
JOSHUA Why, a talking bush! Will it also begin 11
. to burn? I expected God’s voice to be
. deeper and more rumbling.
ANNA (sternly) You mustn’t make jokes like that.
JOSHUA What are you doing here?
ANNA I, aaaaaaah, - you shouldn’t be speaking to me.
(JOSHUA sits down on the ground and gets comfortable.
ANNA finally crawls to the other side of the bush,
but still hides herself as best as possible.)
JOSHUA I’m not. I’m speaking to a bush. So,
. were you following me?
ANNA No! Of course not! Iiii...
JOSHUA Yooouuu?... Looove me?
ANNA Puh! I love to LEARN. I’ve been – listening in
. to classes every since...
JOSHUA (starting to be impressed) Ever since when?
ANNA Ever since – Zeb started going to school.
. I mean, whenever I could get away, that is.
JOSHUA Huh!... So what do you think?
ANNA Lots of things! What do you mean,
. “what do I think?”
JOSHUA (chuckling) I guess that’s a fairly broad
. question. Hm, let’s see. What do you think of –
. this Jesus who is traveling the countryside?
ANNA I – heard what you said in class – and – I would
. agree with you. I think He IS our Messiah.
JOSHUA (joking) What would your father think?
ANNA You KNOW what he would think, Joshua!...
. I’m serious, though - What else do you know?
. What else have you heard?
JOSHUA Did you know Jesus was born in Bethlehem? 12
ANNA Yes. And grew up in Nazareth. What else?
JOSHUA You do listen! Okay, well...
. after Jesus was born, they had to flee
. to Egypt – fulfilling the prophet’s words,
. “Out of Egypt did I call My Son.”
ANNA Interesting! Is there more?
JOSHUA (intensely) Yes. Approximately 30 years ago,
. there were magi from the East who had
. followed the star. They came to King Herod
. asking about the Christ child...
. King Herod had his men slay all boys in the
. Bethlehem area - 2 years old and under.
. This fulfilled Jeremiah’s prophecy, “A voice
. was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning-“
ANNA (continues the quote with new understanding)
. “Rachel weeping for her children; and
. she refused to be comforted, because
. they were no more.”
JOSHUA You – you know that. (now wanting to impress)
. My parents and I went to see John the Baptist.
ANNA You did? Really? - I’ve heard he’s a very –
. strange man.
JOSHUA He wore - rugged clothes – that’s for sure.
. But he preached a message – of salvation.
ANNA Salvation? What is that?
JOSHUA To repent and be baptized.
ANNA (putting it to memory) Repent. Repent and
. be baptized... (back to Joshua) I’ve heard
. people in the city square talk about that...
. So - did you?
JOSHUA (looking around first) Yes.
ANNA What was it like?
JOSHUA Amazing. Life changing. Oh, and that man 13
. dared to challenge the Pharisees and
. Sadducees. Wow! THEY were not impressed.
. So John the Baptist refused to baptize them.
ANNA Did John the Baptist speak about - Jesus?
JOSHUA He said that after he had baptized Jesus,
. he saw the Holy Spirit coming down like a dove
. from heaven, and it stayed with Jesus. This was
. proof to John that Jesus IS the Son of God.
ANNA (lingers on the image) I just got chills.
JOSHUA The king beheaded John the Baptist, you know.
ANNA (sadly) Oh... I had not heard that...
JOSHUA Ah, and I heard that Jesus will be back in
. Capernaum soon! We could go listen to Him–
ANNA Father would NEVER allow me – unless I could
. slip away if - only – no! Oh, I should be home
. by now. Thanks – for – ah -
(ANNA scrambles from the bushes and rushes to the house.
Seeing FATHER leave the classroom, JOSHUA gets up and
hurries away. FATHER sees both kids as they dash off,
and shakes his head as he marches to the house.)
. HOUSE
(MOTHER, SAVTA and ZEB are already in the house when ANNA
races inside and throws off her shawl. She stops short.)
MOTHER Just where were you?
FATHER (entering) She was near the school!
MOTHER You were supposed to be cleaning the house!
ANNA I – I did.
MOTHER Not good enough.
FATHER It’s worse. She was talking with a boy!
(FATHER stares at MOTHER. SAVTA tsks and shakes 14
her head.)
MOTHER (to FATHER) Why are you looking at ME like that?
. This is not MY doing.
FATHER (to MOTHER) Perhaps you should not be away
. from the house so long. Supper is not even
. STARTED yet?
(MOTHER angrily turns and stirs something in a bowl.
ANNA takes a few timid steps forward to help.)
MOTHER You were to start supper, too.
ANNA I was not told –
MOTHER (glares at ZEB then ANNA) I should not HAVE to!
(ANNA picks up the bowl to stir. MOTHER takes it away
and points for ANNA to leave.)
MOTHER Go! Out of my sight.
(ANNA slips by quickly into the house’s interior.
ZEB grimaces and shakes his head. FATHER points to ZEB.)
FATHER And YOU! Study! You’re an embarrassment to me.
(ZEB shields his eyes as he studies the papyrus. MOTHER
quietly mixes things. SAVTA slowly sets the table.)
FATHER (to MOTHER) How much longer?
MOTHER (sighing) Sundown.
(FATHER exits angrily.)
. SQUARE
(FATHER wanders to the gate where a few MEN and TAAVI
talk. Another PHARSEE stands there, straight and tall.)
MAN 1 TEACHER! Come! Enlighten us with your wisdom.
PHARISEE Yes, help me convince these heretics that they
. are going down the wrong trail.
. 15
FATHER WHAT is the discussion?
MAN 1 Is this Jesus our Messiah?
FATHER Only if He can rid us of these Romans and
. get our land back! THEN - I will believe!
PHARISEE Yes! Exactly. Amen to that.
MEN Amen!
(Only TAAVI doesn’t join in. PHARISEE notices this.)
PHARISEE You don’t agree?
TAAVI You know that my son has been palsied since
. birth. Wouldn’t you want to know that there
. was a hope? Or a reason WHY your son was
. born this way?
PHARISEE That’s simple. YOU lead a life of sin, and
. YOUR son is paying the price. It’s punishment.
FATHER (daring) Now, wait a minute. I’ve known
. this man since childhood. Taavi is a fine
. upstanding citizen and a brother.
PHARISEE Perhaps his wife.
FATHER (nods while thinking) Hm.
(FATHER takes note of TAAVI’S downcast expression.)
. HOUSE
(ANNA peeks her head inside the room where MOTHER keeps
working on supper. ANNA is clearly upset and tries
to call her over without distracting ZEB from his studies
and SAVTA from her sewing project.)
ANNA Mother... Mother!
MOTHER Do not speak to me. Unless it’s to apologize.
. I am too angry.
ANNA I apologize. But –
. 16
MOTHER (swinging around) But what?
(ANNA is very anxious about something, and wants MOTHER
to read her mind. ANNA glances at BRO a few times,
not wanting him to know what she has to say.)
MOTHER Out with it!
ANNA Could you - come away with me so we can speak?
MOTHER I need to get supper ready! The supper
. you were to have ready! Speak here!
ANNA I think – I need to go – to – ah - I –
MOTHER WHAAAAAT?!
ANNA I have – become – (quieter) a “woman”.
MOTHER WHAT?
(SAVTA rolls her eyes and holds hands over ZEB’S ears.)
ANNA It – started. I am – (quieter) “unclean”.
MOTHER Ohhh... Well, away with you then. Quickly!
. Don’t touch anyone or anything. Have I not
. given you preparation talks on this very thing?
ANNA Yes.
MOTHER So it’s happening, away with you. Now! Quickly!
(ANNA desperately looking around. MOTHER goes into a
cabinet and pulls out a little bundle and puts it on the
table. ANNA then takes it – only touching the bundle.)
MOTHER Make sure everything has been purified before
. you return.
(Upset, ANNA slips out into the square. SAVTA releases
ZEB’S ears and strokes his hair. ZEB rolls his eyes.)
ZEB Was that necessary?
SAVTA Yes.
. 17
. TENT
(ELORA lies on a cot or straw with her back turned away.
WOMAN 5 sits in a corner on a cot or bale. WOMAN 5
notices ANNA shyly entering the tent. GEFEN sees her and
waves weakly but remains curled up in pain on her cot.)
ANNA Hi, Gefen, I – I saw your sisters today.
WOMAN 5 Come in... Come in. Don’t look so distraught.
. (ANNA takes one awkward step, then stops.)
. This is your first time, dear?
ANNA (weakly) Yes.
WOMAN 5 Well, get used to it. It happens every month.
. (ANNA looks at ELORA.) Or if you are cursed,
. as she is, it never stops. (motions to a cot)
. Sit. Please. (ANNA finally sits down.)
. And cheer up. It’s not so bad. Especially if
. you are one of the fortunate ones.
ANNA What do mean - fortunate?
WOMAN 5 If you do not experience too much pain.
. (as ANNA sobs, she tries to lighten the mood)
. Think of it this way. Once a month, for
. 7 days, we get a break from all the men.
. No cooking, cleaning, or being ordered about –
. it’s kind of like a holiday, really.
. (ANNA smiles slightly, until ELORA groans.)
. That is Elora. She is in a very bad way.
. She’s been hemorrhaging for twelve years.
ANNA She’s had her monthlies for twelve years?!
WOMAN 5 Well, something like that. Doctors have tried
. to figure it all out. And they’ve done stuff
. to her. (shaking her head) Sounds like they
. tortured her more like it, and only made it
. worse... Poor dear, I don’t know how long
. she will last.
ELORA (struggles to turn around) I’m not dead yet...
. Hello, dear. What is your name?
ANNA Anna. My father is the Pharisee who 18
. teaches at the school.
ELORA Oh, yes, I - have heard about him. He is
. a good man, very wise. What news do you have?
ANNA What news did you want?
ELORA Anything... I never leave this tent.
. So any news lets me feel like
. I’m still part of the community.
WOMAN 5 I’ve caught her up with all the latest gossip –
. Unless you know anything more about
. Maris’s spat with her neighbor?
ANNA (shakes her head and then thinks)
. There is a Man called Jesus.
. Some people say that He is our Messiah.
WOMAN 5 Ah, boring. Man’s talk.
ANNA It’s not boring. He has a life-changing
. message that He preaches. It’s causing
. quite a stir. Especially since He has
. had conversations with women - in public.
. Even with a SAMARITAN woman...
WOMAN 5 Sounds like a man who shouldn’t be trusted.
ANNA (And He does miracles.
WOMAN 5 (skeptically) What kind of miracles?
ANNA He changed water into wine. AND...
. He has healed people.
ELORA (interested) What sort of things can He heal?
ANNA (shrugging) I-I suppose – He can heal
. anything. I’m not sure.
WOMAN 5 Well, even if He CAN heal you – you’re unclean.
. How would you get to Him? You must remain here-
. separated from everyone.
(ELORA lays down again, thinking. ANNA looks sad again.)
. ACT 2 19
. CITY SQUARE
(ZEB exits house and meets up with JOSHUA and some BOYS.)
JOSHUA Hey, Zeb. Where’s your sister?
ZEB Why do you want to know?
BOY 1 She’s nice to look at, right Joshua?
ZEB Don’t talk that way about my sister!
BOY 2 Maybe Joshua wants to marry her.
ZEB Just stop it!
JOSHUA (laughing) Well, whether I do or not –
. one day – that will happen to all of us.
(LITTLE BOY winces disgust. OBED stares at JOSHUA.)
OBED Has your father made arrangements for Anna yet?
ZEB I don’t know. I really don’t care –
OBED But you should. If anything happened to your
. father, you would be in charge over her.
ZEB Oi, so much responsibility and pressure –
. and things to learn.
(BOYS walk to the school but exit instead as lights dim.)
. HOUSE
(ANNA enters from square. MOTHER wipes the counter area,
as SAVTA wipes the table. They both look up at her.)
MOTHER Your time is done, then? (ANNA nods.)
. You properly cleansed yourself? And you went
. to the temple to have two pigeons sacrificed?
. (ANNA nods again, a little more emphatically.)
. Well, my time is coming soon. Since you’re a
. woman now, you can run the household while I’m
. gone, since Savta is getting too old.
. 20
(SAVTA perks her head up at this.)
MOTHER (to SAVTA) No offense, Savta!
. (to ANNA) But she will help.
ANNA What if it happens - we are both gone?
MOTHER Savta will manage as much as she is able to
. at her age. No offense, Savta.
ANNA What if we ALL –
MOTHER Savta is well past that point. No offense Savta.
SAVTA None taken!
MOTHER (to ANNA) Now, you are sure you have cleansed
. yourself properly?
ANNA (exasperated) And went to the temple!
MOTHER Then help me with supper. Father and Zeb
. should be home soon.
(ANNA puts dishes on the table as MOTHER pulls out food.)
ANNA It is not a school day?
MOTHER They went to hear Jesus. (ANNA stops, confused.)
. Father wanted to check this Man out for himself.
ANNA You must tell me... Please?
MOTHER Why would you want to know such things?
. Your father and the rest of the Pharisees just
. wish to catch Jesus in an mistake - so they can–
. get RID of Him.
ANNA Get rid of Him?
MOTHER I’m not in the habit of talking about such
. matters. This Man has dared to say that He is
. “ONE with God.” Apparently He even said that
. God is His own Father. Can you imagine!
ANNA So Jesus - is making Himself equal with God?
. 21
MOTHER Your father is furious. People are saying
. Jesus teaches as if He has more authority and
. more knowledge than even the scribes!
. And you know how much pride your father has
. about being knowledgeable! So for Father’s
. sake, I hope - oh – I hear them coming.
(FATHER and ZEB enter and sit down. The WOMEN finish
their tasks quickly. As soon as the women join them,
they all bow their heads and wait for FATHER to pray.)
FATHER Our Lord God Almighty, we thank You for the food
. You have provided us... (then quickly) Amen.
(FATHER begins to eat. ANNA slowly looks up, curious
at the very short prayer. They all begin eating quietly.
ANNA keeps looking at FATHER, wanting to ask questions.
MOTHER and SAVTA shake their heads to stop ANNA,
but she finally blurts out.)
ANNA I heard you went to hear Jesus.
. (FATHER nods and continues eating.)
. So did anything happen?
ZEB There were TONS of people. Jesus had to get
. into a boat and push off a ways, then spoke
. from there, to everyone standing on the shore.
ANNA What did He say?
ZEB The Man kept going on and on about “repentance.”
ANNA (digesting that) Hm, “repentance” again.
FATHER (anger finally boils up) AND He was claiming
. that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
ANNA (carefully choosing her words) So... for that
. to be true, Jesus would HAVE to be the Messiah.
. Only the Messiah can be the perfect king,
. to bring about perfect obedience.
(FATHER pauses – about to put bread into his mouth –
and looks at ANNA, astounded and oddly impressed.)
FATHER Ah, yes, that is correct.
. 22
ZEB It was also eerie. Jesus was casting out
. demons. Oh, and as they were walking back
. into town, He stopped in at Simon’s house,
. and cured his mother-in-law.
MOTHER What was wrong with Raizel?
ANNA I heard she had a horrible fever.
ZEB Well, it’s gone now.
FATHER Just some sort of trickery.
MOTHER I know that family. They are a solid family.
. I can’t see them joining in such – fiascoes.
(FATHER glares at MOTHER, who then shuts up. ANNA twists
her face, debating if she should ask any more questions.)
FATHER Well, Jesus left. But when He comes back,
. I will be there to CATCH Him in His trickery.
MOTHER You might even be rewarded for such.
FATHER (quickly putting MOTHER in her place)
. It’s not so much for a reward! I do not like
. the way He is distracting the people from
. obeying the Law. Which just PROVES right THERE
. that He CANNOT be the Messiah. The Messiah
. will bring about perfect obedience –
. and Jesus – is causing people to disobey!
(EVERYONE now knows it is best to remain quiet.)
. SQUARE
(PEOPLE walk about the square. When FATHER walks from
the house toward the gate, MATTHEW steps out.)
MATTHEW Teacher! Good timing. You have some taxes
. which are now outstanding.
FATHER I just paid –
MATTHEW The Romans have instituted an extra
. property tax for every porch and patio.
. 23
FATHER And what next? A tax for every flower I plant?
. How can I be sure that you are not making up
. these taxes yourself? OR the amounts that
. you state?
MATTHEW You must ask your representative – oh – wait –
. that would be me. The Roman law is behind me
. so I can have anybody arrested if they
. do not comply.
FATHER How can you live with yourself?!
(ANNA leaves house and goes to well with the water jugs.)
MATTHEW Is that your servant? I see her bringing water
. to your house every day. There is another
. tax for every servant that you have.
FATHER THAT - is my daughter! With all your
. tax hikes, I certainly cannot afford any
. servants. How many do YOU have?
(MATTHEW smiles sheepishly then enters his building.
FATHER continues walking toward the temple and exits.
ANNA puts the jars down when JOSHUA enters from gate.)
JOSHUA Anna! Hi.
ANNA Joshua – (realizing and looking around)
. Ah, Father mustn’t see us together!
JOSHUA I saw your Father and brother at the shore
. listening to Jesus the other day.
ANNA Ahh, yes, well, they were there more to –
. CATCH Jesus in a mistake.
JOSHUA Oh.
ANNA (hurriedly begins to fill the jars with water)
. I really must get the water filled–
JOSHUA Here, let me help you.
(JOSHUA reaches out his arms to take a jug. ANNA pulls
it away, but has to smile a little.)
. 24
ANNA Are you MAD?
JOSHUA I just want to help. Is there anything wrong
. with that? (taking a jar from ANNA to fill)
ANNA (shyly) Nooo, it’s just weird.
. Why would a man want to do a woman’s work?
JOSHUA It’s what we should do as followers.
ANNA Follower of what? Men doing women’s work?
JOSHUA (laughing) Followers of Jesus. And we are
. to help - each other. Instead of expecting
. to be served, we should serve one another.
ANNA Interesting.
JOSHUA Are you a follower?
ANNA I – think I am. I don’t know.
JOSHUA Have you repented?
ANNA (quickly) What exactly does that mean?
JOSHUA To ask God to forgive your sins.
ANNA (thinking and nodding) And then what?
JOSHUA And then God forgives your sins. And you begin
. to live your life differently. To be more -
. Christ-like.
ANNA To be like Jesus?
JOSHUA Yes. To be – like God. To be – godly.
. To be without sin. To be holy.
(ANNA puts down her water jug and paces, thinking.
JOSHUA watches her, amused. ANNA finally stops
and looks at him.)
ANNA But – I cannot - be perfect. I make mistakes,
. practically every day! It would be impossible
. to be perfect.
. 25
JOSHUA Yes, on your own it is. But with God, anything
. is possible. That’s the point. You must put
. your faith in God to forgive all your sins.
. Then HE begins to change you, from the inside.
ANNA So this would be in place of going to temple
. and constantly having to sacrifice animals
. for the forgiveness of sins of this and that?
JOSHUA Jesus has called Himself the Lamb of God.
. I still don’t really understand that one,
. but I believe Jesus will take care of things.
. So God can forgive all your sins – once and
. for all - and then in His eyes – He sees you
. as holy and clean... when you repent.
ANNA (thinking, then realizing) Of course.
. I do believe that. I do - repent.
. (looking up) I do repent. I don’t want to be
. a sinner. I mean, I am! I am a sinner.
. But I certainly don’t want to be. I repent!
(ANNA and JOSHUA are both so overjoyed that they fling
their arms open ready to embrace to each, but realize
they shouldn’t. They then reach out to maybe touch their
shoulders, but that is also awkward. They finally end up
quickly shaking hands – barely touching. ANNA then goes
to pick up a water jug, but JOSHUA beats her to it.)
ANNA Joshua, stop, what will people think?
JOSHUA I don’t care what they think.
ANNA But people – will -
JOSHUA I’ve already been banned from your father’s
. classes.
ANNA Ohhh... Should I maybe talk to–
JOSHUA It’s okay. I’ve decided, I am going to
. catch up and join the group. So Jesus,
. Himself, will be my teacher.
(JOSHUA hoists jar to his shoulder while ANNA takes
the other one. JOSHUA talks as he walks ANNA to house.)
. 26
JOSHUA The group just headed into Galilee,
. and I’m sure I can catch up to them.
ANNA I’d - miss you.
JOSHUA You can come with us.
ANNA – I can’t –
JOSHUA No-no–of course, I understand. Wow,
. this water is heavy. You do this everyday?
ANNA (nods, then takes jug from JOSHUA)
. Thank you. Take care.
JOSHUA I’ll be back... Will you – ah - wait for me?
(ANNA nods, then JOSHUA smiles, waves and jogs out.
ANNA stands there for a moment, thinking. With a
sudden smile, she turns and goes inside.)
. HOUSE
(SAVTA is inside waiting, and shakes her head and tsks.)
ANNA Savta, were you listening?
SAVTA No! - But you are playing with fire!
ANNA (looking around) Where’s Mother?
SAVTA Went to market without me. Here, work!
(SAVTA holds out stitch work to ANNA. She takes it and
they start sewing. ANNA finally breaks the silence.)
ANNA Savta, do you believe in love?
SAVTA I believe in God.
ANNA God is love.
SAVTA Oooo-kaaay.
ANNA God loves us, and we should love God.
SAVTA Of course. 27
ANNA Should we love our brothers and sisters?
SAVTA Yeessss. We are commanded to do so.
ANNA And we should love even our enemies?
SAVTA That is what the scriptures say.
ANNA Then we should love Jesus.
SAVTA (gasps, then tsks and shakes her head)
. You are a tricky, girl.
ANNA It’s not a trick. It’s logical reasoning.
SAVTA Tricky-tricky girl. You will be stoned
. for such talk.
(ANNA works silently for a few moments.)
ANNA Savta, don’t you ever have questions?
SAVTA No! (sighing) And if one WOULD have
. questions, it is best kept in your heart.
. The walls can grow ears.
(ANNA glances around suspiciously.)
. SQUARE
(FATHER comes from temple and meets ITAMAR at the gate.)
ITAMAR Teacher, I have some business to discuss.
FATHER Itamar! Good day to you. Yes, what is it?
ITAMAR (nervously) My wife saw your daughter in the
. tent the other day. So your Anna is now
. a woman... Have you arranged for a husband yet?
FATHER I’ve been biding my time waiting for –
. the right arrangement.
ITAMAR Would you consider my son, Obed?
FATHER I know him well. He is one of my better 28
. students. You should be very proud of him.
ITAMAR I am, yes. And... (waits for people to pass)
. Do you think Obed stands any chance to become
. a Pharisee one day?
FATHER I believe he has that potential, yes.
ITAMAR Although, I am sure you are honing your own son
. for such a position.
FATHER (cautiously) I have high hopes for my son.
ITAMAR Well, I will let my son, Obed know that we have
. begun talks regarding an arrangement.
FATHER Yes, and I shall mention this to Anna.
(As FATHER returns home, ITAMAR turns and runs into
MATTHEW.)
MATTHEW Itamar, how pleasant to run into you in such
. a timely matter.
ITAMAR Actually, I do not have the time -
MATTHEW Yes, that’s just it – you ARE running out
. of time for this month’s payment.
. You will need to bring it by tomorrow?
(ITAMAR stomps away. MATTHEW smirks with satisfaction,
then frowns and looks around before exiting.)
. HOUSE
(Family sits around the table, eating.)
FATHER Anna?
ANNA (weakly and fearful) Yes?
FATHER I was speaking to Itamar today.
(MOTHER perks up with keen interest.)
SAVTA Oooooh. (then clamps a hand over her mouth)
. 29
FATHER Itamar is Obed’s father. He has initiated
. talks regarding a marriage arrangement between
. Obed and Anna.
ANNA No! I mean, I want to marry Josh-ua. I mean -
. (realizes her mistake in blurting this out)
FATHER You should not even THINK about Joshua!
ANNA Well, I am NOT marrying Obed.
(FATHER stews in anger at the defiance.)
MOTHER (quickly) Why not?!
ANNA He’s not - a believer.
FATHER Not a believer? What exactly do you mean
. by THAT? He is a proper Israelite who
. obeys the law.
ANNA That’s not enough!
FATHER He knows the laws perfectly. He recited
. them to me just a while ago.
ANNA Knowing the law and perfectly obeying
. the law are two different things.
FATHER YOU - will teach ME lessons on the Law?
ANNA Without believing in Jesus, you cannot be
. in perfect obedience.
FATHER I did not hear you say that... You will
. marry Obed.
ANNA Father, if you love me, I hope you can
. understand–I’m a... believer. And I wish
. to marry someone who believes exactly as I do.
FATHER You would act defiantly? This is punishable
. by death.
MOTHER Anna, correct this now! The scriptures are
. very clear. You must obey your parents.
. 30
ANNA I DO care about being obedient. But I
. cannot marry someone who doesn’t understand,
. and who will argue with me about this.
MOTHER The scriptures are clear there TOO. You must
. obey your husband. Arguing shows disrespect.
ANNA The scriptures are also clear that I should
. love and serve God. Obeying God comes first.
(FATHER stares at MOTHER, then at SAVTA and ZEB,
who try to look innocent. FATHER swings back to ANNA.)
FATHER Yes, but you should not question your husband –
ANNA (sincerely) But why? How does one learn
. otherwise? And what if the husband’s orders
. contradict God’s Law? In the Septuagent,
. Moses writes “You shall love your neighbor
. as yourself.” How much more of a neighbor
. is a wife? Why is it that so-called obedient
. men are cruel to their wives?
FATHER They should NOT be cruel to their wives.
ANNA So they should love and respect their wives?
FATHER Yes, of course. From where are these
. questions and scriptures suddenly coming?
ZEB (blurting out) This is NOT so sudden.
. (FATHER stares, until ZEB shrugs sheepishly)
. She’s been prying me for information
. ever since I started school.
(FATHER doesn’t know how to react.)
ANNA Moses also writes, “You shall not plow with
. an ox and a donkey together.” I want to marry
. someone who shares this same belief with me,
. otherwise we will plow in circles.
(FATHER still does not answer.)
ZEB You’re not going to stone her, are you?
MOTHER (pleading ANNA’S case) She has not yet 31
. made any sort of public stand of defiance.
FATHER (carefully) No, she has not. In fact, she has
. only asked questions. These were all just
. questions, were they not? There is nothing
. against asking questions. And she is just
. unsure of her compatibility with Obed.
. (ANNA gasps) I did not set any firm commitment
. on this arrangement.
ANNA So I can –
FATHER YOU! - You will keep quiet. Here, and in
. public. And you will stay clear - away from
. this Joshua. Obviously, he has influenced you
. and put these strange ideas into your head.
ANNA (muttering) I think and act for myself!
FATHER WHERE do you GET this attitude?!!!
(FATHER eyes MOTHER and SAVTA with scrutiny.
SAVTA ends with some tsks. FATHER is back to ANNA.)
FATHER If you are such a thinker, then I will give you
. a chance to rethink these things, until you
. can see reason. And if you have any questions
. about the scriptures, you will ask about them
. here at home, in private. You have put me in a
. very difficult position. If anyone else hears
. even a hint of any of this – I cannot save you.
(ANNA stews silently.)
. SQUARE
(PEOPLE surround JESUS as they enter upper stage right.
JOSHUA breaks off from the crowd and looks around.
MATTHEW enters from gated area. Seeing JESUS approach
with PETER, JAMES and JOHN, MATTHEW quickly exits into
his office. JESUS and the crowd exit through the gate.
ANNA comes from the house with her water jugs and
notices the crowd leaving. Thinking she can catch a
glimpse of JESUS, she stands on tiptoes craning her neck.
In her search she sees JOSHUA. ANNA quickly turns around
and tries to leave without being seen. Too late.)
. 32
JOSHUA Anna, I’m back. We’re all- Wait, what’s wrong?
ANNA I cannot be seen talking with you.
JOSHUA But I want to know, can my father approach
. your father to discuss marriage?
ANNA Ohhhh... (looks away) Don’t look at me.
JOSHUA (turns head away) You – don’t want me to –
ANNA I do! (JOSHUA looks back at ANNA hopefully.)
. But don’t look at me! (JOSHUA looks away)
. I can’t be seen talking with you. Just
. pretend – that we don’t really see each other.
JOSHUA (shrugs off his confusion and plays along
. My, what a lovely – boat out there. I wonder -
. whose boat - that is?
ANNA Oh, why do things have to be so complicated!
. Father knows that you are a follower of Jesus.
. If you ask him now, he will definitely say no.
JOSHUA So... I will wait. And pray.
ANNA Yes, pray! I will pray too. But –
. I must go now.
(JOSHUA watches ANNA as she rushes home. ZEB and OBED
come from temple to see the end of this conversation.)
OBED (starts for JOSHUA) Who does he think he is?
ZEB (holds OBED back) Obed, calm yourself.
. I’ll take care of this.
OBED You’ll tell Joshua that Anna is spoken for?
ZEB Just go home. I’ll take care of this.
(OBED stomps off while glaring at JOSHUA. JOSHUA warily
watches OBED walk by, then ZEB as he approaches him.)
JOSHUA Am I to expect trouble from you?
ZEB No. But I do want to caution you: 33
. Anna is not to be seen with you.
JOSHUA I know, it’s not appropriate to be speaking
. with a girl –
ZEB It’s more than that now. It is the difference
. between life and death.
JOSHUA You would have me stoned?
ZEB No, Anna - would be publicly defying Father.
JOSHUA Oh... (sadly) Oh. I understand.
. HOUSE
(ANNA and SAVTA work on a sewing project. MOTHER enters
from the house interior and gets her bundle.)
MOTHER (lightly) I will see you in seven days.
(MOTHER goes into the square. Once she is gone,
ANNA looks at SAVTA pleadingly.)
ANNA Come Savta, let’s go to market.
SAVTA But we don’t need anything.
ANNA Sure, we do. Ah... (looks around hopefully)
. We need... flour. We are very low on flour.
. Come on.
(ANNA helps SAVTA put the stitch work down and get up.)
. SQUARE
(ANNA and SAVTA leave the house and approach the well.
ANNA sees a swarm of people off to the side at Simon’s
house at center stage right, right behind their house.)
ANNA Look. He must be there. Jesus is over
. there - at Simon’s house. I just know it.
. See all the people crowding to get in.
. (ANNA looks behind her and gasp)
. Hah! And there’s Father. Get down.
(ANNA pushes SAVTA to the ground behind the well. 34
FATHER walks from the temple to the back of the crowd.
TAAVI rushes out from upper stage right and sees him.)
TAAVI Teacher, help me? Help me, please.
. I need to get my son, Reuben,
. into that house to see Jesus.
FATHER Taavi, your son has been palsied since birth.
. There is no way ANYONE could ever heal him.
TAAVI If it was your child, would you not even try?
FATHER (laughs) Look, it’s impossible to get inside–
. unless you’re a Pharisee, so – I’m sorry.
TAAVI But YOU ARE. Please, help me think of a way.
FATHER I’d say your best chance is if you could
. fly through the roof and land right beside Him.
. (laughing, he pushes his way through the crowd)
. (to the PEOPLE) Make way, I wish to enter.
MAN 3 Make way! Pharisee coming through!
(FATHER disappears. TAAVI looks at a few people.)
TAAVI Come! Help me? I have an idea.
(As TAAVI and some men disappear in the direction of
Simon’s house, MATTHEW walks around the scene and
sees ANNA and SAVTA peeking over the edge of the well.)
MATTHEW What are you women doing there?
ANNA Oh, ah, my Savta is tired – simply exhausted.
(ANNA quickly gets a cup of water to give to SAVTA.
SAVTA plays along, fanning herself, then grabs the water
with shaky hands and tries to drink.)
MATTHEW Exhausted!? Your father must use
. big words at the dinner table.
(MATTHEW goes to sit on a bench by his office. Unsure of
MATTHEW, ANNA cautiously goes back to watch the crowd.)
SAVTA What’s happening now? 35
ANNA It looks like they’re cutting away at the roof
. of the house!
SAVTA Oh! Raizel is NOT going to like that. If that
. was our house, your mother would have a fit.
ANNA I’d give anything to see Jesus.
(MEN carry REUBEN out on a stretcher from upper stage
right and around to center stage right to “Simon’s
house”. REUBEN is completely twisted up and twitches
ever so often. ANNA perks up as she sees this.)
ANNA It looks like maybe Taavi’s son will. Look,
. they’re letting him down through the roof.
(ANNA and SAVTA sit still – waiting for something
to happen. The CROWD becomes hushed. SAVTA tsks.)
ANNA (sadly looking around) We should probably
. just go back home now.
(ANNA helps SAVTA up and leads her back to the house.)
SAVTA Ah, suddenly we do not need flour?
ANNA We – have a little left. We’ll go tomorrow.
SAVTA So you can maybe just bump into someone, like –
. Jesus? Or maybe – Joshua?
ANNA Savta!
SAVTA Either one means trouble for you.
(After ANNA and SAVTA enter the house, REUBEN bounds out
into the, jumping for joy. TAAVI comes jumping out
after him to hug him.)
REUBEN I’m healed! I’m healed! Jesus healed me.
. Praise God. Praise Jesus. Praise God.
TAAVI I can’t believe my eyes and ears. Praise Jesus.
(TAAVI and REUBEN exit upper stage right, arm in arm.)
. 36
. HOUSE
(Minus MOTHER, the FAMILY sits around the table,
eating in silence. ZEB finally addresses FATHER.)
ZEB Did you go? Where you there? I heard that
. Taavi and a few men made a big hole
. in the roof and lowered Reuben down to Jesus.
. So what happened?
FATHER Jesus healed him.
ZEB With trickery?
FATHER Unless Reuben has pretended to be palsied
. all his life.
ZEB What are you saying?
FATHER I don’t know. I don’t know how anyone could
. heal a man like that. He was completely healed.
ZEB Jesus didn’t break any laws?
FATHER Hah! Jesus said to Reuben, “Your sins are
. forgiven.”
ZEB Only God can forgive sins, right Father?
FATHER Exactly! That is exactly what I was thinking
. too. And then He read my mind. Jesus looked
. right at us Scribes and Pharisees and He told
. us our very thoughts. He told us exactly what
. we were thinking. Then He asked, “Which is
. easier to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are
. forgiven’ or to say ‘Rise and walk’?”
ZEB Well, anyone can say, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’
ANNA But not to ACTUALLY forgive a person’s sins!
(FATHER glares at ANNA and she shrinks back.)
ZEB Yes, but to say ‘rise and walk’ – then you
. actually have to heal the person.
FATHER Well, Jesus did that, without question. 37
. Somehow! But He then said, “In order that
. you may know that the Son of Man has authority
. on earth to forgive sins!”... FORGIVE SINS!
. Who does Jesus think He is?!
ANNA But you just admitted that Jesus healed Reuben.
FATHER We are highly suspicious that He has His powers
. from the ruler of the demons.
ANNA What? THAT’S – ugh - no.
(SAVTA tsks her dismay and shakes her head at ANNA.)
FATHER Jesus MUST get His powers from the demons.
. That’s all there is too it.
(ANNA closes her mouth, discouraged. ZEB nods as if
he agrees with his father’s idea. SAVTA tsks again.)
. SQUARE
(A crowd surrounds JESUS as they walk from upper stage
right across to where MATTHEW is sitting at the entrance
to his shop. MATTHEW looks for an escape, but realizes
that JESUS is looking straight at him. MATTHEW seems
powerless to move now. JESUS stops to study MATTHEW’S
eyes. MATTHEW’s face becomes one of regret and humility.
JESUS, as if reading his mind, finally speaks.)
JESUS Follow me!
(MATTHEW looks up with hope, stands and follows the group
to “Matthew’s house.” Lights go out, but they get in
place where they sit on pillows [& remove the scrolls].)
. HOUSE
(FATHER sits at the table looking over a scroll.
PHARISEE knocks on the door and FATHER goes to answer.)
FATHER I’ve been going over scriptures to see if I can
. find anything to discount Jesus.
PHARISEE Jesus has gone over to the house of Matthew,
. the tax gatherer.
. 38
FATHER (getting his cloak) Right now?
PHARISEE Yes.
FATHER Well, that is certainly interesting. If Jesus
. considers Himself some kind of Man of God,
. what is He doing consorting with the likes of
. Matthew. It’s fairly obvious that he collects
. extra money from us to keep for himself.
PHARISEE I’d love nothing better than to throw BOTH
. Matthew and Jesus into prison.
(FATHER leaves with PHARISEE and walks to stage left.)
. “MATTHEW’S HOUSE”
(PHARISEE and FATHER watch the scene from the doorway.
JESUS and GROUP sit on pillows around a low table.
WOMAN 6 walks around holding out a bread basket to the
MEN. When she holds the basket out to JESUS, HE takes
some bread, then motions for her to sit down. WOMAN 6
is unsure, but at His persistence, she slowly sits down.
JESUS sees FATHER and PHARISEE and motions to the bread.
As JESUS speaks, He makes sure He also addresses the
woman. JESUS points out the pockets of air in the bread.)
JESUS Beware of the leaven - of the Pharisees –
. which is hypocrisy. But there is nothing
. covered up that will not be revealed, and
. hidden that will not be known... Do not be
. afraid of those who kill the body, but fear
. the One who after He has killed has authority
. to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!
. (looks at the WOMAN with a comforting smile)
. Are not 5 sparrows sold for 2 cents? And yet
. God does not forget one of them. Do not fear;
. you are of more value than many sparrows.
(As JESUS bends forward to speak quieter with
His audience, PETER walks by FATHER and PHARISEE.)
FATHER Peter! What is going on here?
PETER (stops) We are having dinner. And talking.
FATHER Peter, I have known you since you were 39
. young. How can you even be seen with this Man?
PETER Jesus is our Messiah and Teacher.
PHARISEE He cannot be. Look, if He was, why is He
. eating with the tax-gathers and sinners?”
JESUS (overhearing this, JESUS looks up)
. It is not those who are healthy who need
. a physician, but those who are sick. But,
. go and learn what this means, “I desire
. compassion and not sacrifice, for I did not
. come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
(FATHER and the PHARISEE smile and bow with sarcastic
tact, then turn to leave, frowning as soon as they do.
PETER smiles knowingly, then turns to join the group
again as FATHER and PHARISEE leave. [As lights dim,
they can move the table back and replace the scrolls].)
. SQUARE
(FATHER and PHARISEE step out.)
PHARISEE What did all of THAT mean?
FATHER I do not know... But He is a very CLEVER Man.
. I’ve heard that it’s best not to rush into any
. type of response with riddles that He poses.
PHARISEE I want you to follow Him and keep your eyes
. on His every move.
FATHER What about the school?
PHARISEE I will take over for now.
(JESUS and the CROWD stand up. FATHER looks in
the direction of “MATTHEW’S house”.)
FATHER I believe they are getting ready to leave.
(PHARISEE and FATHER step further away and act nonchalant
as JESUS and the CROWD exit. JESUS leads CROWD through
the gate. FATHER slowly falls in at the back of crowd.
MAN 4, a straggler, looks at FATHER and comments.)
. 40
MAN 4 Jesus is leading us into the Kingdom of Heaven!
FATHER (nods and winces sarcastically) Sure He is.
. TENT
(MOTHER sits on a cot, half asleep. ELORA’s talking
wakes MOTHER up.)
ELORA Is – is anyone there?
MOTHER Yes, Elora, I’m the only one here right now.
. Did you need anything?
ELORA Have you more news about Jesus?
MOTHER Why would I have news about Jesus?
ELORA Anna is your daughter, yes? Such a lovely
. girl. Has such a love for people.
. She has certainly been brought up - properly.
MOTHER Thank you.
ELORA When she’s here, she tells me all about Jesus.
MOTHER Oh? Does she now?
ELORA He is still healing people?
MOTHER As far as I know, those are the rumors?
ELORA Oh, you have never actually witnessed this?
MOTHER Nor do I want to. Jesus is a dangerous man.
. He is upsetting everyone. We are not even sure
. where His powers actually come from.
ELORA But Anna has said –
MOTHER No! No, I do I want to hear what my daughter
. has said. Please, do not encourage Anna in any
. of this, or connect her to any such talk.
ELORA I see. Your husband must not be in agreement.
MOTHER That would be an understatement. 41
ELORA Then there is bad-will between your husband
. and Anna... Yes?
MOTHER I am afraid for my daughter. Put it that way.
. Sorry, I should not have said as much. Please,
. forget everything I have just said, and
. certainly forget anything that Anna has ever
. said. She’s just a girl, and easily confused.
ELORA So many people are willing to put themselves
. in danger for this Man. Isn’t that interesting?
MOTHER Yes, very – interesting.
. ACT 3
. HOUSE
(ANNA studies the scroll that FATHER has left on
the table. As ZEB enters, ANNA quickly gets back to
making the meal. ZEB eyes the scroll and then ANNA.)
ZEB I should take this back to the temple before
. it is missed. (rolls the scroll up)
ANNA How is school now that Father is not
. the teacher?
ZEB Better. AND worse.
ANNA How is it better?
ZEB I am not constantly disappointing Father.
ANNA Well then, how is it worse?
ZEB I am learning how to disappoint another
. teacher.
(MOTHER enters with the bundle and puts it away.)
MOTHER Where is your Father?
ANNA He disappeared.
MOTHER What?
. 42
ANNA We haven’t seen him in days.
MOTHER What?!
ZEB Oh, Teacher told us - Father was sent out
. to follow Jesus.
MOTHER WHAT?!!
(MOTHER sits down. SAVTA enters from the other room.)
SAVTA Oh, hello.
MOTHER Will someone please explain?
ZEB Father has–
FATHER (entering) Father has returned.
MOTHER (perplexed) You have returned – from
. following – Jesus!?
ZEB Did He give you the slip?
FATHER I have returned because Jesus has returned.
ANNA He’s back, in Capernaum?!
ZEB (holding out the scroll for FATHER to take)
. Where did you all go?
FATHER We followed Jesus to Galilee, where He healed
. a man’s withered hand – ON the Sabbath.
. A bunch of us met with the Herodians.
ZEB I thought you can’t stand the Herodians.
FATHER We all want the same thing – we want to find
. a way to destroy Jesus.
ANNA W-why must you destroy Jesus?
FATHER He is disrupting the land, and usurping our
. leadership and authority.
ANNA But how?
. 43
FATHER How can you understand these things?
. There are multitudes – wandering about the
. land, looking for Him just to listen to what
. He says. And when they do find Him,
. the amount grows. There were so many people –
. He had to stand on the side of a hill.
. And they lapped up every word He said.
MOTHER Anna, don’t concern yourself with things meant
. for men. I’m sure your father knows exactly
. what he’s doing.
(MOTHER turns ANNA around to work. ANNA listens as
she works, peeking over her shoulders every so often.)
ZEB What is Jesus saying now? Anything to
. incriminate Himself?
FATHER He began by saying that we need to be poor
. in spirit, gentle, pure, merciful, peacemakers.
. All fine attributes. But then He DARED to say
. that He wasn’t trying to ABOLISH the Law, but
. to FULFILL the Law. And THEN, if that wasn’t
. enough, He said: if your righteousness does not
. SURPASS that of the scribes and Pharisees, you
. shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. This is
. saying that I, a Pharisee, could not make it
. into heaven because I am not righteous enough!?
. (becomes very indignant at this point)
. Can you imagine? And if THAT wasn’t offensive
. enough, He actually began to ADD to the law.
. Things like: if you are angry with your
. brother, it is as bad as murder? If you have
. lust in your heart it is as bad as adultery?
. Impossible!
ANNA (turns around) Jesus WILL fulfill these.
. I don’t know how, but Jesus will do it for us.
FATHER Of course you do not know how, because this
. is impossible.
ANNA Not if He is God.
FATHER I must be very tired. I am sure you did
. not say anything just now.
. 44
ZEB I heard He even raised a man from the dead.
FATHER We are now VERY sure that His powers are
. demonic. Him and His followers have powers
. over the demons as they heal the possessed.
. And He even allows prostitutes to touch Him
. and anoint Him with perfume. It is despicable.
(MOTHER turns ANNA around again. SAVTA tsks.
FATHER makes sure that the scroll is taken off
this set when exiting.)
. SQUARE
(ANNA leaves house with bundle. JOSHUA enters from gate.)
JOSHUA Anna! Are you joining us? Are you coming
. to hear Jesus?
ANNA Stand away. Don’t touch me!
JOSHUA (stops, looks hurt) But I can look at you now?
(ANNA mouths the words “I am unclean.” JOSHUA mouths
the words, “What?” ANNA shakes her head and tries again,
“I am unclean.” GIRLS 1-3 come from upper stage right.)
GIRL 1 She’s UNCLEAN!
(JOSHUA turns to look back at the GIRLS, then to ANNA.)
JOSHUA Oh! How awkward.
(ANNA rushes off in the direction of Simon’s.)
GIRL 1 (laughing and shrugging) Sorry.
(GIRLS giggle as they exit through the gate. JOSHUA
slaps his forehead, then exits upper stage right.)
. TENT
(ELORA and WOMAN 1 are in the tent. ANNA enters, crying.)
WOMAN 1 What’s the matter?
ANNA Ah-ohhh, so much! And then, to add to 45
. everything, Jesus is back, and I want
. more than anything to see Him.
ELORA Jesus, is back, you say?
ANNA Yes. And now I will be here for days.
. By the time this if finished, He will
. probably be gone.
ELORA I will go.
WOMAN 1 Elora, you cannot.
ELORA I must.
WOMAN 1 You’re unclean. You will get into trouble.
ELORA What trouble is worse than this? (getting up)
WOMAN 1 But see, the strain on your body when you walk
. will make your bleeding worse. You could DIE
. in your efforts.
ELORA Jesus - is my only hope.
ANNA Yes. He IS your only hope. (helping ELORA)
. I will pray that you make it to Him.
(As ANNA helps ELORA leave the tent, WOMAN 1 frets.)
WOMAN 1 I understand why you want to see Him.
. But it’s just the way things are,
. and have always been - you are leaving
. while you are unclean. This-this will end
. very badly, I fear.
ELORA Thank you, dear. You stay here. I don’t
. want you to be in trouble too.
(Once ELORA is gone, ANNA turns around to face WOMAN 1.)
ANNA What?
WOMAN 1 I don’t know. I’m just glad that’s not me -
. going out there – like THAT.
ANNA And what? Will they ban her from the city? 46
. She IS already banned. What can they do
. that is worse than what she has already
. gone through?
(WOMAN 1 wants to continue fretting, but ANNA pulls her
to her knees beside her.)
ANNA Come, help me pray for Elora.
(WOMAN 1 is not sure, but timidly gets onto her knees.)
. SQUARE
(MOTHER and SAVTA wait by the well as WOMAN 2 fetches
water. There is a noisy crowd off in the distance
approaching from upper stage left. WOMAN 3 rushes up,
also from that direction.)
WOMAN 3 Jesus is coming this way.
MOTHER Oh that’s just great. This means my husband
. will be back and all riled up.
(MOTHER sees FATHER breaking off from the CROWD, but he doesn’t
see her as he rushes toward the temple to meet up
with PHARISEE. They watch JESUS, surrounded by PEOPLE,
slowly making His way toward the gate.)
FATHER So He continues to heal demoniacs, which is
. just more proof that He uses the powers of
. Beelzebub.
PHARISEE What other lines has He been feeding
. the people?-
(FATHER and PHARISEE are interrupted as JESUS and
the CROWD make it as far as the well when JAIRUS
enters from the gate and calls out.)
JAIRUS Jesus! My Lord.
(Humbled at his presence, he approaches JESUS and bows.)
JAIRUS My little daughter is at the point of death;
. please come and lay Your hands on her
. so she may get well and live.
. 47
(As JARIUS speaks to JESUS, ELORA staggers out from
“Simon’s house” area. Seeing the CROWD and catching
a glimpse of JESUS, she hears JAIRUS’S plea. She has
new hope that she can reach Him. MOTHER sees ELORA
and quickly approaches, but is careful not to touch her.
JARIUS and JESUS now mime discussion.)
MOTHER Elora! What are you doing? You should
. not be out in public!
ELORA I – just - need to reach - Jesus.
MOTHER But you can’t. He is completely surrounded
. by people. And you are unclean.
(JESUS, with JAIRUS and the CROWD, now slowly move
down stage in order to circle the well from the front,
narrowing the gap between them and ELORA.)
ELORA Even if - I could only touch - His clothes,
. I know - I would get well.
(MOTHER stands by worrying as ELORA struggles
to get through the crowd. ELORA stumbles slightly,
SAVTA reaches out and touches her. MOTHER motions
for SAVTA to come to her.)
MOTHER Savta! You touched her. Go! You must cleanse
. yourself. You’re unclean until evening.
(SAVTA pauses as if she doesn’t want to go, but then
leaves in Simon’s house direction. As ELORA continues
on, MOTHER finds sudden compassion and QUIETLY helps
pull people aside to let ELORA get closer to JESUS.)
MOTHER Out of her way. Unclean woman coming through.
(Feeling weary, ELORA lunges and falls, and reaches out
just to touch the hem of His clothes. JESUS stops short.
ELORA sits up from the ground, looking stronger,
and in awe. ELORA begins to stand up.)
JESUS Who is the one who touched My garments?
JAMES I didn’t.
PETER Nor I. You DO see the all the people 48
. crowding in around you - and touching you –
. and then You ask “who touched Me?”
JESUS Someone touched Me. I could feel the power
. flowing out of Me.
(PEOPLE look around and see ELORA. Knowing of her
ailment, they all stand back. Realizing that she has
been noticed, ELORA kneels down in fear before JESUS.)
ELORA I have been hemorrhaging for 12 years.
. I heard You were here and could heal people.
. I believed if I could just touch Your clothes,
. that I would be healed. And I am. I have been
. healed completely.
JESUS (smiling tenderly) Daughter, take courage,
. your faith has made you well. Go in peace,
. and be healed of your affliction.
ELORA (barely audible, she clasps her hands together)
. Thank you, Jesus. Bless you.
(ELORA looks around at the people with tears in her eyes,
wanting very badly to have physical contact. MOTHER is
filled with compassion and rushes over to embrace her.
Meanwhile MESSENGER rushes over to JARIUS from the gate.)
MESSENGER Sir, you need not trouble the Teacher.
. anymore. Your daughter has died.
JESUS Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.
. Please, everyone stay here, except for
. Peter, James and John.
(JESUS leaves with PETER, JAMES and JOHN, along with
JARIUS and the MESSENGER through the gate.
FATHER marches over and looks at MOTHER sternly.)
FATHER You realize you are now unclean too?!
MOTHER Yes-yes – I–I’m very sorry. I will see you
. later in the evening then. (exiting)
FATHER (disgusted) And Elora is also still -
(PEOPLE crowd around ELORA, amazed that she is well, 49
and hugging her. FATHER shakes his head, gasping,
as he walks back over the PHARISEE.)
FATHER This is insanity. Madness.
(In the square, PEOPLE speak over top of each other.)
ELORA All I have heard about Him is true.
MAN 1 He must be the Son of God.
JOSHUA He is our Messiah.
TAAVI We should make Him our king.
MAN 2 This would solve everything.
MAN 3 We’d be rid of the Romans once for all.
MAN 4 And we’d have our land back.
(PHARISEE waves JESUS off with disgust.)
PHARISEE (to FATHER) What does Jesus think He can
. accomplish with all of this?
FATHER Obviously, some people want Him to be our king.
PHARISEE This is out of control.
FATHER I will continue to follow Him and send reports
. of His actions back to you.
PHARISEE He must be stopped soon!
(FATHER exits stage left to follow Jesus.)
. TENT
(ANNA and WOMAN 1 look up as SAVTA enters.)
ANNA Savta, what are you doing here?
SAVTA I accidentally touched Elora.
ANNA So Elora made it to Jesus?
. 50
SAVTA Your mother sent me away before I could see.
ANNA I hope she made it.
(As soon as SAVTA finds a place to sit, MOTHER enters.)
ANNA Mother? You too? What happened?
MOTHER I – don’t know what overcame me – but I -
. I hugged Elora.
ANNA Why would you hug her?
MOTHER Jesus healed her, and we were all so happy -
ANNA I knew it. I knew He could heal her.
WOMAN 1 Oh, thank God. This is very good news.
. So – Jesus REALLY healed her?
MOTHER (not excited) So it would seem.
. ACT 4
. CITY SQUARE
(FATHER enters from upper stage right. ITAMAR sees him
and catches up to him at center stage.)
FATHER Itamar, I’m sorry, I’m tired and hungry, and-
ITAMAR My son told me that he saw Anna speaking
. with that young man, Joshua, the other day!
. So I need to know - what about our arrangement?
. (FAHTER is speechless, shocked and dismayed.)
. Obed said that your son spoke to Joshua
. right away to deal with the matter, but –
. we would like to know of your intentions.
FATHER If you remember correctly, we only agreed
. to open the discussion of an arrangement.
. But now is not the t–
ITAMAR Teacher, if you cannot deliver on this
. arrangement please be up front about it now
. so we may approach someone else.
FATHER Approach someone else. 51
ITAMAR As I figured. I’m not so certain that you
. could even guarantee your daughter’s purity.
FATHER That accusation is completely uncalled for –
. and unfounded. Now, I have other things that
. I MUST attend to right now - that are
. MUCH more important.
(FATHER marches to the temple. ITAMAR gasps at
the abrupt brush off.)
. HOUSE
(ANNA is on her knees, praying. SAVTA enters,
sees her and waits for ANNA to be finished.)
SAVTA What do you pray for?
ANNA I pray to see Jesus. I pray that Father
. will learn the truth as he spies on Jesus.
. I pray about the anger I have toward Father.
. (SAVTA tsks.) It is so infuriating. Men
. control everything, but they lack the wisdom
. to at least do it right, or run things fairly.
. (SAVTA tsks louder, with eyes wide.)
. Don’t look at me like that and tsk. You know
. I’m right! I’m so tired of keeping quiet!
(FATHER enters and ANNA shuts her mouth immediately.
FATHER sits at the table quietly and waits while
ANNA places a plate of bread in front of him.)
ANNA Anything else that I can do to serve
. you better?
(FATHER is deep in thought when ZEB rushes in.
ANNA puts a plate down for ZEB before he can sit down.
ZEB, ANNA and SAVTA bow their heads to wait for
the prayer. FATHER stares out into space.
ZEB, ANNA and SAVTA look up, wondering what to do.)
ZEB Amen.
(As FATHER is beyond aggravation, his speech
is eerily calm as he speaks more to himself.)
. 52
FATHER I follow Jesus, waiting for Him to make
. a mistake, and yet, He never makes ONE mistake.
. We lay traps for Him, so that no matter how
. He answers, He will be wrong, but then,
. He finds a way to answer with a wisdom unlike
. any man I have ever known. And He raised
. that man’s daughter from the dead.
. (takes bread but is oblivious to everything)
. He feed thousands of people from a few small
. loaves of bread. Jesus just kept breaking
. the bread into more and more pieces– on and on–
. until there was more than enough to feed
. everyone. He explains - the bread comes from
. God in heaven, just like the manna in the
. wilderness that fed our ancestors. And now God
. has given us bread from heaven that gives life
. to the world. (speaking more intensely)
. THEN – Jesus said it! – He claimed that HE is
. the bread of life – from heaven. All we have
. to do is believe – in Him – in Jesus –
. and we will have eternal life. And something
. about being raised up on the last day.
. He said all this, right there in our temple.
ZEB That’s – very incredible.
FATHER It is. He claims that He came from heaven.
ZEB So He is claiming – that HE – IS - God?!
. This is blasphemy!
FATHER Exactly! It is. And right there in our temple.
. You could see, even His OWN disciples were
. struggling with these statements. I believe
. Jesus has made a VERY grave mistake.
. I think we finally have something that
. we can use against Him.
ANNA (more to herself) God created the world,
. why couldn’t He make THIS happen?
FATHER (still calmly) Just like a woman to so easily
. believe in anything so whimsical.
(ANNA sighs quietly. SAVTA tsks and shakes her head.)
. SQUARE 53
(It becomes noisy as people follow JESUS from the gate
to behind the well. ANNA slips out of the house to watch.
While JESUS speaks to the people in the background,
PETER and MATTHEW linger down stage to talk to some men.)
PETER (laughs) So we were just coming into Capernaum
. when some tax-collectors came and demanded the
. tax owed from Jesus.
MATTHEW Don’t look at me, I’m no longer in that racket.
MAN 1 (to MATTHEW) But how does it feel to be on
. the other side for a change?
MATTHEW Great since Jesus saved me from that life.
MAN 2 But DOES Jesus pay His taxes?
TAAVI (hopefully) Maybe WE do not have to pay?
PETER Jesus told me to go down to the sea and fish.
. The first fish that I caught, I was to open
. its mouth – and there – in it’s mouth –
. was the money needed to pay the tax.
MAN 2 (laughing) I wish I could earn money that way.
(MATTHEW and PETER begin to get prideful.
JAMES and JOHN enter from the gate and join in the
conversation. As they all speak, they slowly move
toward JESUS and the CROWD. Slowly the CROWD
steps aside for the DISCIPLES. ANNA moves along
with them way off to the side stage right.)
MATTHEW We ARE sons of the King, and as such,
. we are exempt from paying any taxes.
. But Jesus told us we would pay anyway,
. so - as not to offend.
PETER Something like that.
MAN Well, I want to be a son of the King.
PETER Ha, well, stand in line.
JAMES Oh, there’s a line? And amongst us 12, 54
. who do you think is first?
PETER I am, of course.
JOHN (joins in) Why you? I’m the most faithful.
(MATTHEW, PETER, JAMES and JOHN all turn to see that
JESUS is now looking at them intently.)
JESUS If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last
. of all, and servant of all.
(DISCIPLES look at each other sheepishly and nod.
MAN gets JESUS a bench to sit on. As PEOPLE start
to crowd in around JESUS, they block the path of
some children. ANNA tries to get in there too but
is blocked by the men.)
JESUS Let the children come to me.
(LITTLE CHILD slips through and JESUS holds His arms open
to catch the CHILD and set him/her on His lap. CHILDREN
are allowed through and clump around Him joyfully.
ANNA stands nearby and gazes intently at JESUS.
JESUS makes eye contact with ANNA briefly but poignantly,
then continues to speak to the people.)
JESUS This is the truth, unless you are converted
. and become like children, you will not enter
. the kingdom of heaven. So whoever humbles
. himself as this child, he is the greatest
. in the kingdom of heaven... (gets quieter)
. And whoever receives one such child in My name
. receives Me; and whoever receives Me does
. not receive ME, but Him who sent Me...
(JESUS’ voice trails off quietly as ANNA turns slowly and
walks very somberly back to the house.)
. HOUSE
(ANNA enters quietly. ZEB and FATHER look up from
a scroll that they are studying.)
FATHER Where have you been?
ANNA I have finally seen Him, and - I see that 55
. I am very unworthy. I thought I was righteous,
. but I have pride. So much pride that I have
. hate. I must be humble to go before Jesus.
. That is the ONE thing. That is the ONLY thing.
FATHER (bangs fist on table) I forbid this talk –
ANNA I HAVE been wrong in my defiance to you,
. Father. I am sorry. Can you please forgive me?
. (FATHER stops, bewildered at her comments.)
. My heart has not been in the right place.
. I was hearing the words, but not fully
. understanding. Frustrated with righteous anger,
. MAYBE. But, then letting it get the best of
. me and controlling me... and actually believing
. that I could run things better than a man –
. We ALL have pride and sin to contend with -
FATHER (unsure) So you WILL marry Obed?
ANNA (softly) No. No, that hasn’t changed.
FATHER You stupid girl! So you are NOT thinking.
ANNA I AM thinking! It’s NOT that I want to
. defy you. I just – cannot defy God.
(FATHER shakes his head and leaves the house.)
. SQUARE
(FATHER sneaks up behind the CROWD to hear JESUS,
who still sits on the bench behind the well.)
JESUS And if your brother sins, go and reprove him
. in private; if he listens to you, you have won
. your brother. But if he doesn’t listen to you,
. take one or two more with you so that by the
. mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may
. be confirmed...
(FATHER grits his teeth with anger. MAN 5 looks at
FATHER. JESUS’S voice trails off.)
MAN 5 He speaks with such wisdom.
(FATHER tries his best to remain calm and moves over 56
to a place where he is not so much in the open.
PETER stands to the side of Jesus and is deep in thought.
As JESUS finishes, PETER approaches respectfully,
but obviously perplexed.)
PETER I have a question, Lord, how often can my
. brother sin against me and I forgive him?...
. What? Up to seven times?
JESUS I would advise, not seven times, but seventy -
. TIMES seven.
(JESUS waits with respectful amusement while PETER tries
to calculate in his head with a twisted expression and
fingers to count, but finally sees JESUS look at him
with knowing eyes. PETER throws back his head with some
understanding.)
PETER Ahhh. Hm. Every time.
(JESUS nods gently with a slight smile.
PHARISEE seeks out FATHER and approaches with purpose.)
PHARISEE You will make the trip to Jerusalem for
. the Passover?
FATHER I will.
PHARISEE We’re certain Jesus will be going that way.
. I dearly hope everything will be dealt with
. during this time.
(FATHER nods knowingly.)
. HOUSE
(Only this set is lit dimly. ANNA and SAVTA get a basin
of water and a towel ready for foot washing, as well as
the candles and a menorah. MOTHER enters with unleavened
bread and puts it on table.)
MOTHER The sky is very dark.
ANNA Will it rain?
MOTHER There are no clouds. It’s very odd.
. 57
(Curious, ANNA goes to the door to look outside and study
the sky.)
ANNA Very ominous.
MOTHER Where is Zebadiah?
ANNA He’s at the temple getting our Passover sheep
. slaughtered and ready. And – ah, I think
. that’s him coming now.
(Outside in the square, ZEB approaches the house
from the temple carrying a pail and a hyssop branch in
one hand and a covered platter with “lamb” in the other.
ANNE takes the platter from ZEB as he approaches.)
ZEB Here’s the Passover lamb.
(MOTHER looks out at ZEB and then the sky as ANNA puts
the platter onto the table.)
MOTHER You will paint the mantel and door posts now?
(While the women in the house talk, ZEB paints the
doorway’s frame [with the sheep’s blood] using the hyssop
branch. MOTHER centers the bowl of “lamb” on the table.)
MOTHER Good. (to ANNA) So are you sure you
. found and got rid of EVERY bit of leaven
. from the house?
ANNA Yes. I swept the entire house with a feather
. in search of every crumb and particle. Then,
. I took it all to market to sell temporarily.
MOTHER To the same pagan as we usually do?
ANNA Yes, Mother.
MOTHER Did you buy new candles?
ANNA I took care of everything-and I’m sure
. Father is fine.
MOTHER (sighing) I’m sure you are right –
. I just -
. 58
(Lights dim almost to black with a slow strobe flicker.
There are sound effects of earthquake and things shaking
and clattering. ANNA, SAVTA, MOTHER and ZEB hold onto
things and shake around. As they do so, they can tip
over a chair and scatter things as they reach for these
so it looks like it is caused by the earthquake. With
the lighting, it should look realistic - not comical.
LIGHTS finally come partially on. Things are strewn
about. The table has been shifted, a chair knocked over.
ALL pick themselves up and are wide-eyed. They are quiet
for a moment before they begin to pick things up and
set things straight.)
ANNA I feel something tragic has just happened.
ZEB Yes, an earthquake!
ANNA But the sky got even darker. And there are
. no clouds out.
MOTHER It’s very strange.
(MOTHER looks around and tries to remain practical.)
. SQUARE
(LIGHTING is normal. FATHER enters upper stage right and
heads toward the temple. PHARISEE sees him approach.)
PHARISEE That took a while. So? What is the news?
FATHER (somberly) It is done.
PHARISEE More details, please.
FATHER We had Jesus crucified. One of His own
. disciples acted as an informant. Jesus was
. brought in to face Caiaphas, then Pilate
. and then Herod. Herod just sent the problem
. back to Pilate.
PHARISEE What were the final charges?
FATHER Blasphemy. For making Himself One with God.
PHARISEE Is that it?
. 59
FATHER That is all we could find against Him.
. Pilate had problems even with this, so he left
. the final decision up to the Jews. In keeping
. with our tradition, he suggested we set Jesus
. free, but the chief priests got us to convince
. all the people to ask for Barabbas.
PHARISEE Barabbas? Who is that?
FATHER One of the most violent men in prison.
. At least the people went along with this.
. Looks like they’ve lost their love for Jesus.
PHARISEE Fortunately for us. And the punishment
. for Jesus?
FATHER Death on the cross.
PHARISEE Ah! Delightful, a common punishment fit for
. a common criminal. Though, I hope they didn’t
. make it easy for Him.
FATHER No, they made quite a show out of it.
. I had to turn away a few times.
PHARISEE How I wish I could have been there. But now,
. are you very sure that He is dead? Toward the
. end, Jesus was making those claims that He
. would rise from the dead after three days.
FATHER Yes, they put a spear into His side. Blood AND
. water came out, so they knew for sure that He
. was dead. Then they buried Jesus in a secure
. tomb. We made very certain that the door
. was sealed tightly, just in case anyone
. has some crazy idea.
PHARISEE Good thinking. We wouldn’t want anybody taking
. the body and then say that Jesus DID rise up.
. Can you imagine the frenzy!?
. (FATHER solemnly nods his agreement.)
. Good-good. Well, I will now be able to sleep
. better at night. Everything can now get back
. to normal. Shalom.
(PHARISEE exits through temple. FATHER walks home.)
. 60
. HOUSE
(FATHER enters. ANNA comes out of the “room” and looks
at him questioningly.)
MOTHER There was a big earthquake on the Day of
. Preparation.
ZEB And the sky went dark.
FATHER It was the same in Jerusalem.
ANNA What had just happened?
FATHER It was right at the time when Jesus died.
ANNA (starts to cry) They killed Him? Why would
. they kill Him?
FATHER It had to be done. The people were out
. of control.
(ANNA rushes from the room in tears.)
MOTHER So this earthquake and darkness happened
. RIGHT when Jesus died?
(FATHER nods. MOTHER hmphs. SAVTA tsks and shakes
her head. FATHER tries to sound convincing.)
FATHER Coincidence. It was just - coincidence.
. SQUARE
(PETER, MATTHEW, JAMES and JOHN walk across the stage.
JOSHUA follows. PETER turns around to JOSHUA.)
PETER You don’t have to follow us anymore, kid.
. Go, make a life. Find a woman and make a life
. for yourself.
(JOSHUA splits off from the group, briefly looking
at the house, then exiting with his head hanging.
Some MEN passing by laugh at the DISCIPLES.)
MAN 6 So where’s your Teacher now?
. 61
MAN 7 We heard the news. So, I suppose it is back
. to fishing for you.
MAN 6 (to MATTHEW) And back to collecting taxes?
MATTHEW No. I still believe I’m better off not living
. a life of sin.
MAN 7 (laughing) Well, good for you.
MAN 6 GOOD for US.
(MEN laugh some more as DISCIPLES leave.)
MAN 7 Although now that Jesus isn’t around to
. protect you, the NEW tax-collector will
. be coming around. Sweet pay-back.
MAN 6 More like – what’s the opposite of that?
(MEN wave the disciples off and continue on.)
. TENT
(ANNA enters sheepishly and quickly sits in a corner.
WOMAN 1 and 2 look up at ANNA, who buries her head
as she cries.)
WOMAN 1 What’s wrong, Anna?
ANNA Jesus is dead.
WOMAN 2 What?
ANNA My Father was in Jerusalem over the Passover.
. They charged Jesus with blasphemy, and then
. crucified Him.
(WOMAN 2 wipes some tears from her eyes.)
WOMAN 1 (to ANNA) So you were wrong.
(ANNA remains quiet. WOMAN 2 shushes WOMAN 1.)
WOMAN 2 Have some compassion. You were caught up
. in all of this too.
. 62
(ANNA buries her head in her hands. Suddenly, the
lights dim and flicker with sound effects of earthquake.
The WOMEN gasp and shriek. When it stops they look
at each other.)
WOMAN 1 Another earthquake?
(The WOMEN remain silent for a moment.)
ANNA I wonder what this means?
WOMAN 2 It means there was another earthquake.
ANNA (hopefully) I’m sure it means something.
WOMAN 1 Well, you’re here for an entire week.
. You probably won’t find out anything
. until your time is done.
(ELORA enters still clutching onto to things in case
the earth starts shaking again. ANNA looks up
with dismay.)
ANNA (with concern) Elora, you’re back?
ELORA It’s okay. I’m back - only for the same
. reason as the rest of you.
ANNA Oh, good.
(WOMAN 2 studies ANNA for a short moment with a smirk.)
WOMAN 2 Why, you thought maybe Jesus’s healing power
. would end with His death?
ANNA I don’t know what to think. But it’s good
. to see that Elora is still doing well.
. SQUARE
(JOSHUA rushes in from the gate and up to random people.)
JOSHUA He’s a live! Jesus is alive.
MAN Are you crazy!?
JOSHUA Peter and the rest, they were fishing – 63
. and – they were going to stop for the day
. because they weren’t catching anything.
. Then this Man appeared and told them to try
. again, but on the other side of the boat –
MAN 2 (laughing) Right, like 30 feet will make
. any difference!
JOSHUA Well, yes, but then they got more than
. a boat load of fish. Anyway, it was Jesus.
(PEOPLE laugh at this. JOSHUA sees ANNA walking in from
stage right and runs up to her.)
JOSHUA He’s alive. Jesus rose on the third day,
. just like He said He would.
ANNA (thinking) That would have – been
. at the time of the OTHER earthquake.
(FATHER steps out of the house and sees JOSHUA with ANNA.
FATHER is about to scold ANNA when JOSHUA turns to him.)
JOSHUA (to FATHER) Jesus is alive! I saw Him, myself.
FATHER (angrily) You must have seen a ghost.
JOSHUA Hundreds of people have seen Him.
FATHER Really, so where is He now?
JOSHUA Well - He - went up – He ascended into heaven.
. But there were many witnesses to see that too.
FATHER Sure, I’m sure there were. (to ANNA)
. Anna, I want you back in the house... Now.
(PHARISEE steps out of the temple and waves FATHER over,
angrily. JOSHUA and ANNA stay to watch curiously.)
PHARISEE You lied! You said He was dead.
FATHER He was dead-He is dead!
PHARISEE You told me you had to look away a few times.
FATHER I watched as they speared Him. There was 64
. water in the blood. That can ONLY happen
. when someone is completely dead.
PHARISEE Well, GUESS who I saw walking about the other
. day? (FATHER is quiet.) Jesus. I saw Him.
FATHER YOU saw Jesus? Maybe it was someone who just
. looked like Him.
PHARISEE Now you are calling ME a liar?
FATHER I – I’m just saying – I saw Him dead and
. buried. I cannot explain what YOU saw.
PHARISEE (doubts himself) Maybe I - was - just seeing
. things. It SEEMED very real. Other people
. saw this too. NOW what will we do?
FATHER Well, word is out that Jesus – flew up into the
. sky – or something like that. Claiming He went
. back to heaven.
PHARISEE Okay-okay. Good. This is very good.
. That means people should forget all about Him
. soon enough. This will all just – go away.
. There will be no more talk of this Man
. ever again. Okay, I will go now.
. Everything is – STILL – back to normal.
(PHARISEE enters the temple. FATHER nods and turns.
Seeing ANNA, FATHER motions for her to follow him home.
DISCIPLES and a small GROUP walk from the gates and exit
upper stage right. PETER waves for JOSHUA to follow.
JOSHUA (turns to ANNA) Anna, come with us!
. (ANNA pauses to think.) We can be married, and
. then join the group to spread the good news.
. There’s a lot of work to be done. Peter says
. that we will be starting churches.
ANNA I know this is what I should be doing.
. (sighs) I need to talk to my Father first...
JOSHUA I’ll come with you.
(ANNA and JOSHUA walk to the house.)
. 65
. HOUSE
(ANNA and JOSHUA enter the house and find FATHER at the
table, thinking. ZEB, MOTHER and SAVTA are there too.)
ANNA I have decided to marry Joshua, and we are
. going to do the Lord’s work –
. (FATHER doesn’t answer.) Father.
(FATHER cannot look at ANNA or JOSHUA through
the entire conversation.)
FATHER I forbid – I – I don’t - know what to say.
ANNA I must obey God.
FATHER Jesus is dead, and now even His followers
. claim that He has gone – to heaven.
. He has left you.
JOSHUA He has not left us really – He will be sending
. a Helper.
FATHER (slightly skeptical) What sort of Helper?
JOSHUA You know of this. You taught us the scriptures
. of Jeremiah. "The time is coming," declares
. the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant...
. This is the covenant I will make with the house
. of Israel after that time..."
FATHER (finishing) "I will put My law in their minds
. and write it on their hearts.”
ANNA You saw Jesus do so many great things and –
FATHER And I am still - thinking.
ANNA So, you KNOW that I must go.
(FATHER speaks softly, so that ANNA will understand that
he no longer is against her, but there would be others.)
FATHER You do realize that - if you come back –
. I – I will not be able to help you. You will
. risk being put to death - as a heretic.
. 66
(ANNA nods her understanding and looks at MOTHER,
who rushes to the other room while holding back her sobs.
Choked up, ANNA backs away, and waves timidly to ZEB
and SAVTA. As ANNA and JOSHUA leave, SAVTA gets up
and follows as quickly as she is able, patting FATHER
on the shoulder with reassurance on her way out.
FATHER wipes his face with his hands in contemplation.)
. SQUARE
(SAVTA calls to ANNA and JOSHUA, who turn around
to look.)
SAVTA Anna, my blessings – to both of you. And –
. may the – may the Lord – Jesus - be with you.
(ANNA rushes over to hug SAVTA and kiss her forehead.)
ANNA Thank you, Savta. Shalom.
(ANNA and JOSHUA exit upper stage right. SAVTA waves and
puts a hand to her mouth and then heart, then turns
to go into the house.)
(Lights go down.)