Bob's Christian Plays and Dramas
Who Is Jesus?
by Bob Denison
A one-act play consisting of a series of skits and sermons from the book of Matthew; approx. 20 minutes. Although educational, the main purpose of the play is to show that Jesus is real, and that HE IS ALIVE!
Cast: PERSON 1, PERSON 2, PERSON 3 (either sex; ok for women to speak men's
lines)
Lighting: optional: additional stage light(s) on independent switch
optional: dimmable stage lights
Sound: lapel mics if possible
Props: none
Sets, Backdrops: none
Costumes: none; casual clothes suggested
Notes:
ALWAYS face audience and direct lines towards them, unless otherwise directed. Try to make audience feel part of the scene. This is the key to the effectiveness of the play.
No skit is more important than the others. They add up to a cumulative effect. Don't make any skit too dramatic, even if something dramatic is happening, unless otherwise directed.
There are nine places where it is imperative that Jesus be seen as a real person and not an historical figure. They are the three sermons and skits 10, 16, 20, 21, 23, and of course, 24 (divide these up equally among the actors). Play these as you think Jesus may have done it. His passion and love for those He came to save need to come through. Pray about how God wants you to do it.
Do not rush. Go at a relaxed pace, without dragging. Flow smoothly from one skit to the next.
Perform the play as a love story from God. Do not preach to the audience, woo them. Perform it with warmth and life, not heavy, dark, or somber.
Vary who is PERSON 1, PERSON 2 and PERSON 3 in each skit or sermon. Each cast will work this out between them.
Very Important: Each actor should personalize their lines. Keep the idea of each line but re-word it to fit how YOU would say the idea. This allows for more variety and interest for both actors and audience. However, do not use church words such as "redeemed" or "saved", which make sense to Christians but not to non-Christians.
The word "forward" marks the beginning of a new skit or sermon, or occasionally a new topic within a skit. At that time, everyone stands straight (not stiff), arms at side, looking straight ahead. Designated PERSON ("forward") steps forward one step and delivers their line(s), moving head only as they scan audience. Don't say lines any differently than other lines in play. Then, everyone assumes a natural pose for that skit or sermon, and the skit or sermon is acted out. Designated PERSON gradually drifts back to others as skit or sermon progresses.
End up in a different standing order where noted. Don't stay frozen for long periods of time. Move body and hands as feels comfortable and suitable for each skit.
Let me repeat: most of the skits are not supposed to "hit a home run". They inform and help build up for those moments when "Jesus" can really connect with the audience on certain skits.
Author's suggestion: Have someone introduce the actors, then say "Our play consists of a
number of rapid-fire short skits and sermons from the book of
Matthew. And while it is educational, the main purpose of the play is
to show that Jesus is real, and that He is alive!" By doing this, the
audience is prepared for the format and purpose of the play.
play begins
(PERSON 1, PERSON 2, PERSON 3 enter)
Intro.
PERSON 1: (forward) Who is Jesus? We can find out by going to the book about Him,
the Bible. Specifically, the book of Matthew. Here is what we know. (This
PERSON cannot be PERSON 1 in next skit.)
Skit #1 (Matt.1)
PERSON 1: (forward) His family tree included David the king, as well as some not so
kingly.
PERSON 2: (forward) His mother was Mary:
PERSON 3: And she will have a baby boy, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He
will save the people from their sins.
PERSON 1: Behold, the virgin shall be pregnant, and bear a Son, and they shall call
His name Immanuel, which means, God is with us.
PERSON 2: (forward) He was born in Bethlehem. (This PERSON cannot be PERSON
1 in next skit.)
Skit #2 (Matt.2)
PERSON 1: (forward) Kings searched for him:
PERSON 2: Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying:
PERSON 3: Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His
star in the East and have come to worship Him.
Skit #3 (Matt.2)
PERSON 1: (forward) A king tried to kill him, but failed:
PERSON 2: Then Herod put to death all the male children who were in
Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under.
PERSON 3: (forward) He grew up in Nazareth. (This PERSON cannot be PERSON 1
in next skit.)
Skit #4 (Matt.3)
PERSON 1: (forward) John the Baptist spoke of him:
PERSON 2: I baptize you with water because you want to repent, but He who is coming
after me is mightier than I am. I am not worthy to carry His sandals. He will
baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Skit #5 (Matt.3)
(If no additional stage light available, slightly dim stage lights.)
PERSON 1: (forward) He is the Son of God:
(PERSON 1 and PERSON 2 look at PERSON 3 for remainder of skit.)
PERSON 2: When He had been baptized, Jesus came up from the water (PERSON 3
rises from kneeled position and looks up), and the heavens were opened
to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting
upon Him (additional stage light on or undim lights). And suddenly a voice
came from heaven, saying:
PERSON 1: This is my much-loved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
(additional stage light off)
Skit #6 (Matt.4) [N/A]
PERSON 1: (forward) He was tempted by the devil:
(PERSON 2 and PERSON 3 face each other. PERSON 1 steps back.)
PERSON 2: (after just looking at PERSON 3 for a few moments) I know you're hungry.
(another pause) If (emphasize "if") you are who you say you are, (holds out
two imaginary stones) turn these stones to bread.
PERSON 3: It is written, "You shouldn't live by food alone, but by every word that
comes from God."
PERSON 2: If (emphasize "if") you really are God's Son, (gestures downward) jump
from this high place and surely He will protect you.
PERSON 3: It is written, "Don't test God unnecessarily."
PERSON 2: (makes sweeping gesture) Worship me, and all I control is yours.
PERSON 3: (getting in PERSON 2's face) Get out of here, Satan. It is written,
"Worship the Lord your God, and only serve Him."
(As PERSON 3 is saying these last lines, PERSON 2 glares at him with
much hatred.)
Skit #7 (Matt.4)
PERSON 1: (forward) He is the Light of the world:
PERSON 2: The people who had no hope have seen Hope, and Life has come to those
who had no life.
Skit #8 (Matt.4)
PERSON 1: (forward) He preached:
PERSON 2: From that time Jesus began to preach and to say:
PERSON 3: Admit to Me and others when you do wrong things. Now that I am here, I
can help you. If you don't come to me, you won't have any excuse.
Skit #9 (Matt.4)
PERSON 1: (forward) He called disciples:
PERSON 2: Then Jesus saw two brothers, Simon and Andrew, casting a net into the
sea, for they were fishermen. Then He said to them:
PERSON 3: Come with Me. Instead of catching fish, you'll be using your abilities to
help Me rescue men and women.
Skit #10 (Matt.5)
(End up in different standing order after this skit.)
PERSON 1: (forward) He taught the multitudes:
PERSON 2: These are known as the be-attitudes. (emphasize "be")
(PERSON 1 and PERSON 2 step back.)
PERSON 3: (Move all over stage.)
Here is how to be happy and contented with yourself:
Be honest about your bad points as well as your good ones.
Be sorry over your bad points.
Be able to receive good advice and constructive criticism.
Be a learner of how to get better.
Be forgiving of others and their bad points.
Be determined to get rid of your bad points.
Be at peace with others, even if they are at fault.
Be a bold Christian, even if others make fun of you.
Sermon 1 (Matt.5-7)
PERSON 1: (forward) His sermons are timeless.
(PERSON 1 and PERSON 3 step back.)
PERSON 2: (Move all over stage.)
Be glad to be called a Christian. Get to that point.
Obey me because you love me, not because you have to.
Get to the place where it hurts you too much to hurt others.
Desire to help others, even your enemies, because it is so like me.
Prefer your good deeds to be seen by me rather than others.
Do you worry about what might happen to you? About what is happening
around you and in the world? You've got to get past that. Can you trust me
with it?
Be very honest about yourself before you judge someone else.
Come to Me when you need something.
Some say they know me, but they don't. If you know me, you will know why
I ask you to do things that are not the way everyone else does them, and
you will stand.
Skit #11 (Matt.8)
PERSON 1: (forward) He was moved by faith:
PERSON 2: An officer of the Roman army asked Jesus to heal his servant, who was
critically ill. But instead of asking Jesus to come to his house, he said:
PERSON 3: (to PERSON 1) I don't deserve making you go to all that trouble, but I do
believe that you have authority over sickness so that all you have to do is
command it to go away, much like I command the men under me to do
things.
PERSON 1: (to audience) Amazing! I haven't seen this kind of faith, even from those
who should have it. This man's type will be with me in heaven, but those
other types will not be, and will be tormented by the thought that they
could have been like this man but chose not to be.
(to PERSON 3) Go back home. Your servant is healed because of your
faith.
Skit #12 (Matt.8)
PERSON 1: (forward) He told people what was most important in life:
PERSON 2: (to PERSON 3) Lord, I want to completely follow you, and I will when my
life is more settled.
PERSON 3: (to audience) Follow me now. All those other things don't give life. I do.
Skit #13 (Matt.8)
PERSON 1: (forward) He cast out demons:
PERSON 2: Two men who were filled with demons and were horribly tormented by
them confronted Jesus. When the demons saw Jesus, they cried out in
fear:
(As PERSON 2 is speaking, PERSON 3 begins slightly rocking side to side, fists clenching and unclenching, his face contorted with both hatred and fear. He is crouched down and leaning forward like an animal about to spring.)
PERSON 3: (to PERSON 1)
Why are you here, Jesus? To torture us before our time? If we have to
leave, let us go into that herd of swine.
PERSON 1: (to PERSON 3)(firmly and loudly) Go!
(PERSON 3 yells very loudly with voice of demons as they are leaving, then falls to floor- yell loudly enough and weirdly enough to definitely startle the audience.)
PERSON 2: And the demons left the men and entered the pigs, and the pigs ran
violently into the nearby sea and drowned.
(As this is being said, PERSON 1 kneels down and helps PERSON 3 to a partial sitting position. PERSON 3 is dazed, but ends looking up into the face of PERSON 1 with wonder and joy.)
Skit #14 (Matt.9)
PERSON 1: (forward) He went to people on the bottom of society:
PERSON 2: Jesus went to the house of a social outcast and was eating a meal there with
more social outcasts. Some people who thought they were better than
these outcasts wondered why Jesus would be seen with such people.
Jesus answered them and said:
PERSON 3: Well people don't need a doctor. Sick people do. But think about this: You
should be more concerned about helping these types of people rather than
avoiding them. Then you will be walking where I am, because I came to
help people get set free from their sins, not form a club of those already set
free.
Skit #15 (Matt.9)
PERSON 1: (forward) He issued a call:
PERSON 2: Jesus went to many cities, small and large, preaching and healing. But
there were so many in need, unable to help themselves. Jesus loved them
and wanted them all to be set free. He told His followers:
PERSON 3: There are many who are hurting, and few that can help them. Pray that
there will always be enough who have been healed by God, my Father,
and who will then go out and heal others in My name.
Sermon 2 (Matt.10-11)
(End up in different standing order after this skit.)
PERSON 1: (forward) Another sermon:
(PERSON 1 and PERSON 3 step back.)
PERSON 2: (Move all over stage.)
If you believe in me and live for me, it won't always be easy. As you try to
tell others about me, some will shut the door in your face. Others will
actively oppose you in some way. But trust Me to show you what to do and
say to such people. As the world gets more and more evil, the cost will be
more severe. Even members of your own family may hate you and attack
you. But don't fear anyone, even if it costs you your life. They may kill your
body, but they can't kill your spirit, the real you. That belongs to God. So
don't deny that you're a Christian, even if they kill you for it.
You must put aside your past opinions and be open to who I am. People
are being set free: from addictions, from sickness, from depression,
from having no purpose to life. But others are trying to find ways not to
believe. It makes them blind and deaf. Those people will have no excuses
on the day of judgment.
(looking up) Father, thank you for giving sight to those who want to see,
and blinding those who think they see.
(back to audience) You can only come to God through Me. So if you can't
see Me for who I really am, you will never see God, My Father. Come to
Me, and I will give you rest.
Skit #16 (Matt.12-13)
PERSON 1: (forward) He confronted His enemies:
(PERSON 3 faces PERSON 1 and PERSON 2.)
PERSON 2: You and your followers are working on Sunday. You're breaking our law.
PERSON 3: Now that I have come, follow me, not your laws, because I can show you
a better way to live.
PERSON 1: You aren't supposed to heal on Sunday. It's work.
PERSON 3: You get your sheep out if it falls in a pit on Sunday. Yet you condemn me
for healing a man on Sunday, who is worth vastly more than an animal?
PERSON 2: Your power comes from the devil.
PERSON 3: The devil wouldn't give me power to use against himself. So My power has
to be from the Holy Spirit. But you better not speak against the Holy Spirit,
because it is by His power that you are saved. So you will never be saved
from eternal death into eternal life if you talk against Him.
PERSON 1: We want to see a supernatural sign that you are who you say you are.
PERSON 3: Only those who don't want to believe demand to see a sign. I am the sign.
If you had an open mind and heart, you would see that.
(PERSON 1 and PERSON 2 step back.)
(to audience- move all over stage)
If your heart is hard, you won't receive what I am saying. Even if your heart
receives, if you don't make changes in your lifestyle, it can become hard
again. And you can choke out what you receive by being too busy with
things that seem important in life, but aren't. But if you keep your heart
soft towards me, your life will be blessed in every part.
So put Me first in every part of your life. If you could buy Me, but you
would have to sell your house and all your possessions, that is what you
should do. I know it doesn't make sense in your mind, but it will to your
heart. If you let your heart be soft towards me.
Skit #17 (Matt.14)
PERSON 1: (forward) He fed thousands with five loaves of bread and two fish.
PERSON 2: He walked upon the sea.
Skit #18 (Matt.15-16)
PERSON 1: (forward) His words were the bread of life:
(PERSON 1 and PERSON 3 step back.)
PERSON 2: It's not what goes into your mouth that defiles you, it is what comes out of
your mouth. What you say.
I will build a true church that nothing can destroy and nothing can stand
against.
It costs to follow me. Instead of what you want for your life, it must be what
I want for your life. But it's worth it!
Skit #19 (Matt.17)
PERSON 1: (forward) He foretold His death and resurrection:
PERSON 2: Now while they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them:
PERSON 3: I am about to be betrayed into the hands of those who hate me. They will
kill Me. But God will raise me back to life after three days.
Sermon 3 (Matt.18-19)
PERSON 1: (forward) And yet another sermon:
(PERSON 1 and PERSON 3 step back.)
PERSON 2: (Move all over stage.)
Become child-like in your desire to know and follow me.
Never cause another to fall.
Forgive, forgive, forgive.
Give, give, give.
Skit 20 (Matt.20-25)
PERSON 1: (forward) He spoke of the Kingdom of Heaven:
(PERSON 1 steps back.)
PERSON 2: (Move all over stage.)
A man needed laborers, so he hired some in the early morning to work for
him. Late in the afternoon he hired some more. At the end of the day he
paid everyone the same amount. Those hired early complained. The man
said "Why are you mad because I was good to them?"
PERSON 3: (Don't move.)
The lesson here is: Do you expect to get more from Jesus than someone
you think isn't doing as much for Him? And are you jealous when He
blesses someone you think doesn't deserve it, even though He is
blessing you, too? If so, watch out. That's not how the kingdom of heaven
operates.
PERSON 2: (Move all over stage.)
A man held a wedding for his son, but the invited guests didn't want to
come. They even insulted the man. So the man invited anyone who would
come, even the less desirable types.
PERSON 3: (Don't move.)
This, too, is like the kingdom of heaven. You need to be finding out what
God is all about now...while there is still time, and He is inviting you to
know Him. That's what is most important.
(PERSON 3 steps back.)
PERSON 2: (Move all over stage.)
I really don't like it when a so-called religious person acts like he is better
than everyone else, and tells others they need to do things in order to be
holy that he doesn't do himself. Stay away from those people.
Just before the world, as it is now, is ended, those pretending to be me will
appear. Wars, rumors of wars, nation against nation, famines, plagues,
earthquakes. Troubles, tribulations, betrayals, killings, hatred, lawlessness,
coldness. Great tribulation, false signs and wonders, the sun and moon
darkened, the stars fallen.
Then I will appear in the heavens to gather My own. So live as though that
day could be today. Be ready for my appearing. Otherwise you will miss it.
Use your talents and abilities for me. Otherwise I will have to say I never
knew you. Feed the hungry, visit the sick, get clothes for those who need
them.
Skit #21 (Matt.26-27)
(This is an important "connect with the audience" point.)
(dim lights slightly if possible)
(PERSON 2 and PERSON 3 step back and turn with back facing audience for entire skit.)
PERSON 1: (forward) I was betrayed by one of my own followers.
I was unjustly tried and condemned.
I was nailed to a cross.
I died.
I was put in a grave.
All......for you. (This PERSON cannot be PERSON 1 in
next skit.)
(all lights off- longish pause)
Skit #22 (Matt.28)
(Joyful expressions and voices- with excitement)
PERSON 1: (lights come on same time as begin speaking) (forward) After three days,
He was raised from the dead:
PERSON 2: Now as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and
another lady named Mary came to see the tomb. And there was a great
earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came
and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His face was like
lightning, and his clothing was white as snow. And the guards shook for
fear of him, and fell down senseless. But the angel answered and said to
the women:
PERSON 3: Don't be afraid. I know you're looking for Jesus who was killed. He's not
here. He is alive, as He said He would be. Look, see where His body used
to be.
Skit #23 (Matt.28)
PERSON 1: (forward) His command and promise just before ascending into heaven:
(PERSON 1 and PERSON 3 step back.)
PERSON 2: All things have been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Wherever you
are, tell them about Me: who I am, and what I have done for you, and what
I can do for them. And after they believe, help them to live the kind of life
that I have modeled for you while I was with you. (pause) And remember
this above all: I will always be with you and all who believe in me. You may
not can see me. You may not always feel my presence. But I will be there.
(all exit except PERSON 1 of next skit)
Skit #24 (Matt.1-28) (Exodus3:13-14)
(pause)
(PERSON 1 waits until all have completely exited and all eyes are on him- do NOT say these lines mechanically or woodenly; more than any other skit, this one must convey the reality of Jesus.)
PERSON 1: (Move as feels suitable.) So, who am I? Or, as I said to my disciples,
"Whom do you say I am?" (pause)
(for the following lines, slightly emphasize every "I am", and follow every
"I am" with a slight pause.)
I am ... He who gives you victory over the devil.
I speak words that bring you life.
I give purpose to your life.
I heal you of diseases.
I deliver you from fear and darkness.
I shield you from your enemies.
I am ... he who provides you with food and shelter and clothing.
I work miracles for you.
I guide your steps.
I protect you from the storms of life.
I give you eternal life.
I complete you and make you whole.
(pause)
I...love...you.
(pause)
(All who exited earlier now walk back on stage, person who was already on stage goes over to them, and they all joyfully exit.)
(Just as all have exited, one or more actors come back and give call for salvation, re-dedication, or whatever, depending upon which is appropriate for that audience.)
end of play