Youth Sunday Skit – 40 Days
Cast of Characters
Danielle Rather:
Walter Kryptonite:
Barbara Waters:
Katie Courage:
Jesus:
God:
Mother Mary:
Mary Magdaline:
Judas:
Thomas:
Peter:
Pontius Pilate:
Pharisee:
Soldier:
Barabbas:
Servant Girl:
Other 9 Disciples:
Props
Microphones
Sign to Jerusalem, Galilee, Capernaum, Jordan River, Nazareth, Bethlehem -
Blankets
Play Horse
Stools/Chairs
Sign with Crowd’s words
Coffee table
Speakerphone
Camcorder
(Danielle walks on stage and sits on stool.)
Danielle: Good morning and welcome to 40 Days. Today we’re going to begin following a man named Jesus for the next forty days. I am your host, Danielle Rather. I, along with my co-hosts Katie Courage, Walter Kryptonite, and Barbara Waters will show you who this man, who calls himself the Messiah, is and interview others who are associated with him.
First, we go live to Jerusalem with Walter Kryptonite.
Walter: Thank you, Danielle. I’m here in Jerusalem where there is a gathering of people along the road. They say that Jesus of Nazareth is coming this way. Let’s see what happens.
(Jesus, Peter, Judas, Thomas walk in stage left. Jesus rides in on a horse. The crowd spreads cloaks where Jesus rides.
Crowd: Praise God! God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord! God bless the coming kingdom of King David, our father! Praise be to God!
(Jesus gets off colt. Walter approaches him.)
Walter: Jesus, we’ve seen you preach in the Temple and to the people. Some call you the
Messiah. Do you believe you are the Messiah?
(Jesus faces Walter.)
Jesus: I do. I am the Son of God.
Walter: How can you say such a thing?
Jesus: Because my father, our God, has told me so.
Walter: Isn’t it blasphemy according to Jewish law to call yourself the Messiah?
Jesus: How is it blasphemy when it is the truth?
Walter: What happened to you to make you realize that you are the Messiah?
Jesus: I have known for many years, but did not fully understand until recently. I went to the Jordan River where John the Baptist was baptizing people. I came to him to be baptized.
Walter: You were baptized in the Jordan River? There are reports that the Jordan is polluted. Do you know where that water really comes from? Think of the cities it passes by, and with no filtering system! I can’t imagine what it looks like!
Jesus: The purity of the water is not the issue. Purity of life is my pursuit.
Walter: What happened after you were baptized?
Jesus: I then left and went into the desert where Satan tempted me for forty days.
Walter: What type of temptations? Naked women? Gambling? Rock and Roll?
Jesus: Nothing of the sort. Satan tempted me to turn away from God and to use my powers for evil. But I did not waver at his temptations, and stayed true to my father and myself.
Walter: What happened after your ordeal in the desert?
Jesus: Since then I have been in Galilee preaching the good news to the people.
Walter: And what is this good news?
Jesus: That I will save all who believe in my father and me. And that I will take away their sins that they may be saved and enter into the kingdom of Heaven.
Walter: Some people say you perform miracles and heal people with your words or your hand. This seems impossible. How do you do this?
Jesus: With me, all things are possible. I am God’s son.
Walter: So no use of special lighting or mirrors or potions?
Jesus: No. You see, God has given me the power to do great things. Do you believe I am the Messiah?
Walter: Well, I’m…I’m not sure.
Jesus: Why not? Don’t you believe in God and the Holy Scriptures?
Walter: I do believe in God and the Scriptures…but, but it’s hard to believe something that has been prophesied for so many years and never happens. Why do you come now?
Jesus: It was not my choosing, but my father’s. I must leave now. I have much to do before the time arrives.
Walter: Before what arrives?
Jesus: Watch and you will see. The hour is at hand.
(Jesus walks toward the Temple.)
Walter: Keep watching for more events with Jesus as they unfold. Let’s now go to Barbara Waters where she has met up with a man named Peter who says he is one of Jesus’ disciples. Barbara.
(Barbara and Peter are sitting stage right.)
Barbara: Thank you, Walter. Now Peter, you claim you are one of Jesus’ disciples.
Peter: Yes, I am.
Barbara: Do you really believe this man to be the Messiah?
Peter: Of course I do.
Barbara: Why do you think he is the Messiah?
Peter: Because I have seen his work with my own eyes. You see, I first met Jesus when I was a fisherman. No one was catching any fish and I was very irate. Jesus came by the shore with my brother, Andrew and two other brothers, James and John. We were all fishermen. Jesus told me to take the boat out again. So we took out two boats and it was a miracle. I had never seen so many fish in my life! It truly was the work of God.
Barbara: That’s impossible. Where would those fish have come from if you hadn’t caught any all day?
Peter: From God.
Barbara: So just because you got more fish when you went out again that you believe this man to be the Son of God?
Peter: It’s not just that. He has made me realize what my true calling is in life. Not to be a fisherman but to be a fisher of men.
Barbara: Well, let’s now go to a commercial break. When we return, more interviews with people claiming to see miracles performed by Jesus.
(Commercial)
Barbara: Next we go to Katie Courage who is with a Roman soldier.
Katie: I’m here in Capernaum with a Roman Officer who believes Jesus is the King of the Jews. He also claims Jesus cured his servant. Sir, how long have you known about Jesus and can you explain what exactly happened with your servant?
Soldier: Well, Katie, I heard about Jesus through the Jews and I’ve heard others talking that he heals people. My servant, who I regard as a son, became very ill and near to death. I came to Jesus and asked him to cure my servant.
Katie: But don’t the Romans hate the Jews?
Soldier: Many Romans dislike Jews, but I am not one of them.
Katie: Tell me what happened next.
Soldier: Jesus said he would come to my house, but I told him that I did not deserve to have him come to my house. I asked him to say the word and that my servant shall be healed. Jesus was surprised and said, “I tell you, I have never found anyone in Israel with faith like this.” He told me to go home and that what I believe will be done. When I got home, my servant was cured.
Katie: What?! Healing someone by words only? That’s too bizarre.
Soldier: Faith, Katie. That’s all it takes, faith.
Katie: Thank you for your time. Now, let’s go to Danielle Rather again who is standing by with a Pharisee.
Danielle: Thank you, Katie. I’m here with a man who is a Pharisee, someone who knows the Jewish laws and Scriptures. Do you believe that this man, Jesus, is the true Messiah as written by the prophets?
Pharisee: At first I didn’t believe. I thought he was just another prophet parading around to get attention. But after hearing him preach and after careful consideration of the Scriptures, I do believe he is the Messiah.
Danielle: But what about the others, the high priests and rabbis? Do they believe in the Scriptures and believe Jesus to be the Messiah?
Pharisee: They do believe in the Scriptures but don’t believe that God has brought the Messiah to them. They are very foolish. They are not taking into consideration all the prophecies and they cannot believe in their hearts that it is now that the Messiah has come. They believe he is still yet to come.
Danielle: Thank you for talking with us today.
Pharisee: Thank you. I just hope I can show other Jews that he is indeed the Messiah.
Danielle: Oh, here comes Mary Magdalene. There are reports that she is very close to Jesus. She even claims to be one of his disciples, which is scandalous since she is a woman. How could a woman with her clouded past be associated with a man like Jesus? Let’s find out. (Danielle walks up to Mary) Um, excuse me, Miss Magdalene, can I ask you a few questions?
Mary M: (Mary tries to walk away and avoid Danielle) I’m sorry. I can’t talk to you.
Danielle: Why not?
Mary M: Don’t you see I’m a woman? I can’t talk to you. (Covers her head with her garment) Please, leave me alone.
Danielle: (Stays very close to Mary as they are walking) There are reports that you and Jesus are alone often. Is that true? Are you having an affair with Jesus of Nazareth?
(Mary stops suddenly and unveils her face.)
Mary: What?! I can’t believe what I just heard! Can’t a man and woman sit and talk together alone? Jesus is my Savior and counselor.
Danielle: So are you saying that you are receiving psychiatric treatments from him?
Mary: (Sarcastically) Do you think I’m crazy? No. Jesus gives me spiritual guidance.
Danielle: You want the people to believe that? An unmarried man and woman can’t be alone in a room in this society and you know that. I thought Jesus was a man of morals and ethics. It sounds as if he doesn’t practice what he preaches.
Mary: How dare you say such a thing! Jesus is just, fair, kind, patient, caring and loving. He would never, ever do anything to hurt or harm another person.
(Mary hurriedly walks away)
Danielle: Let’s go to a commercial break.
(Commercial)
Danielle: Welcome back. We have some breaking news. The network has just received the tape from our hidden camera. Barbara has the latest update. Barbara.
Barbara: Danielle, today we asked Judas, one of Jesus’ disciples if we could follow him around for the day. He accepted and the tape we are about to show is very interesting.
(Show tape of Last Supper & taking Jesus into custody. Script for this part is after the end of the whole script.)
Barbara: I was able to catch up with Peter again. Peter, can you tell me what just happened?
Peter: I’m, I’m not sure, Barbara. One minute we were having dinner with Jesus and praying with him in the gardens. The next, he’s arrested. I just can’t believe Judas would do such a thing! I’m sorry, but I must go and find where they have taken Jesus. (Peter leaves but Barbara follows him and hides so Peter doesn’t see. Peter walks into a group of people gathered around a fire.)
Servant Girl: Aren’t you one of those men who follows Jesus?
Peter: No. I don’t know who you’re talking about. (Peter walks on and is stopped by the Soldier)
Soldier: Aren’t you one of Jesus’ disciples?
Peter: No, never. Why would I be? (Peter tries to get inside where Jesus is being held)
Pharisee: Peter, is that you? What has happened to Jesus?
Peter: My name is not Peter and who is this Jesus that people are talking about? (Cock crows and Peter realizing the prophecy runs away in shame)
Barbara: Well, what can I say? I’m speechless. Tune in tomorrow to see what happens to Jesus. (Pause for a few seconds as scenes change)
Walter: Good morning and welcome to 40 Days again. I’m Walter Kryptonite. Last night Roman soldiers took Jesus into custody. He is being accused of committing treason because he calls himself the King of the Jews. Many Jews are calling for him to be crucified. Because it is Passover, Jewish law states that one prisoner may be released. Barabbas, a well-known criminal in these parts is in prison for murder. He is the only criminal in prison at this time. (Walter walks toward Barabbas who is behind bars) Barabbas, have you heard that Jesus has been arrested and that you might be able to go free due to the Jewish law?
Barabbas: Yes, I heard it from one of the guards.
Walter: How do you feel?
Barabbas: How do you think I feel? I’m feeling very positive. I have a 50/50 chance of
living. And by what I’ve heard, I think I have a better chance of living than Jesus
does.
Walter: What will you do if you are released?
Barabbas: I’m planning on getting the heck out of Dodge!
Walter: Aren’t you afraid that you’ll go back to your old ways as a criminal?
Barabbas: I’ve learned my lesson while staying locked up in this dump. I’m ready to live a better life and start a family.
Walter: Thank you, Barabbas, for letting me talk with you today. Good luck.
Barabbas: Thank you.
Walter: We now go to Katie Courage who is standing by with Pontius Pilate who will tell us the verdict. Katie.
Katie: Thank you Walter. I’m here with Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate, you have let the people decide who to let go and who is to be crucified. Why didn’t you make the decision? Were you afraid that you might be ridiculed and the people revolt?
Pilate: No, not at all. I felt that the Jewish people should decide because these men were both Jews.
Katie: So can us tell us what the outcome is?
Pilate: Yes, I can. The people chose to let Barabbas go and to crucify Jesus.
Katie: Didn’t you do anything to persuade the people to let Jesus go?
Pilate: I tried. I told them that there was no evidence to convict him of treason. But the crowd kept chanting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” I couldn’t go back on my word on letting the people decide.
Katie: So you are a coward! You really think the people would have revolved against you if you had released Jesus? Of course you did. And you just washed your hands of it.
Pilate: I, I…I don’t have to defend myself. I am the governor. And what I say goes. And as for you calling me a coward, I would watch my words if I were you. Doing such a thing can get you into a lot of trouble.
Katie: Thank you for your time. (Pilate exits. Mary, mother of Jesus walks by Katie crying) Ma’am. Aren’t you the mother of Jesus of Nazareth? The one who has just been convicted?
Mary: Yes, I am.
Katie: What was your reaction when you heard your son is going to be put to death?
Mary: Katie, I, I can’t believe it. My son is a good and righteous man. The people don’t understand him. They don’t believe he really is the Messiah.
Katie: I know this must be hard for you. But can you tell us when you knew is was the chosen one.
Mary: I knew when an angel appeared to me when I was young and told me I was to be
the mother of a king. I had never been with a man and I was betrothed to Joseph.
It was hard for both of us to believe at first, but God showed us how to believe.
Katie: Mary, will you plead for your son’s life to the governor.
Mary: No, I will not. I know the prophecy and it must be fulfilled. It is very hard to see your own child be convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and know he will die soon. All I can do now is pray. Pray that God will take care of his Son.
Katie: Mary, thank you for your time and our prayers are with you.
Mary: Thank you.
Katie: We know go to Walter Kryptonite who is with Jesus.
Walter: I am here with Jesus who will soon be crucified. Jesus, why didn’t you convince the people to let you go?
Jesus: They do not understand what they do now, but they will soon. It’s all part of the plan.
Walter: What plan?
Jesus: The plan that my father has had for so long. To bring his Son to earth as human so that he might suffer the depths of human pain and give his life for the sins of the world.
Walter: But why would a father sacrifice his own son for the sake of others?
Jesus: Although I am the Shepard tending to his flock, I am also the sacrificial lamb.
Walter: Do you know what is going to happen to you?
Jesus: No, I do not. All I know is that I will endure pain and suffering. But that will only be for a short while before I enter into eternal life.
Walter: Eternal life? It sounds nice.
Jesus: If you believe in me, you too will have eternal life when you enter my father’s kingdom in Heaven. Just believe and spread the good news to all that they too may believe.
Walter: Jesus, you have inspired me. May God’s peace be with you this day.
Jesus: And also with you. (The Soldier takes Jesus away)
Walter: This has been a tragic day. A day that will be remembered forever. Stay tuned for more updates.
(Commercial)
Danielle: Welcome back to 40 Days. I’m your host, Danielle Rather. These last 40 days we have watched a man named Jesus who is called the Messiah. He preached to others and told them that if they believed in him, they would have eternal life in Heaven with God. He told us many parables and taught us many lessons. But the most important lesson he has shown us is that you must have strength, courage and faith to get you through anything. (Someone runs in and hands Danielle a note. Danielle reads it and is shocked) I’ve just received some breaking news! Some women went the Jesus’ tomb and his body was not there! I can’t believe this? (Mary Magdalene runs by with a smile on her face. Danielle stops her) Mary, Mary, please stop. Please, tell me what happened?
Mary M: It’s true, it’s true! The prophecy is true. Jesus said he would rise and he has. He has risen!
Danielle: Wait a minute. You mean like a zombie?
Mary M: No, no. He has risen so that he may go to Heaven to be with our God. To take away our sins so that we too may have eternal life.
Danielle: Are you sure you’re not hallucinating? You’re probably just distraught from his death. Maybe it’s a ghost you’re seeing
Mary M: No! You don’t understand! He is not some ghost and I’m not hallucinating! Didn’t you listen to anything Jesus ever said? He has risen to finish God’s plan. To save us all. (Mary runs off to tell others)
Danielle: We now go back to Walter who has one of Jesus’ disciples with him. Walter.
Walter: I’m here with Thomas, one of the disciples who followed Jesus. Thomas, the word is out that Jesus has risen. There’s a report saying that you didn’t believe at first even though Jesus told you he would return. Is this true?
Thomas: Yes, it is. I did not believe it because I was not there when he first appeared to the others.
Walter: So you doubted your friends and Jesus?
Thomas: I did.
Walter: What made you believe that Jesus did rise?
Thomas: Only until I saw Jesus with my own eyes and touched his wounds?
Walter: You touched his wounds? That’s disgusting!
Thomas: It’s the only way Jesus could prove to me that he was there and not some ghost.
Walter: What you’re saying then, is that you only believe what you see?
Thomas: I did until now. Jesus told me that not everyone in this world would be able to see him, so they can only believe by what they hear and by how the Holy Spirit works through others. That is what faith is, believing is something that you can’t see or hear or touch but knowing in your heart, mind and soul that it is true.
Walter: Thank you, Thomas, for speaking with us. Now we go to back Danielle Rather with our final interview. Danielle.
Danielle: In the last forty days we have watched a man named Jesus go from being praised by others to be crucified by the same people. We have listened to the accounts of many people who knew Jesus and we talked with Jesus himself before his death. I now have with me on the phone, God. We are hoping God can give us some answers on why he brought Jesus to Earth and why he let him die. God, are you there?
God: Yes, I am, Danielle.
Danielle: God, Jesus claimed that you are his biological father and not Joseph. How could this be true when you are not even human?
God: I had the Holy Spirit come down and bless Mary. The Holy Spirit is a part of me. In fact, now the Holy Spirit, my Son, Jesus, and I are one in the same.
Danielle: I would think Joseph would have wanted a DNA test done to find out who Jesus’ real father is?
God: I notified Joseph when Mary was pregnant that I was the father but that he was to raise him as his own son.
Danielle: God, the big question is why? Why did you create Jesus and then have him destroyed? Didn’t you love him? Didn’t you want to save him from his persecutors?
God: I do love my Son as I love every human. And I did save him, but I’m sure you don’t understand this. Everything that happened was part of my plan. I am a loving God and I wasn’t punishing him. I needed to show the people of the earth that I am the only God they are to worship and believe in. I needed a new covenant with my people just as Moses had done for me so many, many years ago.
Danielle: So you’re saying that the old covenant wasn’t working?
God: Some still followed and believed in the old covenant and me. But I needed to reach more people. Many said they believed but only did this to make themselves look good. They were not true believers.
Danielle: God, do you have any final comments for us?
God: Yes, I do. My Son, Jesus Christ, came down to Earth to save all sinners. He walked the Earth preaching the Scriptures. My Son died for others, Danielle. He died for every human from now until the end. He died so that their sinners would be forgiven so that they may live in the Kingdom of Heaven with me. The people that do follow the teachings Jesus gave them will not have an easy life. Some will be persecuted as he was. Others will be praised. But all of my followers, no matter who they are, if they believe in me and my Son, they will receive the greatest gift of all, eternal life.
Danielle: Thank you, God, for your inspiring words. I know by listening to you, Jesus and the others that what you say is true. Even I am a believer now.
God: I just hope others can see it too and believe. (Danielle hangs up speakerphone)
Danielle: That is all for 40 Days. I am your host, Danielle Rather. I want to thank my colleagues Katie Courage, Walter Kryptonite and Barbara Waters for joining me and to those people who we spoke with. I think we all have a new outlook on life. Thank you and good day.
Last Supper Scene
(Jesus, Peter, Judas, Thomas and 9 others gather around table with bread and wine. Judas will
have a hidden camera with him)
Jesus: (Jesus talks the bread and breaks it)
This is my body given for you. Do this in remembrance of me. (Jesus pours wine) This cup is God’s new covenant sealed with my blood, which is poured out for you. (Jesus passes around bread and wine to Disciples) One of you will betray me tonight.
(Disciples gasp and whisper. Judas looks down and talks to no one)
Peter: Is it I, Lord?
Jesus: No, Peter. The one who dips his bread in the sauce when I do is the one who will
betray me.
(Jesus takes a piece of break and dips it into the sauce and Judas does the same. They look at each other)
Jesus: Hurry and do what you must. (Judas leaves)
