----------------------------- A NOTE REGARDING THIS VERSION ----------------------------- This script is from the HIS COMPANY CATALOGUE of plays and musical resources. It is in ASCII (or plain text) format, and is intended only to be used for evaluation purposes. Visit our web site at http://hc.dlampel.com to download the FREE Adobe Acrobat (PDF) version for performance. ----------- DESCRIPTION ----------- GOING HOME Type: Sketch Synopsis: The Time: 39 days after the resurrection The Place: Nazareth James, brother of Jesus, is hard at work, struggling in vain to escape the recent turn of events. The death by crucifixion of his brother was difficult enough, but word of his resurrection has left James hopelessly confused and troubled. Themes: Even though Jesus lived on this earth as a man, His real home is in heaven with the Father; if we are His followers, heaven is also our true home. Misc. Notes: Going Home was commissioned by and first performed at First Baptist Church, Marshalltown, Iowa. It has been published by Contemporary Drama Service, Colorado Springs, CO. Publicity artwork is available. Scripture Refs: Some people have questioned the premise of this sketch; therefore, I have included the scriptural basis for my license. Matthew 13:54-58; Mark 3:21; John 7:3-51; Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 2:7-9; The book of James. Characters: James, brother of Jesus, and Jesus Christ Props: JAMES enters carrying a plane or saw; onstage is a rude support, upon which rests a roughly formed plank of wood. Length: 7 min. ------ SCRIPT ------ GOING HOME Copyright (c) 1986-97 David S. Lampel His Company THE TIME: 39 days after the Resurrection THE PLACE: Nazareth THE CHARACTERS: Jesus Christ James, son of Joseph [Enter JAMES. He is in a state of emotional confusion. From his mother, Mary, he had learned of the lightning-quick events which had culminated in the death of his brother, Jesus. In sorrow and mental disarray he had left Jerusalem, returned to Nazareth and the carpentry business he had continued after the death of Joseph and the departure, three years earlier, of Jesus. Then had come word of the Resurrection. This news dispelled none of his sorrow and confusion. It occurred to him that this rumor could be nothing more than a plot by the enemies of his brother to discredit the good He had accomplished. Or, at the very least, a rumor begun by the followers of Jesus to salvage some credibility after His untimely death. And neither explanation comforts James, who seeks to erase the horrible episode from his memory by attacking his work with a renewed--almost frantic--vigor. JAMES enters carrying carpentry tools. On stage is a rude support, upon which rests a roughly formed plank of wood. JAMES immediately sets to working the piece of wood, shaping and smoothing.] [Enter JESUS. There is a tranquility about Jesus that is set in marked contrast to the anxieties of James. This tranquility comes not only from the peace He has as the Son of God, but from the knowledge that His earthly trials are now over. No more pain, no more of humanity's sin. That is all behind Him. And with quiet expectation He anticipates His reunion with the Father.] JESUS (quietly, from behind JAMES) James. JAMES (turning, wiping his hands on his apron; not recognizing Jesus) What can I do for you? Maybe a new table. A new bench? Need something repaired? We do the finest work in Nazareth. JESUS (smiling) I'm not here to buy. JAMES (with suspicion) Oh? What then? JESUS I'm here to see James, son of Joseph and Mary. JAMES (still suspicious) With what purpose in mind? JESUS To bid him farewell. JAMES (confused; then, with a shrug, returning to his wood) Seems to me it would make more sense to meet this person first, before bidding him farewell. JESUS Oh, I've known James for many years. JAMES (turning to study the face of his visitor) Do I know you? JESUS (moving about while he reminisces) James was a precocious lad, always finding trouble under the feet of his father. Why, when he was all of six years old, he invoked the wrath of Joseph by cutting irregular grooves into the surface of a recently completed table. JAMES (squinting to recognize Jesus) You have the advantage, sir. Your memory serves you well, but I can't place you. Were you a neighbor in my youth? JESUS I lived under your roof, James! (chuckling softly) You study me so. Examine me with your heart--not your eyes. JAMES (taking a step closer, looking closely at Jesus; then a glimmer of realization, followed quickly by disbelief; finally the powerful truth washes over him; almost swooning) Jesus! JESUS (holding him) My brother. JAMES (stammering) Then....it's.... true. But,....how...... JESUS Sit down, James. JAMES I...I didn't think it could really be true. JESUS You're touching me. It is really true. JAMES (ashamedly) I didn't believe. I thought it was just rumors. JESUS (with gentle sadness) What will it take, James? What will it take for you to believe? JAMES You were my brother. For so many years that was all you were.....my brother. JESUS You saw my work. Wasn't that enough? JAMES Even with my own eyes it was hard to believe. Our people had waited generations for the Messiah. How could I imagine the prophecy would be answered in my own home--by the older brother who taught me how to climb the sycamore tree? JESUS (smiling) Ah, the sycamore tree. Is it still there? JAMES A little fatter, a little taller, but still there in front of the house. JESUS (shaking his head) How that poor tree was abused while we were growing up! JAMES Now my children play in its branches. (happily) And now you've come back home. Where you belong--with your family. JESUS I'm not here to stay. I've come to say good-bye. JAMES You just got here! Surely your travels are over. JESUS (happily; wanting James to share in his joy) Yes, they are. I'm going home. JAMES Home. (looking up) Home? (confused) This--this is your home. JESUS Oh, James. You've always been a stubborn man. JAMES (petulantly) Our father's first born was more a dreamer than a worker. Somebody had to carry on when he died. And you know what they say about carpenter's wooden heads. JESUS Do you still not see? (patiently) Do you not yet understand that your father, Joseph, was not my father? JAMES (after struggling with the significance of his answer) Do you realize how...strange it feels to think of the person you grew up with....as the Son of God? JESUS (with compassion) You've been a part of something that will never again be repeated. I know this is hard for you, but, you see, my home--my real home--is not here. When our mother gave birth to me.....it was not my beginning. It was only my entrance. (smiling) I've never had a beginning. I just always.......have been. JAMES (angered by his own frustration) And so you just dropped by to remind me--to remind me of how little we have in common. JESUS I love you, James. I wanted to see you one last time. JAMES (flaring) Why bother? Why come back just for that? It would have been better to leave things as they were. (with bitterness) Why couldn't you leave me happy in my ignorance? JESUS And were you so happy? Happy thinking your older brother had been put to death on a Roman cross? Where is your happiness, James? In my death......or in my living? JAMES (in turmoil) But you can't be alive! You must be a spirit. In a while I'll wake up on the floor, in a pile of sawdust, and all this will be nothing more than a disturbing memory. JESUS (firmly) What's disturbing you is that I am alive. Your eyes tell you it's true; your heart tells you it's true. Your hands have touched my flesh! Was it cold? Did it have the chill of the grave? JAMES (with his head in his hands) No.....No...... (struggling; trying to make sense out of all this; after a long pause) Are you my....real brother? JESUS Yes, I am your brother. (turning away) But I'm also every man's brother; I'm every woman's kin. (turning back to James) If they believe. JAMES (with gathering pride) Then, I may be counted twice. And wherever this home of yours is, may the people there know that you have a brother who loves you. (embracing Jesus; continuing after their embrace) When will you...... JESUS Tomorrow, James. It will be tomorrow. JAMES (sadly; with a sigh) Oh, it's too soon. JESUS (happily) Not for me. I've been away from my Father for thirty-three years. And I miss Him so. JAMES (with a new insistency) Then take me with you. I'm not prepared to lose my brother again. JESUS You can't go with me. But you'll not lose me, either. You have much work to do after I leave. You'll play an important role in the process I've begun. You'll see me again. We'll be together in my home. And it's now your home. Like me, your time here is but for a moment; your happiness here is passing. Our life is with the Father. JAMES And the Father will accept me, too, in your home? JESUS You, too, are now His child. (as they exit) And that makes you more my brother than you've ever been before! ---------------- COPYRIGHT NOTICE ---------------- This script is Copyright (C) 2012 David S. Lampel. This data file is the sole property of David S. Lampel. The data file may not be altered or edited in any way. It may be reproduced only in its entirety for circulation as "freeware," without charge. All reproductions of this data file must contain the copyright notice (i.e., "Copyright (C) 2012 David S. Lampel"). 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Lampel") ----------------- USING THIS SCRIPT ----------------- For electronic distribution, the Internet version of this script uses the following conventions: * character names are in ALL CAPS. * stage directions within a character's line are enclosed in parentheses (e.g., "(with anger)"). * stage directions without are enclosed in brackets (e.g., "[They exit.]"). * the plus sign (+) indicates when to cue trax or begin intro for next song ---------------------------------------------------------------------- These plays and musical resources are made available free-of-charge, without obligation, in service to our Lord and to His glory. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- David S. Lampel Winterset, IA 50273 USA Complete resources at http://hc.dlampel.com/ "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." (Rom 11:36) 20120305