----------------------------- 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 ----------- YOU WILL DRINK OF THE CUP Type: Monologue (from The Twelve) Synopsis: Salome, mother of the disciples James and John, was witness to much of the ministry of Jesus. Her singular brand of devotion was tinged by a protective and prideful spirit toward her sons. But her proximity to the Lord gave rise to a faith that found its fruition at the foot of the cross. Theme: Servanthood Length: 5 min. ------ SCRIPT ------ YOU WILL DRINK OF THE CUP Copyright (c) 2000 David S. Lampel His Company The Time: c.47 AD The Place: Galilee [Enter Salome, the wife of Zebedee. She is in her later years. She addresses the audience confidently, comfortable with her role in history.] SALOME (proudly) Sons of Thunder! (quieter) That's what Jesus called them. Sons of Thunder. Their father would have been proud. My name is Salome--yes, Salome. Some of you may not know me by that name. There is another Salome--she of nimble feet and a fondness for the heads of prophets. No, I'm not that Salome. (proudly) I am the wife of Zebedee, mother of the disciples James and John, and sister of Mary, the mother of Jesus. I was a follower of Jesus myself, (no longer proud) but not a true believer. I was there through much of His ministry, but it was curiosity that held me--not devotion. I suppose, also, it was a concern for my sons that kept me close to Jesus. You see, after my husband died, they were all I had. And when they took up with Jesus there was nothing left for me. No support. No companionship. So I followed along with them. Mostly my concern was for James. He had always been my favorite. Oh, not that I loved John any less, but good fortune and respect always came easily to him. James usually needed a little help, (nostalgically) and the heart of a mother is sensitive to the child who needs her the most. (no longer nostalgic) So one day I mustered every bit of my courage and requested an audience with Jesus. You know, it's hard to explain, but....He always seemed to know beforehand what you were going to say. There was always in those penetrating eyes of His a mixture of compassion and ......amusement. Yes, as if He was gently amused by our ignorance and couldn't wait for the day when we would all understand what He was trying to teach us...... (seriously) I did come to believe. It happened gradually--almost taking me by surprise......that horrible, dark day I stood with His mother beneath the cross. We all felt so helpless. It seemed our whole world was coming apart. It seemed......all was lost. Some lost their faith that day. (with growing conviction) For me, it was the day my faith began. And three days later my faith was confirmed when we went to His tomb and found it empty--just as He had told us it would be. (back to her story) Well, there I was, standing before Jesus with my two sons. I took a deep breath and blurted it out: "When You are in Your kingdom, command that my sons will sit, one on Your right and one on Your left." (anxiously) After I said it, my heart was beating so fast I thought I would faint. Jesus had every right to reward my impertinence with His wrath. Instead, He looked at me--and my sons--and said quietly, "You do not know what you are asking for. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?" It was James who answered. "We are able!" (quietly) Ambition is often a sign of weakness, of...insecurity. It betrays the feelings of inadequacy most of us have. John was a man of quiet confidence--a man who knew his relationship with the Savior. James didn't have this assurance. He was close to Jesus and didn't even know it. Jesus included my James in most of the inner workings of the group, but he was so busy trying to prove himself that he didn't notice: To Jesus he was already proven. So I spoke up for him. Any mother would. And he learned a priceless lesson in the answer of our Lord. James continued to mature, and after our Lord returned to the Father, he traveled about the land, sharing the news of the salvation of Jesus. (abruptly serious) That is, until Agrippa caught up with him. (with bitterness) Herod used him as an example. One dead disciple and maybe the rest would back off. (with firm pride) Well, it didn't work out that way. Yes, I miss my son. I miss his jubilant spirit--his enthusiasm. But I don't mourn him. He met his ambition. He is now with the Savior. (quickly) Oh, I know, he probably doesn't sit at His right hand. But he's there all right. And it won't be long before I join him. (exiting) Maybe then I'll find out just who is sitting next to Jesus. ---------------- 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"). This data file may not be used without the permission of David S. Lampel for resale or the enhancement of any other product sold. This includes all of its content. Brief quotations not to exceed more than 500 words may be used, with the appropriate copyright notice, to enhance or supplement personal or church devotions, newsletters, journals, promotions, or spoken messages. Permission is hereby extended for this script to be printed for rehearsal and performance use. Copies may be reproduced in sufficient number for the director, actors, and technical personnel, as long as each copy contains the copyright notice (i.e., "Copyright (C) 2012 David S. 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