----------------------------- 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. NO MAN CONDEMNS YOU Copyright (c) 2000 David S. Lampel His Company Imagine, if you will, a modern setting for this story from John's Gospel. Imagine Jesus walking the earth in OUR time, instead of almost 2,000 years ago. And imagine this woman feeling the stones of our own hypocrisy and the loving forgiveness of the Savior. [The woman enters and addresses the church congregation. She is in modern dress, Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes--but just a little on the tacky side, as if she has not totally abandoned her earlier manners of dress. Maybe she is wearing a little too much makeup; maybe she has done her hair in a way that makes her look a little like a floozy; maybe her skirt is a little too tight, or too short; maybe her colors are on the loud side for a Sunday service.] Woman (after a brief pause, during which she gazes steadily upon her audience) I met Him at our church picnic. Most of the members thought I wouldn't show up at all, but I did. You can't really blame them. There was more gossip in the church about me than anyone else--and most of it was true. In fact, there were some things they hadn't even discovered yet. You see, I've never been what you might call a . . . virtuous woman. I've had several husbands--and many in between. People like to talk--and usually they do. So when I joined this church word got out really fast. (more darkly, reliving the depression of her earlier life) I was at the bottom. I was sick of my life and sick of the consequences. I needed to start fresh--start over. And I thought, where better than a church. Oh, they let me stay and they shook my hand and once in awhile even gave me a little hug. But I could feel their uneasiness. Most of them wished I would just slip away and never come back. Well, I didn't. And I even went to the picnic. (pause) Jesus was the guest of honor (parenthetically) though many were as uneasy around Him as they were around me. (brightening) He had a wonderful time. He joined in the sack-race, dunked for apples, played with the kids . . . (more seriously) It was later in the day that it happened. Most of the adults were sitting around the picnic table drinking coffee and chatting about the weather. Jesus was in the middle of them--I was off to the side. The talk got around to the church membership--and I guess they didn't notice me sitting there. One of the men, thinking to impress Jesus, said something about how fine and upstanding the membership used to be . . . before certain elements slipped in. Then one of the women quickly agreed, even mentioning my name. I was so embarrassed, I just wanted to run away. But I was frozen. I couldn't move. I hoped no one would notice me--especially Jesus. I didn't want Him to see me. But He did. (pause) There was nervous laughter round the table, but Jesus didn't join in. Suddenly it was quiet. In a strong voice, Jesus said: "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the one to condemn this woman." (pause) No one spoke. In fact, some got up and slipped away from the table, ashamed. Jesus turned, and with such tender love and compassion, he smiled at me and said: "No man here condemns you. And neither do I. Go, and leave behind your life of sin." [She exits.] ---------------- 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