----------------------------- 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 ----------- TO A NEW LIFE BORN Type: Sketch Synopsis: This sketch is a fleshing out of John 3, wherein Nicodemus has an audience with Jesus. The sketch ends with Nicodemus singing "If I Follow Jesus" (from The Old Rugged Cross by John Lee; words and music by David Baroni and Niles Borop): Have I met Messiah? I want to believe, but the other Pharisees tell me He's out to deceive. Everything I've heard Him say and all I've seen Him do, make it hard to doubt that what His followers say is true. CHORUS: If I follow Jesus, what will the people say? Will I be able to bear it If my family turns away? If I follow Jesus, the thought makes me afraid. But my soul keeps crying: Please don't turn away. He wants a decision, but what am I to do? Risk my life and reputation on what He says is true? I don't know where He's going, But He says that He's The Way. And though it breaks my heart to leave, I know that I can't stay. CHORUS (Trax not necessary; piano recommended) Characters: Jesus Christ, Nicodemus Length: 10 min. ------ SCRIPT ------ TO A NEW LIFE BORN Copyright (c) 2000 David S. Lampel His Company [Jesus enters. He is tired after a long day of ministering to others. His shoulders sag; He sighs, wearily lowers his head and closes His eyes. Nicodemus enters.] NICODEMUS (formally, yet with an underlying air of anticipation) Rabbi, I don't mean to intrude. Your disciple outside gave me entrance. JESUS You are welcome, councillor. NICODEMUS I am Nicodemus. JESUS And I am honored by a member of the Sanhedrin. What brings you at such a late hour? NICODEMUS (after thinking for a moment; looking about nervously) Discretion. JESUS (with a knowing smile) Ah yes. Discretion. NICODEMUS Please, don't think ill of me. I'm just......cautious. Even I have my detractors; there are those who wouldn't be pleased with my speaking with you. JESUS And why have you come to speak with me? And in the middle of the night? NICODEMUS (anxiously; going to JESUS) Questions. I can no longer trust the information that falls on my ears. Too many around me offer answers that have little to do with the truth. (firmly) And I want to know the truth. JESUS The truth can--at times--be disturbing. NICODEMUS (sarcastically) More disturbing than the council? JESUS What do you think is the truth about me? NICODEMUS (choosing his words carefully) Well, we know that you've come as a teacher from God. You must be from God; no one could perform these miracles.....unless God is with him. JESUS I tell you the truth, unless one is born again, he cannot even see the kingdom of God. NICODEMUS (shaking his head; almost interrupting) They warned me you would speak in mysteries! All right. My first question: How can a man be "born" when he is already old? Is this one of your mysteries? Have you devised a way for a man to re-enter his mother's womb and be born for a second time? JESUS You're born of your mother once. But unless you are born of water and the Spirit, you'll not enter the kingdom of God. (NICODEMUS tries to interrupt, but Jesus is firm) No, listen. You came seeking the truth, and the truth is: That which is born of the flesh is flesh, but that which is born of the Spirit, is Spirit. NICODEMUS (keying off the word "water") Uh....the water. You said "water". Now, we Jews have always had the baptism by water. Is this what you refer to? Must one be a Jew first? JESUS But you only baptize those new to the faith. NICODEMUS (chiding himself) Of course, it's only for the Gentiles. (trying a different angle) Many have associated you with the baptizer, John. Is this the water you speak of? JESUS Those who are baptized by John, do so as a symbol of their repentance. It's an act of submission to God. And with that repentance comes the Spirit. (NICODEMUS is still unsure) Don't try to reason through it. Nicodemus, when the wind hits your face and you hear it whistle by your ears, you know it is a real thing, don't you? Yet, you have no idea of its origin---or its destination. You only know that it's real. The Spirit is from God. You cannot see it, or touch it, or know where it is going. But you can feel it. It is real. NICODEMUS Rabbi, I mean no disrespect, but, (throwing up his hands) how can this be? (struggling) You are either the wisest man that has ever lived or, you.....well,....that is......... JESUS (with gentle incredulity) And you, the teacher of Israel, don't understand these things? You came to me for truth. NICODEMUS I came to you for answers. JESUS Do you wish only answers that are pleasing to the ear? I tell you what I know and have seen and you still don't believe me! NICODEMUS But I want to believe! JESUS Nicodemus, I've spoken to you of earthly things and you don't believe; how can I speak to you of heavenly things? NICODEMUS From where do you get your knowledge of heaven? JESUS No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven: the Son of Man. NICODEMUS And, you are........ JESUS (affectionately) Nicodemus, you know it already. That's why you came to me tonight. You knew it up here--in your mind; you came tonight so that you might know it here--in your heart. NICODEMUS Do you realize what you're saying? JESUS Yes, I know. Do you, Nicodemus? (Jesus waits, while NICODEMUS struggles with his response; then) Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so too, the Son of Man must be lifted up--so that whoever believes in Him, may have eternal life. God loved the world so much, that He gave that world His one and only Son, that anyone who would believe in Him would not perish, but have eternal life! (as Jesus exits) Nicodemus, listen to your heart. [Nicodemus is left alone on stage. Intro to song begins as Jesus exits. During the intro, the inner struggles of Nicodemus are evident; Nicodemus sings:] IF I FOLLOW JESUS Have I met Messiah? I want to believe, But the other Pharisees tell me He's out to deceive. Everything I've heard Him say And all I've seen Him do, Make it hard to doubt That what His followers say is true. CHORUS: If I follow Jesus, what will the people say? Will I be able to bear it If my family turns away? If I follow Jesus, the thought makes me afraid. But my soul keeps crying: Please don't turn away. He wants a decision, but what am I to do? Risk my life and reputation on what He says is true? I don't know where He's going, But He says that He's The Way. And though it breaks my heart to leave, I know that I can't stay. (repeat CHORUS) (from The Old Rugged Cross, by John Lee, words & music by David Baroni & Niles Borop) [As music fades at end of song, Nicodemus turns to where Jesus exited] NICODEMUS (excitedly; 'wait for me!') Jesus! [Nicodemus 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