----------------------------- 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 ----------- THE SWORD CONQUERED BY LOVE Type: Monologue (from The Twelve) Synopsis: Simon, the Zealot, was driven by a fervor of dangerous proportions. His party, the Cananaeans, fought against the Roman possession of their land with passion and the sword. Jesus didn't extinguish Simon's passion; He just redirected it--and changed his choice of weapons. (from Program Notes) Theme: "Love our enemies, and pray for those who persecute" us. Misc. Notes: If you are performing all the sketches from The Twelve, this is a good last choice in the sequence, because Simon mentions each of the other disciples in his monologue. Character: Simon, the Zealot Length: 5 min. ------ SCRIPT ------ THE SWORD CONQUERED BY LOVE Copyright (c) 2000 David S. Lampel His Company The Time: Just after Pentecost The Place: Jerusalem [Simon, the Zealot, enters surreptitiously, almost backing in. He is an energetic man, of bubbly spirit. He addresses the audience directly.] SIMON Did you see that soldier?! Boy, was that close! (slapping his forehead) Ah, I keep forgetting. I'm no longer in the party. Still, it never hurts to stay clear of a soldier of Rome. They are not known for their courtesy. And besides, though I'm no longer a Zealot, my present affiliation is no more popular with them. (exasperated) Why must I always be at odds with the powers that be! I'm destined to be forever looking over my shoulder, passing through darkened alleyways, knocking on hidden doors with secret signals....... Jesus chose a motley group of followers. It had to be part of His plan. First there were the fishermen: Andrew, John. They brought their brothers, Peter and James. Sturdy fellows, strong and brave. Quick to anger--quick to love. Then Philip joined, bringing with him the dreamer, Nathanael. I think Jesus really liked Nathanael--his honesty, his skepticism that turned to adoration. Thomas was next. Good Thomas--the only one courageous enough to voice his doubts. (more serious) Then Jesus called Matthew, the richest one of the bunch. (getting angry) Only his wealth was stained by the sweat and blood of our people. Backs broken under the burden of Roman tyranny! He robbed his own people. Took away their pride. Took away their respect! (stopping himself; reciting, with his eyes closed) "If you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions." Then came James and Thaddaeus--steady, dependable Thaddaeus. His quiet countenance held a faith that never wavered. Of course, there was Judas. In the beginning I felt a....kinship to the Judean. We both shared a fierce resolve for our people--and an equally fierce hatred for the Romans. But somewhere along the way....it turned sour for Judas. He abandoned whatever faith he had had (sadly) and we could no longer be friends. I suppose while Judas was losing his faith I was gaining mine. At first I thought Jesus wanted me for my sword. Certainly if He was the Messiah, He would need my help--and the help of others in my Cananaean party. He would need our....distinctive talents for doing away with undesirables. (getting excited) As our king, He couldn't release us from the Roman bondage without revolutionaries! I was ready! I would have died for Him---fighting till the last! (quieter) I may still die for Him....but not with my sword in hand. Somewhere along the way I lost my taste for Roman blood. I lost my appetite for killing. But I didn't lose the fire within me. It still burns, unquenched by the waters of failure. Yes, the Romans still hold our land. And I still hate the way they tax us and treat our people. I still champion the cause....but my weapons have changed. My sword has been replaced by......(notices his arms out)....arms that embrace friend and foe. My Lord, Jesus, taught us that instead of the old way of "loving our neighbor and hating our enemy" we were to "love our enemies, and pray for those who persecute" us. Yes, it took awhile to sink in; it didn't come naturally to me. (with building intensity) But with the beautiful example set by Jesus, and with the powerful Spirit of God within me, love has conquered my sword. And I champion the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God! My fire burns on, pushing me into foreign lands, to spread the word of His gracious salvation! [He exits on final line.] ---------------- 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