----------------------------- 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 SURRENDER Type: Three-Act Play Description and Synopsis: The Surrender is the third part of the tetralogy "I Must Decrease; He Must Increase," in which there is the transfer of power from John the Baptist to Jesus, the Christ. John was born to a woman beyond the years of childbearing and Jesus was born to a virgin; John was a man accustomed to the solitude of the desert and Jesus was lived in the village of Nazareth; John gave his life for Jesus and Jesus gave His life for our sins. The miraculous will of God was manifested in their lives to accomplish His plan for our salvation. Jesus was sent by His heavenly Father to be light for a world darkened by sin. John the Baptist was sent by God to bear witness of this light and to proclaim His coming. John's role was a difficult one which even he never fully understood. He stepped into a world wracked with political and religious upheaval to announce the coming of the long-awaited Messiah. But he also became a critical bridge from the adulterated laws of Moses to the saving grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Together they changed for all time the relationship people would have with God. (from Program Notes) Tech. Notes: This play was originally staged in an abstract form, using no set or props, just actors working on a stage of various carpeted shapes. It would work well in-the-round. There are several places in the script where you will want to use a black-out for moving a character from one spot to another. Characters: Narrator/Storyteller (in modern dress) John the Baptist Jesus Mary (in late forties) Satan (off-stage voice) Bartholomew (Levite sent by Sanhedrin) Timaeus (Levite sent by Sanhedrin) Andrew (Disciple of John/Jesus) John bar Zebedee (Disciple of John/Jesus) Disciples #1 & #2 Length: 50 min. ------ SCRIPT ------ >- - When printing this script, you may wish to start at this point - -< THE SURRENDER Copyright (c) 1984-2000 David S. Lampel His Company Background John was born to a woman who was beyond the years of childbearing and Jesus was born to a virgin; John was a man accustomed to the solitude of the desert and Jesus was raised in the village of Nazareth; John gave his life for Jesus and Jesus gave His life for our sins. The miraculous will of God was manifested in their lives to accomplish His plan for our salvation. Jesus was sent by His heavenly Father to be light for a world darkened by sin. John the Baptist was sent by God to bear witness of this light and to proclaim His coming. John's role was a difficult one which even he never fully understood. He stepped into a world wracked with political and religious upheaval to announce the coming of the long-awaited Messiah. But he also became a bridge from the adulterated laws of Moses to the saving grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Together they changed for all time the relationship people would have with God. The Production This play has been written for a more sparse_almost abstract_production standard. The Director certainly may, at his discretion, stage this play with complete sets, crowd scenes, etc., and it should work just fine. The author's original intent, however, was to focus on the words (which, in this play, are primarily Scripture) and strong, empathetic characters. THE SCENES ACT ONE The Wilderness - One John the Baptist Nazareth Jesus and Mary Bethabara - One John and Jesus ACT TWO The Wilderness - Two Jesus Bethabara - Two Bartholomew, Timaeus, John Bethabara - Three Andrew, John, John bar Zebedee, Jesus ACT THREE Aenon John the Baptist & his disciple Nain Disciples of John, Jesus Bethsaida-Julius Jesus PROLOGUE [Slow fade on houselights to black. Spotlight up on Storyteller.[1]] Storyteller In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him nothing was created that has been created. (with warm joy) In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not comprehend it. (pause; a new chapter in the story) There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for a witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him. He wasn't the light, but came that he might bear witness of the light--the true light which enlightens every man coming into the world. He was in the world--the world was made through Him-- (sadly) --and the world didn't know Him. He came to His own--and those who were His own didn't receive Him. (brighter) And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory--glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness of Him, and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, `He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.'" (warmly) For of His fulness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. [Spotlight out on Narrator.[2]] THE WILDERNESS - One [Lights up full.] JOHN (entering hurriedly, with great anxiety; addressing God, but more as if someone is pursuing him) No! No! Leave me alone! Get someone else to do this. I can't fulfill your demands. (pause) Don't you realize what You're asking? They'll laugh at me, ridicule-- surely they'll question the legitimacy of my birth. Who am I to be so burdened?! (calming down; more to himself) I don't even like people that much. I'm happy here, with the scorpions and snakes. My solitude is my cloak, my security. (to God) And you'd send me into that pit of vermin? Find somebody else! (trying to reason with God) Seriously, I can't do it. I'm the wrong man for the job. You want a person people will like--someone they can get close to. Look at me. No, I belong right here, where I am--where I fit in. (after long pause; quietly; introspectively) I met a man once. He was passing through the desert in a caravan. Oh, he must have been very rich; he was dressed in fine, beautiful robes and had many slaves. Yet, he welcomed me into his tent as a neighbor and filled my empty stomach with his food. He acted as if he truly liked me--accepted me as I was. (nostalgically) He was nice and I liked him. I was sorry when he moved on. (snapping out of it) Now, that's the sort of man you want for this job. Someone people will like! Lord, I'm unworthy of the task. You know I love You, but surely You could make a better choice. You're the author of my righteousness, You fill me with Your love. But You also fill my mind with confusing babble! My head burns with the storm of ideas. Surely it'll burst from what You place in it. I'm too simple for this! [Lights go to black immediately.] [John moves to a different location on stage (time passes).] [Lights up.] JOHN (still arguing) What preparation have I had for Your work? All I know is the solitude of the desert--and it's given me no clues as to the mind of man. How can I minister to them? (trying to convincing himself that God is right) People have to know! If God's now decided that His word is to be fulfilled, then who better than I. The crowd would pay no attention to the ordinary; only someone out of the ordinary will be able to change their hearts. (with self-deprecating humor) Yes, I think so--an animal from up out of the desert will show them the way. (pause) Now, wait a minute. You say I am to "go before and prepare the way for the Lord"--that at last You'll send the Anointed One and I'm to precede Him. But what will You give me for tools? You have to supply me with the tools, for, as I am now, I'm certainly ill-equipped. (pause; waiting for God to reply) Well? (pause; immediately agitated) If You're angry with me then say it! Say it to my face! My God, You place me in Your agony, but give me no reason why. The voices of this world disclaim Your justice; give me evidence to disclaim their disbelief! Speak to my ears, as You did to Abraham, the father of our faith. My life--all of me!--is in Your hands. There's nothing but Your demanding will that sustains me (pleading) So speak to Your servant! [Lights fade slowly to black.] [John moves to another location on stage (time passes).] [Lights up.] JOHN (quietly reasoning to himself) My father, Zechariah, taught that we're redeemed by the covenant and the law; that we're a people special unto God. He said if we keep the law, obey our jealous God, then we'll be saved. (pause) But then, surely we're none of us redeemed! Who can say they've kept the law--this book of impossibilities? These books of regulations are nothing less than obstacles to our God. (realizing his blasphemy, he falls to his knees) My God, forgive me! I dare to speak against Your holy word. Spare this evil life! (long pause; recovering; pondering again) Then why did You give us these rules? To what end? (pause) You've said that every swarming thing that swarms on the earth is detestable and not to be eaten. That it's unclean. But in my times of hunger, when I've had nothing but the dust for my meal, You've sent the locust and the honey-bee to minister to me. I've stayed alive by eating the locusts and the honey-bee. Am I now unclean and despised by You? (pause) Also, in my hunger, Lord, I've eaten of forbidden birds--for in my sanctuary are only unclean birds. I eat them or I die. Which would You have, Lord? (painfully) You've also said that the man who is presumptuous and doesn't listen to the priest shall surely die. Am I to die? Am I evil in Your sight? (in anguish) My father was a priest and I disobey him by these thoughts alone! (weeping) So then, how shall I be judged? And why do You place in my mind such blasphemy? [Lights fade slowly to black.] [John exits.] NAZARETH <> [Lights up 3/4.] [Enter Mary and Jesus, already in conversation.] MARY (frustrated) But I don't understand this. JESUS (quietly, but firmly) I must leave. MARY You haven't given me a reason. Have I done something wrong? [Jesus turns away, saying nothing.] MARY (continuing) Jesus, when your father died, he left with his heart at peace, knowing that you--his first son--would continue his business and care for his family. JESUS (patiently) I'm the first-born to another. MARY Again you speak of it! JESUS (tenderly) Mother, when I was twelve years old you and father took me to the temple in Jerusalem. Do you remember? (retelling happy memories) It was my first time and I was so excited. It was all so new and special to me. But I stayed too long. I was separated from you and stayed behind and made you angry. Do you remember what I said to you when you found me there in the temple? Mother, do you? MARY (emphatically; knowing His point, but refusing to cooperate) Your father's business is here! JESUS Would you have me deny my Father's will? MARY (missing his inference; nostalgically) He wanted only the best for you. You learned his trade so easily--you were born to it. And he was so proud of you. Why, Joseph always said-- JESUS (firmly) Mother! (pause; softening) I loved Joseph with all my heart. With all his uncertainty, all his questions, he accepted me. He loved me as his son. But it was a love that held much pain. He put up with so much vicious talk. MARY Oh, was I immune to the gossip of neighbors? JESUS I was at least of your body. He held no claim to me but marriage to you. (pause) A man and woman join to create life. That child is then a special miracle to those two people. Joseph never had that with me. He could love, even accept, but never fully understand. (heavier) I was never a part of him. My beginnings weren't stirred from his loins--and my end will not be his memorial. MARY (turning away; after a pause; sadly) At this moment, I think I miss my husband very much. I feel so . . . alone. JESUS (going to her; compassionately) I'll always be a part of you. You brought me to this world. You gave me the warmth of your arms, the nourishment of your breast . . . You gave me life! You're my mother! MARY (turning back quickly; pleading) Then how can you leave? JESUS (stronger) It's my time. MARY (angrily) Time for what? To break your mother's heart? Time to walk away from your responsibilities--your family? Your life is here! You're the oldest. JESUS I have to be baptized. MARY (taken aback; incredulous) Baptized? Why? Only the Gentiles must be baptized, when they accept our faith. Why you? JESUS (matter-of-factly; not sanctimoniously) To fulfill all righteousness. In obedience to my father. MARY (having had enough of this; harshly) Your father died nine years ago. He left you to take care of his family. JESUS (sternly) Woman! You can no longer keep buried in your heart the reality of my birth! Remember. Remember how it began. I've never been yours to keep. Only for a time. (pause; softening) I have no one closer to me on this earth than you. But, it's my Father's plan that I walk the rest of the way alone. MARY (after a pause; in catharsis) Oh, Jesus! I've denied the possibility of this day for . . . thirty years. I prayed that, somehow, God would show me mercy--that He'd change His mind. JESUS (comforting her) The Father won't forsake you. Through you He's accomplished His purpose. Don't be afraid, Mary. MARY (smiling through her tears) A long time ago, an angel from the Lord said that to me. I wasn't sure how to take it then-- (seriously) --I'm not sure how to take it now. I'm very much afraid--for you. (pause) Will I ever see you again? JESUS I'll not be a stranger to you. We'll meet from time to time and others will keep you informed of my whereabouts. (painfully) But you must understand, I now walk the path of my Father's design. It's a way narrow and hard--and lonely. (pause) Mother, you'll never completely understand why I came. To you, I'll always be your son. But now I must be His son--and only His son. That, too, is my Father's design. He's given you thirty years--more than even I imagined. (pause) It's now my time. And my time is short. [Jesus exits.] [Lights fade to black.] [Mary exits, sadly, as the lights fade.] BETHABARA - One [Lights up full, quickly.[3]] JOHN (loudly, almost angrily) Repent! Lay down your sins and accept God's forgiveness! Repent! Confess your sins and be baptized. We're all part of God's kingdom and His kingdom is fast approaching. [John notices Pharisees and Sadducees in his audience (their presence is not literal, but implied).] JOHN (continuing; addressing the religious leaders with contempt) You brood of vipers! So now you come--even you. Who warned you of God's impending wrath? And who among you decided it was necessary to flee from this judgement? (laughing) Go ahead, turn up your nose at my stink. Oh, and be sure to wash your hands after being near my disciples. (sternly) But I tell you this: Before one drop of this water touches you, prove your repentance. Show me first your changed hearts. (pause; motioning around) Take some of my friends home for dinner. Or help bring the lame to me. Come on! Soil your hands on forgiven sinners. (pause) I know what you're thinking. (mimicking the religious leaders) "We are the sons of Abraham. We have redemption in our blood. Only the Gentiles require baptism--not the children of Abraham." (contemptuously) What is that worth? God is able from these stones to raise up more children of Abraham. You can't rest on your heritage. There'll be wrath to come--the axe is already in place, lying at the base of the tree. If the tree fails to produce good fruit, it'll be cut down and cast into the fire. (pause) So see that your hearts turn from their self-righteous greed and piety; live lives of compassion and concern for others. Then you can be baptized by the Lord because of your repentance. [Enter Jesus. John turns away from the religious rulers to see Jesus walking toward him. He goes to Jesus, bowing before Him.] JOHN My Lord-- JESUS (lifting John) John, please. I need to be baptized. JOHN (stammering) I-- I'm the one who should be baptized by You. Yet You ask it of me? [John tries to pull away from Jesus.] JESUS (taking John by the arm) Let it happen, John. This is the time for it to happen. (they cross to exit) This is the time for us to fulfill all righteousness. [Lights fade to black as they exit.] INTO THE WILDERNESS [Spotlight up on Storyteller] Storyteller (standing opposite exit of John and Jesus) As John lifted Jesus out of the water of the Jordan, the heavens were torn open and the Holy Spirit--in the form of a dove--descended and remained upon Jesus. Then, in a loud voice, God declared, "This is My Son, the beloved, in whom I am well-pleased." In obedience to His Father, Jesus had been baptized. In further obedience, He now went into the wilderness for a period of trial and testing. Like John before Him, He needed to be honed to a fine, sharp edge, to be prepared for His ministry. (pause) So Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, was led about by the Spirit for forty days, living with the wild beasts and being tempted by Satan. He ate nothing during those days, and wasn't hungry; but when the days were ended, He then became hungry. [Light out on Storyteller.] THE WILDERNESS [Lights up full.] JESUS (upon wounding himself on a thorn) Ouch! (He, grimacing, pulls out the thorn then rubs the wound; addressing the Father--without looking up--as He studies His hand) You've made Me human in the eyes of men, and have given me the ability to experience the shortcomings of their bodies. (pause) How curious this flesh. How easily the thorn penetrates and how quick the hurt. The flesh is warm, alive--yet, so terribly fragile. (pause) I know, Father. I know You want Me to experience the fragility of man. When I'm hungry, I ache; when I'm pierced, I bleed. Use this flesh as You will, for I know that the body is only the physical conveyance of the Spirit--the Spirit which is from You. The pain I feel now--and the pain that is to come--will pass quickly. They're only necessary for the ... conveyance of Your salvation. (more seriously) I ask only for the strength by which to withstand the discomfort of Your plan. (pause; glancing about nervously) Protect Me from the evil one; this is his place. He's a murderer and doesn't stand in the truth--because there's no truth in him. Whenever he speaks it's a lie, for he's a liar by nature and the father of lies. He continues to test My spirit--but We're stronger than he. Still, protect Me, and keep Me close to Your voice. (less agitated) Father, the hour comes when I must carry out Your plan; glorify Your Son, so that the Son may glorify You. You've given Me authority over all people so that I might give them eternal life. You've given them to Me and those who come to Me I won't cast out. For You've sent Me here not to do My own will, but Yours. (pause) I can do nothing by Myself, unless I first see it done by You. Whatever You do, so also do I. Just as You raise the dead to life, so too will I give life to whomever I desire. You judge no one, but have entrusted all judgement to Me, so that all people will honor Me--just as they honor You. No one can honor You without honoring Me, and You will honor anyone who serves Me. (working through it; talking more to Himself) You've given Me authority to judge because I am the Son of Man! Soon the dead will hear My voice and those who hear will live! By myself I can do nothing; I'll judge only as I hear, and My judgement will be just, for I seek not to please Myself, but You, the Father who sent Me. But even so, I've not come to be served, but to serve, and to give My life so that others might live! The person who loves this life will lose it; the one who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. (almost amused) Some people may come to Me, after searching the scriptures, thinking that in them they'll have eternal life. But they don't realize it's these very scriptures that bear witness of Me. For if they believe Moses, then they must believe Me, because he wrote of Me! But if they don't believe his writings, how can they believe My words? (becoming agitated, even though exhausted; crying out) He who believes in Me does not believe in Me but the Father who sent Me! And he who sees Me sees the Father! I've come as light for the world, so that all who believe in Me need not remain in darkness; just as the prophet, Isaiah said, "I will make You a light to the nations so that My salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." (sadly) Those who choose darkness over the light choose evil over good. (resignedly) But those who hear what I have to say and choose not to believe, I'll not judge; for I'm not here to judge the world--but to save it. Those who reject Me will be judged by the very words they choose to disregard. (pause; mysteriously) The words I speak aren't created by My mind in this fragile form, but they've been given Me by the Father who sent Me. The Father Himself has commanded Me what to say and what to speak. And I know that His precepts lead to eternal life; so, I speak just as the Father has told Me. (moving off; ponderously) But My soul is troubled. (pause; expressing the great turmoil going on inside of Him) My heart is heavy. Father, dare I speak it? Dare I ask You to save Me from this hour? (pause) But I couldn't. It was just for this that You sent Me! Oh My Father, may Your name be glorified! [Jesus finishes exhausted and crumpled.] <