Contents of spoon-archives/puptcrit.archive/scripts/easter.txt

SCOOP MCGEE'S GREATEST STORY Written By: Rick Krogh {The play takes place back in the time of Jesus. Scoop McGee is the local reporter and has stumbled across a remarkable story about a man called Jesus. He follows the story to the bitter end and learns a valuable lesson as well as capturing the greatest story of his life} CHARACTERS: Scoop McGee (Reporter and main character), Elizar, Priest, Jesus, Pontius Pilate, Man 1, Man 2, and Mary. [Off-stage voice reads Luke 19:30-40] LUKE 19:30-40He said, ``Go into that village over there. You will find a young donkey tied there that has not been ridden. Untie it and bring it to me here. If someone asks you why you are taking the donkey, you will say, `The Lord, its owner, needs it.' '' The two followers went into town. They found the donkey exactly as Jesus had told them. The followers untied the donkey, but its owners asked the followers, ``Why are you untying our donkey?''Jesus' followers answered, ``The Lord, its owner, needs it.'' Then the followers brought it to Jesus. They put some of their clothes on the donkey's back. Then they helped Jesus get on top of it. While Jesus was riding along the road , the followers were spreading their robes on the road in front of him. Jesus was coming close . He was already near the bottom of Olive Mountain. The whole group of followers were happy. They were very excited and they praised God for all the powerful things they had seen. They said, ``Give praise to this king who is coming with the authority of the Lord ! Let there be peace in heaven and glory to God!'' From the crowd some of the Pharisees said to Jesus, ``Teacher, tell your followers not to say such things!'' But Jesus answered, ``I am telling you, these things must be said. If my followers don't say them, then these rocks will shout!'' SONG 1: "Blessed Is He That Comes" [The scene takes place in Jerusalem and Scoop McGee is the local reporter] SCOOP MCGEE: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Scoop McGee here reporting live from Jerusalem. Today has been a beautiful day and.......wait a minute.....there seems to be some sort of commotion behind me. Let me see if I can get closer and see what's going on. [Moves in closer to the crowd] Well, all I can see at the moment is people throwing their coats and palm leaves on the ground. I.......I can't really see anything at this point. There's an individual running towards me.........let me see if I can stop him and ask him what's going on. [Catches individual by the arm and stops him] Sir......sir, could you tell me your name and a little bit about what's going on down here? ELIZAR: [Out of breath] My name is Elizar and......and it's Jesus.........Jesus is coming on a donkey! SCOOP MCGEE: Who? Who is coming? ELIZAR: [Still out of breath] Jesus, the chosen one is coming! Earlier I wasn't able to see him because......well...ah....I'm too short, so I managed to climb in that tree over there and I saw him!.........I actually saw him! SCOOP MCGEE: Did this guy........you said his name was Jesus.........say anything to you? ELIZAR: [Now has breath back] No........ he didn't look up because there were so many people around him, but I was able to see him. The chosen one is finally here. MCGEE: I see. Why do you call him "the chosen one?" ELIZAR: Well, because some of the people in this town have seen him perform miracles. They say that he is able to heal the sick with just a touch or a spoken word, restore sight in blind men and feed thousands of people. Only the messiah, the chosen one, could do that. Anyway, I need to go home and tell everyone in my house that he is finally here! Imagine that......... Jesus in my town! I want my whole family to see him. Maybe he will heal my grandfather! [Starts to run off] Sorry, gotta go.....see you later......! SCOOP MCGEE: Well, there you have it ladies and gentlemen. First hand information from the man who saw it all. This has been Scoop McGee from reporting live from Jerusalem. [Looking at the ground and muttering as he leaves] Wow! I don't think that guy will want to wear that jacket again! [Off-stage voice reads Luke 19:45-48 and Luke 20:1-8] LUKE 19:45-48Jesus went into the temple courtyard. He began to throw out the people who were selling things there. Jesus said, ``It is written, `My house will be a place for praying.' But you have changed it into a hiding place for thieves!'' Every day Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courtyard. The most important priests, the teachers of the law, and some of the leaders of the people were trying to kill Jesus, but they didn't know how they could do it, because all of the people were listening closely to Jesus. The people were very interested in what Jesus had to say. LUKE 20:1-8One day Jesus was in the temple courtyard, teaching the people. Jesus told them the Good News. The most important priests, teachers of the law, and Jewish elders came. They said to Jesus, ``Tell us! What sort of authority do you have to do these things? Who gave you this authority?'' Jesus answered, ``I will also ask you a question. Tell me: When John immersed people, did that come from God or from man?'' They all talked about this. They said to each other, ``If we answer, `From God,' then Jesus will say, `Then why didn't you believe John?' But if we say, `It was from man,' then all of the people will stone us to death, because they believe John was a prophet.'' So they decided to give this answer: ``We don't know where John's immersion came from.'' So Jesus said to them, ``Then I won't tell you what sort of authority I have to do these things!'' SCOOP MCGEE: Scoop McGee here. I will be bringing you updates about this man.....Jesus.....that rode into town on a donkey, as the news happens. I was told by sources that this man has been telling parables and some of the chief priests in this city have felt as those the parables were directed at them. I am also told that they are now fearful of the people because they seem to be listening to Jesus. Just a minute folks......let's ask this priest what he thinks about this man. Sir....do you have a minute or two? PRIEST: Yes I do, what can I help you with? SCOOP MCGEE: I'd like to ask you a few questions about this man called Jesus...... PRIEST: [Very agitated] Jesus! Did you say Jesus!? Let me tell you about this Jesus character! He spends all day teaching in the temple and then he goes to the Mount of Olives and teaches at night. He's killing my business. That's supposed to be my job! And you want to know what the worst part is? SCOOP MCGEE: What would that be sir? PRIEST: These people are actually listening to him!!! I can't believe it! Why, if I wasn't a priest I'd.....I'd....... SCOOP MCGEE: You'd what, sir? PRIEST: I've said enough, but mark my word, something is going to happen concerning this Jesus character and if I were you I'd steer clear of him. He's nothing but trouble. [Priest leaves] SCOOP MCGEE: Hmmm, I wonder what he meant by that? This has been a Jesus update with Scoop McGee. [Muttering to himself] I wonder where the sandal repair shop is.........? [Off-stage voice reads Luke 22:1-8] LUKE 22:1-8It was almost time for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover Festival. The most important priests and teachers of the law were trying to find a way to kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the people. One of Jesus' twelve was named Judas Iscariot. Satan entered Judas. He went off and talked with the most important priests and some of the soldiers . Judas talked to them about a plan he had to hand Jesus over to them. They were pleased. They agreed to give Judas some money. Judas said, ``Yes.'' He waited for the best time to give Jesus to them--when there was no crowd around. The day came for the Passover Feast. This was the day when they sacrificed the Passover lambs. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, ``Go and prepare the Passover meal for us to eat.'' OFFSTAGE VOICE: [Said with a loud whispering voice] Pssst.............Scoop, you're on! SCOOP MCGEE: What? Ah......ah......Scoop McGee here with the latest Jesus update. I managed to invite myself to a supper Jesus is holding for his disciples. Jesus seems to be telling his disciples that he won't be eating any more meals with them until the Kingdom of God is fulfilled..[whispers to himself]...I wonder what that means? [Slight pause] Now he's passing around a loaf of bread. [Fade out muttering from sound effects] JESUS: This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. SCOOP MCGEE: He told them it was his body. [Says loudly] His body??? OFFSTAGE VOICE: [Said with a loud whispering voice] Just bread Scoop.......just ordinary bread. SCOOP MCGEE: What a relief........! It's just bread folks and he's using it to represent his body. JESUS: Take this, and divide it among yourselves: for I say unto you I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the Kingdom of God shall come. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you. SCOOP MCGEE: Oh yuck!!! He said that it was his blood! And he's passing it around for them to drink! OFFSTAGE VOICE: [Said with a loud whispering voice] It's not his blood, it's wine! We checked it out. SCOOP MCGEE: Not his blood?...... Wine? ........... Ahh...sorry folks, I guess it's wine meant to represent his blood. JESUS: But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. And truly the son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed! SCOOP MCGEE: Did you hear that ladies and gentlemen? He knows that someone is going to betray him. Wonder who that would be. I'll do my best to find out for you. This has been Scoop McGee with another Jesus update. Hey, is there any bread left? I haven't eaten all day....! [Off-stage voice reads Luke 22:47-54] LUKE 22:47-54While Jesus was speaking, a crowd came. One of the twelve was leading them. His name was Judas. He came near Jesus, so that he could kiss him. But Jesus said to him, ``Judas, are you using the kiss to betray me?'' The followers of Jesus were standing there, too. They saw what was going to happen. They asked him, ``Lord, shall we use our swords?'' And one of the followers did use his sword. He cut off the right ear of the high priest's servant. Jesus answered, ``Stop!'' Then Jesus touched the servant's ear and healed him. A group came to arrest Jesus. They were the important Jewish priests, the Jewish elders, and the soldiers the temple. Jesus asked them, ``Why did you come out here with swords and sticks? Do you think I am a criminal? I was with you every day in the temple courtyard. Why didn't you try to arrest me there? But this is your time-- the time when darkness rules.'' They arrested Jesus and took him away. They brought him into the high priest's house. Peter was following from a distance. SCOOP MCGEE: Scoop McGee here with another Jesus update. I don't believe I've ever been on a story quite like this one. I found out it was one of Jesus' own disciples that betrayed him! It was Judas Iscariot! Judas pointed him out to an angry mob by kissing him on the check and they arrested him and took him before Pontius Pilate. He was accused of perverting the nation, forbidding to give tribute to Caesar and saying that he was Christ. Pilate really isn't sure what to do with him. Just a minute......Pontius Pilate is about to ask him some questions. Let me get closer so we can listen in. PILATE: Are you king of the Jews? JESUS: Thou sayest it. PILATE: Why is he here? I can't find any fault with him. Isn't this man from Galilee? He's in Herod's jurisdiction, not mine. Send him to Herod! SCOOP MCGEE: Well ladies and gentlemen, that was brief. It looks like nothing is going to be settled here. I wonder what crime this man has actually committed. I'm going to go with them and see what happens and as soon as I have more information I'll let everyone know. This has been...... [Gets interrupted by a person standing next to him]. MAN 1: Hey, aren't you one of the guys that has been following this teacher.....Jesus? SCOOP MCGEE: [Rooster crows once] No, not really, I'm a reporter and........[Gets interrupted again]. MAN 1: You sure? I thought I saw you with him yesterday. SCOOP MCGEE: [Rooster crows a second time] Well, yes.....I was there but.....never mind. I've got to catch up with that crowd. [Moves quickly away from the man][Rooster starts to crow a third time] Get out of my way you stupid chicken.........!! {Off-stage voice reads Luke 23:8-11] LUKE 23:8-11When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad. Herod had heard all about Jesus. For a long time, he had wanted to meet Jesus. Herod wanted to see a miracle. He was hoping that Jesus would work one. Herod asked Jesus many questions, but Jesus wouldn't answer him. The important priests and teachers of the law stood there. They continued to accuse Jesus. They were very excited. Then Herod and his soldiers laughed at Jesus. They made fun of him by dressing him in royal clothes. Then Herod sent Jesus back to Pilate. SCOOP MCGEE: Scoop McGee here continuing the story on the arrest of Jesus. Yesterday Jesus was sent to Pontius Pilate..... to Herod...... and back to Pilate again. It seemed as though they were having a hard time trying to figure out what to do with him. The gentleman standing next to me was up front and heard everything that Pilate was saying to the crowd. Sir, can you tell us what was going on up there? MAN 2: I guess so. When they brought Jesus back, Pilate still believed that he was innocent of any crime. Herod must have thought the same thing or he wouldn't have sent him back to Pontius Pilate. Pilate wanted to set him free, but that's when the crowd got involved. SCOOP MCGEE: What did the crowd do? MAN 2: They told Pilate that they didn't want him released......they wanted some guy named Barabbas released instead. It was a real nasty crowd. SCOOP MCGEE: Did the crowd get what they wanted or did they finally realize that Jesus hadn't committed any crimes? MAN 2: Not only did they get what they wanted, they also told Pilate they wanted him crucified! Pilate kept insisting that Jesus was innocent of the crimes they accused him of and that he should just punish Jesus instead of crucifying him, but the crowd wouldn't listen. I think they plan on crucifying him sometime today.......[Gets interrupted by Scoop]. SCOOP MCGEE: I'm not sure, but it looks like Jesus coming towards us. There's quite a crowd and they have someone behind him dragging what looks like a cross. Ladies and gentlemen, I can't believe it! They're actually going to crucify him.] I can see women and other people crying for him. Someone has put a makeshift crown made of thorns on his head and they were laughing as they did it. I'm sorry ladies and gentlemen, this is just too graphic for public viewing. I'll try to give a full report later. [Off-stage voice reads Luke 23:32-34; Luke 23:39-43] LUKE 23:32-34There were also two criminals led out with Jesus. Jesus and the two criminals were led to a place where they would be killed. The people called this place ``The Skull.'' There some men nailed Jesus to his cross. They also nailed the criminals to their crosses; Jesus' cross was between the crosses of the two criminals. Jesus said, ``Father, forgive these people. They don't know what they are doing.'' The soldiers gambled to see who would get Jesus' clothes. LUKE 23:39-43One of the criminals who was hanging there began to say awful things to Jesus: ``Aren't you the Messiah? Then save yourself! And save us, too!'' But the other criminal stopped him. He said, ``You should fear God! All of us are about to die! You and I are guilty; we should be killed, because we did wrong. But this man Jesus has done nothing wrong!'' Then he said to Jesus, ``Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!'' Then Jesus said to him, ``I am telling you the truth: Today you will be with me in Paradise!'' SONG 2: "Calvary Hill" [Off-stage voice reads Luke 23:46]. LUKE 23:46Jesus shouted, ``Father, I put my spirit into Your hands.'' After Jesus said this, he died. SONG 3: "Jesus Died To Say I Love You" MARY: [Sobbing] I.......I can't believe they killed him. He was a good man and he tried to teach us how to live according to God's laws. He didn't commit any crimes. He just loved us too much. SCOOP MCGEE: Mam'........oh mam', could I talk with you for a minute? MARY: Who are you? SCOOP MCGEE: My name is Scoop McGee and I've been following the story taking place with Jesus. I must confess, I didn't think they would actually kill him. What are your feelings about this situation? MARY: [Still sobbing] He was my friend...... my teacher.... and I loved him. He was a good man and wouldn't have hurt anyone. As a matter of fact, all he ever did was help people. He shouldn't have died.....he shouldn't died.....! SCOOP MCGEE: It has been rumored that he will rise from the dead.......have you heard anything about that? MARY: All I know is that the women in the town wrapped his body, sprinkled him with perfume and spices and laid him to rest. To make sure that nothing would happen the soldiers rolled a huge stone in front of the cave he was buried in and placed guards around the burial site. SCOOP MCGEE: Can you show me where he's buried? MARY: Yes, follow me. [Off-stage voice reads Luke 24:1-9] LUKE 24:1-9Very early on Sunday morning, the women came to the tomb. They brought the sweet-smelling things they had prepared. But the women found that the rock was rolled away from the tomb. They went in, but they didn't find the Lord Jesus' body. While they were wondering about it, suddenly two angels stood beside them in shining clothes. The women were frightened; they bowed their heads down to the ground. The two men said to the women, ``Why are you looking here for a living person? This is a place for dead people! Jesus is not here. He has risen from death! Do you remember what he said in Galilee? Jesus said that he must be handed over to evil men, be killed on a cross, and rise from death on the third day.'' Then the women remembered Jesus' words. The women left the tomb and went to the eleven apostles and the other followers. The women told them everything which had occurred at the tomb. SONG 4: "I'm A Bunny" MARY: [Startled and amazed] He's not here! The stone has been rolled away! SCOOP MCGEE: That's impossible! That stone must weigh tons. I......I just can't believe it! Could he have done what he said he would? [Short pause] I've asked the two men standing there and they said he had arisen.......I still can't believe it! Mary, what do you think? MARY: I believe Jesus has risen as he said he would. I'm sorry that I can't stay any longer and talk with you. I must run and tell the disciples! [Mary runs off quickly] SONG 5: "Up From The Grave He Arose" [Scoop McGee is standing by himself.] SCOOP MCGEE: Ladies and gentlemen, Scoop McGee here for a wrap-up on this truly amazing story. I managed to interview one of the disciples and he confirmed that Jesus did, indeed, rise from the dead. At first they didn't believe him but he asked them to touch him and he even showed them the wounds in his hands and feet. Jesus was reported to have eaten another meal with his disciples and then he opened their minds to the Scriptures so they would understand. The last thing he did was to command them to spread the good news about God and then he left. Ladies and gentlemen, this has been the greatest story I have ever covered. I know now that I must find Jesus and learn more about him. Thank you for watching this amazing story. This has been Scoop McGee..........may God bless all of you? Rick Krogh A die-hard puppeteer "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." (Ecclesiastes 9:10a) The Lincoln Puppet Factory Visit our site at: http://members.aol.com/TLPF/puppet Home email address: RickKrogh@aol.com

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