I ran across this story in my my email archives today. I had saved it as i thought the message was quite powerful. As it is getting close to Easter, I thought I’d share it with you as well. Use it with your youth or adults for a great message.

An Easter Story based on John 20:1-9
by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

Source: http://www.wilsonweb.com/archive/easter/peter-ran.htm

By day it gnawed at him, but nights were even worse. He had betrayed his dearest friend. Not privately, not secretly, but blatantly, out in the open for all the world to see. And now it was too late to say, “I’m sorry.” His friend was dead.

Peter tossed sleeplessly, unable to find a position that felt comfortable. Outside he could hear the sounds of Jerusalem stirring to life. This city he had once loved to visit, he now hated. It held too many painful memories impossible to erase from his mind. Today he would leave for Galilee and fishing, though even fishing held no allure for him now. Nothing did.

“How could I have so utterly shamed himself? How could I? Peter, you d— coward!” For the thousandth time he cursed himself. “He was my friend! How could I have done this to my very best friend?”

He could see Jesus riding that donkey down the hill into Jerusalem to the cheers of thousands. He saw him in hot anger overturning coin-laden tables in the temple. “You have made my Father’s house a den of thieves!” the Master had told them in carefully measured but biting words.

Peter recalled blind men abruptly seeing, lame men suddenly walking, and loathsome lepers’ skin turning baby-soft within a moment of Jesus’ touch. He saw Jesus’ smile, his compassion, his hours of gentle teaching. He felt the Master’s hand on his shoulder after a long day of caring for the multitudes. The accompanying words repeated themselves over and over in his mind, “Thanks, Peter, for your help today. You are a faithful friend … a faithful friend … a faithful friend.” Tears began to well up in Peter’s eyes. Faithful? Me?

When the High Priest’s soldiers had tried to arrest Jesus, Peter had defended his Master with a sword. But later, when a servant girl had challenged him with: “You’re one of his disciples, aren’t you?” he had denied it with an oath. A mere servant girl! But again and again he had compounded the cowardly lie until the cock crowed, and Jesus’ eyes from far across the courtyard met his. Sad, disappointed eyes. Then he had broken and run. Run from the High Priest’s home into the dark streets. Run until he could run no more. Run until he had flung himself onto the cobbled streets sobbing.

Later that morning he had watched from a distance as they mocked and tormented his friend, finally nailing hands and feet with huge spikes, and suspending him from a cross until his life was spent. He couldn’t bear another day in this city!

The thin light of dawn had appeared under the door. Night was finally over; today he would leave. Today he would run away, back to the only life he knew. Today Peter would leave this bloody city
behind.

Bang! Bang! The nearby door shook as someone kept banging on it. Peter reached for his sword, and quietly took his place behind the door.

“Peter, John, it’s Mary! Let me in.”

It was a woman’s voice, Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus’ close friends who had traveled with them for months. He unbolted the door and Mary slipped inside. She took several deep breaths before she could speak, then blurted out her message: “They’ve stolen the body! Jesus’ body is gone, and we don’t know where they’ve put him!”

John, who was wide awake by now, looked at Peter, and then threw on his clothes. Peter was out the door running, running down the streets, tearing around corners, headed for the garden tomb where Jesus’ body had been laid.

Now John was close behind. Younger and faster, John soon outdistanced Peter. By the time Peter got to the tomb, John was standing outside the door peering in. The huge stone, designed to prevent desecration of the tomb, was rolled away. Peter brushed inside. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dimness of the damp limestone cave.

There was the linen gravecloth that had been wrapped turn after turn around the body. It lay on the chiseled stone shelf where the body had been. Yet now with nothing inside, its coils lay collapsed, empty, like a chrysalis after the butterfly has emerged. Folded separately was the cloth that had been around Jesus’ head.

Peter looked at John and motioned him inside. How curious! If the tomb had been robbed and the body stolen, he would have expected the wrappings to be nowhere in sight. Or perhaps strewn in haste around the narrow stone room. Yet here they were, orderly, as if laid aside, no longer needed.

John looked at Peter. Peter looked at John. Peter could catch the faintest smile playing at the corners of John’s mouth.

What if …? What if … he is risen?

Peter walked back into Jerusalem, but each step was a bit quicker than the one before. What if he is risen?

As Peter turned the corner onto the street where he was staying he say a figure waiting for him at the door. A very familiar figure — Jesus!

Peter ran to meet him!

——————————–

The Scripture records, “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the scripture, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than 500 of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:3-6).

“They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them assembled together and saying, ‘It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon'” (Luke 24.33-34). Note: Peter is referred to by three names in Scripture: Simon son of Jonas, his Hebrew name, Peter (Rock, the Greek form of the name Jesus bestowed on him), and Cephas (the Aramaic word for Rock).

Easter Collection
Games and Activities in celebration of Easter.

Get more than 80 creative ideas for planning a Youth Easter celebration or Easter Party. You can immediately download my best Easter Icebreakers, games, illustrations, Easter activity ideas AND MUCH MORE in a useful ebook!

=> Tell me more about the Easter Collection

From Johanan, Collector at Magdala
to Zacchaeus, Commissioner of Taxes at Jericho

Dear Zaccheus:

I have had Jesus, the prophet of Nazareth, to dinner today, and a number of our friends came to meet him. I promised to let you know what happened, but I promised too much. I will tell you when I can, but it is only an hour since he went, and he has left me full of thoughts. As you know, I was rather nervous about the whole affair. First thing this morning, I would have given a good deal to stop the dinner altogether. You and I often say that our sort of people are no worse than other folk, but when I went over the invitations in my mind, I couldn’t help feeling that we were strange company for such a man as Jesus. I wondered what would happen if Reuben began talking the way he does sometimes, and I meant to give him a hint before the meal began, however, I did not get an opportunity, and as it happened, there was no need. Reuben wasn’t himself today.

Well, Jesus came. What is he like?

If you had asked me halfway through the dinner, I should have said that he was the nicest man I had ever met. But now I think, – Oh, I don’t know what I think, except that I am not fit to touch his feet. Of course we were all very anxious to hear him talk. Reuben was hoping that he would give the Pharisees a dressing down, and made an opening for him, but Jesus never mentioned the Pharisees and to tell the truth I believe we all forgot that there were such people. He seemed just as ready to listen as to talk. And what a listener he is! I never met anyone who listens as he does. I happened to mention my boy, Benjamin, for we are wondering what trade to put him to, and of course we are rather anxious as there are not many openings for a publican’s son. Jesus was interested immediately, and asked me questions about the lad. He told me some things, too, about his own boyhood. I began to feel rather ashamed at last for you know it is very strange to meet some one who understands your own lad better than you do yourself. But does he understand boys!

I cannot tell you all the things we talked about. They were much the same kind of things you and I might speak of, but there was a difference. I found myself talking to him as though I had known him all my life. I began telling him – I can’t think how I did it – how I got into this business of ours, and I was explaining our difficulties and how impossible it is always to keep straight when everyone is trying to take advantage of you, especially in these hard times when the future is so uncertain and one must make provision while one can for wife and family. He just listened, and looked straight in my face as though he understood all I said – and all I didn’t say as well – and as though he were sorry for us. He didn’t interrupt or argue with me, but the more I looked at him, the more I wished I had never got into the cursed business and the more I wished I could begin again.

You will think it ridiculous, but as he sat there, I wondered why we were not all like him. We were all sick, and he alone was well. I remembered the time when you and I were boys together, and I felt that we had missed the road. If I had been alone with him, I think I should have made a clean breast of it, and asked him what to do. He could see that .my feelings were getting out of hand, – they say in the town that Johanan has no feelings, and I half believed them until today. But really the tears were in my eyes, and I had such a longing, and felt so helpless. And Jesus said to me, as though he understood everything. “Don’t be afraid, think it over again, and remember your Heavenly Father knows what you need. Don’t lose your life in trying to save it.” Do you see what he meant?

Well, the meal ended, and I was bidding him goodbye at the door, when the girl, Rachel – perhaps you guess her trade came up to the door, and I felt the blood rush to my cheeks, lest she should show that she knew me. But she had eyes only for Jesus. Some of his friends drew back when they saw her, but Jesus said only this, “Don’t do it any more.” She stood gazing after him as he went, then covered her face with her hand and ran down the street. As for me, I watched him until he was out of sight, and had to work hard not to run after him. He is on his way to Jerusalem, and is to pass through Jericho. I mentioned you to him. Be sure to see him. Don’t let anything stop you.

Peace be with you!

JOHANAN

P.S. Benjamin has just come in. You would love that boy, Zacchaeus, I must be a better father to him. Do you remember the first time you and I went up to the temple? We were Benjamin’s age. Do you remember how we all sang as we went up –

“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?
He that hath clean hands and a pure heart.”

We have missed our way, Zacchaeus, but I think, since Jesus was here, that God has not altogether cast us off. Do you think we could begin again?

[Original Source: Unknown]

 

MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

Learn More…

“Missing”

Based on this verse in Matthew 28:4: “The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men”

Cast: 3 guards

If technically possible, start sketch with a flash of light or stage pyrotechnic explosion, and/or sound effect of explosion, earthquake, etc.

Scene: A garden; the guards are lying on the ground, 2 of them perfectly still, and one (Guard 1) shaking slightly.

Guard 1 (slowly gets to his feet, still shaking and looking around in fear; walks over to Guard 2 and shakes him) Wake up, wake up.

Guard 2 (jumps to his feet, bolt awake, thinks the angel is still there) I’ll be good, I promise I’ll be good…(breaks off when he realises that the angel has gone, and turns to Guard 1) Did you see it, I mean him, I mean that, that BEING…?

Guard 1 I’m not sure, I think we must have imagined it.

Guard 2 (looking behind Guard 1) Well, we didn’t imagine THAT (pointing) – look, the stone’s been rolled away.

Guard 1 Oh no – you know what that could mean – someone’s stolen the body!

Guard 2 We’d better check – I’ll wait here while you pop inside.

Guard 1 No way – you go inside!

Guard 2 Not me!

Guard 1 Well one of us has got to do it…unless (they both turn and look at Guard 3, who is still lying on the ground, then look at each other, give each other a grin and a thumbs up sign, and walk over to Guard 3)

Guard 1 (bending over Guard 3) Oh Theo, wakey wakey…

Guard 3 (starts sucking his thumb) Oh mummy, please can I have another 10 minutes in bed…

Guard 2 (Tiptoes up, leans over and shouts in his ear) NO!

Guard 3 (jumps up) Whoa, what, where, who, when, why, how…..Oh it’s you two. I was having the weirdest dream – there was an earthquake, and an angel, and a rolling stone, and…oh! (breaks off as he realises, looking around, that it wasn’t a dream)

Guard 2 Now Theo, we were just wondering if you’d be kind enough to pop over here (they start to guide him towards the tomb – which is offstage)

Guard 1 Just have a quick peek inside, and we’ll be right behind you.

Guard 3 Hang on, wait a minute, I mean…aargh! (they push him offstage)

Guard 2 Now I’m sure the body will still be there – that angel chap was only here for a moment, and I didn’t see him go inside, and besides he’d have needed some help to carry the body away…

Guard 1 Yeah, I mean it’s not as if he could have got up and walked away, is it?

Guard 2 Now that WOULD be unusual…!

They both laugh, as Guard 3 walks back on. They’re still laughing, then they catch sight of the expression on Guard 3’s face and stop laughing immediately.

Guard 3 (points back inside the tomb and finally stammers) It’s EMPTY

All freeze.

USED BY PERMISSION

The script may be used freely (ie. printed, copied and acted out in church services or other free events) with no permission required, or royalties due. However, it remains Copyright © 2000, Mike Burn and may not be published or sold without prior permission of the author at http://www.familyworship.org.uk

 

MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

Learn More…

Characters

• Person (seen)
• God (unseen)

Stage Setting

• No particular setting is necessary, but it is good if the person could sit on a chair and lean on a table that has a Bible on it.

Script
Person: Our Father, who…
God: Yes?
Person: Don’t interrupt me! I’m praying.
God: But you called me.
Person: Called you? I didn’t call you. I was praying. Our Father who art in heaven…
God: There, you did it again.
Person:Did what?
God: Called me. You said, “Our Father who art in heaven.” Here I am. What’s on your mind?
Person: But I didn’t mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord’s Prayer. It makes me feel good, sort of like getting a job done.
God: All right. Go on.
Person: Hallowed be thy name…
God: Hold it! What do you mean by that?
Person: By what?
God: By “hallowed be thy name”?
Person: It means…it means…. Good grief! How should I know what it means? It’s just part of the prayer. (pause) By the way, what does it mean?
God: It means honoured, holy, wonderful.
Person: Ah, that makes sense. I never thought about what hallowed meant before. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
God: Do you really mean that?
Person: Of course! Why not?
God: What are you going to do about it?
Person: Do? Nothing, I suppose. I just think it would be rather good it you got control of things down here the way you have up there.
God: Have I got control of you?
Person: Well, I go to church.
God: That isn’t what I asked you. What about that bad temper? You’ve really got a problem there you know!
Person: Stop picking on me! I’m just as good as some of those hypocrites down at the church!
God: Excuse me, but I thought you were praying for my will to be done? If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you, for example.
Person: Oh, all right! I guess I do have a few hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I probably could name some others.
God: So could I.
Person: I haven’t thought about it much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I really would like to know how to be free.
God: Good! Now we’re getting somewhere! We’ll work together, you and I. Some real victories can be won. I’m proud of you!
Person: Look, Lord, I need to finish this up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does! Give us this day our daily bread.
God: You need to cut out the bread you’re a little overweight as it is!
Person: Hey! Wait a minute! What is this? Here I am doing my religious duty and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my faults!
God: Praying is a dangerous thing. You could end up changed, you know. That’s what I’m trying to bring across to you. You called me, and here I am. It’s too late to stop now. Keep on praying. I’m interested in the next part of your prayer. (Pause) Well. go on!
Person: I’m scared to…
God: Scared of what?
Person: I know what you’ll say!
God: Try me and see.
Person: Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.
God: What about Peter Brown?
Person: See! I knew you would bring him up! Why, Lord he told lies about me, and he cheated me out of some money. I swear that I’ll get even with him.
God: But your prayer. What about your prayer?
Person: I didn’t mean it.
God: Well, at least you’re honest! But it’s not much fun carrying around that load of bitterness inside, is it?
Person: No, but I’ll feel better as soon as I get even! Have I got some plans for old Peter!
God: You won’t feel any better. You’ll feel worse. Revenge isn’t sweet. Think of how unhappy you really are. But I’ll change all that.
Person: You will? How?
God: Forgive Peter. Then I’ll forgive you. Then the hate and sin will be Peter’s problem and not yours. You may lose the money, but you will have settled your heart.
Person: It doesn’t sound easy, but deep down, I know it would be worth the effort. Thank you, Lord, for helping me work through this. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory for ever and ever. AMEN.

This document copyright (c)1995 by Mathew Pole. Reproduction and/or distribution for non-commercial purposes is permissible providing that the drama is left fully intact. Permission is given to modify the drama for personal use, under the condition that the changes are not redistributed. Please send additions or corrections to Mathew and Paulyn Pole (mathew.paulyn@iname.com)
Last changed: Saturday 12 August 1995

MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

Learn More…

BOB: Hey Becky, How ya doin?
BECKY: Great (freeze)
BOB: (To audience) This girl’s got an ego the size of a choir loft.
BECKY: How is School?
BOB: (Proudly) Pretty Good (freezes)
BECKY This is Mr. Athlete. I couldn’t care less, but in a minute he’ll rattle on and on about football, wrestling and baseball
BOB: Thought I’d try out for football, wrestling and come spring some baseball.
BECKY Well, Uh… How’s the Lord been treating you (freeze)
BOB: Oh fine. (To audience) Now what business is it of hers how things are going spiritually for me? I’ve got problems, but a man’s gotta have some privacy.
BECKY Oh Good. Boy it’s warm in here! Isn’t there any air conditioning in the church?
BOB: Nope. We make fans out of the bulletins (BECKY laughs. BOB freezes)
BECKY (Stop Laughing) What a sick joke. Did you notice how he dodged my question about the Lord… typical!
BOB: You know I haven’t seen you at church much lately… Is everything OK?
BECKY: Oh yeah! Just fine (freeze)
BOB: What nerve! She comes on like Joan of Arc, hot off the ashes and won’t even open up. She’s obviously bugged about something. Her whole spiritual act just went to lunch.
BECKY: (Ashamed) Actually… I haven’t been going to church because… uh.. I’ve…
BOB: been sick?
BECKY No. Kinda bored
BOB: (Smiles) Yeah, I know what you mean (freeze)
BECKY Look at the smirk on his face… All this boy does is sleep in church. He doesn’t care about my needs or anybody else’s.
BOB: Have you tried gum?
BECKY A little chew in the pew? (freeze)
BOB: (Laugh) I think I’m gonna be sick. You know. I can’t believe it but everybody used to say how strong Becky was spiritually… She sang in the choir, taught Sunday School…Now look at her. I kinda feel sorry for her.
BECKY (embarrassed) That was a bad joke. I know.
BOB: Oh heck! I crack’em all the time.
BECKY (Nervous) I guess I’m in good company.
BOB: Yeah. Well, you’ve got good taste (laughs and freezes)
BECKY Here I am trying to open up and look what he does. I Can’t believe it. Everyone says how friendly Bob is… when you’ve got a problem, go to Bob… All the Jr High boys look up to him – Cold, aloof, a real meathead. But you know, I sorta feel sorry for him.
BOB: Where were you headed?
BECKY Well. Seeing how this is the back of the church on a Sunday morning….
BOB: Church. That’s right, how stupid of me. Maybe you would like to sit with me?
BECKY Well.. I don’t think I should this week.
BOB: Oh well, it’s been nice talking with you (freeze)
BECKY Well, maybe it’s best that he didn’t try and help me. All I’ve got to do is share a few of my problems with him and end up being laughed at in some locker room with half a dozen football players.
BOB: Maybe next week
BECKY We’ll see (freeze)
BOB: You can’t communicate problems to girls–they couldn’t care less besides, the junior high boys look up to me. That’s enough.
BECKY: You can’t communicate problems to guys. They couldn’t care less. Besides, my old Sunday School Students look up to me. That’s enough.
BOB: Goodbye Becky!
BECKY: Goodbye Bob!
BOTH: God Bless

Questions for youth discussion

• What stereotypes of youth are shown in this skit? Are they accurate?
• What girls – guys stereotypes are shown?
• In this skit, when one youth freezes, you hear the thoughts of the other young person. Do you often think certain thoughts but keep them to yourself instead of saying them out loud? why?
• If you could, would you want to hear the true thoughts of others? Why or why not?
• Is honesty always the best policy? Explain.
• What suggestions would you make to Bob and Becky regarding their thoughts, communication, and relationship?
• What issues and areas for growth can you find in the two youth in this skit?
• If you were to write a similar skit about youth in your school, what are some of the issues that would be realistic that you could write about?
• What are some spiritual principles that apply to such issues?

MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

Learn More…

Through a partnership with Christian Counseling and Education Service (CCES) I am now able to offer you a wonderful resources for your drama or puppet ministry that will help your children to Learn, Love and Live the Word of God!

In many churches, puppets are wonderful tools to teach children, youth, and adults the truths of God’s Word! But finding scripts that are suitable for puppets can be difficult.

But there is help. CCES (Christian Counseling and education service) has published a book that contains 15 scripts/skits that can be acted out by children or performed by puppets.

Click here to order your puppet / skit resource today.

Here’s a bonus script (not in the book) to give you an idea of what you will be getting:

NEW GLASSES FOR BRADY
By Ann Shorb

Script may be performed by puppets or by children.

AIM: To encourage children to develop a thankful heart.
CHARACTERS: Two children–one grumpy, one cheerful.
PROPS: A pair of glasses; books or backpacks, optional.

(Both puppets enter from left while talking–may be carrying books, or wearing backpacks. Sally is wearing the glasses.)

Brady: School was terrible today!

Sally: Why?

Brady: (Very upset.) There were peas in the soup at lunch; the teacher gave us tons of homework; and even the basketball was flat at recess!

Sally: (Shakes head.) You had a pretty rough day!

Brady: And tonight it’s my turn to help with dishes. (Sigh.)

Sally: It won’t take long. (Pause. Look straight at him.) Brady, you haven’t noticed my new glasses yet.

(Both puppets stop walking and he looks at her carefully.)

Brady: I noticed, but I think glasses look dumb.

Sally: (Proudly.) They make me look sophisticated, and I think they’re wonderful!

Brady: How come you’re always happy about everything?

Sally: Because I try to be thankful for everything.

Brady: But everything always goes wrong for me! There’s nothing to be thankful for.

Sally: There’s always something to be thankful. You just have to look for it.

Brady: How about homework?

Sally: It helps us learn more.

Brady: Washing dishes?

Sally: Well, I’m thankful we have food to put on the plates, which is what makes them need washing . . . and that Mom cooks it for us . . . and for water to wash the dishes . . .

Brady: O.K, O.K., I get it.

Sally: It’s all in the way you see things. You can complain, or you can be thankful.

Brady: How could I be thankful when the ball was flat today?

Sally: You fixed it with that little pump, didn’t you?

Brady: Yeah.

Sally: Then, be thankful you didn’t have to use your mouth!

Brady: Oh, Sally!

Sally: Brady, I think you need a pair of new glasses, too.

Brady: But my eyes are perfect!

Sally: Oh, these should go on the inside–on your heart.

Brady: Glasses on your heart? That’s crazy!

Sally: All you ever see are things to complain about. I wish you had a special pair of glasses that would make you see things to be thankful for.

Brady: I guess I could try to see things like you do.

Sally: It would be like having that special pair of glasses, and things would look better to you.

Brady: (Looks carefully at her.) You know, Sally, you’re new glassed don’t really look dumb. I think I actually like you in those glasses.

Sally: And I’m going to like you in your new glasses, too!

(Both they nod to each other in agreement and exit to right.)

THE END

Teacher, follow the puppet show with the reading of I Thessalonians 5:18, Colossians 3:15, Psalm 107:1. Let the class name things for which it is hard to be thankful. Close in prayer asking God to help each one develop a thankful heart.

©Copyright, Ann Shorb, Ph.D. Christian Counseling & Educational Services
239 York Street , Hanover , PA 17331 www.ccesonline.com

MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

Learn More…

By Rob Heverling (robhev@yahoo.com)
Used with Permission

Introduction: John – It’s hard to believe it was three days ago. Three days since I last saw my friend alive. He was a good man and an even better friend. The people loved him because he had compassion for them. He did so much for them, things like healing them of their sicknesses, giving them their sight, or curing their leprosy. Why once I even saw him bring a little girl back to life. He truly was like no other. It’s sad because at one moment they were ready to crown him king and a little later they were calling for his death. He did nothing wrong! Yet they acted as though they hated him. I can’t help but wonder just what went wrong. Why did they turn against him? He said he came to his own but yet for some reason they received him not. This was not the way it was supposed to end, no, not like this. His body is buried just down the road. The Romans have placed a guard in front of the tomb. They say it’s so no one can steal the body. Now tell me why would anyone want to do that?

Scene 1
Hiding out

John walks a little ways and knocks on the door of a small house.
Luke whispers through the door from the inside

Luke – Were you followed?

John – No, I am alone.

Luke opens the door.

Peter – John, where were you, we were worried about you?

John – Well the master’s followers are not the most popular people right now. I had to sneak around just to get here without being caught.

Thomas – Are you sure you were not followed?

John – Yes, I’m sure. (Walks over to Peter) Peter how are you holding up?

Peter – It’s been a rough three days. I don’t think I can ever forgive myself for what I have done.

Thomas – Peter we all denied him, we all ran away.

Peter – But you were not there. You didn’t see him look straight into your eyes at the moment of your betrayal, you didn’t see the hurt! Oh, how could I betray him? He was my friend, my Lord. (Crying)

John – Peter you have to pull yourself together. He wouldn’t want you to be this way. I’m sure he has forgiven you. No, I know he has forgiven you.

Peter – But how can you be so sure?

John – Isn’t that what he taught? Forgiveness, and not only did he teach it but the man lived it. Why, can you think of one person that he didn’t forgive when they asked for it.

Peter – No

John – All right then you have to believe that he has done the same for you.

Luke – So what do we do now?

John – We wait.

Thomas – Wait for what? The Romans to come kicking down the door!

John – Okay Thomas calm down.

Thomas – (Get’s up from the table) Calm down, you want me to calm down! I spent the last three years following a man that I, thought was going to deliver us from the Romans and you want me to calm down. My friend has just been executed and you want me to calm down. (Heads for the door) 

John – Where are you going?

Thomas – I can’t stay here anymore.

John – Thomas, what about the Romans, what about the Pharisees and the Sadducees. If they catch you, you might be next.

Thomas – I don’t care! They can find me just as easy on the street as they could if I stayed here. I have to go.

Peter – Wait Thomas! (Thomas slams the door as he leaves.) Well this is great; if he get’s caught, he might just turn us in as well. Someone should go get him.

Luke – Leave him. Maybe some time alone will do him some good.

End scene 1
Scene 2
He’s Alive 

The guards are sitting in front of the tomb. There is a large Rock sealing the tomb. All of the sudden there is a violent earthquake. Light begins to shine through the cracks around the outside of the stone and all the sudden an Angel from heaven rolls the stone away and sits on it. The soldiers are so scared they become like dead men. Jesus steps out of the tomb with his arms out stretched and looks up to the sky. Then he slowly exits behind the tomb. As soon as he is out of sight Mary Magdalene and the other Mary arrives at the tomb.

Mary Magdalene – Mary, do you see what I see?

Mary – What is this? What has happened here?

The guards are too afraid to respond just sit there pointing at the angel.

Angel – Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples. He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him. Now I have told you.

Mary sits on a stone and wonders what has happened while Mary Magdalene runs back to tell the disciples.

End scene 2

Scene 3
The empty tomb

Peter and John are still at the house everyone else is gone. There is a knock at the door.

Knock, Knock 

Peter – (Whispers through the door) Who is it?

Mary Magdalene – It’s Mary, Mary Magdalene.

Peter opens the door

Peter – What’s wrong?

Mary M. – They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!

Peter and John start off running to the tomb. They run right past Mary who is still sitting on the rock crying. John gets there first he bends over and looks in but does not enter. Peter shows up and enters the tomb.

Peter – Look here are the strips of linen and the burial cloth that was wrapped around his body. Why are these things here and who folded them up like this?

John enters the tomb and inspects the grave clothes. He falls on the floor and gives glory to God.

John – Peter, don’t you see what has happened here? It all makes sense now. The masters said destroy this temple and in three days, I will raise it back up again. Peter, the Lord is risen, He’s alive Peter, He’s alive!

Both of them get up and leave the tomb. They are so excited they do not see Mary sitting on the rock weeping. She gets up and goes over to the tomb again to look inside. When she looks in there are two angels sitting where Jesus body was laid. One at the head and one at the foot. 

Angel 1 – Woman why are you crying?

Mary – They have taken my Lord away, and I don’t know where they have placed him. (After saying this, she turns around and sees Jesus standing there. She does not realize it is him) 

Jesus – Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?

Mary – Sir are you the Gardner? If you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him and I will get him.

Jesus – Mary.

Mary – Rabboni (or Teacher)

Jesus – Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.

End scene 3

Scene 4
Back at the house

Peter and John are back at the house with a few of the other disciples when Mary M. and the other Mary knock on the door. 

Peter – (opens the door.) Come in

Mary – (Excited) I have seen the Lord he is alive!

John – What, you saw him…where.

Mary – He was at the tomb right after you left. He told me to tell you that he was returning to his Father and your Father. His God and your God.

Jesus comes and stands in there midst. 

Jesus – Peace be with you. (Everyone is shocked to see him; they think they are looking at a ghost.)

Jesus – Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.

The disciples are overcome with joy and amazement.

Jesus – As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven, If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.

End Scene 4
Scene 5
Jesus appears to Thomas 

Thomas enters the house to find everyone happy.

Thomas – What’s going on everyone? You all seem different, happy. What happened since I was last here?

Luke – We saw the master. He’s alive!

Everyone – Yes, he’s alive we saw him!

Thomas – Come on he’s dead. John you were there you saw him die on that cross. Have you all gone mad.

John – Thomas, were telling you the truth. He was here, you have to believe us.

Thomas – Look, unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails marks were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.

Jesus appears behind Thomas 

Jesus – Peace be with you! Thomas, put your finger here, see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.

Thomas – (Excited) My Lord and my God!

Jesus – Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed.

The End

Easter Collection
Games and Activities in celebration of Easter.

Get more than 80 creative ideas for planning a Youth Easter celebration or Easter Party. You can immediately download my best Easter Icebreakers, games, illustrations, Easter activity ideas AND MUCH MORE in a useful ebook!

=> Tell me more about the Easter Collection

By Rob Heverling (robhev@yahoo.com)

Used with Permission

Steve is standing up front moving boxes around as if he is cleaning up when his friend Nate walks into the scene carrying a big heavy cross.

Nate- (out of breath) Hey Steve!

Steve – Hey Nate (looking at Nate curiously) uh…what are you doing with that cross Nate?

Nate – Oh this thing. (Struggling to talk as he drags the cross across the floor) Well I have been doing a lot of reading lately. You see I decided the other day that I needed to do more for Jesus. So one of the things I decided to do more of was read the bible.

Steve – Oh! Well that’s great sounds like you have finally realized that the bible is important to the believer. But why the cross?

Nate – Well I was reading about some of the things Jesus said and this one verse really stood out…I think it was in Matthew, where Jesus says, “if anyone wishes to come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me”. I read that and thought Hey that’s me…I want to follow Jesus so I went out and made this beauty in the back yard and well now I’m following Jesus just like he said I should.

Steve – Nate I don’t think that is quite what Jesus had in mind when he said you should take up your cross.

Nate – huh, what do you mean?

Steve– Well Nate what I think Jesus was saying is if you want to follow him you need to deny or forget about the things that you want and think more about doing things the way God wants you too. That’s what he meant Nate about taking up your cross; he was talking about sacrificing your life for him. You got part of it right though, your in the word God wants us all in his word because that’s where we learn how God wants us to live, you were just a little off on your interpretation of what it was really saying.

Nate – Oh…so you’re saying I really don’t need the cross.

Steve – That would be correct Nate.

Nate turns and heads quickly up the center isle dragging the cross.

Steve – Nate where are you going?

Nate – I have to get this home quick, I didn’t have any wood around the house so I kind of used parts of my neighbors fence to make it. If I hurry, I may be able to put it back together before he gets home from work. I’ll talk to you later.

The end

MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

Learn More…

From Johanan, Collector at Magdala
to
Zaechaeus, Commissioner of Taxes at Jericho
Dear Zaccheus,

I have had Jesus, the prophet of Nazareth, to dinner today, and a number of our friends came to meet him. I promised to let you know what happened, but I promised too much. I will tell you when I can, but it is only an hour since he went, and he has left me full of thoughts. As you know, I was rather nervous about the whole affair. First thing this morning, I would have given a good deal to stop the dinner altogether. You and I often say that our sort of people are no worse than other folk, but when I went over the invitations in my mind, I couldn’t help feeling that we were strange company for such a man as Jesus. I wondered what would happen if Reuben began talking the way he does sometimes, and I meant to give him a hint before the meal began, however, I did not get an opportunity, and as it happened, there was no need, Reuben wasn’t himself today.

Well, Jesus came. What is he like?

If you had asked me halfway through the dinner, I should have said that he was the nicest man I had ever met. But now I think, Oh, I don’t know what I think, except that I am not fit to touch his feet. Of course we were all very anxious to hear him talk. Reuben was hoping that he would give the Pharisees a dressing down, and made an opening for him, but Jesus never mentioned the Pharisees, and to tell the truth I believe we all forgot that there were such people. He seemed just as ready to listen as to talk, and what a listener he is. I have never met anyone who listens as he does. I happened to mention my boy, Benjamin, for we are wondering what trade to put him to, and of course we are rather anxious as there are not many openings for a publican’s son. Jesus was interested immediately, and asked me questions about the lad. He told me some things, too, about his own boyhood. I began to feel rather ashamed at last for you know it is very strange to meet some one who understands your own lad better than you do yourself. But does he understand boys!

I cannot tell you all the things we talked about. They were much the same kind of things you and I might speak of, but there was a difference. I found myself talking to him as though I had known him all my life. I began telling him – I can’t think how I did it – how I got into this business of ours, and I was explaining our difficulties and how impossible it always is to keep straight when everyone is trying to take advantage of you, especially in these hard times when the future is so uncertain and one must make provision while one can for wife and family. He just listened, and looked straight in my face as though he understood all I said – and all I didn’t say as well and as though he were sorry for us. He didn’t interrupt, or argue with me, but the more I looked at him, the more I wished I had never got into the cursed business and the more I wished I could begin again.

You will think it ridiculous, but as he sat there, I wondered why we were not all like him. We were all sick, and he alone was well. I remembered the time when you and I were boys together, and I felt that we had missed the road. If I had been alone with him, I think I should have made a clean breast of it, and asked him what to do. He could see that my feelings were getting out of hand. They say in the town that Johanan has no feelings, and I half believed them until today. But really the tears were in my eyes, and I had such a longing, and felt so helpless. And Jesus said to me, as though he understood everything. “Don’t be afraid, think it over again, and remember your Heavenly Father knows what you need. Don’t lose your life in trying to save it.” Do you see what he meant?

Well, the meal, ended, and I was bidding him goodbye at the door, when the girl, Rachel – perhaps you guess her trade came up to the door, and I felt the blood rush to my cheeks, lest she should show that she knew me. But she had-eyes only for Jesus. Some of his friends drew back when they saw her, but Jesus said only this, “Don’t do it any more.” She stood gazing after him as he went, then covered her face with her hand, and ran down the street. As for me, I watched him until he was out of sight, and had hard work not to run after him. He is on his way to Jerusalem, and is to pass through Jericho. I mentioned you to him. Be sure to see him, Don’t let anything stop you.

Peace be with you.
Johanan
P. 5. Benjamin has just come in. You would love that boy, Zacchaeus. I must be a better father to him. Do you remember the first time you and I went up to the temple? We were Benjamin’s age. Do you remember how we all sang as we went up:

“Who Jail ascend into the hill of the Lord?
He that hath clean hands and a pure heart.”

We have missed our way, Zacchaeus, but I think, since Jesus was here, that God has not altogether cast us off. Do you think we could begin again?

MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

Learn More…

Ever had done of those days when it seemed you couldn’t win no matter what you tried?

Characters

• a mechanical quick-draw cowboy dressed in full cowboy attire
• Three employees

Props
Two gun holsters and six-shooter play guns with blanks.

The Skit
The only person with lines is the mechanical quick-draw cowboy. His lines should be spoken in a mechanical manner:

“Howdy Buckaroo. So you think you can beat me, eh? Put on the holster at my feet and on the count of three, draw! Are you ready? One… Two. . .Three!”

The skit begins with the two warehouse employees rolling in a mechanical slot-machine “cowboy” for storage. The extra gun-and-¬holster set is placed beneath the foot of the mechanical “cowboy:”

One of the two then gets the inspiration to try his luck. He reads the instructions printed on the chest of the mechanical man and then places a coin in the coin slot. The robot winds up and gives the memorized spiel.

The employee is unable to pick up the extra gun and holster set because it’s trapped under the boot of the mechanical cowboy. He panics and turns to run as the robot counts to three and shoots him.

The other employee then decides to show him how it is done, lifts the robot’s leg and puts on the gun before inserting a coin. He even practices his quick-draw skills several times. Feeling quite secure with himself, he inserts another coin. The message is repeated but this time the gun sticks in the holster and he is also shot.

For the final attempt, the last employee gets the gun, stands to the side of the mechanical cowboy and holds his gun to the robot’s head. When he inserts the coin, the robot repeats the message except that this time the mechanical cowboy winds down in the middle of “two” as if his battery went dead. The employee bangs on the robot a couple of times to get him moving again, but no response. Disgusted, he takes off the gun, sets it down at the robot’s feet and turns to walk off.

The robot then suddenly comes back to life with the rest of the pre-recorded message, says “three;” and shoots the final employee.

Source: Not sure where this skit originated from. I remember it from camp as a youth more than 20 years ago!

MORE IDEAS? See “Creative Object Lessons”

200 page e-book that explains everything you need to know when planning your very own object lessons. It contains 90 fully developed object lesson ideas and another 200 object lesson starter ideas based on Biblical idioms and Names / Descriptions of God.

Learn More…