A Costly Business

By David Winfield

Summary

A dialogue for two persons - based upon ‘The Disciple’ by Juan Carlos Ortiz. A new disciple discovers what the real cost is of following Christ.

Cast

2 narrators

Script

1.  Any of you,
2.  ... said Jesus,
1.   ... who does not give up everything they have, cannot be my disciple.
2.  Lord, I’d really like to be one of your followers. I’ve been thinking it over for some time now and I’ve come to the point of making a ‘decision’; I think that’s what they call it. So from here on in you can count on me.
1.  That’s most commendable; but have you considered the cost?
2.  You mean there’s an admission charge! (Laughter, which then fades out embarrassingly) No, seriously - uh - cost?
1.  It’s not easy being one of my disciples, there are sacrifices involved.
2.  Not goats and ewe lambs and turtle doves and that sort of thing? I thought that had gone out years ago, centuries even.
1.  No, not all the blood and the gore. I always found that somewhat unnecessary, not to say messy. Livestock are no longer required - but other sacrifices are.
2.  Well you just say the word and it’ll be fine by me. Nothing’s too good for you Lord, not now that I’m one of your team.
1.  I’m really pleased to hear that and I hope you’re serious. So let’s see what we’ve got shall we?
2.  Lay it on me Lord! What would you like to have?
1.  Well, I don’t want to startle you but in fact I’ll take everything.
2.  Everything?
1.  Everything.
2.  Everything - right. (pause) Everything?
1.  I think we’re clear about the word. Would it help if we made a list?
2.  Why not? I think I’ve got a pencil (extracts from pocket), and some paper (pulls out a small scrap and displays proudly).
1.  (providing a large sheet or roll of paper) Perhaps this might suit our purposes better.
2.  Oh! (embarrassed) Right - yes - of course.
(Pause as each looks at the other, waiting for the next move)
2. (hesitantly) So I’ll begin shall I?
1.  That’s the story.
2.  Let’s just check that I’ve got this right - you want to know what I’ve got that I’m going to give up for you.
1. (nods patiently - the message is at last getting through)
2.  Ok. Well I just got my bank statement, just yesterday so let’s see ... (pulls out of pocket) Here we are - $2,388.57. You’d like - uh - all of that?
1.  Correct. Any loose change?
2.  Oh! (pulls out wallet) Yes, ten, twenty, twenty-five dollars.
1. (looks knowingly and 2. with slightly guilty look, reaches into pocket)
2.  ... and sixty cents.
1.  Fine. And what else do you have?
2.  There’s my car but I doubt you’d want that, I’ve been having loads of bother with my fuel lines. (looks at 1. hopefully)
2. (resigned) You’d like the car. Guess I’ll just have to get the scooter out of the back shed now. (awareness dawns) You want the scooter too. I get it.
1.  You just mentioned a shed?
2.  Yes, it’s down the back of my section. The shed? You want the shed?
1.  The section would be nice as well.
2.  Where am I going to put my ......... not the house as well? All the furniture, too, I suppose. You’re a hard man. Next thing you know I’ll be sleeping in my camper. (realizes what he has admitted to) Oh no! How will I explain all this to my wife?
1.  You have a wife?
2.  Yes, Deidre. And two little ones. Look here’s a photo. (pulls out wallet again) That’s Tim and that’s Sarah.
(1. holds out his hand expectantly)
2. My family? You’re not serious. You’re going to leave me penniless and on my own? How did I get into all this?
1.  I believe it was something to do with wanting to be a disciple.
2.  Well, yes. But somehow I thought it might be a bit easier than all this. You know, just popping down to church from time to time, putting a few bob in the plate. Turning up for the occasional working bee. This is a whole lot different.
1.  Having second thoughts?
2.  No. (less convincing) No. Well - perhaps. Oh, I don’t know.
1.  I’m still very keen to have you with me. But I did say from the outset that there was sacrifice involved.
2.  Yes, I know you did. (aside) Slitting a goat’s throat would be a whole lot easier.
1.  Pardon?
2.  Oh, nothing. Just thinking out loud.
1.  So where have you come to?
2.  A state of poverty I should have thought.
1. Yes - and no.
2.  Huh?
1.  It’s not quite as bad as you might be imagining.
2.  (sarcastically) Oh right! You take everything I’ve got and then tell me it could be worse. How’s that - planning on giving me a few plagues in return? A nice case of boils or a dose of mad cow disease?
1.  Don’t get all bitter and twisted. You were the one who came to me - remember? Now it’s true - I have asked for everything. Your family, home, money, possessions - all mine now. But, I would like you to use them, enjoy them. I’m not taking them away. They can all stay with you. But don’t forget they are mine - as you are too. So don’t get any inflated ideas about ownership - that’s not your place.
2.  (thinking deeply and nods head slowly) Right. (pause) You really want the shed?
 ...........................................
Copyright David Winfield 2001, all rights reserved.
This script may be used free, provided no entrance fee is charged. In return for free performance, the author would like to be told when the script is used. He may be contacted at davenjo@xtra.co.nz