Style: Lighthearted Duration: 7m,in
Scripture: Matt 13:45-46. Jesus said, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went and sold everything he had and bought that Pearl".
Actors: 1M, 1F
Characters
Lorna - a jeweller
Simon – a businessman
Props
The Pearl
A calculator
Script
(The setting is meant to be a jeweller’s shop but a plain stage is all that is needed. You will need something to represent the pearl; we have found a white balloon to be effective (the sketch is meant to be funny)
(Lorna on Stage. Simon enters.)
Simon: Good morning, Lorna
Lorna: Good morning, Simon. I was hoping you would call in. I've got something very special to show you. You really are serious about that pearl collection of yours, aren’t you?’
S: Yes, I want my collection to be the very finest I can afford.
L: Well, just look at this (shows pearl)
S: (Reacts) Lorna, it's - it's amazing. It's magnificent. It's the largest and most beautiful pearl I've ever seen.
L: It's the best ever, Simon.
S: It's perfect. It's flawless.
L: Do you want it?
S: Do I want it? Of course I want it. (Regretfully) But it'll be too much. I could never afford a pearl like that.
L: I'm not so sure. It depends how badly you want it and how much you're prepared to pay.
S: I do want it. It's fabulous.
L: So, how much money have you got?
S: Well, er, in total, in the banks, about (Whispers) but surely that won't be enough.
L: No, but haven't you got some investments?
S: Yes, I checked them this morning and they’re worth about (Whispers) at the moment.
L: Then there’s your pearl collection. If you had this one Pearl, it would be better than all the others put together.
S: You know as well as I do how much that's worth. But is it enough?
L: (uses calculator) Let's see. It's not nearly enough yet, Simon. We're talking big money for this pearl. How much is your house worth?
S: My house? The one next door sold for (whispers) a few months ago.
L: That's better. But you'll still need to find more.
S: I've got a car. In fact I've got two cars.
L: Hmm. We'll have to allow for depreciation (uses calculator) It's still not enough.
S: If you've got my house, how about all the furniture?
L: Yes, that's better. But I still need more.
S: Wait a minute. If I sell you my house and furniture, where will I live? What will happen to my wife and children?
L: Your family? Don't worry. I'll take them off your hands. You know, the one thing that the modern businesswoman needs is a wife. I'll give you a good price for yours. When I’m in the shop all day and working on the accounts in the evening, it’s so difficult to keep up with the shopping, the cooking and the cleaning. (Uses calculator) It's looking good, Simon, but not quite enough. Have you got anything else to offer?
S: You've got my money, my house, my cars and everything. All I've got left is the clothes I stand up in.
L: Your clothes. Hmm. That's a very nice suit you're wearing, and I like the tie, and the shoes. (Uses calculator) Yes, I think that's just about it. Do you still want the pearl?
S: Yes - yes I really do.
L: Here it is then (gives Pearl to Simon) And you can keep everything else as well.
S: I can?
L: Yes. But just remember, it all belongs to me. If I need any ready cash, I'll come to you; if I need a car, I use yours; if I have friends coming to stay, I put them up at your house. Remember, everything that's yours belongs to me.
(Both freeze)
(We have found it helpful if Matthew 13:45-46 is read at the end of the sketch, to reinforce that it is based on Jesus’ teaching.)
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