Summary: After Jesus:’ baptism the Holy Spirit leads him out into the desert, where he spends 40 days and 40 nights with his Father preparing for his ministry. At the end of that time, the Bible says, he was hungry (no kidding!). The Devil appears, wanting to stick his oar in.
Style: Light-hearted. Duration: 6min
Scripture: Luke 4:1-13
Actors: 2M
Script
Devil: Morning.
Jesus: Hello
Devil: What a lovely breakfast I just had.
Jesus: I’m very pleased for you.
Devil: How was yours?
Jesus: I can’t quite recall. It was a long time ago.
Devil: Doing anything interesting?
Jesus: Well, since you ask, yes actually.
Devil: Yes….and…
Jesus: As it happens, bringing God’s kingdom into the world.
Devil: Oh. [pause, not looking happy]. You know, there are lots of ways you can become a king.
Jesus: That’s not quite what I meant.
Devil: OK, but look – you’re hungry – lots of people are hungry – you’re the Son of God – turn these stones into bread, give people easy food and they’ll make you king in a jiffy [snaps fingers].
Jesus: The Bible says real life, kingdom of God life, is about more than just bread – it’s about following God’s word, even if that’s hard sometimes.
Devil: Is that what the Bible says – how nice. Well, how about this. Come with me up this mountain – look – there are all the kingdoms of the world – I can give you all that political power – just call me god, do as I say, and I’ll make you a king [snaps fingers] just like that!
Jesus: Another thing the Bible says is only God is God, so don’t treat anyone else as if they were God. So don’t get your hopes up. I’m not interested in short-cuts.
Devil: Bully for you. Seriously, though, if you really have got God on your side, surely setting up this kingdom will be easy. Just do something spectacular – throw yourself off the temple in the middle of Jerusalem and when God saves you from crashing into the floor everyone will see you’re the “Son of God” and there you are [snaps fingers] king!
Jesus: I guess that’s why the Bible says don’t test God – don’t do things to show off that he is with you, instead trust him and trust his promises – so that’s what I’m going to do.
Devil: Oh, very smart – suit yourself. I’m off for a cappuccino and a donut – but I’ll be back.
....................................................................................
© Copyright David McLachlan, all rights reserved. The script may not be reproduced, translated or copied in any medium, including books, CDs and on the Internet, without written permission of the author.
This play may be performed free of charge, on the condition that copies are not sold for profit in any medium, nor any entrance fee charged. In exchange for free performance, the author would appreciate being notified of when and for what purpose the play is performed. He may be contacted at: