Summary: Mary receives a surprise visit from a Roman soldier one year after the crucifixion of Jesus.
Style: Dramatic. Duration: 5min
Actors: 1M, 1F
Characters
Mary
Soldier
Script
(The setting is a year after the crucifixion. Mary is home doing things in the kitchen. There is a knock at the door.)
Mary: Who is it?
Soldier: I'm a soldier....in need of help.
Mary: (She opens the door) May I help you? (wary of him)
Soldier: I was wondering - are you the mother of the one they call Jesus?
Mary: Yes, I am. Why do you ask?
Soldier: I need to know if He was what they say he is. I need.... peace about him.
(She allows him to enter. Offers him a chair. He refuses to sit instead paces the room.)
Soldier: I have served Rome all of my life - considered it a privilege! I started in my youth. I've done many things - good and bad in her name. I did my duty and was proud to do so. Now I'm not so sure. I've carried out many crucifixions - it never bothered me - they were criminals! They were a threat to Rome! But this Jesus....he was different. He died like no other one that I have ever seen. Why? ... Why was he so different?... I must know!
Mary: I too have wondered these things. Ever since the Angel came to tell me that I would bear him -- the Son of God. (Soldier is shocked) There was a census that year - we all had to go to the place where we were born. Joseph - my husband - and I went to Bethlehem. It was so crowded - and the baby was about to be born! There was no place for us to stay but an inn keeper took pity on us and let us stay in the stable. That night there was a star....a special star!! It hung over the stable where we stayed.
Soldier: (excited) A star? Was it very bright and didn't move? It was there for many nights! I was a youth - just starting in the army.
Mary: It was a special night. We had many visitors that night - shepherds and sheep. Many days later - three wise men! They brought gifts and told us they were here to see the new born King!
Soldier: The new born King? King Herod sent us to find him! (Sits down at the table.) He wanted him killed! (ashamed)
Mary: An Angel warned us of this. We had to flee to Egypt for safety. Jesus was a special child so full of wisdom. When he was older the scholars in the temple were astounded by his knowledge. He was always full of peace.
Soldier: This peace..this is what I need....He suffered more than any I have seen and yet He didn't complain. Didn't scream that he was innocent...or blame anyone for his pain. They beat him so much that he didn't look - human! (emphasize) He just stayed quiet. He didn't even cry out when they put that crown on his head! That crown was full of huge thorns that were jammed into his head! And the cross..it was so heavy and full of splinters that cut into his flesh!! He couldn't see with the blood running in his eyes. And still he didn't say a thing! (Softly, hides head in hands) Not even when I put the nails in his hands and feet!
Mary: That was you?!
Soldier: (ashamed, can't look at Mary) Yes.
Mary: (touches his hand) He forgave you. (softly)
Soldier: No - how could he?
Mary: Didn't you hear him? He asked his heavenly Father to forgive them for they know not what they do..... HE FORGAVE YOU!!
Soldier: How could he? I caused him so much pain! I've done so many horrible things in the name of Rome!
Mary: That's why He came. He came to be the Savior of the world! He was born to pay the price for us all. He loves you!!
Soldier: Then it's true! (stands) Truly he is the Son of God!! Thank you..THANK YOU!!! (He leaves the stage).
(Mary exits.)
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© Copyright Susan Ticknor, all rights reserved. The script may not be
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