Mourning For Jesus
By Michael English
Summary: This sketch begins by
looking at the feelings of the women as, early on Easter Sunday morning, they went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. Death touches us all. When it does we need a chance to grieve. The sketch leads into a simple dramatisation
of Matthew 28:2-6 (included), but could be used in other ways.
Bible Reference: Matthew 28:1-6.
Characters: Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome
Props: Jars of spices.
Setting: A garden with an empty tomb.
Narrator: After the Sabbath was over, Salome, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James brought spices to anoint the body of Jesus.
Mary Magdalene and
Mary enter. They have each got some jars
of ointment and spices.
Mary M: Come along Salome.
Salome: (Enters yawning). Oh all right, Mary. Why did we have to get up so early? It's not dawn yet.
Mary M: You know why. It's dangerous.
Salome: No need to snap.
(Mary M bursts into tears.)
Salome: Now what?
(Mary comforts Mary M)
Mary: (To Salome) We're all a bit on edge after... You know.
Mary M: I'm sorry, but I was with Jesus in Galilee.
Salome: You were a show girl weren't you?
Mary M: And what of it? It didn't worry Jesus! He taught us that God loved ordinary people, even people like me.
Salome: Do you know what my mother would say if she knew I was here with a showgirl?
Mary: Salome!
Mary M: No she's right. Come on. We must get to the tomb before it gets light.
(They begin to move on.)
Salome: What was it like with Jesus in Galilee?
Mary M: Amazing. All the healings... And the way he taught. We never expected a local boy to have so much knowledge of God.
Mary: And then he went to Jerusalem. I told him not to go. I knew there would be trouble.
Salome: But that was where I met him. He made more sense than the Temple Priests. Everyone thought so. I liked him.
Mary: I warned Jesus. I expected the Chief Priests would do something nasty.
Mary M: Have him whipped or imprisoned. I never thought they would actually kill him.
Mary: And it all happened so quickly. One moment he was teaching in the Temple, the next thing I knew he was on trial.
Salome: I was in the crowd. I saw Pilate wash his hands. Innocent he said. But they wouldn't take no for an answer. All everyone did was shout "Crucify, crucify, crucify!" I tried to make them listen, but no one would take any notice. I really tried... He hadn't done anything wrong.
Mary: It was the day before yesterday.
Mary M: But it seems like forever.
Mary: (Pointing) I think his tomb is the one over there. That's where they took him, after...
Mary M. But we forgot the stone! Who's going to move the stone?
Narrator: As they arrived at the tomb there was a great earthquake. An angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightening and his clothing white as snow. The guards were so afraid that they fell down as if dead.
Angel: Do not be afraid. Jesus is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Go quickly and tell his friends he's alive. He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.
Narrator: So they left the tomb quickly, with fear and great joy, and ran to tell the disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them.
Jesus: Peace be with you. Do not be afraid. Go and tell my friends to go to Galilee. They will see me there.
This script is Copyright 2002 Michael English, All Saints Milton. Permission is given to use this drama in non-profit making church events provided the source is acknowledged. Some editing may be required to suit local conditions. Please let us know if you have any comments.