Passion Script

Introduction

Reader 1: Passion

Reader 2: Webster uses these words to define passion:

Reader 1: a ruling emotion;

Reader 2: an intense feeling;

Reader 1: outside of mere reason;

Reader 2: a strong, deep emotion;

Reader 1: rage;

Reader 2: undying love and affection;

Reader 1: sorrow;

Reader 2: grief;

Reader 1: a driving force of intent;

Readers 1 & 2: the suffering of Christ.

Reader 1: God calls us to fellowship in His suffering,

Reader 2: so self can find its way to the cross.

Reader 1: So we can find inexplicable joy in the sacrifice of self.

(pause)

Readers 3 & 4: The disciples had little knowledge that night of the Passover meal.

Reader 2: Some thought it to be a coronation.

Reader 1: Some thought it would be the eve of a battle or revolution.

Reader 1: Only Jesus knew.

Reader 2: He “knew that the time had come for him to leave this world,”

Reader 1: to experience the greatest pain and deepest emotion any human had ever, or
would ever, experience.

Reader 2: At this time of His greatest need, Jesus got up from the feast “and wrapped a
towel around his waist.”

Reader 3: Master, please sit down!

Reader 4: What are You doing?

Reader 3: You’re our leader.

Reader 4: Put the towel back on the rack.

Reader 1: “After that, he poured water into a basin.”

Reader 3: Wait a minute, Jesus. We’ve seen You visit with lepers, Samaritans, and children. We’ve seen You spit in mud and deliver deranged demoniacs, but this is really
uncalled for.

Reader 4: You don’t have to prove anything to us.

Jesus: What did you say?

Reader 4: I said, You don’t have to prove anything to us.

Reader 1: Jesus knelt at the feet of one of His disciples, whose feet were callused, scarred,
and dusty from years of travel, and He began to wash them.

Reader 3: Why are You doing this?

Reader 4: Is this another prophecy You are trying to fulfill?

Reader 3: We know You are good; You don’t have to prove it to us.

Jesus: That’s not why I’m doing this, James,

Reader 2: He said as He moved to the next disciple.

Reader 1: Aholy silence fell over the room. Only the sound of the water, the basin, the rag, and an occasional sob from those to whom He ministered.

Reader 2: He came to Peter, who stood up and shouted.

Reader 4: “‘No!…you shall never wash my feet.’”

Reader 1: Jesus whispered,

Jesus: “‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.’”

Readers 3 & 4: Peter and the other 11 still didn’t get it.

Jesus: “‘Do you understand what I have done for you?…You call me “Teacher” and Lord,” and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.’”

(shadow play dissolves)

Reader 1: Jesus Christ—

Reader 2: Son of God,

Reader 1: Lord of the universe—

Reader 2: in His greatest time of human need,

Reader 1: in His greatest moment of passion,

Reader 2: served

Reader 1: with desire,

Reader 2: love,

Reader 1: sorrow,

Reader 2: passion.

Reader 1: A passion for service.

Reader 2: A passion for care.

Reader 1: A passion for people.

Reader 2: “Who, being in very nature God,”

Reader 1: “did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,”

Reader 2: “but made himself”

Reader 1: “nothing,”

Reader 2: “taking the very nature of a servant,”

Reader 1: “being made in human likeness.”

Reader 2: “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself”

Reader 1: “and became obedient to death—”

Reader 2: “even death on a cross!”

All Readers: Who will follow His leading?

Reader 1: Who will say,

Reader 2: I cannot “serve two masters.” For if I do, I “will hate the one and love the other.” I “will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” I “cannot serve both God and Money.”

Reader 3: I was not created to be served, but to serve.

Reader 2: To serve, not out of need for significance,

Reader 1: not for appearance,

Reader 4: not for salvation.

Reader 2: But to serve out of passion,

Reader 1: the passion portrayed that night—

Reader 3: with a towel,

Reader 1: a basin,

Reader 4: water,

Reader 3: and holy hands.

Reader 1: Passion

Reader 2: An intense feeling

Reader 3: Passion

Reader 1: Outside of mere reason

All Readers: Passion

Reader 2: A strong, deep emotion

All Readers: Passion

Reader 3: Undying love and affection

All Readers: Passion

Reader 1: God-anointed sorrow

All Readers: Passion

Reader 4: Grief

All Readers: Passion

Reader 1: A driving force of intent

All Readers: Passion

Reader 2: A driving passion to serve

Scripture: John 13:1,4-5,8,12-15; Philippians 2:6-8;
Matthew 6:24