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The Cherished Cross
The Jewish Leaders Plot Against Jesus (Matthew 26)
Introduction: Taken from Matthew 25
Narrator: And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, about the 10 virgins, about feeding strangers, about everlasting punishment, about everlasting punishment, and or the everlasting kingdom, Jesus said to His disciples.
Jesus: (enter talking softly to the 12 about Matthew 25 as the narrator is speaking) You know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
(Jesus and the 12 exit)
Narrator: ([John 11:45 ~ Envy and Jealousy ]) (Enter Priests, scribes, elders) Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas. They had earlier met with the Pharisees after Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. They were concerned about what to do for Jesus did many miracles. If they left Him alone, all men would believe on him: and the Romans would come and take away both their place and their nation. Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, had told them that they know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. He spoke this not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad. Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death. (Enter Chief Priest, Scribes, and the Elders)
Chief Priest: I’ve called together this meeting for one reason and one reason only. Something has to be done about this man Jesus. He has to be silenced, and the only way we can do this is to kill Him.
Scribes, and the Elders: We can’t do this, Not on the day of the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.
(Exit Chief Priest, Scribes, and the Elders) (Enter Jesus, Disciples, Simon the leper, and the Woman with the Alabaster Box)
Narrator: Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on Jesus’ head, as he sat at meat. When his disciples saw it, they had much indignation about it.
Judas: To what purpose is this waste? For this ointment might have been sold for a lot of money, and given to the poor.
Narrator: Judas said this not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was the treasurer and held the bag with the money and could help himself at anytime to that money. Jesus, thou said to the disciples.
Jesus: Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
(They all exit)
Narrator: Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them. (Enter Judas and the Chief Priests)
Judas: What will ye give me, and I will deliver Jesus unto you?
Narrator: The Chief Priests covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time Judas sought opportunity to betray Jesus. (All Exit)
Narrator: Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus and said:
Disciples: Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
Jesus: Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples. Narrator: The disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover. When the evening was come, Jesus sat down with the twelve. And Jesus said.
Jesus: One of you shall betray me.
Narrator: And they were exceeding sorrowful, and began every one of them to say to Jesus.
Disciples (11 taking turns ~ not Judas) Lord, is it I? Jesus: The one that dippeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Judas: Master, is it I? Jesus: Thou hast said.
Narrator: As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said.
Jesus: Take, eat; this is my body.
Narrator: And Jesus took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying.
Jesus: Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.
Narrator: And after the sop Satan entered into Judas. Then said Jesus unto him.
Jesus: That thou doest, do quickly. (John 13:27-38) (Judas Exits) Narrator: Now no man at the table knew for what intent Jesus spake this unto Judas. For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. Judas then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night. Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said.
Jesus: Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Narrator: Matthew 26 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. Then saith Jesus unto them.
Jesus: All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
Peter: Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.
Jesus: Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter: (Mark 14:31) (But Peter spake the more vehemently) If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise.
Narrator: Likewise also said all the disciples. (I may have to die with you. But I will never say I don't know you.) Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
Narrator: Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples,
Jesus: Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.
Narrator: And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them.
Jesus: My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me and Pray that ye enter not into temptation. (Some verses are from Luke 22:40 -44)
Narrator: And Jesus was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying.
Jesus: Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Narrator: And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter. Jesus: Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Narrator: Jesus went away again the second time, and prayed, saying.
Jesus: O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
Narrator: And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them,
Jesus: Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.
(Judas enters with a great arresting multitude with swords and staves)
Narrator: And while Jesus yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying.
Judas to the arresting multitude: Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. Judas to Jesus: Hail, master (and Judas kissed Jesus)
Jesus: Friend, wherefore art thou come?
Narrator: Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him. And, behold, Peter drew his sword, and struck Malchus, the servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. (John 18:10)
Jesus to Peter: Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
Narrator: And Jesus touch the man’s ear and healed it.
Jesus to the multitudes: Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.
Narrator: But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. (Exit all the 11 disciples rush out one way.) (Multitude and Judas exit with Jesus out another way)
Jesus Before the Council (Matthew 26:57)
Narrator: The Multitudes that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. (Peter follows afar off) But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end. The chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death.
Chief priests, and elders, and all the council: We need two that will bear false witness against Jesus. Just two. (Begging for two)
Narrator: But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, And said.
First False Witness: This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
Second False Witness: He said the exact same thing to me. That He was able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
Narrator: They thought that Jesus spoke of the temple that it took them forty-six years to build, but Jesus spoke of His Body. But the high priest rose and said.
High Priest: Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?
Narrator: But Jesus held his peace, And the high priest answered and said unto him. High Priest: I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.
Jesus: Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Narrator: Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying.
High Priest: He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy. What think ye?
Chief priests, and elders, and all the council: He is guilty of death.
Narrator: Then did they spit in Jesus’ face, and buffeted Jesus; and others smote Jesus with the palms of their hands, Saying.
Chief priests, and elders, and all the council: Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?
Peter Denies Jesus
Narrator: Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying.
Damsel: Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. (The sound of a cock crowing for the first time)
Narrator: But he denied before them all, saying. Peter: (1st Denial) I know not what thou sayest.
Narrator: And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there.
Maid: This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.
Narrator: And again he denied with an oath. Peter: (2nd Denial) Narrator: And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter.
Those Standing By the fire: Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech bewrayeth thee.
Narrator: Then began Peter to curse and to swear, saying. Peter: (3rd Denial) I know not the man. Narrator: (The sound of a cock crowing for the second time) And immediately the cock crew. And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:61-65) Peter: (Exits weeping bitterly) Jesus is Taken to Pilate
Narrator: (Matthew 27) Early in the morning all the Chief Priests and the Elders made their plans against Jesus to put Him to death. They put Him inn chains and led Him off to handed Him over the Pilate, the Roman governor. In the mean time, Judas, which had betrayed Jesus, when he saw that Jesus was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying.
Judas: I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.
Chief Priests and Elders: What is that to us? see thou to that.
Narrator: And Judas cast down the 30 pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me. (John 17:12) Jesus later stated that none of the twelve were lost but the son of perdition, that the scriptures might be fulfilled. Pilate then said unto Jesus. Pilate: (Matthew 27) Art thou the King of the Jews?
Jesus: Thou sayest.
Pilate: Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee?
Narrator: And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.
Jesus Is Sentenced to Death Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. They had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them.
Pilate: Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas or Jesus which is called Christ?
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Narrator: For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, (Pilate's wife enters and whispers into the Messenger's ear.)
Messenger sent Pilate’s wife’s message: Governor, your wife sends this message, “Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him”.
Narrator: But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them.
Pilate: Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? Crowd: Barabbas.
Pilate: What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ?
Crowd: Let him be crucified.
Pilate: Why, what evil hath he done?
Crowd: Let him be crucified. Narrator: When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying.
Pilate: I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Crowd: His blood be on us, and on our children. Narrator: Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
Soldiers Make Fun of Jesus
Narrator: Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying
Soldiers: Hail, King of the Jews!
Narrator: And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.
Jesus is Crucified (Song~ Were You There)
(Soldiers with Jesus. Jesus starts down aisle carrying His own Cross ~ falling and getting up, falling and getting up, falling and getting up)
Narrator: And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear Jesus’ cross. And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. Narrator: (John 19) Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate.
Chief Priest: Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.
Pilate: What I have written I have written.
Narrator: Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves.
Soldiers: (four soldiers) Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: (on floor pretending to throw dice) Narrator: This was done that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.
Narrator: Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left. And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads.
Passerby, Priest, Scribes and Elders: Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. (Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, ~ take turns saying) Jesus: (Luke 23:34) Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
Chief Priests, Scribes, and Elders: He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves, one on each side spoke.
Narrator: And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying. Malefactor # 1: (Luke 23:39-43) If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
Narrator: But the other answering rebuked him, saying. Malefactor #2: (To other malefactor) Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
Malefactor #2: (says to Jesus) Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Jesus: Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
(Lights Out…Music that will usher in the Spirit of God)
Narrator: Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying.
Jesus: Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Narrator: Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said
By-stander # 1: This man calleth for Elias.
Narrator: And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.
By-stander # 2: Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.
Jesus’ Mother and the Disciple Jesus Loved at the Cross
Narrator: (John 19) Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother.
Jesus to His Mother: Woman, behold thy son!
Jesus to John: Behold thy mother!
Narrator: And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith.
Jesus: I thirst.
Narrator: Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said.
Jesus: It is finished:
Narrator: Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. (Matthew 27:50)
(Song ~ He Would Not Come Down From the Cross)
Narrator: (Matthew 27) And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying.
Centurion: Truly this was the Son of God. The Burial of Jesus Narrator: (John 19) The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced. And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. Joseph came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre belonging to Joseph of Arimathaea, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus in borrowed tomb of Joseph of Arimathaea therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.
The Resurrection of Christ
Narrator: (Matthew 28) In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women.
Angel: Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. Narrator: And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, Jesus: All hail. Narrator: And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them.
Jesus: Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
Narrator: Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying.
Jesus: All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
The Conclusion:
To God Be The Glory I AM SOLD OUT. https://youtu.be/pTPDddFzl0I |