For the past six months I have been teaching a faith development and Bible class for middle schoolers at the Peace and Justice Academy here in Pasadena. (See http://www.thepeaceacademy.org/ms/) I've used a variety of teaching techniques--powerpoints, videos, art activities, field trips, etc. to engage students and show the connection between the Bible and social justice and peace. The kids also take part in events like the Palm Sunday Peace Parade, which give them a sense that the Bible message is not confined to the church but can be lived out in the streets and in the community. (see http://laquaker.blogspot.com/2012/03/palm-sunday-peace-paradea-life-changing.html This week I was inspired to write some skits for the kids to perform. Please feel free to use these skits in your Sunday or First Day School.
Jesus’
Entry into Jerusalem
Based
on Luke 19: 28-41
Actors: Two of Jesus’ disciples,
Peter and John, are waiting for Jesus, standing slightly apart from the crowd
(4 people).
John: “Is he here yet?”
Peter: “No, he’s probably off
somewhere healing someone who’s sick. You know how he is.”
John: “It’s getting late. The
crowds are restless.”
Peter: “Look! Isn’t that
Jesus? What is it he’s riding on?”
John: “Looks like a donkey to
me.”
Peter (rolling his eyes): “A
donkey? That’s impressive.”
As Jesus arrives on a donkey, someone
in the crowd begins to shout: “Jesus is coming to save us. He’ll cure the sick. Bring the dead back to life.
Drive out the Romans!”
The crowd begins to shout: “Hosannah
in the highest. Hail, our king Jesus.!”
Peter: “Wow! The crowds are going
wild, throwing down their cloaks like he’s their king. Let’s shout with them.”
Crowd follows Jesus around,
shouting. Peter and John shout the loudest of all.
A Pharisee steps aside and watches
with disapproval. When the procession stops, he says to Jesus.
“You better keep your followers under control or you’ll get into
trouble.”
Jesus replies calmly: “If they
keep quiet, these very stones would start shouting.”
The Pharisees shakes his head, disgusted.
Jesus then points to the city and
says:
“Jerusalem, it’s too bad that today your people don’t know what will
bring them peace! Now it is hidden from them. Jerusalem, the time will come
when your enemies will build walls around you and attack you. Armies will
surround you and close in on you from every side. They will level you to the ground
and kill your people. Not one stone in your buildings will be left on top of
another.”
The Pharisee
walks away, muttering: “This guy is bad news. If he talks like this, he
won’t last long.”
Questions:
- How did you feel as you played your role?
- What part of this story did you like the most?
- What part would you like to see left out?
- How do Peter and John feel about Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey?
- Why are the people so excited? What do they expect from Jesus?
- What is the Pharisee’s reaction to Jesus? Why do you think he tells Jesus to make this followers be quiet?
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