The Foolishness Of God
Drama
Thespian Theology
Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Cycle A
Object:
Thespian Theological Thoughts
Michael Card's wonderful song "God's Own Fool"1 has long been an inspiration to me -- because I'm a fool, you see. Card's lyrics show how Jesus played the fool to demonstrate that our assumptions and beliefs are often wrong and that much can be accomplished if, despite the seeming foolishness, we "believe the unbelievable" and become fools with and for Christ.
It seems I've imagined him all of my life
As the wisest of all of mankind,
But if God's holy wisdom is foolish to men,
He must've seemed out of his mind.
For even his family said he was mad,
And the priests said a demon's to blame,
But God, in the form of this angry young man,
Could not have seemed perfectly sane!
When we, in our foolishness, thought we were wise,
He played the fool, and he opened our eyes --
When we, in our weakness, believed we were strong,
He became helpless, to show we were wrong.
So we follow God's Own Fool, for only the foolish can tell:
Believe the unbelievable -- come be a fool as well!
Come lose your life for the carpenter's son.
For the madman who died for a dream --
And you'll have the faith his first followers had,
And you'll feel the weight of the beam.
So surrender the hunger to say you must know,
1. "God's Own Fool" by Michael Card, BirdwingMusic/Mole End Music.
Cast
Narrator
Jesus
Wilfred Whatchaknow
Televangelist
IRS Agent
Props/Costumes
Jesus -- fool's hat
Wilfred -- big book
__________
(Narrator is at podium, stage left)
Narrator: Jesus gave many teachings during his short stay here on earth, and one of his greatest was the Sermon on the Mount.
(Jesus enters stage left; he is wearing a fool's hat)
Jesus: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Wilfred Whatchaknow enters stage right; he is carrying a big book)
Wilfred: Now that is just plain foolishness! How can someone who is poor in spirit be "blessed" for Pete's sake?
Narrator: And who are you, with the big book there?
Wilfred: I am Wilfred Whatchaknow, that's who I am! And I am the Warden of the World's Wisdom -- and this (Lifts his book over his head) is the Big Book of Beneficial Bodaciousness. It contains all the good stuff that I've learned -- and recorded for posterity.
Narrator: My, my, that certainly is impressive!
Wilfred: Thank you.
Narrator: But let me get this straight: Are you saying that Jesus is talking foolishness here?
Wilfred: I certainly am!
Narrator: Whoa! You better watch your mouth, man! This is Jesus, ya know!
Jesus: Not to worry. For all my life, I've been called a fool -- and much worse. But why do you think this is foolishness, Wilfred?
Wilfred: I told you: How can someone who is "poor in spirit" be considered blessed?
Jesus: Let me tell you a story. Two men went up to the temple to pray ... a televangelist ... (Televangelist enters stage right) ... and an IRS Agent. (IRS Agent enters stage left)
Televangelist: (Looks heavenward) Lord, I thank thee that I am not like other men ... especially this scum-bag IRS agent here, who keeps telling me that I owe more taxes! Lord, I fast and pray regularly ... and every Sunday, I am in the TV studio -- oops, I mean church ... and I observe every letter of thy Law, Lord. Thank you, Lord, that I am holy!
IRS Agent: (Looks downward) Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner!
(Televangelist exits stage right; IRS Agent exits stage left)
Jesus: I tell you the truth: The sinner who knows he is a sinner went home justified before God ... he is "poor in spirit." Get the picture, Wilfred?
Wilfred: (Writes in his book) "The sinner who knows he is a sinner went home justified before God." Gotta take that down: that's bodacious!
Narrator: So, ya see? This isn't foolishness, after all!
Wilfred: Yeah, but what about the one about "the meek"?
Jesus: "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
Wilfred: Yeah, right! "The meek." What are those losers gonna do with the earth when they inherit it?
Jesus: Why do you call them "losers," Wilfred?
Wilfred: Well, because "the meek" always let others walk all over them, Lord. What good is it for them to inherit the earth anyway?
Jesus: Wilfred, my man, "meek" has nothing to do with the way you relate to others.
Wilfred: Huh? Whattaya mean?
Jesus: Could I have our friend the IRS agent back again, please?
(IRS Agent enters stage left)
IRS Agent: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. (Exits stage left)
Jesus: Wilfred, "meek" has to do with an attitude of humility toward God. Those who have a disposition of humility before God will inherit the land, and delight themselves in abundant prosperity. My main man David wrote that: It's in Psalm 37. Look it up, Wilfred!
Wilfred: (Writes in his book) "... delight themselves in abundant prosperity." That's bodacious!
Narrator: So, Wilfred: Have you changed your mind about the foolishness of Jesus?
Wilfred: W-e-e-e-e-l-l ... not yet! How 'bout this here now foolishness of yours about being "pure in heart"?
Jesus: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Wilfred: Yeah. What's that all about? I can't be "pure in heart" ... and I'm not even sure I wanna be!
Jesus: Why not, Wilfred?
Wilfred: Well, hey: That's a pretty harsh standard, "pure in heart." I think God expects too much of me with this "pure in heart" stuff, ya know?
Jesus: Here is what God expects of you, Wilfred: To do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.
Wilfred: (Writes in book) That's it?
Jesus: That's it. A "pure heart" is a tough standard to meet, Wilfred -- and I know that. You can't meet that standard on your own power -- and I know that, too.
Wilfred: You do? Then why'd you lay that standard on us?
Jesus: So that you would lean on me, Wilfred. The Christian life is impossible without my help, but with me, all things are possible.
Wilfred: Hmmmmm ... (Writes in book) "With Jesus, all things are possible." That's bodacious!
Jesus: So, whatchathink, Mr. Wilfred Whatchaknow?
Wilfred: (Sets down his book) I think I'm gonna try relying on you, Lord. Your foolishness is starting to make more sense to me than all this here now beneficial bodaciousness! I've got a feeling the world isn't going to appreciate the Warden of Worldly Wisdom defecting to you, Jesus ... but ya know what? I don't care!
Jesus: Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.
(Jesus and Wilfred exit stage left, arm in arm)
Michael Card's wonderful song "God's Own Fool"1 has long been an inspiration to me -- because I'm a fool, you see. Card's lyrics show how Jesus played the fool to demonstrate that our assumptions and beliefs are often wrong and that much can be accomplished if, despite the seeming foolishness, we "believe the unbelievable" and become fools with and for Christ.
It seems I've imagined him all of my life
As the wisest of all of mankind,
But if God's holy wisdom is foolish to men,
He must've seemed out of his mind.
For even his family said he was mad,
And the priests said a demon's to blame,
But God, in the form of this angry young man,
Could not have seemed perfectly sane!
When we, in our foolishness, thought we were wise,
He played the fool, and he opened our eyes --
When we, in our weakness, believed we were strong,
He became helpless, to show we were wrong.
So we follow God's Own Fool, for only the foolish can tell:
Believe the unbelievable -- come be a fool as well!
Come lose your life for the carpenter's son.
For the madman who died for a dream --
And you'll have the faith his first followers had,
And you'll feel the weight of the beam.
So surrender the hunger to say you must know,
1. "God's Own Fool" by Michael Card, BirdwingMusic/Mole End Music.
Cast
Narrator
Jesus
Wilfred Whatchaknow
Televangelist
IRS Agent
Props/Costumes
Jesus -- fool's hat
Wilfred -- big book
__________
(Narrator is at podium, stage left)
Narrator: Jesus gave many teachings during his short stay here on earth, and one of his greatest was the Sermon on the Mount.
(Jesus enters stage left; he is wearing a fool's hat)
Jesus: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Wilfred Whatchaknow enters stage right; he is carrying a big book)
Wilfred: Now that is just plain foolishness! How can someone who is poor in spirit be "blessed" for Pete's sake?
Narrator: And who are you, with the big book there?
Wilfred: I am Wilfred Whatchaknow, that's who I am! And I am the Warden of the World's Wisdom -- and this (Lifts his book over his head) is the Big Book of Beneficial Bodaciousness. It contains all the good stuff that I've learned -- and recorded for posterity.
Narrator: My, my, that certainly is impressive!
Wilfred: Thank you.
Narrator: But let me get this straight: Are you saying that Jesus is talking foolishness here?
Wilfred: I certainly am!
Narrator: Whoa! You better watch your mouth, man! This is Jesus, ya know!
Jesus: Not to worry. For all my life, I've been called a fool -- and much worse. But why do you think this is foolishness, Wilfred?
Wilfred: I told you: How can someone who is "poor in spirit" be considered blessed?
Jesus: Let me tell you a story. Two men went up to the temple to pray ... a televangelist ... (Televangelist enters stage right) ... and an IRS Agent. (IRS Agent enters stage left)
Televangelist: (Looks heavenward) Lord, I thank thee that I am not like other men ... especially this scum-bag IRS agent here, who keeps telling me that I owe more taxes! Lord, I fast and pray regularly ... and every Sunday, I am in the TV studio -- oops, I mean church ... and I observe every letter of thy Law, Lord. Thank you, Lord, that I am holy!
IRS Agent: (Looks downward) Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner!
(Televangelist exits stage right; IRS Agent exits stage left)
Jesus: I tell you the truth: The sinner who knows he is a sinner went home justified before God ... he is "poor in spirit." Get the picture, Wilfred?
Wilfred: (Writes in his book) "The sinner who knows he is a sinner went home justified before God." Gotta take that down: that's bodacious!
Narrator: So, ya see? This isn't foolishness, after all!
Wilfred: Yeah, but what about the one about "the meek"?
Jesus: "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
Wilfred: Yeah, right! "The meek." What are those losers gonna do with the earth when they inherit it?
Jesus: Why do you call them "losers," Wilfred?
Wilfred: Well, because "the meek" always let others walk all over them, Lord. What good is it for them to inherit the earth anyway?
Jesus: Wilfred, my man, "meek" has nothing to do with the way you relate to others.
Wilfred: Huh? Whattaya mean?
Jesus: Could I have our friend the IRS agent back again, please?
(IRS Agent enters stage left)
IRS Agent: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. (Exits stage left)
Jesus: Wilfred, "meek" has to do with an attitude of humility toward God. Those who have a disposition of humility before God will inherit the land, and delight themselves in abundant prosperity. My main man David wrote that: It's in Psalm 37. Look it up, Wilfred!
Wilfred: (Writes in his book) "... delight themselves in abundant prosperity." That's bodacious!
Narrator: So, Wilfred: Have you changed your mind about the foolishness of Jesus?
Wilfred: W-e-e-e-e-l-l ... not yet! How 'bout this here now foolishness of yours about being "pure in heart"?
Jesus: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Wilfred: Yeah. What's that all about? I can't be "pure in heart" ... and I'm not even sure I wanna be!
Jesus: Why not, Wilfred?
Wilfred: Well, hey: That's a pretty harsh standard, "pure in heart." I think God expects too much of me with this "pure in heart" stuff, ya know?
Jesus: Here is what God expects of you, Wilfred: To do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.
Wilfred: (Writes in book) That's it?
Jesus: That's it. A "pure heart" is a tough standard to meet, Wilfred -- and I know that. You can't meet that standard on your own power -- and I know that, too.
Wilfred: You do? Then why'd you lay that standard on us?
Jesus: So that you would lean on me, Wilfred. The Christian life is impossible without my help, but with me, all things are possible.
Wilfred: Hmmmmm ... (Writes in book) "With Jesus, all things are possible." That's bodacious!
Jesus: So, whatchathink, Mr. Wilfred Whatchaknow?
Wilfred: (Sets down his book) I think I'm gonna try relying on you, Lord. Your foolishness is starting to make more sense to me than all this here now beneficial bodaciousness! I've got a feeling the world isn't going to appreciate the Warden of Worldly Wisdom defecting to you, Jesus ... but ya know what? I don't care!
Jesus: Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.
(Jesus and Wilfred exit stage left, arm in arm)
