Greatness
Drama
Lectionary Scenes
58 Vignettes For Cycle B
Theme
The kingdom of God is different than any other. To be first in the kingdom you must be servant of all.
Summary
Peter, James, and John want to be great and they are arguing about their achievements. Jesus sets them straight.
Playing Time
3 minutes
Setting
The Holy Land
Props
A small black book
Costumes
Peasant, first century
Time
The time of Christ
Cast
PETER
JAMES
JOHN
JESUS
JAMES: (ENTERS CARRYING A SMALL BLACK BOOK) I've got the list right here. You'll see.
PETER: (ENTERS) Throw that list away. His kingdom is above such things.
JOHN: (ENTERS) I should say it is. His kingdom is a kingdom of faith. I have that faith, therefore I shall rule with him.
JAMES: I think you shall, too. And I know I will. Let me read this list to you. It's an account I have kept since we have been together.
PETER: Aren't you the one to keep accounts. You mark down everything. I don't hold with your list -- your account.
JAMES: That's because you know you'll come up short. I'll tell you the truth. John, here is the one who looks like he's going to rule with the Master.
JOHN: You see. I told you so.
PETER: Nonsense. (PUSHING JOHN OUT OF THE WAY, GRABBING BOOK FROM JAMES)
JAMES: Hey!
JOHN: Let him alone. The big dummy. Look how unspiritual you are. The Master doesn't want a big oaf like you ruling in his kingdom. Mother assured James and me that we would both rule with the Master when he comes into his kingdom.
PETER: (READING FROM BOOK) This is stupid. "John was closest to Jesus when we were on that mountain and he was changed." Are you serious? I'm the only one who said anything. You two were too dumb.
JOHN: Watch your mouth. Read on.
PETER: "Peter sticks his foot in his mouth again." I'm tearing this out of here.
JAMES: You just keep your big nose out of my business.
PETER: "Who passed out the most bread and fish when feeding the five thousand: John -- three thousand, two hundred and thirty- one pieces of bread, James -- two thousand, eight hundred and seventeen pieces of fish, Peter -- one thousand twenty-eight."
JOHN: I guess that tells the tale, eh, Peter?
PETER: Well, I didn't know we were in a contest. I was trying to be kind to people.
JOHN: The Master wants rulers in his kingdom who can do miracles, be kind to people, and get the job done fast and efficiently. Some of us do that better than others, that's all. I'm going to tell you my secret. I pray a lot. That's why I have so much faith. Look it up in the book how many demons I cast out when we were out on our own.
PETER: I'm tired of reading about your spiritual exploits in this dumb book. I don't care. The Master will use me because I am a good friend of his.
JAMES: That's ridiculous. A good friend? What good is that?
JESUS: (ENTERS) What were you discussing on the way here? (PICKING UP A SMALL CHILD AND HOLDING HER) Gather around. If any of you want to be first you must be servant of all. Here, look at this child. Whoever receives one little child like this in my name is receiving me, and not only me, but God the Father.
The kingdom of God is different than any other. To be first in the kingdom you must be servant of all.
Summary
Peter, James, and John want to be great and they are arguing about their achievements. Jesus sets them straight.
Playing Time
3 minutes
Setting
The Holy Land
Props
A small black book
Costumes
Peasant, first century
Time
The time of Christ
Cast
PETER
JAMES
JOHN
JESUS
JAMES: (ENTERS CARRYING A SMALL BLACK BOOK) I've got the list right here. You'll see.
PETER: (ENTERS) Throw that list away. His kingdom is above such things.
JOHN: (ENTERS) I should say it is. His kingdom is a kingdom of faith. I have that faith, therefore I shall rule with him.
JAMES: I think you shall, too. And I know I will. Let me read this list to you. It's an account I have kept since we have been together.
PETER: Aren't you the one to keep accounts. You mark down everything. I don't hold with your list -- your account.
JAMES: That's because you know you'll come up short. I'll tell you the truth. John, here is the one who looks like he's going to rule with the Master.
JOHN: You see. I told you so.
PETER: Nonsense. (PUSHING JOHN OUT OF THE WAY, GRABBING BOOK FROM JAMES)
JAMES: Hey!
JOHN: Let him alone. The big dummy. Look how unspiritual you are. The Master doesn't want a big oaf like you ruling in his kingdom. Mother assured James and me that we would both rule with the Master when he comes into his kingdom.
PETER: (READING FROM BOOK) This is stupid. "John was closest to Jesus when we were on that mountain and he was changed." Are you serious? I'm the only one who said anything. You two were too dumb.
JOHN: Watch your mouth. Read on.
PETER: "Peter sticks his foot in his mouth again." I'm tearing this out of here.
JAMES: You just keep your big nose out of my business.
PETER: "Who passed out the most bread and fish when feeding the five thousand: John -- three thousand, two hundred and thirty- one pieces of bread, James -- two thousand, eight hundred and seventeen pieces of fish, Peter -- one thousand twenty-eight."
JOHN: I guess that tells the tale, eh, Peter?
PETER: Well, I didn't know we were in a contest. I was trying to be kind to people.
JOHN: The Master wants rulers in his kingdom who can do miracles, be kind to people, and get the job done fast and efficiently. Some of us do that better than others, that's all. I'm going to tell you my secret. I pray a lot. That's why I have so much faith. Look it up in the book how many demons I cast out when we were out on our own.
PETER: I'm tired of reading about your spiritual exploits in this dumb book. I don't care. The Master will use me because I am a good friend of his.
JAMES: That's ridiculous. A good friend? What good is that?
JESUS: (ENTERS) What were you discussing on the way here? (PICKING UP A SMALL CHILD AND HOLDING HER) Gather around. If any of you want to be first you must be servant of all. Here, look at this child. Whoever receives one little child like this in my name is receiving me, and not only me, but God the Father.
