Jesus And The Mother Of James And John
Children's Resources
Spotlight On Jesus
Readers' Theater For Children's Church
Characters
Narrator
Mother
James
John
Jesus
Questions
1.
What request did the mother of James and John make?
2.
What did Jesus ask the two sons?
3.
Who did Jesus say was the greatest in God's kingdom?
4.
How does a small child demonstrate humility?
Narrator: Jesus is leading his disciples toward Jerusalem. His men are filled with excitement, thinking that he is going to the Holy City to start a revolution and set up his kingdom. The mother of James and John is most anxious that her sons receive important positions in that kingdom.
Mother: James and John, when are you going to talk to Jesus about getting high positions in his kingdom? We're almost to Jerusalem and he'll be setting up his organization very soon. I want you two in on the ground floor.
James: Mother, I wish you'd stop pushing us on this matter.
John: It will only anger the other disciples.
Mother: Listen, boys. I didn't raise you to be losers, but winners, to come in number one. With all the brains, social skills, and good looks you got from your mother, you deserve a high place in the kingdom.
John: Jesus isn't going to like such a pushy attitude. He isn't a bossy person himself and he won't appreciate others trying to pressure him to be top man in his government.
James: One time we disciples were bragging about which was the most talented, the most spiritual, the best suited to be in command. Jesus pointed at a child and said, "The greatest person in my kingdom is like this small child."
Mother: So what's that got to do with you two?
John: A small child is at the bottom of the totem pole. He doesn't give orders, he takes them. Kids are expected to obey their parents in the home, to obey their teachers at school, to obey the rabbi at the synagogue.
Mother: Well, you're not small children. You're my wonderful kiddies, and I intend to see that you get what you deserve. If you won't speak up for yourselves, I'll do it for you. (boys groan) Here comes Jesus right now. I'll put in a good word for you.
Jesus: Peace and greetings to you, Salome, and to your fine two sons, James and John.
Mother: And to you, master. Oh, by the way, I have a little request to make of you. Promise that you will grant it.
Jesus: Tell me what it is.
Mother: My two boys have been your loyal followers for almost three years now. They've made your job much easier by their hard work, their superior intelligence, and their high moral character. They've never embarrassed you like Peter.
James: (almost a whisper) Mother, pleeeease.
Mother: You're going to need some really good help when you set up your kingdom, and my boys are just the ones for the job! I want you to make my two terrific kids your chief lieutenants in the kingdom.
Jesus: (chuckles) Well, that's quite a request. James, John, do you have what it takes to drink the cup of hardship, to take the suffering involved in being a leader?
James: Well, yes, I think we can take just about anything.
John: We're willing to go through any danger for you, Lord, even to death.
Mother: See there, Jesus. My boys have what it takes to be first-class leaders.
Jesus: Yes, they will courageously bear a cross for me. I'm certain of that. But I do not have the right to choose my chief lieutenants for the kingdom. That power belongs to my Heavenly Father. He will make that choice.
Mother: I'm sure God will make the right choice, and that, I believe, will be my two sons.
Jesus: Out in the pagan world, the people who are considered great are the kings, the generals, the rich, the powerful, but it isn't like that in my kingdom. For my followers, the real leaders are the servants. Anyone who wishes to be great in God's kingdom must serve, not dominate. Remember how I have lived. I came to this world, not be served, but to serve, even to the point of giving my life for others.
Read the questions again, and prompt answers from the children.
Narrator
Mother
James
John
Jesus
Questions
1.
What request did the mother of James and John make?
2.
What did Jesus ask the two sons?
3.
Who did Jesus say was the greatest in God's kingdom?
4.
How does a small child demonstrate humility?
Narrator: Jesus is leading his disciples toward Jerusalem. His men are filled with excitement, thinking that he is going to the Holy City to start a revolution and set up his kingdom. The mother of James and John is most anxious that her sons receive important positions in that kingdom.
Mother: James and John, when are you going to talk to Jesus about getting high positions in his kingdom? We're almost to Jerusalem and he'll be setting up his organization very soon. I want you two in on the ground floor.
James: Mother, I wish you'd stop pushing us on this matter.
John: It will only anger the other disciples.
Mother: Listen, boys. I didn't raise you to be losers, but winners, to come in number one. With all the brains, social skills, and good looks you got from your mother, you deserve a high place in the kingdom.
John: Jesus isn't going to like such a pushy attitude. He isn't a bossy person himself and he won't appreciate others trying to pressure him to be top man in his government.
James: One time we disciples were bragging about which was the most talented, the most spiritual, the best suited to be in command. Jesus pointed at a child and said, "The greatest person in my kingdom is like this small child."
Mother: So what's that got to do with you two?
John: A small child is at the bottom of the totem pole. He doesn't give orders, he takes them. Kids are expected to obey their parents in the home, to obey their teachers at school, to obey the rabbi at the synagogue.
Mother: Well, you're not small children. You're my wonderful kiddies, and I intend to see that you get what you deserve. If you won't speak up for yourselves, I'll do it for you. (boys groan) Here comes Jesus right now. I'll put in a good word for you.
Jesus: Peace and greetings to you, Salome, and to your fine two sons, James and John.
Mother: And to you, master. Oh, by the way, I have a little request to make of you. Promise that you will grant it.
Jesus: Tell me what it is.
Mother: My two boys have been your loyal followers for almost three years now. They've made your job much easier by their hard work, their superior intelligence, and their high moral character. They've never embarrassed you like Peter.
James: (almost a whisper) Mother, pleeeease.
Mother: You're going to need some really good help when you set up your kingdom, and my boys are just the ones for the job! I want you to make my two terrific kids your chief lieutenants in the kingdom.
Jesus: (chuckles) Well, that's quite a request. James, John, do you have what it takes to drink the cup of hardship, to take the suffering involved in being a leader?
James: Well, yes, I think we can take just about anything.
John: We're willing to go through any danger for you, Lord, even to death.
Mother: See there, Jesus. My boys have what it takes to be first-class leaders.
Jesus: Yes, they will courageously bear a cross for me. I'm certain of that. But I do not have the right to choose my chief lieutenants for the kingdom. That power belongs to my Heavenly Father. He will make that choice.
Mother: I'm sure God will make the right choice, and that, I believe, will be my two sons.
Jesus: Out in the pagan world, the people who are considered great are the kings, the generals, the rich, the powerful, but it isn't like that in my kingdom. For my followers, the real leaders are the servants. Anyone who wishes to be great in God's kingdom must serve, not dominate. Remember how I have lived. I came to this world, not be served, but to serve, even to the point of giving my life for others.
Read the questions again, and prompt answers from the children.
