His Hands, My Nails

By: Amanda Renée Bishop

Character List:

ROMAN SOLDIER- M

RELIGIOUS LEADER- M

PETER- M

SINNER- F

MODERN DAY PERSON 1- M or F

MODERN DAY PERSON 2- M or F

READER- M or F

Props:

Each person will need a set of large nails. 

Set pieces:

 Large cross

( ROMAN SOLDIER,RELIGIOUS LEADER,SINNER and PETER are spaced throughout the stage, facing the audience. A large cross is placed at center stage.)

ROMAN SOLDIER: rage  

RELIGIOUS LEADER: jealousy 

SINNER: shame

PETER: betrayal 

ROMAN SOLDIER: 

I was on duty the day Jesus died. I had worked so many crucifixions that I was numb to my surroundings. The crowd roared that day and with it my adrenaline and rage soared. I beat Jesus with a deep hatred. The crowd loved it and spurred me to do more. I put thorns on his head like a crown, I spat on him, mocked and taunted him. I took joy in his pain. I even called out to the crowd “Hail, king of the Jews”. I couldn’t understand how he kept going. Once we reached the top of the hill, his body was thrown onto a cross and he writhed in agony. I took the nails and…    ( holds nails in his hands and shows them to the audience.) He didn’t fight, didn’t curse or glare at me. No, his eyes showed compassion. As if I was the one needing rescue. (walks over to the cross) It was my nails, my sin that pierced Jesus’ hands and feet and nailed him to the cross. (places nails at the foot of the cross) 

RELIGIOUS LEADER: 

I am a Pharisee. A prominent figure of society. The crowds of people used to look to me for guidance. I loved the power that it gave me. That changed though, when Jesus came into the picture. Suddenly, the people were talking to him and going to him with their problems, their ailments. Jesus went against the long-standing traditions and helped people, even on the Sabbath. This was unthinkable to me and my colleagues. Jealousy began to permeate my being. Something had to be done with this Jesus. He could not lead the people, and take my position as religious leader. False accusations were all that it took to start the spiral. Jesus was convicted to die a cruel death. I watched as he was led up Golgotha. I yelled along with the others in the crowd for him to be crucified. ( holds nails in his hands and shows them to the audience.) My jealousy had turned into hatred and I couldn’t wait until he was gone. (walks over to the cross.) It was my nails, my sin that pierced Jesus’ hands and feet and nailed him to the cross. ( places nails at the foot of the cross) 

SINNER: 

 My past was marked and dark. I had been around the block more than once and everyone knew it. There was no hiding the truth. I was ashamed and wanted to change but I didn’t know how to. When I heard about Jesus and all he was doing to help others, I knew I needed to see this man, this Messiah. I took with me all I had to offer, to show my sincerity. I washed Jesus’ feet with a bottle of perfume and my hair. When I did this, many around him called out in disgust. Some thought I had wasted the perfume. Others wondered why Jesus would even give me the time of day. (holds nails in her hands and shows them to the audience.) But Jesus saw my heart. He proclaimed it, not just to me, but so all that were in attendance could hear. ( walks over to the cross.) It was my nails, my sin that pierced Jesus’ hands and feet and nailed him to the cross. (places nails at the foot of the cross) 

PETER: 

I hesitate to even give my name. For once I do you will know my shameful deeds… My name is Peter. My brother Andrew and I were the first disciples called to follow the Messiah. Jesus was my best friend, I was his constant companion. At one point Jesus even changed my name from Simon to Peter which means “rock”. What an amazing privilege it was to follow Jesus on a daily basis. Yet, even I, one so close to Jesus, betrayed him. I remember the night when Jesus foretold of his coming death. I proclaimed to him that even if everyone else deserted him, I would not. He told me that I would deny him three times before the rooster crowed. I thought, there was no way I could do such a thing and yet later, I did just that. (holds nails  in his hands and shows them to the audience.) How could I hurt the Messiah so deeply after all he had done for me. How could I deny my friend… not just once, but three times. (walks over to the cross.) It was my nails, my sin that pierced Jesus’ hands and feet and nailed him to the cross. (places nails at the foot of the cross) 

(MODERN DAY PERSON 1 and 2 enter the stage)

MODERN DAY PERSON 1: 

It was my nails, my sin that pierced Jesus’ hands and feet and nailed him to the cross. (places nails at the foot of the cross)

MODERN DAY PERSON 2: 

His hands, my nails (places nails at the foot of the cross)

(READER is not seen, only heard)

READER:

Colossians 2:13-14

“You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.” 

ALL:

The cross is empty, our savior is alive and we have been forgiven. (freeze)

 (curtain)