 No Greater Love 

“A Musical Production”

SCENE ZERO

Jesus On The Cross

Setting:

Three Crosses on main stage. The 3 Mary’s & John are at the foot of
the cross.

Mary
(Mother of Jesus)

(Sobbing with great sorrow)

My Son… My beautiful son, my spirit is CRUSHED! And my heart is
broken at the sight of your broken body..! How I long to wipe your
brow and caress you beautiful face.
..Continues sobbing in much sorrow..

“I Worship You Oh God”

“I worship you Oh God, My heart wants to convey
This love I have for you, in these simple words I pray.

Let everything, that is within me

Bless your Holy Name.
I worship you Oh God, that’s all I want to say.”

WORSHIP MEDLEY

MARY (MOTHER of JESUS)

{I WORSHIP YOU}

“I worship you, Oh Mighty God

There is none like you.
I worship you, oh, Prince of Piece
That is all I long to do.

I give you praise

For you are my righteousness
I worship you, oh Mighty God
There is none like you

1|No Greater Love

 MARY MAGDALENE

{THERE IS NONE LIKE YOU}

“There is none like you.

No one else can touch my heart like you do
I can search for all eternity long
And find, that there is none
There is none
There is none; like..”

MARY (The Aunt)

{JESUS}

“Jesus – Jesus – Jesus

There is something about that name
Master – Savior – Jesus
Like a fragrance after the rain

Jesus – Jesus – Jesus

Let Heaven and earth proclaim
Kings and kingdoms
They will all pass away
But there is something
About that Name

CHOIR
“There is something
Ab-Bout
Something About
Something About
That..
Name.-“

Mary
(The Aunt)
(Embracing and comforting Mother Mary)
Come now my dear sister.. Jehovah God almighty will comfort your
heart.

JESUS
(Looking towards John)
“John, Behold your mother.”

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 (His head turns and nods at his mother)

“Mother, behold your son.”

MARY MAGDALINE
(Sobbing with great sorrow)
Oh Jesus, my Savior, my Holy One..! How can this be..
How can this happen to you? My heart is crushed..!

(Says next line with passion!)

To think of life without you is unbearable to me..!

You are the one who saved me from the torments of the Devil.
You are the one who healed my infirmities, You are the one who loved
me, when nobody else could. (Sheds a few tears)

No one has ever understood me! No one could ever understand MY PAIN.!
No one but YOU, Lord. You knew me before I was born. You knew me when
my mother CAST ME FROM HER WOMB AND REJECTED ME AT MY BIRTH.

(Soak in the moment)

Oh my Lord, my precious Lord. How can I live without.. I can’t imagine

life without your love..! Because there is NO GREATER LOVE.. Than Your
love. (Continues sobbing from the stomach)

END OF SCENE ZERO

SCENE ONE
At The Market Place
SETTING:

A street in the market place. Vendors are selling their products.

Salene is searching for Natasha through the marketplace with her 5

children straggling along.

SALENE
(Asking one of the vendors)
Have you seen Natasha?
(Repeats to others..)
Have you seen Natasha?

- Finally Salene finds Natasha -

SALENE
(Exhausted)
Finally, I have been searching all over for you..!

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 NATASHA
(Humorously)
Well you know me Salene, I’m over here where all the good looking men
are at. You should know which section of the city to find me..

SALENE
(Frustrated)
NATASHA..! I don’t have time for your humor..

NATASHA
(Mocking)
Who’s humoring you? You know I’m the best-looking maiden around here.
Just look at me. (spins in a circle)
I’ve been loosing weight too, you know I look good. I’m on a locust
and honey diet, you know like John the Baptist. Have you seen how thin
he is..?

SALENE
(Becoming more angry by the moment)
I already told you I don’t have time for this. Can’t you see that I’m
ready to deliver this baby? This baby that I don’t even want!

NATASHA
(Confused)
What do you mean Salene? Why don’t you want your baby?

SALENE
Why?!
How can you ask me why? I don’t even know who the father is Natasha!

NATASHA
(Looking at her wide eyed, like if she is surprised)
You Dooonn’t? How is this possible? I’m sorry Salene.. Knowing the
profession your’re in and all, I guess it is possible.

SALENE
(Upset)
What do you mean the profession I – AM – IN? Your in the same
profession! This isn’t the time for you to start acting like a saint!
I really need your help.

NATASHA
(Realizing her dismay)
Okay, okay Salene, how can I help you?

SALENE
Natasha I am already in labor, this child could be delievered tonight!
I need you to send your friend Mariel. Mariel the midwife, send her to
my house Now.. Please.. Send her NOW!!

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 NATASHA
Yes, yes Salene, of course I’ll help you. I am your good dependable
friend aren’t I?

SALENE
Thank you Natasha.. and let me know if there is anyone who would want
this child. ‘Cause God knows (IN ANGER) I don’t want it!!

END OF SCENE ONE

SCENE TWO:
The Birth of Mary Magdalene
SETTING:
At the home of Salene & her children

(Knock on the door)

LIZA
Who is it?

MARIEL
It’s Mariel the mid-wife. Natasha sent me.

LIZA
(Rushing to the door)
Come quickly.. I think my mama is ready to have the baby.

SALENE
(Screaming)
This is not my baby, I don’t claim it.! I don’t want it! Only God
knows why I must carry this demon child..!

MARIEL
(Trying to comfort Salene)
Come on now Salene, you will feel differently once you see your
beautiful baby.

SALENE
(Responds in much pain, wincing in agony)
You don’t understand Mariel… I did not choose to have this child. I
can’t afford to feed another child! I don’t even know who the father
is. As it is the people from Magdala shun me. Now another child.. It
will be just too much for me to bear! I can’t do this! I don’t want
this! Do you understand me..??!!

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 MARIEL
Well I’m sure everything will turn out fine. Let’s just concentrate on
delivering this baby okay.
(She turns to the children)
Children, quickly get me some clean linen cloths and a pot of hot
water.. Quickly..!
SALENE
(Screaming)
Oh..! I think I’m going to die!!

(contractions becoming stronger and stronger and more frequent)

Please help me!

Mariel
Oh Jehovah God this baby is coming out already! Push Salene Push!
Okay now take a few breaths. P-U-S-H! Salene 1-2-3 P-U-S-H! Your doing
great Salene, just one more time.. 1-2-3- P-U-S-H..!

(Baby coming out)

Here it comes Salene, it’s a beautiful baby girl! What a beautiful
baby!

(Wrapping the baby in the linen and holding her towards Salene)
Look at how beautiful your baby is! What are you going to name her?

SALENE
(Angry/Evil Tone)
I told you! I don’t want this baby! I don’t even want to see it! She
is a curse to me! You name her! Take this child away from me!

(Evil)
I cast her from my WOMB!

MARIEL
(She bathes the baby and whispers words of comfort)
Don’t worry baby, your mama is just upset right now. When she sees you
she will fall in love with you.
(Calls Liza) Liza.. What shall we name your baby sister?

LIZA
(Gasping, very excited)
She is sooo beautiful. I think we should name her… ummm.. Mary..
Yes, that’s it.. Mary..!

OTHER CHILDREN:
Yes! Mary! Lets call her Mary..!

LIZA
Mary beautiful little Mary.. Mary of Magdela. People will call her
Mary Magdalene.

END OF SCENE TWO

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SCENE THREE
Mary’s Secret Place – 7 YEARS LATER
SETTING: The Market Place

Aaliyah, Jabesh, and Mary are Children. 7/8/9 years old.

(Aaliyah & Jabesh enter through the back middle aisle. Whistling and
skipping through)

-Flowers will be planted on the end of a seat in the middle of the

aisle.-

AALIYAH
Ooh look at these beautiful flowers Jabesh, aren’t they pretty.

JABESH
Yeah! Prettier than you!
(Throws the flowers out of her hand)

AALIYAH
Jabesh!!!

(Jabesh begins to run, and Aaliyah chases him.

They make their way up stage left, where they find little Mary
Magdalene)

JABESH
Look Aaliyah, there’s a girl there

AALIYAH
Who is she talking to?

(Mary Magdalene is sitting on a tree stump tormented by invisible

demons)

DEMONS VOICE – LITTLE KIDS – PRE-RECORDED

Your mommy don’t love you..!

LITTLE MARY
(Sad)
Yes she does. She’s just upset right now.

DEMON
She thinks your ugly.

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 LITTLE MARY
Why are you so mean? I thought you were my friend?

DEMON
(Mocking her)
We are your friends.. (Laughing)

JABESH
(Walking out of the bushes)
Hu…. Hello..

LITTLE MARY
(To the demon voices)
Go away! I don’t want to talk to you anymore.

JABESH
HI.! What’s your name?

LITTLE MARY
(Hesitates)
My. My name is Ma.. Mar.. Mary
JABESH
Oh, that is a nice name.
My name is Jabesh.
Do you want to play with me and my sister?

LITTLE MARY
Who.. Who is your sister?

JABESH
Her name is Aaliyah. She’s older than me..
But not stronger than me. (He flexes his muscles)
I know she would want to play with you.

LITTLE MARY
(Responds very timid)
I.. I.. I don’t know if I can. I. I.. I will probly get in trouble.

JABESH
Why will you get in trouble?

LITTLE MARY
Be. Because I’m not allowed to play, be.. because my mother said I’m a
ba bad girl and she doesn’t like me and I always get in in trouble.

JABESH
Let me call my sister. She will be nice to you.
(Running to the bushes)
Aaliyah, Aaliyah.. Come and meet my new friend.

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 AALIYAH
(Coming towards Mary)
Oh, hello. Jabesh what is your new friends name?

JABESH
Her name is Mary.
Isn’t that a nice name?

DEMON
(Demons Laughing)

LITTLE MARY
SHHH..!! (To the demons)

(Jabesh and Aaliyah look at Mary confused)

JABESH
I asked her if she wanted to play with us, but she’s scared.
She said her mother would get mad. I told her that you would be nice
to her, and I also told her how I was stronger than you!
(He flexes his muscles again.)
AALIYAH
Why will your mother get mad at you Mary?

LITTLE MARY
Be.. Because she doesn’t like me. I ca.. came over here because I want
to run away.

AALIYAH
I feel like running away too.
JABESH
You better not, Aaliyah!
Then father will really beat you!
And then he’ll beat me too!

AALIYAH
Well that’s exactly why I want to un away!
I’m tired of him beating me and you. I’m tired of him coming home all
drunk all the time. And then he does all those awful things to me and
mother doesn’t do anything about it! She acts like she doesn’t even
know the things he does to me. (Puts her head down, ready to cry)

JABESH
I’m tired of him too!
He always calls me stupid and tells me that I’m good for nothing. He
always makes me steal and do things that can send me to jail.
(To Mary) But I know I am good for something! (Looking to Aaliyah) Right
Aaliyah? I’m a good brother to you too..

AALIYAH
Yes, you’re the best brother to me. You are not stupid Jabesh, But
you’re not stronger than me! (Pushes him)

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 JABESH
I am too! (pushes her back)

AALIYAH
You are not!

JABESH
Am too!

AALIYAH
Are Not!

LITTLE MARY
(Covering her ears)
Stop it! Stop it! Please your hurting my ears.
Please stop yelling! Please! Please! (Starts crying uncontrollably)

AALIYAH
I’m sorry Mary (hugging Mary)
I didn’t mean to hurt your ears.
JABESH
Yeah, Mary. We didn’t want to frighten you. We just want to be your
friends.

LITTLE MARY
Bu..But I don’t have any friends. Because no one likes me! Nobody will
ever like me.. (Puts her head down)

AALIYAH
That’s not true!

LITTLE MARY
Yes it is! My mother told me so. She told me that I am ugly and that,
and that no one would ever ever, ever be my friend.

AALIYAH
Do you mean that NO ONE is nice to you?

LITTLE MARY
O..O..Only my brother and sisters.. And when they are nice to me, my
mother scolds them.

AALIYAH
Do you have a father?

LITTLE MARY
No. My mother said she doesn’t know who he is and that she never
wanted me. The only time she’s nice to me is when she had those
different men at our house.

AALIYAH
Why is she nice to you then.

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 LITTLE MARY
Be..Because she wants me to be nice to the men.
Bu.But they hurt me, they always hurt me..! (Changes attitude)
But I’m not allowed to talk about it.

(Sound effects of little Mary getting abused, Mother yelling at her to

be nice to the men)

LITTLE MARY
That’s why I wanted to run away. I don’t ever want to go back there.
Ever!

AALIYAH
But where will you go?

LITTLE MARY
I have a little hiding place in the olive trees. No one ever finds me
there.

AALIYAH
If you do run away, me and Jabesh will bring you food and something to
keep you warm, okay? Don’t worry Mary. We’re your new friends and we
will take care of you.

LITTLE MARY
Okay..
But you can’t tell anyone where I’m at!

JABESH
We won’t tell anybody! We are your new friends. And I’m strong so I’ll
protect you..

END OF SCENE THREE

SCENE FOUR
Abuse of Aaliyah & Jabesh
10 Years Later
SETTING:
The home of Aaliyah & Jabesh

FATHER
(With a ruff drunken voice from the bedroom calls out for Aaliyah)
Aaliyah!

AALIYAH
(Her and her mother are cleaning while father is calling)
Yes father?

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 FATHER
(Yells from off stage again)
Aaliyah..!

(Mother shakes her head, she knows what is going to take place)

AALIYAH
Yes Father.

FATHER
(Comes out of his room. (Backstage)
What are you doing Aaliyah!?

MOTHER
Not again, She’s helping me clean right now.

FATHER
(Speaking to the mom)
You stay out of this.!
(Speaking to Aaliyah)
Come with me to the room Aaliyah.

AALIYAH
Not now father, I’m cleaning!

FATHER
(Tugs at her arm)
Come on Aaliyah

AALIYAH
No! Father, please. Not again!

(Mother crying falling to her knees)

FATHER
(Grabbing Aaliyah)
Come On!
(Walking off stage)
You come to me when I call you!

AALIYAH
(Crying very loud)
Please, No Father! Please not again!
Don’t hurt me Please father!

FATHER
(Yelling)
Get in the room, Hurry!
I won’t hurt you! (He laughs)

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 AALIYAH
(Crying)
No..! Please Stop Noooo!!!

Mother is pacing back and forth, crying listening to the abuse of her
daughter.

FATHER
Shut Up, Aaliyah!

(Aalyiah Screaming...)

FATHER
I Said Shut Up!!!
(Sound of him hitting her)

(Aaliyah sobs quietly backstage)

(Jabesh enters stage left)

JABESH
(Walking towards his mother)
Hello Mother, you look lovely today.

MOTHER
Thank you, Jabesh

JABESH
Is father home yet?

MOTHER
He’s in the bedroom.

JABESH
In the bedroom.. With who?

MOTHER
Aaliyah

JABESH
What! No, Mother not again.

(Mother puts her head down, as Father comes on stage)

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 FATHER
(Yelling off stage, making his way on)
Jabesh..!

JABESH
Yes father

FATHER
What are you doing here boy!?
Did you do what I asked you to do?

JABESH
Yes father, here’s your liquor. I don’t like to do this father, I
almost got caught this time.

FATHER
Don’t be such a coward!!
Go find something else to do, your presence makes me sick.

(Jabesh gives his father a look of hatred and bumps into mom as he
walks off stage)

MOTHER
(Cries to husband)
Why do you always do this to him! Do you see what your doing to our
children.

FATHER
(Slapping her on the face)
Shut your mouth you foolish woman! I should throw you all out in the
streets and see who you find to care for you then.

(Mother continues to cry)

END OF SCENE FOUR

SCENE FIVE
MARY @ THE MARKETPLACE
A street in the market place. Vendors are selling their products.

(Mary, Aaliyah, and Jabesh are now 10 years older.)

AALIYAH
(Urgency)
Mary, we must find Jabesh. I must warm him that father is threatening
to kill him!

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 MARY
Why? What did Jabesh do?

AALIYAH
He didn’t do anything to father, but when he’s drinking he just looks
for an excuse to hurt my brother. You know, Jabesh has been hanging
around with that band of rebels and they have been stealing from the
market place. My father said that if he came home he was going to kill
him for giving him a bad name.

MARY
Your father already has a bad name! he’s a very mean man and he’s mean
to you Aaliyah. The things that he does to you are very wrong! I
tremble at the sight of that man.

AALIYAH
(Pulling Mary’s wrists)
Mary, what is that on your wrist? Is that blood? What happened??!!

MARY
(Embarrassed)
Aaliyah… I, I have to tell you something, but first you must
p..pr..promise not to think I’m crazy.

AALIYAH
I promise Mary, even though you have been acting a little strange
lately.

MARY
I… I, I think I’m going CRAZY..Aaliyah! I’ve been hearing voices
telling me to do bad things. Ever since my mother died, I hear them
more. It’s getting worse!
You know my mother left me large sums of money. I guess she felt
guilty for how she treated me.

(Beginning to weep)
But no amount of money can replace what she took from me!
She took my childhood away, my innocence Aaliyah!
She never told me anything good, she always put me down and told me
that she hated me!
She was so cruel to me Aaliyah, I think she drove me crazy!

AALIYAH
What do these voices tell you to do Mary?

MARY
They tell me to kill myself. Over and over again. They tell me that
I’m worthless and no good. That no one cares if I live or die. I’m not
important or special to anybody, and I never will be.

(Sound FX of demon voices telling awful things, while Mary covers her
ears and goes in panic mode)

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 AALIYAH
Mary!
Mary!

You are special! You’re a good person too Mary, and I care about you.
Mary you are very important to me and my brother!

MARY
But those voices.. They start talking to me at the same time, saying
the same thing. It’s tormenting me Aaliyah! I don’t know what to do
anymore.

AALIYAH
I think you need to join me with those drunken men. Then maybe you’ll
feel some affection. At least they’ll pay attention to you and make
you feel wanted, even if it is only for a few hours.

MARY
No! I..I.I couldn’t do that!

AALIYAH
Why not Mary? You’re beautiful and now that you have that money your
mother left you, you can dress in the fines linen.

MARY
No, I don’t think I could ever do that..!

AALIYAH
(annoyed)
Oh come on Mary, it’s really not that hard. Well at least not for me.
I feel worthless anyways. It don’t even phase me anymore. I feel so
dead inside.

(Angry with tears)

But nothing is worse than what my FATHER used to do to me. I just want
someone to love me and at lease act like they care for me. Even if it
is just for an hour or two, at least I can pretend like someone loves
me..

MARY
I don’t think I could ever do that. I swore a long time ago that I
would never be like my mother..! and I wish you wouldn’t do it either!
It’s so dangerous and so.. so….

AALIYAH
So what Mary? So dirty! So low and shameful! You just don’t know! I
bathe myself continually to try to wash the dirt away. I never had a
good reputation. I feel so ashamed that drinking and sleeping with
those men is the only thing that drowns out the pain for a while!
My father took all my worth away a VERY LONG TIME AGO!

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 MARY
I’m sorry Aaliyah. I didn’t mean it like that. I just wish we both
could find someone who could make us clean and new again. That’s what
we need a brand new chance at life, with good and loving parents.

AALIYAH
Don’t kid yourself Mary..! our lot has already been cast! This is the
life that has been dealt to us. Nobody cares.
Nobody could ever make us clean and brand new again. Things will never
change! Just accept it Mary!

MARY
I don’t know Aaliyah. I’m so confused inside! Even though I’m
tormented with those feelings of killing myself, something inside me
feels like there’s got to be more, more to life than this.
I just feel like we were born for something..

AALIYAH
Yeah! We were born for something alright… To suffer, to be rejected
and to be unloved! That’s what! You know that, and I know that!

(Remembering they were looking for Jabesh)

Mary I almost forgot, we have to find Jabesh! I know he’s up to

something. I’m so worried about him. He’s been hanging around that one
boy Ithmar, he’s very treacherous. Come on Mary we must find Jabesh!

(They begin searching for Jabesh. Jebesh enters the Scene)

AALIYAH
Jabesh..! Jabesh!

MARY
Jabesh…?

AALIYAH
Jabesh where were you? I’ve been looking for you..!

JABESH
Why?

AALIYAH
Jabesh, you must not come home, father is threatening to kill you!

JABESH
Don’t worry Aaliyah, I’m never going back to that house, ever again!i
found some friends that seem to think I’m good for something.

AALIYAH
Jabesh, you know that group of boys that you’ve been hanging around
with aren’t exactly good company. They have a reputation of being
thieves and thugs! (Points to Ithmar)

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 (Ithmar is in the background stealing)

JABESH
Aaliyah, they accept me.. and they care about me, we care about
eachother. They also think I’m a good thief too, and they said I can
throw a pretty good punch! (He hits her playfully)

AALIYAH
Oh Jabesh please. Please, look just don’t get into trouble.

JABESH
Trouble.. Trouble is my middle name. You know since I was born I’ve
always been in trouble with father, even for things I didn’t do. He
just don’t like me Aaliyah.
But let me tell you, nothing is worse than getting beat by my father.

(Starts to get emotional/very touchy subject for him):

I wish I had a good father, who loved me and would spend time with me.
All these other kids fathers spent time with them and taught them a
trade. I had to teach myself a trade! And the trade I’m in is risky,
but my friends say I’m good at it.!

AALIYAH
What do your friends say your good at… Robbing and stealing? That’s
it? I’m not going to condemn you or look down upon you, but you’re
getting involved in a dangerous trade, So dangerous that I may lose
you Jabesh.

JABESH
Don’t worry I can take care of myself and besides I’m just learning
the ropes.

AALIYAH
Ya, and you have a very good teacher, but just be careful! And
remember you might be stronger than me now, but I’m still your older
sister. Come on let’s go.

(As they exit the stage, Jabesh steals something and gives it to
Aaliyah as a gift. Comically)

END OF SCENE FIVE

SCENE SIX
SERMON ON THE MOUNT – 5 YEARS LATER
SETTING:
(Jesus is preaching on the Mount.)

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 JESUS
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they
shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are they pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall see God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for their kingdom is in Heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all kinds
of evil against you falsely for my sake, Rejoice and be exceedingly
glad, for great is your reward in Heaven, For so they persecuted the
prophets before you.

(The LEPER enters the stage and the crowd backs away from him in
disgust. People begin looking at him in shock that he would dare
approach Jesus)

LEPER
Unclean! Unclean!
Lord, I am Unclean..

(He walks a few feet before Jesus and falls to his feet in weakness,
shame and humility and begins to address Jesus in a desperate plea for
help)

Lord, if you are willing.. You can make me clean.

JESUS
(Extends his hand in a welcoming notion)
Come my son.

(The Leper approaches the feet of Jesus in an attitude of gratefulness

and Jesus lays hands on the Leper.)

Son.. I am willing. Be Cleansed.

(The leper lifts his hands in the air as acknowledging his healing.)

See that you tell no one, but go your way. Show yourself to the priest
and offer the gift that Moses commanded as a testimony to them.

LEPER
(Exits the stage with joyful shouting)
I’m clean! I’m Clean!
Jesus has healed me, I am Clean!!

(The CROWD gazes in amazement at this miracle and claps and rejoices
with the Leper.)

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 LEPER

“ I’M CLEAN ”
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______________________________________________________________________

(JESUS, begins to teach silently to the crowd, with his back towards
the audience)

BLINDMAN
Jesus! Son of David..! Have mercy on Me!!

CROWD PERSON
Quiet this man! For the Teacher is speaking!

BLIND MAN
(He shouts even louder, more desperate and crawls out to find Jesus)
Son of David! Jesus..! Have mercy on Me!!

JESUS
Bring him to me..

(A Crowd member brings the Blind Man to Jesus)

What do you want me to do for you..?

BLIND MAN
Rabbi, that I may receive my sight.

JESUS
(Extending his hands to the blind man)
Receive your sight.. Your faith has made you well.

BLIND MAN
(He wipes his eyes and shakes in amazement. He can see for the first
time)

I can see!! I can see..!

My Lord has given me sight. For the first time, I can see my hands,
and my feet. (Emotionally) I can see you, and the trees, and the sky.
I can see!!

20 | N o G r e a t e r L o v e
 “ I CAN SEE ”
BLIND MAN
“I Can See.. I can see. I can see…
I can see, I can see, I can see

CHOIR
This blind man now can see

BLIND MAN
Who is this man, that everybody speaks about?
They call Him

CHOIR MEMBER #1
El Shedi

CHOIR MEMBER #2
Lamb of God

CHOIR MEMBER #3
Prince of Peace

BLIND MAN
Could it be my Blessed Redeemer,
Who healed me; I can see, I can see, I can see

CHOIR
This Blind Man Now – Can See.”

(Blind Man hugs Jesus meeting him center stage, Jesus puts his arm
around the Blind Man as they walk towards STAGE RIGHT, crowd gathers
around and follows Jesus as he walks)

(Woman with The Issue of Blood pushes her way through the crowd. She
pushes people out of her way dramatically until she leaps for Jesus.)

WOMAN WITH THE ISSUE OF BLOOD

Please..! Please move.
Let me through! If only I could touch just the hem of his garment, I
know, oh I know I will be made whole.
Please you must let me through, move out of my way.. Please!!

(Leaps to Jesus and pulls his garment touching his feet.)

21 | N o G r e a t e r L o v e
 JESUS
(Turning looking around at the crowd)
Who touched me?!

DISCIPLE
Master, there are many people crowding against you, and yet you ask
Who touched me?

JESUS
I felt power leave my body.

WOMAN WITH THE ISSUE OF BLOOD

(She walks towards and falls to Jesus’ feet in reverence and gratitude)
It was I Sir. For I had a disease.. and now I have been made clean.!

JESUS
Be of good cheer my daughter, your faith has made you well.

“ We Press In ”

CHOIR

“Like the woman, with the issue of blood

We press in, we press in
Like the Blind Man, waiting patiently
We press in, we press in”

WOMAN WITH THE ISSUE OF BLOOD

“And suddenly, a touch from Heaven

Jesus came, and rescued
And Suddenly, a touch from Heaven
Jesus came, and Set me Free”

(Crowd is in amazement, and suddenly the atmosphere changes. Lights

flood the stage red, and evil lurking music is in the background as
you hear yells from different demons echoing through the speakers and
the crowd is startled)

MARY MAGDALENE
(Entering through the back middle aisle)
(Yelling out of anger)
What are you all doing out here..?
What are you out here for…?
(Laughing)
(Demons voice plays while she gestures she is talking)

(Enters the stage)

22 | N o G r e a t e r L o v e
 CROWD PERSON #2
It’s Mary of Magdela, the one the call Mary Magdalene.

CROWD PERSON #3
Quick! Hide your children, this woman is full of demons

(The Crowd grasps and mothers run for their children)

MARY MAGDALENE
(Yelling in an evil voice)
What is this crowd here for?

CROWD PERSON #4
A Leper, he was cleansed.

MARY MAGDALENE
(Laughing)
A leper can’t be cleansed..!! ahahaha

CROWD PERSON #5
A Blind Man received his sight Mary..

MARY MAGDALENE
A blind man can never see again, You ignorant fools!! (laughing)

CROWD PERSON #6
Keep your children back, those demons may come upon you.!

(Both Jesus and Mary turn at the same time in SLOW MOTION looking face
to face. She screams falling back on the ground while the demonic
voices are played)

MARY MAGDALENE
(As she sees JESUS – ALL VOICES PLAYED AT THE SAME TIME)
1. WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE
2. WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME
3. SHE BELONGS TO ME
4. GET BACK
5. LEAVE ME ALONE
6. I WILL NOT LEAVE HER
7. MARY IS MINE

(Mary Screams while she falls onto the floor and slithers like a snake)

AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JESUS
SILENCE!!

(Mary is on the floor lifeless)

Come out, Depart from this Woman!

23 | N o G r e a t e r L o v e
 (The demons convulse her and scream as they leave her and lever her
still for a few seconds, she slowly gets up)

MARY MAGDAELNE
(Fixing herself as she gets up)
Gone.. (Can’t believe it) Their gone!
(Beginning to cry)
The voices in my head, they’re gone! The pain, it’s gone!!
I feel peace. Peace..!
(She falls to Jesus’ feet and weeps)
You have healed me, Jesus, Thank you.!

“Treasure out of Darkness”

CHOIR
“I once was lost and bound - By the chains of Satan.
I was hooked and bound by the things of this world
But by the touch of Jesus; He set this captive free
A treasure out of darkness – He transformed me

MARY MAGDALENE
And in the name of Jesus
We Have liberty
And now I will serve Him; for all eternity.”

END OF SCENE SIX

SCENE SEVEN
ALABASTER BOX
SETTING:
The home of Simon the Pharisee

(Jesus enters STAGE LEFT with a few of His disciples.)

SIMON
(Approaching Jesus)
Rabbi, it is good that you have graciously accepted my invitation to
come to my home for dinner, there are some things I would like to
discuss with you.

JESUS
Yes, Simon. I was glad to accept your invitation.

(Simon motions for Jesus and His disciples to be seated as they

noticeably make conversation with each other.)

24 | N o G r e a t e r L o v e
 “The Alabaster Box”

(“THE ALABASTER BOX” song begins, and is sung as Mary Magdalene makes
her way down the middle aisle, up STAGE LEFT and makes her way to
Jesus. She kneels at his feet, breaks the neck of her Alabaster
bottle, she lovingly pours out her most prized possession anointing
the head of Jesus with an attitude of gratefulness and loving worship.
She proceeds the anointing of her precious perfume to Jesus’ feet.)

(The others present in the room show a face of disgust and begin to
whisper amongst each other.)

SIMON
This man.. If he really were a prophet he would know who and of what
manner this woman is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.

JESUS
(Turning to Simon)
Simon! Do you see this woman.
I came in your house and you gave me no water for my feet. But she has
washed them with her tears and dried them with her hair. You gave me
no kiss of greeting but this woman has not ceased to kiss his feet.
You did not anoint my head with oil, yet she has poured out upon me
this fragrant perfumed oil. Therefore I say to her, your sins have
been forgiven. You have done no wrong Mary. Go in Peace.

SIMON
(Sarcastically)
Who is this man who even forgives sins?)

COME BACK AND FINISH… DON’T KNOW HOW THIS SCENE GOES

SCENE SEVEN – B –

(Mary leaves the house and is confronted by Aaliyah)

AALIYAH
Mary I’ve been desperately looking for you all this time! I need to
tell you Jabesh is in great trouble! The authorities are searching for
him. They want to arrest him.
And here you are, here at Simon’s house, where You nor I are not even
wanted! And what have you done, you’ve broken your alabaster bottle
and poured it on this mans head and feet! Is it not enough that you
weep at his feet! Who is this man?

MARY MAGDALENE
(Lovingly)

25 | N o G r e a t e r L o v e
His name is … Jesus

AALIYAH
I can’t understand how you would waste your precious perfume and your
tears on his feet!

MARY
It is not a waste Aaliyah! Oh how my soul desires to do so much more!
As I ran out of my perfume I was overwhelmed with gratefulness my eyes
filled up with tears. God gave me perfume from my tears to wash his
precious tired feet and with my hair I dried them. Oh, Aaliyah my soul
desires to do so much more! For He is worthy! For He is so worthy.

-Alabaster box…- ????

MARY
You know the torments I’ve been suffering, you know the pain and
loneliness I’ve lived for many years. Even you my only true friend
could understand only a small part of my outer pain.. but my inner
torment you knew nothing about.
I myself could not understand the voices that grew louder in my mind
each day and the awful gnawing in my stomach.
But Jesus understood Aaliyah!

He understood the bitter sorrow that I carried and the loneliness of

my soul! Oh Aaliyah he can do the same for you. I know He can and I
know He will. For He loves you Aaliyah and there is No Greater Love
that His..!

(JESUS walks out of Simons home and goes over to Mary.)

MARY
(Excited)
This is Him Aaliyah..!

(To Jesus) Jesus, my friend wants to be set free!

(JESUS lays his hands on Aaliyah and she is set free.)

AALIYAH
(Weeping)
I’m free..
I’m Free..!
For the first time in my life I feel free inside from the pain, from
the guilt and shame! Thank you Jesus! (Hugging Jesus)
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Come Mary, we must find Jabesh and bring him to Jesus before it’s too
late! He needs Jesus Mary. He also needs to be set free.!!

26 | N o G r e a t e r L o v e
 “IM FREE”

“I’m free, the Lord has rescued me

He cleansed me from, all sin within
I’m free
The Lord has recued me.”

END OF SCENE SEVEN

SCENE EIGHT
ITHMARS PLOT
ITHMAR
We must come up with a good plan Jabesh.
There’s going to be only 3 soldiers with a tax collector carrying the
city treasure. I know how we can easily take them.
We can sneak up onn them, you can take them rom the front and I can
take them from the back.

JABESH
Ithmar are you sure there are only going to be three soldiers?

ITHMAR
But if it’s necessary I brought this.
(He pulls out a sword)

JABESH
You promised me Ithmar that there would be no bloodshed!
(Showing fear)

ITHMAR
Look, Jabesh I make you no such promises! We are not little kids
anymore! We have to do what we have to do!
(Very challenging and threatening)
Now are you in………or are you out?

JABESH
Ithmar have I ever let you down? No..
I’m in Ithmar…I give you my word.!

ITHMAR
Very well, lets go.

(AALIYAH and MARY enter the stage)

AALIYAH
(Running to Jabesh)
Jabesh, Jabesh! You must come meet this man, his name is Jesus.
He changed my life Jabesh… He set me free!

27 | N o G r e a t e r L o v e
 ITHMAR
(Angry)
Set you free?! What are you talking about woman?
(Pushing Aaliyah from Jabesh)
Get out of here!

JABESH
(Upset at Ithmar)
Ithmar! Leave your hands off of her, this is my sister!
(To Aaliyah)
Are you okay Aaliyah?

AALIYAH
(Rubbing her arm where Ithmar pulled her from)
Jabesh, I must tell you what has happened to me.

JABESH
What has happened? Are you okay?

AALIYAH
Yes, Jabesh I’m very much okay! I met Jesus, and He set me free!!

ITHMAR
(Becoming hostile and grabbing Aaliyah again)
Listen woman, nobody can change you or set you free you filthy harlot!
Now get out of here! (Pushes her to leave again)

JABESH
(Restraining Ithmar)
Wait a minute Ithmar! Wait a minute!
I told you, This is my SISTER! And you don’t handle her that way, you
leave her alone.. Clear!!!?

ITHMAR
(Angry)
No you wait a minute Jabesh! You are going to ruin our plans talking
to this filthy woman!

JABESH
Just go ahead of me and meet the others. I Will meet up with you
later. I gave you my word!

ITHMAR
Very well, you just remember.. All our lives are in danger.
All OUR LIVES!

(Ithmar exits the scene looking back at Jabesh and Aaliyah as he

leaves.)

JABESH
Come here Aaliyah. Tell me, what is it that has happened? Are you sure
you are okay?

28 | N o G r e a t e r L o v e
 AALIYAH
Yes, I’ve never been better… I’ve never been happier!
I met Jesus and he changed my life, he set me free.
It’s true Jabesh, I’m not the sma person. I feel so clean.
I’m free Jabesh! I’m Free!!

JABESH
What do you mean your free, Aaliyah? You mean to tell me that you are
not a prostitute anymore, you don’t drink and sell your body?
You mean you really changed?

AALIYAH
Yes Jabesh. It’s real, I am not the same. Jesus changed my life.
I don’t even want to do those terrible things anymore. I don’t want to
sell my body! Jesus forgave me of all my sins of all my wrong! Oh
Jabesh, Jesus loved me the way that I was.
There is No Greater Love than his… NO GREATER LOVE!!

AMAZING LOVE

AALIYAH
“What He’s done for me
Is so amazing.
The love He has for me,
I cannot explain

All I know is I once was lost,

But now I’m found; I was blind but now I see
And I know He can do for you
What He’s done for me.

MARY MAGDALENE
A-MAZ-ING LOVE

AALIYAH
So Amazing

MARY MAGDALENE
AMAZING LOVE

AALIYAH
So Incredible

MARY MAGDALENE
AMAZING LOVE

AALIYAH
The Love of My Savior

29 | N o G r e a t e r L o v e
 MARY MAGDALENE
AMAZING L-O-V-E

AALIYAH
All I know is I once was lost
But now I’m found
I was blind but now I see

TOGETHER - HARMONY
And I know He will do for you
What He’s done for Me.”

JABESH
I’m happy for you Aaliyah. I am so happy for you!

AALIYAH
And look at Mary, he changed her too. You know how messed up she was.
She had demons in her Jabesh and Jesus cast them out. He set her free!
If he can do it for me and Mary, he can do it for you too Jabesh!
Jesus can set you free! You must come to meet him now.

JABESH
Aaliyah, no one can change me! You just don’t know the things that I
have done. There’s no hope for me anymore. I’ve gone too far. I’ve
been through too much. You just don’t know. I cannot change, there is
no hope for someone like me!

AALIYAH
No Jabesh, you’re wrong. That’s not true! I know the things you’ve
been through. I know how father treated you as a child and I know the
pain and anger you still carry. But Jesus CAN change all that. He can
change your life Jabesh! He can make you happy. He can give you peace.
He is the Savior Jabesh! The Son of God!
He is able to heal your heart and change your ways. You must believe!

JABESH
I’ve heard about this Jesus, everyone has. I know about the leper her
cured, the blind man who now sees and the many he has healed. And I do
want to change Aaliyah. But not right now.
I’m not ready today! I gave my friend my word to meet him right now.
I’m just too deep into something right now and I can’t back out.

(Begins to back away)

I’ll go tomorrow, okay. You can tell me everything about this Jesus
Tomorrow. Because today I have business to take care of.

30 | N o G r e a t e r L o v e
 AALIYAH
(Starting to cry)
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet loose his very
soul? You must come right now Jabesh! Please! How do you know there’s
going to be a tomorrow?

Tomorrow is not promised to no man Jabesh!

You must come today. For today is the day of salvation.

JABESH
I already told you, I just can’t today. Tomorrow okay, tomorrow.

AALIYAH
(Sobbing deeply)
Please Jabesh, Please. Just know that Jesus loves you Jabesh.
He loves you so much, he’s just waiting to set you free.

Remember what I told you about His Love, There Is NO GREATER LOVE!!

(Aaliyah falls to the floor as if she knows that Jabesh will never get
to meet Jesus)

MARY MAGDALENE
(Trying to comfort Aaliyah, picking her up)
It will be alright Aaliyah. You did everything that you could do.
Let’s pray for Jabesh, okay..

END OF SCENE EIGHT

SCENE NINE –A
In The Garden – Jesus’ Prayer
SETTING:

(The Garden of Gethsemane – very forest like. Big stones around.)

(Jesus walks in with his disciples)

JESUS
Sit here while I pray.

(He takes Peter, James and John and speaks to them on the side)

I feel troubled and deeply distressed.

PETER
What is it Lord?

JESUS
My soul is exceedingly sorrowful. Stay here, watch and pray.

31 | N o G r e a t e r L o v e
 (Jesus walks up his rock to pray to God. When he reaches his position
he falls to the ground and shouts)

Abba Father.. All things are possible for you. Take this cup from me.
Nevertheless now what I will, but what you will.

(Scene Switch)

SCENE NINE – B
ARREST OF JABESH & ITHMAR
SETTING
(VERY INTENSE MUSIC)
The soldiers walk down the middle aisle with the treasurer in the
middle holding the box full of Gold.

ITHMAR
Let’s get ready to go Jabesh, here they come. Are you ready?

JABESH
There are four soldiers Ithmar, not three as you said. I don’t know if
we should go through with this..

ITHMAR
Jabesh, we’re going on as planned! You hold your position. This is not
the time to be a coward.

(SCENE SWITCH)

SCENE NINE – C
TRAITORS KISS
(Jesus walks back to where He left his disciples.)

JESUS
Simon are you sleeping? Could you not watch for one hour?
Watch and pray lest you enter into temptation. For indeed the spirit
is willing but the flesh is weak.

(Jesus walks back to his prayer spot)

(SCENE SWITCHES)

SCENE NINE – B

JABESH
Ithmar! Ithmar! I don’t know if I can go through with this!

32 | N o G r e a t e r L o v e
 ITHMAR
I said were going through as planned. I see the gold Jabesh! I see the
Gold!

One..
Two..
Attack, Attack

(JABESH and ITHMAR jump out of their hiding places and attack the
soldiers. The soldiers over power them. With Jabesh thrown to the
floor and injured scene freezes)

SCENE NINE – C
JESUS
Father, not my will but your will be done.

(JESUS WALKS BACK TO HIS DISCIPLES)

Are you still sleeping and resting?

Behold.. The hour is at hand and the son of man is being betrayed into
the hands of Sinners.. Rise let us be going. See my betrayer is at
hand.

JUDAS
(On the side of the stage to the chief of priest)
Do you have it? Are you sure it’s all there as you promised, all
thirty pieces just as I requested?

SOLDIER
(Handing Judas a sack with the silver money)
Yes it is. Here, now show us the one.

JUDAS
The one that I kiss, he is the one.

(JUDAS and the OFFICERS walk on the stage to Jesus and the Disciples.)

Greetings Rabbi.
(Kisses Jesus on the RIGHT cheek.)

JESUS
Friend why have you come? Judas, are you betraying the son of man with
a kiss?

(Judas is startled at Jesus that he knows. He runs off stage in fear)

(Peter cuts off one of their ears, then Jesus motions with his hands
for Peter to stop. Then he places his hand on the mans ear and heals
it.)

33 | N o G r e a t e r L o v e
 SOLDIER
(Amazed at the miracle)
My ear.. This man has healed my ear. I will have nothing to do with
this arrest.

JESUS
Peter put your sword away, for all who live by the sword shall perish
by the sword. Do you think that I cannot now pray to my father and he
will send me more than twelve legions of angels?
Shall I not drink the cup, which my father has given me? How then
could the scriptures be fulfilled. Thus it must happen.

(Turning to the soldiers)

Have you come out to arrest me how you would arrest a robber, with
swords and clubs to take me in.?
I sat daily with you teaching in the temple and yet you did not seize
me. But all this is done so that the scriptures might be fulfilled.

(As the disciples push Jesus down and arrest him the disciples run off
stage scattered.)

END OF SCENE NINE

SCENE TEN
PILOT’S COURT
SETTING:
Pilots Court – And Pilots Bedroom

Pilot is looking at scrolls when he hears his wife suffering from a

nightmare.

His wife is in bed tossing and turning.

(Knock on the door)

{When Pilot opens the door, his wife wakes up with a deep gasp.}

OFFICER
Sir, there’s trouble at..

PILOT
What, in the middle of the night?

OFFICER
I’m sorry

34 | N o G r e a t e r L o v e
 PILOT
What is it?

OFFICER
Trouble within the walls.
Caiphas had some prophet arrested.

PILOT
Who?

OFFICER
(Afraid to mention Jesus’ name)
Some Galilean

The Pharisees apparently hate the man.

CLAUDIA
A Galilean? Who are you talking about?

OFFICER
Jesus

(Claudia gasps with her hand on her mouth, Pilot looks at her
confused.)

PILOT
Thank you officer.

(Walking out of the bedroom, talking while they make their way to
stage C. The stage will be set as Pilots Court)

ONLY HALF OF THE CROWD IS OUT, IN THE AUDIENCE

CLAUDIA
Don’t condemn this Galilean.
He’s Holy.
You will only bring trouble on yourself.

PILOT
Do you want to know my idea of trouble, Claudia?
This stinking outpost, that filthy rabble out there.

(Entering STAGE C.)

CROWD COMES TO LIFE, OFFICERS DRAG JESUS IN, IN CHAINS. THE CROWD IS
YELLING, SPITTING AND HITTING JESUS.

PILOT
Do you always punish your prisoners before they’re judged?

CAIPHAS
Govener..

35 | N o G r e a t e r L o v e
 PILOT
What accusations do you bring against this man?

CROWD IS QUIET

PILOT
Well...?

CIAPHAS
If he weren’t a malefactor, we wouldn’t have brought him before you.

PILOT
That’s not what I asked.

Why don’t you judge him according to your own laws?

CIAPHAS
Counsel, you know it’s unlawful for us.. to condemn a man (Pause)
To Death..

PILOT
To death?

(PILOT looks confused, and looks at his wife.)

What has this man done to merit such a penalty?

CIAPHAS
He has violated our Sabbath, Consul.

PILOT
Go on..

CIAPHAS
He has seduced the people. Taught foul, disgusting doctrines.

PILOT
Isn’t he the prophet you welcomed into Jerusalem only five days ago?
And now you want him dead?
Can any of you explain this madness to me?

CROWD
He’s an imposter!
He’s a blasphemer
He violated the Sabbath.

PHARASEE
Your Excellency. So far the High Priest hasn’t told you this man’s
greatest crime. He has become the leader of a large and dangerous sect
who hail him as the Son of David! He claims that he is the Messiah,
the King promised to the Jews.

36 | N o G r e a t e r L o v e
 CIAPHAS
He has forbidden his followers to pay tribute to the emperor, Consul!

PILOT MOTIONS FOR THE OFFICERS TO BRING JESUS TO HIM.

OFFICER
Bring him here!

OFFICERS BRING JESUS TO PILOT AND THEY WALK TO THE BACK CORNER OF THE
STAGE.

PILOT
(To the officers)
Thank you, leave.

(To Jesus)
Drink. (Holds out a cup.)

JESUS JUST LOOKS AT PILOT. PILOT CIRCLES JESUS LOOKING AT HIM UP AND
DOWN.

Are you the king of the Jews?

JESUS
Does this question come from you?
Or do you ask me this because others have told you that is what I am?

PILOT
Why would I ask you that?
Am I a Jew? (Pause)
Your high priests, your own people delivered you up to me. They want
me to have you executed.
Why? What have you done?
Are you a king?

JESUS
My kingdom is not of this world. If it were.. Do you think my
followers would have let them hand me over?

PILOT
Then you are a king?

JESUS
That is why I was born. To give testimony of the truth.
All men who hear the truth, hear my voice.

PILOT
Truth!?
What is truth?

JESUS STAYS QUIET.

37 | N o G r e a t e r L o v e
Officers…

PILOT MOTIONS FOR THEM TO TAKE JESUS BACK OUT.

PILOT

I have questioned this prisoner, and I find no cause in him.

CROWD GOES CRAZY..! SCREAMING AND CHANTING! PILOT WALKS OUT OF STAGE
C, TO HIS BEDROOM AND SITS DOWN, ON STAGE LEFT OF STAGE A.

CROWD KNEELS DOWN ON THE FLOOR AND IS FROZEN IN SILENCE.

PILOT is sitting on the chair frustrated, Claudia comes in concerned

for her husband, with a glass of wine.

She offers him the cup, he refuses, she puts it down on the table next
to the chair, and begins to rub his back.

PILOT
What is truth, Claudia?

Do you hear it, recognize it when it is spoken?

CLAUDIA
Yes, I do.
Don’t You?

PILOT
How?
Can you tell me?

CLAUDIA
If you will not hear the truth, no one can tell you.

PILOT
(Disgusted)
Truth.!
Do you want to know what my truth is?
I’ve been putting down rebellions in this rotten outpost for eleven
years.

If I don’t condemn this man, I know Caiphas will start a rebellion.

If I do condemn him, then his followers may. Either way, there will be
bloodshed. Caesar has warned me, Claudia. He warned me twice.
He swore that the next time the blood would be mine. That is my truth!

CLAUDIA LOOKS TERRIFIED

38 | N o G r e a t e r L o v e
 OFFICER
Pilot, We need you to come back out. And we’re going to need
reinforcements.

PILOT
No, I don’t want to cause an uprising.

OFFICER
There is already an uprising.

PILOT LEAVES HIS BEDROOM AND MAKES HIS WAY BACK TO STAGE C (PILOTS
COURT) THE REST OF THE CROWD BEGINS TO COME OUT FROM ALL AISLES
SHOUTING.

PILOT IS SITTING AT HIS CHAIR, HIS SERVANT COMES TO POUR HIM A GLASS
OF WINE, AND HIS HAND IS SHAKING AS HE POURS HIS GLASS.

PILOT
I find no cause in this man!

CROWD GOES CRAZY SHOUTING.! AND PRESS UP AGAINST THE STAGE.

PILOT STANDS UP AND MOTIONS WITH HIS HANDS TO CALM DOWN.

OFFICER
Men! Attend to the crowd!

OFFICERS RUN INFRONT OF THE STAGE AND PUSH THE CROWD BACK.

PILOT
As you know, every year I release a criminal back to you.
We are now holding a notorious murderer, Barabbas.

TWO OFFICERS BRING OUT BARABBAS IN CHAINS. BARABBAS IS STANDING ON THE

LEFT SIDE OF PILOT, (AUDIENCE VIEW) JESUS IS STANDING ON THE RIGHT
SIDE OF PILOT.

PILOT
Which of the two men would you have me release to you?

The murderer Barabbas? Or Jesus, called the Messiah?

CIAPHAS
He is not the Messiah! He is an imposter! A Blasphemer!
Free Barabbas.

CROWD
YES! Free Barabbas!
Release Barabbas!

BARABBAS GETS EXCITED.. PILOT LOOKS OVER TO HIS WIFE CONFUSED.

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 PILOT
Again I ask you; which of these two men should I release to you?

CROWD
Free Barabbas.!
Release Barabbas..
Barabbas!! Etc. etc.

PILOT MOTIONS FOR THE OFFICERS TO FREE BARABBAS..

OFFICERS FREE BARABBAS AND THE CROWD SHOUTS!

BARABBAS IS EXCITED YELLING CRAZY, AS HE WALKS BY JESUS HE STOPS, HE

IS SILENT. HE PUTS HIS HEAD DOWN, WALKS AWAY THEN GOES CRAZY AGAIN
PUSHING PEOPLE OUT OF HIS WAY AS HE WALKS THROUGH THE CROWD. SCARES
PEOPLE IN THEIR SEATS (THE AUDIENCE).

PILOT
What would you have me do with Jesus the Nazarene?

CIAPHAS
Have him crucified!

MUSIC BEGINS

CROWD
Yes!! Crucify him!
Kill him!
Put him to death!
Crucify him!

MARY MAGDALENE
NO!!

MARY FALLS TO THE FLOOR – MARY MOTHER OF JESUS HOLD HER.

PILOT LOOKS AT HIS WIFE..

PILOT
NO..! I will chastise him, but then I will set him free.

CROWD
No Crucify Him!!

PILOT
Isn’t that enough?

CIAPHAS
Crucify Him!

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 CROWD
(Repeating)

PILOT
So you want me to crucify your king?

CROWD MEMBER #1
We have no king but Caesar!

PILOT
(To Jesus)
Speak to me.
I have the power to crucify you, or else to set you free.

JESUS
You have no power over me, except what is given you from above.
Therefore, it is he who delivered me to you.. who has the greater sin.

CROWD CONTINUES TO SCREAM AND BURST IN OUTRAGE!

PILOT WISPERS TO HIS SERVANT. SERVANT LEAVES THEN COMES BACK WITH A
BOWL OF WATER AND A SMALL TOWEL.

PILOT LIFTS UP HIS HANDS AND THEN PUTS THEM IN THE ATER.

PILOT
(As he dries his hands with a towel.)

It is you who want to crucify him, not I. You see to it.

I am innocent of this man’s blood.

PILOT LOOKS AT HIS WIFE, AND HIS WIFE WALKS BACKWARDS SHAKING HER HEAD
THEN LEAVES THE SCENE.

CROWD MEMBER #2
Let his blood be on us and our children.
Crucify him!

PILOT
OFFICER..
(Officer walks to Pilot)
Do as they wish.

OFFICER
Lets go..! (Pushes Jesus off the stage)

INTENSE MUSIC BEGINS AND BUILDS

END OF SCENE TEN

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SCENE ELEVEN A
THE ROAD TO THE CROSS
THE SOLDIERS WILL BEGIN WIPPING JESUS AS JESUS ENTERS THROUGH THE
MIDDLE AISLE CARRYING THE CROSS.

INTENSE MUSIC WILL BE PLAYING.

CROWD SCREAMING, LAUGHING AND MOCKING JESUS.

ONLY THE CHOSEN FEW WILL BE IN MOURNING.

WHEN JESUS REACHES THE CENTER OF THE MIDDLE AISLE TIME WILL FREEZE
AT MARY’S (THE MOTHER OF JESUS) CUE.

MARY (MOTHER OF JESUS)

STOP!!
(Crying)
God please! Allow me one last minute with my son.

EVERYTHING FREEZES

MARY BEGINS TO MAKE HER WAY TO JESUS, SOBBING DEEPLY.

MARY (MOTHER OF JESUS)

Jesus, my son…
I’m here..

Why do you have to go through this..?

JESUS
(In deep breaths, and pain)
Woman, I must fulfill the scriptures.
That is why I was sent to this earth.

MARY (MOTHER OF JESUS)

Please, please there must be another way.

JESUS
(Deep breaths, and pain)
There is no other way.
For it is written, and I must obey.

Mother, thank you..

For your presence gives me strength.

MARY (MOTHER OF JESUS)

I am here my son.

MUSIC BEGINS

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 AS MARY SINGS HER LULLYBY TO JESUS
SHE WIPES HIS BLOOD, AND IS IN TEARS THE WHOLE TIME

“I’M HERE”
MARY (MOTHER OF JESUS)

“I’M HERE MY LOVE

MY PRECIOUS SON
CLOSE TO YOU I’LL STAY

I’M HERE MY LOVE

MY PRECIOUS SON
I WILL WIPE YOUR TEARS AWAY

I LOVE YOU SO..

WHY DO YOU HAVE TO GO?

I’M HERE FOR YOU

TO COMFORT YOU
I WILL FOLLOW YOU.

I’M HERE FOR YOU

TO STRENGHTEN YOU

(SPOKEN)
I LOVE YOU MY SON!

TIME IS UNFROZEN

OFFICER
Get away from here woman!

(Pushing Mary away..)

JOHN GRABS MARY AND PULLS HER AWAY, AS MARY SCREAMS AND CRIES FOR HER
SON.

THE WHIPPING AND SPITTING CONTINUES TO THE FRONT OF THE STAGE..

AS THEY REACH THE STAGE, THEY LAY JESUS DOWN AND NAIL THE NAILS INTO
HIS HANDS.

LIGHTS GO OUT.

END OF SCENE ELEVEN -A

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SCENE ELEVEN –B
THE CRUCIFIXION
SETTING:
STAGE B

JESUS, JABESH AND ITHMAR ARE ON THE CROSS

ITHMAR
If you truly are the son of God, save yourself, and us also.

JABESH
Do you have no fear of God..?
This man, he is a righteous man. He has done no wrong.

(To Jesus)
Lord, when you enter into your kingdom, please.. Remember ME!

JESUS
I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.

(Breathing heavily)

My God!!
My God!!
Why have you forsaken me.. Into your hands I commit my spirit..

IT … IS… FINISHED..!

CROSSES SHAKE AND SOUNDS OF EARTHQUAKE BEGIN

STROBE LIGHT ON FOR LIGHTING EFFECTS.

THE BAD CROWD RUNS OUT, AS THE GOOD CROWD STAND THEIR GROUND

BAD CROWD
What have we done?
Surely he was the Son of God!

God forgive us!

We have sinned against God!

Have mercy on us oh God.!

END OF SCENE ELEVEN – B

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SCENE TWELVE
THE RESSURECTION

SETTING:

MARY WALKING TO THE TOMB

MARY MAGDALENE
Early in the morning I have come, and just as it is dark outside, my
soul is overcome with a dark cloud of grief.
Dear Lord, I have given no sleep to my eyes, my heart cannot rest. So
I have prepared you spices, that I may anoint your holy lifeless
body..

MARY ENTERS THE TOMB

(Scared, and in tears)

Oh no!! He is gone! He’s gone!

They have taken my Lord from the tomb.. I must go tell the others…

John, Peter, come hurry..

They have taken Jesus’ body from the tomb!

PETER
Let us go see

MARY MAGDALENE
Yes Hurry!

JOHN
Wait Peter..

JOHN RUNS AHEAD OF HIM AND ENTERS THE TOMB FIRST

PETER
He is not inside!

MARY MAGDALENE
Yes he is gone.. Where have they taken him Peter?

PETER
They could not have taken Him, My God.
It has to be true..

We must go tell the others.

JOHN
Yes it is true!

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 MARY MAGDALENE
(Still wanting to find where her Lord is.)

(CRYING..)

THE ANGEL APPEARS ON TOP OF THE TOMB WITH A GLOW FROM BEHIND

MARY MAGDALENE
No.. No.. Jesus where have they taken you..
I can’t live without you..
I will find you if it takes my whole life, I will search for you Lord!

ANGEL
Woman, why are you weeping..

MARY MAGDALEN
Because they have stolen my Lords body from the tomb, and I do not
know where they have taken him..

ANGEL
Why do you seek the living among the dead.

JESUS
(Walking out of the tomb)
Why are you crying? Who are you looking for my child?

MARY MAGDALENE
I am looking for my Lord, he was buried in the tomb and now he is not
there.!
Please sir, if you know where they have taken Him, tell me that I may
find Him.

JESUS
Mary..

MARY MAGDALENE
(Reaches for Jesus)
Teacher!

JESUS
Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.
Go tell all my brothers I am returning to the Father.
My Father, Your Father, My God, Your God.

Let us Go Jabesh..

JABESH WALKS OUT OF THE TOMB.

MARY MAGDALENE
(Excited and running around)
I have seen the Lord.. I have seen the Lord. He IS ALIVE!!
HE IS RISEN!!

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JESUS WALKS IN GLORY TO MAIN STAGE AND DOWN THE MIDDLE AISLE, JABESH
FOLLOWS HIM IN THE BACKGROUND..

THE END

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