'The Witnesses' Skit, Easter Skit

The Witnesses

By Annette Wetherbee;

Changed by Angela Roberts; Changed by Peter & Brittany Lindell

CARPENTER: I swung the ax that felled the tree, which then was fashioned into His cross. It was crude, but effective. What did I care how it looked, as long as it worked…and I got paid. Who hung on my cross didn’t matter, as long as it wasn’t me.

WOMAN 1: For the longest time I followed Him from a distance. I had heard of His love, but didn’t dare hope that it could be for me. I knew I was despised. Oh, not by Him, but by those who sought to hurt Him. So I stayed away, but still hoped for a glimpse, a word, a chance to be in His presence. I knew what I was, and I had no right to seek Him. (With awe, disbelief) But He came to me, and offered forgiveness, mercy and healing.

SOLDIER: I was there the night He was arrested. I even witnessed a miracle. But it didn’t matter. I thought to myself, “How could someone who is said to have so much power be so weak?” (with contempt) He did nothing to stop us. And when his followers realized He would not protect Himself or them, (pause) they fled.

CARPENTER: (deep breath, continues in anguished but quieter voice) The sound of the voices still echoes in my ears. A mindless part of a bloodthirsty mob. (Gains control, continues with difficulty but calmly) When it came to the legendary Messiah, I was skeptical. So many before Him had tried and failed. I started to believe in him though, or at least what I hoped He would be—(grows in intensity) a savior who would restore our people and (raised arm and clenched fist) crush our enemies. We sang His praises as He rode into town…on the back of a donkey, no less. “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the Highest!” But it wasn’t long before we realized that He wasn’t what we had expected. He was supposed to be King of the Jews. Some King. We followed Him and loved Him, but now we hated Him and shouted for His death. (louder) Crucify Him! Crucify Him!

SOLDIER: (Challenging, boasting) I beat Him. I spat on Him and I mocked Him, “Hail King of the Jews!” I waited for His pleas for mercy. I crowned Him with a crown of thorns, and as the blood trickled down His brow (raise hand to side of face) I stared into His eyes looking for defeat. (Flustered, but angry) But, but I saw no fear…no hatred…no weakness. Only pity. (with building rage) Pity for me, and it infuriated me!

WOMAN 1: I stood silent when the mob cried out for His death. Helpless. (Shakes head, then confesses) Afraid. Who was I to speak on His behalf? So I did nothing...but kneel at His cross…and watch…and wait…and hope for a miracle.

WOMAN 2: I couldn’t keep my eyes from Him. I saw a man offer Him a sponge filled with sour wine. I hoped He would take it to ease His pain and suffering. But He refused. Then, at the ninth hour the sun darkened. I listened as He moaned, “Father into Your hands I commit my spirit.” He took His last breath, and He died. My Savior was dead.

CARPENTER: As the sky grew dark, I realized who was on my cross. I deserved to be hanging on it, but someone else was in my place. The lightning flashed, thunder echoed, the earth shook, and He died. (Flatly, almost with disbelief of his own role.) The temple veil was ripped in two. All that had been foretold about the Messiah happened…it was then I knew that my cross had helped kill the Son of God.

WOMAN 2: After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary and I came to see the tomb. There was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. The angel’s countenance was like lightning and its clothing as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw the angel.

SOLDIER: (Fearful, but with power) It wasn’t until the stone was heaved away from the mouth of the tomb that I truly knew fear. I sank to the ground as a dead man. The one who I tortured and executed had left the tomb I sealed. I was certain He would destroy me for all I had done.

WOMAN 2: Did you hear? There is an angel by the tomb. The stone is rolled away! You must hurry!

WOMAN 1: (Excited, joyful) I was in the garden that morning when I heard the news. I went prepared to bury Him and like the other women, found the stone rolled away. I saw the angel, who said to me, “Why seek the living among the dead? I know you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, He is risen. Go quickly and tell His disciples that Jesus is risen from the dead.” And that is exactly what I did! I told everyone I saw “Jesus, the Christ, is alive!”

SOLDIER: He conquered sin and death.

WOMAN 1: In Him is forgiveness.

CARPENTER: And eternal life!

WOMAN 2: Let him be your Lord!

CARPENTER: Your Savior!

SOLDIER: Your King!

WOMAN 1: He is ALIVE!!