Director's Notes:
Our pastor decided to work his way through the Beatitudes so I opened up Matthew 5 to get some ideas. What struck me was that believers and non-believers alike could easily gloss over these as nice, little one-liners by Jesus. Since I knew that Pastor Ray would be dissecting the verses for the congregation, I thought I would have fun with the drama and show that without the wisdom of God we can't really understand what His Word says.
So, in typical Dave Marsh fashion, I decided to take it a little farther than most normal people would as the clueless dad testifies...
Also, this drama works for the topics of:� the Beatitudes, understanding the Bible, or wisdom
Cast:
Dave: A man with questionable knowledge.
Adam: Dave's Son
Props:
A Bible
A chair
A cup of coffee
A kitchen table of some sort
Setting:
Family kitchen
(LIGHTS UP CENTER
STAGE on Dad. He is sitting on a chair, drinking coffee and reading the Bible. Adam comes walking up)
Adam: Mornin Dad.
Dad:(never looking up) Morning Adam.
Adam: Whatcha doin
Dad: Reading the Bible.
Adam: Really? Don't you normally read the paper?
Dad: (self righteously) Yep. But I thought it was high time that I read the good book instead.
Adam: Oh. (long pause) Paper boy never came, eh?
Dad: Nope. This was the only thing I could find to read.
Adam: Well, it's good for you.
Dad: (looks up) What?
Adam: You know. It's good for you. You're always telling me to quit reading junk and, well, this is good for you.
Dad: Did your mother put you up to this?
Adam: No, dad.
Dad:(looks at him suspiciously and then, flips a bunch of pages, and puts his finger down on a page)
Adam: Is that how you're supposed to read it.
Dad: Of course. If God wants me to read the Bible, then I figure he'll point me to the fun spots.
Adam: Well, what did you find?
Dad: Um, something called the Beatitudes.
Adam: Oh, I've heard of those.
Dad: Yep, the sermon on the mountain. It's where Jesus or God or someone tells us about how blessed we are or something.
Adam: (takes the bible) Yeah, you're right. Do you know what all these mean?
Dad: Of course I do. After all, I've been reading the Bible for some time now (glancing at his watch). Go ahead, read some of the verses and I'll educate you in the ways of religious biblicaldom.
Adam: Ok, here we go. Verse 1: Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
Dad: Ok, now Jesus decides to take it easy and have a seat and talk to these disciple guys. Disciple, I believe, is Greek for He who follows him that sits down on a mountain.
Adam: Cool. Wow. Greek.(impressed)
Dad: Keep going son. Learn from me.
Adam: Okay, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Dad: Hmmm. Well, back in biblical times everyone drank wine because the
water was so bad and if they didn't have any wine left then they were poor in spirits.
Adam:(a little skeptical) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Dad: If it's the morning, then the guy who is in bed and has a comforter will be blessed!
Adam: (more skeptical) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for
righteousness, for they will be filled.
Dad: This verse clearly shows that God likes food. In fact, Jesus talks more about food in the bible than any other topic!
Adam: Really?
Dad: Of course. Trust me.
Adam: (really skeptical) Ooookay. How about this one? Blessed are the
peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Dad: Ah, now that's a typo. It should read Blessed are the pizza makers.
Pizza making is an ancient Hebrew art and tradition and was the main food at weddings, funerals, and when folks were raised from the dead.
Adam: Well, um, thanks a lot, Dad. This was, er, very enlightening. Um, I've got to get ready for school now. (Hands the bible back and leaves)
Dad: No problem, Adam. Feel free to come by and ask me anything else.
Perhaps tomorrow morning, eh? Heh. Nothing like teaching your boy stuff about God. Now, let's see (flips through the Bible and puts his finger in it) James 1 eh? If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all.
Dad: (long pause) Whatever. Where's the fun verses?
LIGHTS OUT FAST
END
(c) 2001 Dave Marsh
Experiencing Worship, The Study