Scene 1: The Last Supper
An indoor setting resembling an upper room.
A long table set with plates, cups, bread, and wine (grape juice can be used).
Dim, intimate lighting with candles or lanterns.
Background elements such as drapery and simple decorations.
Jesus, Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas Iscariot
Jesus: “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
(Jesus takes the bread, gives thanks, breaks it, and gives it to His disciples.)
Jesus: “Take and eat; this is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
(The disciples take the bread and eat it.)
Jesus: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Drink from it, all of you.”
(Jesus passes the cup, and the disciples drink from it.)
Jesus: “But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays him.”
(The disciples look at each other, confused and concerned.)
Peter: “Surely not I, Lord?”
John: “Who is it, Lord?”
Jesus: “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.”
(Jesus dips the bread in the dish and gives it to Judas.)
Judas: “Surely not I, Rabbi?”
Jesus: “Yes, it is you. What you are about to do, do quickly.”
(Judas takes the bread and leaves the room quickly.)
James: “What does He mean?”
Andrew: “Is Judas really the betrayer?”
Philip: “It seems so. But why would he do such a thing?”
Jesus: “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.”
Peter: “Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”
Jesus: “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”
(Peter looks down, troubled by Jesus' words.)
Jesus: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Thomas: “Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
Jesus: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip: “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
Jesus: “Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father'? Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?”
(The disciples reflect on Jesus' words, the mood somber and thoughtful.)
Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
(Jesus and the disciples sing a hymn together before leaving for the Mount of Olives.)
Song: “Behold the Lamb (Communion Hymn)” by Keith and Kristyn Getty, sung softly in the background.
Scene 2: Jesus Praying in the Garden
Garden of Gethsemane with trees, bushes, and rocks.
Dim lighting to create a nighttime effect.
Background sounds of nature at night.
Jesus, Peter, James, John, Judas, Soldiers, Disciples
(Jesus and the disciples enter the garden. Jesus is visibly distressed.)
Jesus: “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”
(Jesus takes Peter, James, and John a little further.)
Jesus: “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
(Jesus moves a short distance away and falls with His face to the ground.)
Jesus: “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
(Jesus returns to His disciples and finds them sleeping.)
Jesus: “Couldn't you men keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
(Jesus goes away a second time to pray.)
Jesus: “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” p>
(Jesus returns and again finds the disciples sleeping, their eyes heavy.)
Jesus: “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”
(Judas arrives with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people.)
Judas: “Greetings, Rabbi!” (Kisses Jesus)
Jesus: “Friend, do what you came for.”
(The soldiers step forward to seize Jesus. Peter draws his sword and strikes the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.)
Jesus: “Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
(Jesus touches the servant's ear and heals him.)
Jesus: “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.”
(All the disciples desert Him and flee. Jesus is arrested and led away.)
(Optional: The soldiers bind Jesus and lead Him out of the garden.)
Song: “Gethsemane Hymn” by Keith and Kristyn Getty, played softly in the background.
Scene 3: The Capture
Garden setting similar to the previous scene.
Soldiers approaching with torches and weapons.
Jesus, Judas, Peter, James, John, Other Disciples, Soldiers, Servant of the High Priest (Malchus)
(Judas arrives with a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. The disciples are startled.)
Judas: “Greetings, Rabbi!” (Kisses Jesus)
Jesus: “Friend, do what you came for.”
(The soldiers step forward to seize Jesus. Peter draws his sword and strikes the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.)
Jesus: “Put your sword back in its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
(Jesus touches the servant's ear and heals him.)
Jesus: “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.”
(All the disciples desert Him and flee. Jesus is arrested and led away by the soldiers.)
Song: “O Sacred Head Now Wounded”
Scene 4: Peter’s Denial
Courtyard with a fire pit.
Dim lighting with a focus on the fire.
Peter, Servant Girl, Other Servants, Bystanders
(Peter is warming himself by the fire. The servant girl approaches him.)
Servant Girl: “You were with Jesus of Galilee.”
Peter: “I don't know what you're talking about.”
(Another servant girl sees him and speaks to those standing around.)
Second Servant Girl: “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
Peter: “I don't know the man!”
(A little while later, those standing there go up to Peter.)
Bystander: “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”
Peter: “I swear I don't know the man!” (Rooster crows. Peter realizes what he has done and weeps bitterly.)
Song: “How Deep the Father's Love for Us”
Scene 5: Jesus Before the Sanhedrin
Courtroom setting with judges’ benches.
Dim lighting with a focus on the central characters.
Jesus, High Priest, Sanhedrin Members, Guards
(Jesus is brought before the Sanhedrin. The high priest questions Him.)
High Priest: “Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.”
Jesus: “You have said so. But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
High Priest: “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”
Sanhedrin Members: “He is worthy of death!”
Song: “Man of Sorrows” by Hillsong
Scene 6: Jesus Before Pilate
Roman governor’s hall with Pilate’s chair.
Guards on either side of Pilate.
Jesus, Pilate, Roman Soldiers, Crowd Members
(Jesus is brought before Pilate. Pilate questions Him.)
Pilate: “Are you the king of the Jews?”
Jesus: “You have said so.”
Pilate: “What is truth?”
(Pilate addresses the crowd.)
Pilate: “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”
Crowd: “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
Pilate: “Do you want me to release the king of the Jews?”
Crowd: “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!”
Song: “Behold the Lamb” by Matt Maher or “Via Dolorosa” by Sandi Patty.
Scene 7: Jesus Before Herod
Royal hall with Herod’s throne.
Guards and courtiers around Herod.
Jesus, Herod, Guards, Courtiers
(Jesus is sent to Herod. Herod mocks Him.)
Herod: “Perform a miracle for me.”
(Jesus remains silent.)
Herod: “Send him back to Pilate. I find no fault in him.”
Song: “He Will Hold Me Fast” by Keith and Kristyn Getty.
Scene 8: Pilate Washing His Hands
Similar to Scene 6 with Pilate’s chair.
Pilate washing his hands in a basin.
Pilate, Jesus, Roman Soldiers, Crowd Members
(Pilate addresses the crowd and washes his hands.)
Pilate: “I am innocent of this man's blood. It is your responsibility!”
Crowd: “Crucify him! Crucify him!”
Pilate: “Do you want me to release the king of the Jews?”
Crowd: “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!”
Song: “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” or “O Sacred Head Now Wounded.”
Scene 9: Jesus on the Way to the Cross (Via Dolorosa)
Street setting with cobblestone pathway.
Crowds lining the path.
Jesus, Roman Soldiers, Simon of Cyrene, Women Mourning, Bystanders
(Jesus carries His cross, struggling under its weight. A soldier compels Simon of Cyrene to help Him.)
Soldier: “You, carry his cross!”
(Jesus speaks to the mourning women as He walks.)
Jesus: “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.”
Song: “Via Dolorosa” by Sandi Patty or “Were You There.”
Scene 10: The Crucifixion
Golgotha setting with three crosses.
Dark sky effects to create an atmosphere of sorrow.
Jesus, Two Thieves, Roman Soldiers, Mary, Mother of Jesus, John, the Apostle, Other Bystanders
(Jesus is nailed to the cross and hoisted up. The two thieves are crucified alongside Him.)
Jesus: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
(One of the thieves mocks Jesus, but the other rebukes him.)
Thief: “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
(Jesus sees His mother and John at the foot of the cross.)
Jesus: “Dear woman, here is your son.” (To John) “Here is your mother.”
(Jesus speaks His final words before dying.)
Jesus: “It is finished.”
Song: “The Old Rugged Cross”
Scene 11: The Burial
Tomb setting with a large stone.
Evening lighting to signify the end of the day.
Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene, Other Women, Roman Soldiers
(Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus take Jesus' body down from the cross and prepare it for burial.)
Joseph: “We must bury him quickly before the Sabbath begins.”
Nicodemus: “I have brought spices for his burial.”
(They place Jesus' body in the tomb and roll the stone in front of the entrance. The women watch from a distance.)
Mary Magdalene: “Where have they taken him?”
Song: “Were You There.”
Scene 12: The Empty Tomb and Resurrected Christ
Garden setting with the tomb.
Bright lighting to signify the resurrection.
Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Angel, Other Women
(Mary Magdalene and the other women arrive at the tomb and find the stone rolled away. An angel appears.)
Angel: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”
(Mary Magdalene sees Jesus but does not recognize Him at first.)
Jesus: “Mary!”
Mary Magdalene: “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher)
Jesus: “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'”
Song: “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” “Resurrection Hymn (See What a Morning)” by Keith and Kristyn Getty.
Scene 13: The Resurrection Appearances
Room setting with the disciples gathered.
Joyful and bright atmosphere to reflect the resurrection.
Jesus, Disciples, Thomas
(Jesus appears to His disciples, who are overjoyed. Thomas is not present.)
Jesus: “Peace be with you.”
(Later, Thomas is with them when Jesus appears again.)
Jesus: “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas: “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus: “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Song: “Because He Lives” “Living Hope” by Phil Wickham.
Scene 14: Final Gathering in the Family Life Center
Indoor setting with tables and chairs.
Refreshments and decorations for a welcoming atmosphere.
Conversation people from WBC
(Participants gather for refreshments and fellowship, reflecting on the experience. Conversations and testimonies are shared.)
Host: “Thank you all for joining us today. We hope this experience has brought you closer to understanding the sacrifice and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us continue to live in His love and share His message with the world.”
Song: “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” by Chris Tomlin or instrumental background music.
Resurrection Road: From the Last Supper to the Empty Tomb
As the sun begins to set on a quiet evening in Jerusalem, the tension in the air is palpable. The city, bustling with activity in preparation for the Passover, remains unaware of the monumental events about to unfold. In an upper room, Jesus gathers with His twelve disciples for the Last Supper, a meal that will be remembered for generations to come. The table is set with bread and wine, symbolizing His body and blood, given for the salvation of humanity. As Jesus breaks the bread and passes the cup, He speaks words that will resonate through the ages, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
After the meal, Jesus and His disciples walk to the Garden of Gethsemane. The garden is peaceful, but the atmosphere is heavy with foreboding. Jesus, aware of the suffering He is about to endure, prays fervently, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” The disciples, unable to grasp the gravity of the moment, struggle to stay awake. Suddenly, the tranquility is shattered by the arrival of Judas, leading a band of soldiers. With a kiss, Judas betrays Jesus, and the soldiers seize Him, leading Him away as the disciples scatter in fear.
As dawn breaks, Jesus stands before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council, facing false accusations and mockery. The high priest demands, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus responds with calm authority, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Outraged, the council condemns Him to death.
Jesus is then brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate, recognizing Jesus' innocence, offers to release Him as part of the Passover tradition. But the crowd, incited by the chief priests, shouts, “Crucify Him!” Pilate, washing his hands in a symbolic gesture, reluctantly sentences Jesus to be crucified.
In the courtyard, Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, denies knowing Him three times before the rooster crows, just as Jesus had foretold. Overcome with guilt and sorrow, Peter weeps bitterly, realizing the depth of his betrayal.
Jesus is led to Herod, who, after mocking Him, sends Him back to Pilate. The journey to the cross begins as Jesus, bearing the weight of the world's sins, carries His cross through the streets of Jerusalem. The Via Dolorosa, the Way of Suffering, is lined with onlookers, some jeering, others weeping. Simon of Cyrene is compelled to help Jesus carry the cross, symbolizing the shared burden of suffering.
At Golgotha, the place of the skull, Jesus is crucified between two thieves. The sky darkens, and as Jesus utters His final words, “It is finished,” He breathes His last breath. The earth trembles, and the curtain of the temple is torn in two. Jesus' lifeless body is taken down and laid in a tomb, sealed with a large stone.
Three days later, at dawn, women come to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body, only to find the stone rolled away and the tomb empty. An angel announces, “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and later to His disciples, proving that He has conquered death.
The resurrected Jesus appears to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, revealing Himself in the breaking of bread. He later meets His disciples in Galilee, where He commissions them to go and make disciples of all nations.
The passion play culminates with a final gathering in the Family Life Center, where participants and audience members share in fellowship, reflecting on the profound impact of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection. This time allows for conversations about what was seen, what Jesus did, and ultimately what it means to us in terms of redemption and eternal life. The warm atmosphere, filled with conversation and refreshments, offers a moment of unity and hope.
As the event draws to a close, the powerful song “The Power of an Empty Tomb” by The Irwins plays, reinforcing the triumphant message of Jesus' resurrection and the hope it brings to all believers. The song's poignant lyrics and uplifting melody leave a lasting impression, encapsulating the essence of the journey from the Last Supper to the empty tomb.
Through each scene, from the Last Supper to the Resurrection, “Resurrection Road: From the Last Supper to the Empty Tomb” invites participants to walk the path of Jesus' final days, experiencing His love, sacrifice, and triumph over death. This immersive journey through the streets of Jerusalem to the empty tomb brings the Easter story to life, deepening the faith of all who partake.