Lazarus
Friend of Jesus

by
Charles B. French
(based on an idea by Scott Bland)

The Story:

Imagine being friends with a simple carpenter, only to find out one day that this seemingly ordinary man was, in fact, the Messiah. Imagine learning that your friend is more than just a man: He can heal lepers, He can call crowds of thousands, He can move hearts with just a word, and He has made powerful enemies. What would it be like to be this man’s friend as all this goes on? What would it be like to grow ill and need your friend’s healing? You grow sicker, but your friend never arrives to help you. What would it be like to lay dying and have your friend, the one who could save you with a word, not show up?

	How would you feel? Angry? Betrayed? Would you still have faith?

	This is the story of one such man, Lazarus, who was indeed friends with Jesus. While Jesus ministered to thousands, Lazarus became ill. Jesus could have healed him, but didn’t, and Lazarus died. Four days later, Jesus finally arrived and was greeted by Lazarus’ grieving and angry sisters, accusing the Savior of forgetting his friend. Jesus wept. Then, Jesus went to Lazarus’ tomb, not to mourn, but to raise His friend from the grave. Jesus hadn’t forgotten Lazarus. It was all in God’s time.

	This is a story for everyone who has felt abandoned and betrayed by God, when things kept getting worse and God would not answer. Sometimes the answer is not “No,” but “not yet.” Faith is easy when things are going right, but much more difficult in times of trouble. This story is about knowing that God never forgets us. He does have a plan for us.

	Eventually, we are all Lazarus. 

	This tale is more than just the Lazarus story we know and love, though. It is also a story of forgiveness and redemption. It is a story of seekers and their quest to understand who this Jesus is. It is a story of the faithful and the doubts they experience when things don’t work out the way they’re supposed to. It is about having our faith tested, our worldview shaken, and the bonds of friendship that carry us through.

Cast of Characters

Lazarus: A simple fisherman with no particular desire to be involved in anything out of the ordinary. He gradually grows sicker until he dies, only to be raised by Jesus.
Jesus: Son of God. He is a friend with Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha. He is pained to the core about having to let Lazarus suffer and die. While fully God, Jesus is also human.
Mary: Sister of Lazarus. She loves Jesus and drops everything to see him. She has secretly sinned and is ashamed of it.
Martha: Sister of Lazarus. She is always busy and makes sure things are done. She often gets distracted from the big things by obsessing over the little things.
Isaac: Friend of Lazarus, he has a fiery faith that has yet to be tested. He immediately believes Jesus is the Messiah..
Thomas: A friend of Lazarus. He is a doubter, and if he believes in God, he doesn’t believe that God has much to do with anything. He does like Jesus and knows he is different than all the other religious leaders, but has a hard time accepting his friend Jesus as the Messiah.
Simon the Pharisee: Resident of Bethany. Mary works for him until he dismisses her over her sin.
Roman Soldier: He demands that his pack be carried one mile and is quite surprised when Isaac offers to carry it for two.
Leper (former): He was a leper until Jesus healed him. Now he travels the countryside telling everyone about how Jesus healed him.
Peter: One of Jesus’ disciples. Very passionate, but thickheaded and never getting things.
John: Another of Jesus’ disciples, more level-headed and tried to keep Peter in line.
Mary Magdalene: A former prostitute and now a follower of Jesus.
Pharisees 1,2,3: A group of Pharisees who sometimes gather together whenever Jesus is around. 
Persons in Crowd 1,2,3: People listening to Jesus in the marketplace who ask questions.
Disciples: Jesus’ other disciples. While they don’t have lines, they are often around, following Jesus and watching what is happening.

Scene 1

The scene is outdoors Bethany. No one is onstage for the moment.

Lazarus: (walks onstage, mad) It’s not funny!
Isaac: (following, laughing) It’s very funny.
Thomas: (following Isaac) You were hilarious. You should have seen yourself, flailing around like that. I almost died laughing!
Lazarus: I almost died!
Thomas: Are you not standing here on your own two feet?
Isaac: Besides, you’re almost dry. 
Lazarus: That’s not the point, Isaac. I could have drowned.
Isaac: It would have been your own fault.
Lazarus: How?
Isaac: You just had to steer. You made a big deal about how you could handle the boat better than the both of us.
Lazarus: I was doing fine, thank you very much.
Thomas: Until you hit that rock.
Isaac: How could you not see it? It was huge!
Lazarus: It was hidden.
Thomas: Sure, for you it’s hidden. If one of us had hit it, you would have said it was huge.
Lazarus: See if I ever break bread with you ever again. [Thomas and Isaac laugh to themselves. Lazarus is cranky. As this happens, Jesus walks onstage.]
Jesus: Why aren’t you breaking bread with them this time, Lazarus?
Lazarus: You don’t want to know.
Jesus: I do want to know. Tell me.
Thomas: Jesus, you should have seen it. Lazarus here ran our boat right into a rock.
Lazarus: It was invisible. Hidden away under the water.
Thomas: So the boat crashes and he falls into the water.
Isaac: He’s splashing around, calling out that he’s about to die.
Thomas: He told us to tell Mary and Martha that he loves them.
Jesus: But he isn’t dead. Tell me what happened.
Lazarus: I wasn’t in as much danger as I thought. That’s all.
Jesus: I see.
Lazarus: The point is I’m fine.
Isaac: The point is you thought you were drowning when all you had to do was stand up.
Thomas: The look on your face when you realized you were in three feet of water.
Lazarus: It’s not funny.
Jesus: You’ll think its funny later. Where are Mary and Martha?
Lazarus: Back at the house. You know Martha, nothing’s ever done.
Jesus: Could you tell them I’m here. I’d like to see them.
Isaac: While you’re here, you might need to fix the boat again.
Jesus: I’ll be happy to look it over.
Isaac: Good. I’ll go fetch Mary and Martha.
Thomas: I’ll go with you. They just have to know about drowning Lazarus.
Isaac: You should do his expression when he was in the water. You do it better than me.  [Isaac and Thomas head offstage to fetch Mary and Martha.]
Jesus: You’ve had a day.
Lazarus: I’m glad you are here. (They clasp arms.) What brings you to Bethany? Will you stay long?
Jesus: Not long. I wanted to see you all before I started my ministry
Lazarus: Started what?
Jesus: My ministry…I’m on my way to see John.
Lazarus: Your cousin the Baptizer? The one in camel hair who eats locusts?
Jesus: Yes, (smiles…chuckles a little) him
Lazarus: I don’t know about him. I know he’s your cousin, but he’s a little strange.  We’ve had Pharisees through here, and I don’t think they like him very much.  John’s preaching about the time being near and that everyone should repent.  There are a lot of strange people following him. I don’t know. It’s not something I’d want to be mixed up in.
Jesus: Why is that?
Lazarus: Because I don’t believe in stirring up trouble. 
Jesus: Sometimes trouble is unavoidable.
Lazarus: Not if you’re careful.
Jesus: You were careful as you could be out on the water, and yet you still fell in.
Lazarus: Not you, too.
Jesus: And sometimes, Lazarus, we need to stir up a little trouble.
[Isaac and Thomas return with Mary and Martha in tow.]
Martha: Jesus! (she embraces Jesus in a tight hug.)
Jesus: Hello Martha!  Mary, What have you been doing with yourself?
Mary:  Oh Jesus it is so good to see you.  I have been helping out with Rabbi Simon. 
Jesus:  You both look great 
Martha: Lazarus! What’s this I hear about you almost drowning? Are you all right? Are you sick? Did you break anything? How’s the boat? Jesus it is so good to see you!  Are you here to fix the boat with those carpenter skills of yours?
Jesus: I’ll tend to it Martha, but I’m just passing through. I’m on my way to see John.
Thomas: John? Hasn’t he lost his mind?
Isaac: That’s Jesus’ cousin, Thomas…
Thomas: No offense.
Jesus: I know you see him as strange, but John really does God’s work.
Thomas: Eating locusts is God’s work?
Mary: (smacks Thomas) Thomas! Stop being so rude. John the Baptizer has done nothing to you. He’s a good man.
Martha: And very sensible. You know camel-hair never wears out. He’s got a good head on his shoulders.
Isaac: I went to hear him preach, once. I listened for hours and then I got baptized. He said God would use me.
Thomas: Then why are you still here? God’s not using you, you’re just a fisherman.
Jesus: God uses fishermen.  Have faith in what you can’t see Thomas.
Mary: So Jesus, why are you going to see your cousin?
Jesus: My purpose will be revealed in the proper time.
Martha:  Oh Jesus, please be careful.  Are you sure that you need to be around him right now?  I have heard some strange things about what this man, your cousin says….
Jesus: Why do you worry so, Martha?
Martha: Someone has got to.
Jesus: Lead me to that boat.
Lazarus: Good, now you can see that I was right about that rock.
Isaac: Please, you can see that rock from here.
Thomas: That’s the last time I let Lazarus steer. 
[Everyone except Jesus exits. Jesus lingers for a moment, watching them go. He laughs to himself and shakes his head. He enjoys being around them. Jesus follows the procession, smiling.]

Scene 2

Time has passed in Bethany. Lazarus, Thomas, and Isaac are outside.

Thomas: Your sister Mary seems upset.
Lazarus: She does? I hadn’t noticed.
Isaac: You share the same house and you didn’t notice?
Thomas: This is why we don’t let you steer the boat.
Lazarus: Am I ever going to hear the end of that?
Thomas: Not until your dying day.

[Peter and John enter and see the three men.]

Peter: (in a big, booming voice) You there, fisherman. How would you like to be fishers of men? (Lazarus, Thomas, and Isaac all look at Peter blankly)
John: (quietly to Peter) I told you not to say that Peter.
Peter: It worked when Jesus said it.
John: We were in a boat, that’s why it worked. Besides, Jesus told us what to say.
Peter: I know, I know. But I thought I could add to it and make it better.
John: You’ve got to stop doing that.
Lazarus: (having heard part of this conversation) Did you say Jesus sent you?
Peter: That’s right. He is our Savior and Master.
John: We bear His tidings of Good News.
Peter: Have you heard of Him?
Thomas: Are we talking about the same Jesus? From Galilee? About yea tall? (holds up a hand to Jesus’ height.) Good at carpentry?
John: So you do know of Him?
Isaac: Know of him? We grew up together. We’ve known Jesus for years.
Thomas: So why are the two of you talking about him?
Isaac: Are you his followers?
Lazarus: What’s he gotten himself into?
Peter: John and I are just two of his followers and are here to preach the Good News of Jesus. He will save us all.
Thomas: And how, exactly, will that happen?
John: You just have to have faith.
Thomas: Look, I’ve seen the man. I know the man. You might say that he’s been like a brother to me. But a Savior?
Isaac: Wait, are you saying that Jesus is the Messiah? 
Lazarus: I told him not to stir up trouble.
Peter: The only trouble will be for the Romans!
John: He told you not to say that.
Peter: But…
John: We’re only to talk about the Kingdom of Heaven and to tell everyone to have faith, for great will be their treasure in Heaven.
Thomas: Oh, I see. How much?
John: What?
Thomas: How much money do you want? I’ve heard this before. Someone makes great promises of heavenly riches and then demands money. You’re not the first to try that.
Peter: (offended) How dare you suggest…
John: Peter. Be calm. (to Thomas) I understand your concerns, but this isn’t something you can pay money for. Jesus tells us that you can’t buy your way into the Kingdom, but that we are all invited to enter and you no longer have to worry about your life.
Lazarus: I don’t think Martha would agree. Someone has to take care of the details, she’d say.
Isaac: But you don’t. I see it now. If you have faith, God will never let you down and will never let disaster touch your life.
Thomas: Really? What about the time our net broke and we couldn’t fish for a week? What about the time our boat was destroyed by that storm? What about the time that my family’s crops burned and we nearly starved? Every time something like that happened, I was told to just trust in God, but the disasters kept happening.
Lazarus: But we got through them. And wasn’t Jesus there, helping us mend the net and rebuild the boat and replant the fields. We’re still here and still have a boat and your family still has crops.
Thomas: Yes, we got through them and Jesus was there with us. But why did the disasters keep coming and coming? 
John: If Jesus was with you, then you were truly blessed.
Peter: And don’t you forget it!
John: Stop that!
Peter: But… (John glares at him) fine.
Lazarus: How is Jesus? I worry that what he’s saying is going to cause trouble and create enemies.
Peter: They are no match for us!
Lazarus: Jesus is just one man. The Romans have an army that topples nations. The Pharisees can have you put to death.
John: Yes, there are those who hate our message, but we persevere.
Peter: Jesus knows how to handle the Pharisees.
Thomas: That I’d like to see.
John: Then come hear him preach. He will be in the marketplace tomorrow to preach the Good News.
Peter: You’ll see that he’s the Messiah. You’ll all see!

(Peter and John leave)

Lazarus: Should we go?
Thomas: Jesus? The Messiah? That can’t be. We know him.
Isaac: How can you not believe? Deep down, I think I always knew.
Thomas: Fine, I’ll go see what our friend is doing.
Lazarus: I just hope he’s not causing any trouble.
(The three walk off as the lights fade.)

Scene 3

A marketplace. It is crowded; people meander about, looking at stalls. Merchants hawk their wares. Thomas, Isaac, and Lazarus enter the market, unsure of where they will head next.

Lazarus: Are you certain this is the right place?
Thomas: This wouldn’t be the first time we got lost following you.
Isaac: This is where the people say Jesus will be.
Lazarus: Are you sure we want to be here?
Isaac: Why not?
Lazarus: I’ve heard it might not be safe.
Thomas: As long as we’re not in a boat with you, we’ll be safe.
Lazarus: (ignoring the comment) I’m serious. The Pharisees aren’t happy and I’ve heard of crowds trying to stone him.
Thomas: Why would they do that?
Isaac: Because of what he’s teaching. Change is coming, and people can’t abide change.
Thomas: But why kill him? If they don’t like it why not ignore it?
Lazarus: That’s the price you pay for causing trouble. This is why I wish to avoid being involved in anything.
Thomas: And that keeps you out of trouble?
Lazarus: So far.

(Jesus enters, followed closely by Peter, John, and Mary Magdalene, as well as other disciples as well. The people see Jesus and abandon what they are doing to listen. As the people organize, Jesus stands to one side of the market, the people gather to watch, and at the far end stand Lazarus, Thomas, and Isaac. As Jesus speaks, Pharisees 1,2, and 3 enter and watch from a distance.)

Person in Crowd 1: How are we to live? The tax collectors take so much and the Romans take everything else!
Jesus: I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 
Thomas: That’s his advice?
Isaac: It’s all about faith.
Thomas: When did foolishness become faith? If he was smart, he’d tell us how to fight off the Romans or keep more of our money and property. Instead we just blindly trust?
Isaac: You can’t trust God?
Thomas: How can I trust in a God who allows so much hardship?
Isaac: I know it’s hard, but have faith. Listen to what he says.
Person in Crowd 2: What will become of us? 
Jesus: Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.   
Lazarus: Do you see them? The Pharisees? They don’t like what they hear. This could cause trouble.
Isaac: But if Jesus does God’s will, why would they be angry?
Thomas: Because they don’t care about faith. They care about power. I have never met a religious leader who didn’t try to hang onto power at all costs. The Pharisees are no different. They want to exalt themselves over everyone.
Isaac: And what about Jesus? You know him? Does he seem like all the others?
Thomas: (having a hard time answering this question) Well, no…it’s just…he did help us out a lot…and he’s clearly different and…
Isaac: And?
Thomas: Yes, I know Jesus, and he is a good man and not like the others. But only him; I meant what I said about the rest of them.
Person in Crowd 3: My family is starving. We have no money and soon we will die!
Jesus: Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 
Thomas: So we get treasure in heaven, but what about now? I can’t spend treasure in heaven for food.
Isaac: Weren’t you listening? You don’t need to worry about things here.
Thomas: I’ll believe it when I see it. 
Lazarus: What would convince you?
Thomas: I don’t know, but pretty words about birds and lilies mean nothing when the tax collectors take everything from me.
Isaac: You just need faith.
Thomas: You say that so much it becomes meaningless.
Isaac: I say it so much because it’s true. If you have even a little faith, you’ll be amazed at where it takes you.
Pharisee1: (to Jesus) If I may ask a question. You teach of following God, but how is that possible when you consort with prostitutes such as her. (Points to Mary Magdalene.) How is that righteous?
Mary Magdalene: (to Jesus) I shouldn’t be here.
Jesus: You are exactly where you need to be. With me.
Mary Magdalene: But look at what they say about me. And about you. I should go.
Jesus: No, Mary. You will stay and you will see why I am here. (to the Pharisee) It is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick. But go and learn what this means. I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.
Thomas: I never expected him to say something like that.
Isaac: Why would that surprise you?
Thomas: True. Why else would Jesus spend so much time with us?
Isaac: Hey!
Lazarus: Stop it you two. It doesn’t look like Jesus will be free of the crowd any time soon. We’ll see him later.
(They exit as Jesus continues to preach to and talk with the crowd.)

Scene 4

Simon’s House. The place is being decorated and prepared for an upcoming banquet. Mary is working hard, cleaning, arranging, and decorating. Simon enters, sees the progress, and is pleased.

Simon: It looks beautiful.
Mary: Thank you, Rabbi. I want it to look it’s best for Jesus.
Simon: Yes…him.
Mary: Yes, Rabbi, He who is a blessing to others. He is a friend to Bethany.
Simon: I’ve never known him, and now he’s everywhere. All my brethren are worried.
Mary: Why?
Simon: He upsets the authority of the Pharisees. I know he is your friend, but he steps on important toes. I fear he may become an obstacle and a danger to society.
Mary: But he serves The Lord. How could he do that?
Simon: I’ve heard whispers that he calls himself the ‘Son of Man.’ That’s a dangerous title to give yourself.
Mary: But if He is who He says He is…
Simon: Impossible.
Mary: Why then, if I may ask, have you invited Him to this feast?
Simon: My brethren are curious about this man from Galilee. As am I, and so I invited him here to see who he truly is. It is my fervent hope that, in front of all the people of Bethany, this Jesus will declare his allegiance and obedience to the Pharisees. He would do himself much good to declare so.
Mary: What do you mean?
Simon: He teaches dangerous things, and that is going to cause him and his followers trouble if he continues on in that manner. He needs to be corralled and only teach what we approve of.
Mary: Pardon me for saying so, Rabbi, but I don’t think He’d agree to that.
Simon: I hope for his sake that you are wrong, and I will know soon enough.
Mary: Is there anything else you’d like me to do?
Simon: I don’t know what else you could do. This place is immaculate.
Mary: There’s always something more to do.
Simon: You sound like your sister Martha. I’ve never seen you work so hard.
Mary: It’s all for Jesus.
Simon: No, I don’t think it is. Something is troubling you.
Mary: No.
Simon: Yes, and you work yourself to death because of it. I won’t have one of my most valuable servants dying right before an important feast.
Mary: I didn’t want to trouble you.
Simon: I insist. Something is wrong, and I demand to know.
Mary: My heart is heavy. I have sinned, Rabbi, and I am ashamed. I’ve tried to work away my guilt but it doesn’t go away.
Simon: What is your sin?
Mary: Please, don’t make me tell.
Simon: Tell me, Mary.
Mary: I have lain with a man not my husband. Since my husband died, I’ve been so lonely. I needed comfort and found it in the arms of another.
Simon: (losing all sympathy and immediately becoming judgmental and angry) That you would so disdain marriage is shameful. That you would dishonor God and our people is even worse.
Mary: Rabbi, please understand.
Simon: What I understand is that you’ve brought this disgrace, this stain, into my house.
Mary: No, I didn’t mean, it was a mistake, please forgive me.
Simon: It was a mistake for you to ever be in my service.
Mary: I’ve done good work. Please.
Simon: You deceived me. You are nothing more than a harlot. By all rights I should drag you into the square and have you stoned. But I am merciful and will merely dismiss you from my service and my home,
Mary: Please, my family needs the money.
Simon: You should have thought of that before you dishonored them. Now get out!
[Mary rushes out of the house in tears.]

Scene 5

Jesus is on a separate part of the stage, preaching. As Jesus preaches, a spotlight shines on him. When Jesus is not preaching, the spotlight fades. On another stage we have Isaac encountering the Roman soldier.

Jesus: You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.  

[The Roman soldier enters carrying a pack. He sees Isaac. Thomas and Lazarus watch, off to the side.]

Soldier: (to Isaac) You there. Peon.
Isaac: (angry) I have a name. [The Roman soldier slaps Isaac.]
Jesus: If someone strikes you on the right check, turn to him the other also.  [Isaac wants to attack the soldier, but thinks better of it, remembering Jesus’ words]
Soldier: Well?
Isaac: Well what?
Soldier: Are you just going to stand there? (the soldier is clearly looking for a fight.)
Isaac: Yes.
Soldier: (disappointed that Isaac doesn’t want to cause trouble.) Fine. (he tosses his pack to Isaac) Carry this.
Jesus: If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
Isaac: (picks up the pack) I’ll carry it.
Soldier: One mile.
Isaac: I’ll carry it for two miles.
Soldier: What?
Isaac: I’ll go two miles with you.
Soldier: (stunned) You only have to go one mile.
Isaac: The second mile is my choice.
Soldier: What’s your name?
Isaac: Isaac.
Soldier: Isaac, why are you doing this, offering to carry my pack two miles?
Isaac: Have you heard about Jesus?
Soldier: Who?
Isaac: We’ve got two miles. If you want, I’ll tell you all about him. 
Soldier: I’d like to hear it.
 [Isaac and the soldier exit, with Isaac carrying the pack.]

Jesus: I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Thomas: Did you see that?
Lazarus: He was smart. He didn’t want to cause any trouble.
Thomas: Are you insane? We can’t let our enemies walk all over us like that! Do you know how many of us they’ve killed? But instead of fighting back, our friend Jesus wants us to love them. We live in terror and the solution is love?  We need to fight! I don’t know what Jesus is telling people, but I don’t think I want anything to do with that kind of teaching.
 [Thomas stalks off. Lazarus looks over his shoulder after Isaac and the soldier, then follows Thomas.]
Scene 6

Mary enters her home. She is miserable, lost in thought, and very unhappy about the way of things. She just wants to go home and forget about Simon. Martha bursts in. She just found out about Mary being dismissed by Simon and is not at all happy.

Martha: How could you? How could you do such a thing?
Mary: What?
Martha: Don’t play games, dear sister. I’ve just heard that Simon dismissed you. What did you do? Were you careless? Were you disrespectful? (Has a horrifying thought) Did you steal from him?
Mary: No.
Martha: Then why? Why did he dismiss you so?
Mary: I don’t wish to talk about it.
Martha: Well we are going to talk about it. What did you do?
Mary: Nothing.
Martha: I know Simon. He is a good and righteous and upright man. (At this, Mary begins to sob) He would have no reason to dismiss you… (she looks at Mary and something clicks) unless…
Mary: I’m sorry.
Martha: What did you do? What did you do that made Rabbi Simon cast you out?
Mary: Please, don’t as me that.
Martha: Tell me! What did you do?
Mary: I lay with a man not my husband. I’m so sorry, sister. I was lonely and weak.
Martha: And so you prostitute yourself to any man willing to take you to his bed!
Mary: Please don’t say that.
Martha: I helped raise you after our parents died. Me, the oldest, who should have gotten married. But no, I made the ultimate sacrifice to look after my younger brother and sister. 
Mary: I’m sorry.
Martha: (not listening) And then I see you go off and get married, something I will never know, but I accept it as God’s will. And when your husband died, I gladly accepted you back into our home, once again to look after you.
Mary: I’m sorry. Please forgive me.
Martha: Sorry? There is no sorry. There is nothing you can say or do that will atone for this. You should be so thankful that you aren’t being hauled away to be stoned.  You’re a sinner…stained…unclean!  I should send you away, never again to shame us with your face. 
Mary: Martha, no!
Martha: Lazarus is not feeling well at the moment. He needs to take care of himself, and now with this happening, it will be the death of him. Did you even think of your brother? Or us? The Rabbi’s charity in allowing you to work for him kept us fed. Now, I don’t know what we’ll do.
Mary: Please, let me try to fix things.
Martha: You’ve done enough.
[Martha says nothing else and leaves. Mary cries for a short time…lights out]

Scene 7

Lazarus’ house. Mary is sitting alone when Lazarus enters.

Lazarus: Martha is furious. What did you do, break a bowl?
Mary: Go away.
Lazarus: Are you all right?
Mary: I don’t want to talk about it.
Lazarus: I’m your brother. Tell me.
Mary: Rabbi Simon dismissed me.
Lazarus: Why? You always did good work.
Mary: And now I’m dismissed and a disgrace to our family and we have no money.
Lazarus: Why would he do that? This isn’t like him.
Mary: It’s because of what I did. I told him and he dismissed me. Now Martha is furious and I’m afraid of what everyone else will think. Even you will forsake me.
Lazarus: What for? What did you… (realizes this is serious) What did you do?
Mary: I lay with a man not my husband.
Lazarus: What? Who? What?
Mary: He was a stranger here, a traveling merchant. I was lonely and missing my husband. No one knew this man and no one would find out about it. And no one did, but every day the shame of it burned my heart. The Rabbi noticed and made me confess to him. It felt good to let it out, but then he called me a harlot and sent me out. Oh, Lazarus, I’m so sorry.
Lazarus: Mary.
Mary: If you want me to go, I will.
Lazarus: Please, stay. You are family and I love you. And I’m sure Martha still loves you. I won’t cast you out.
Mary: But what will we do? Without my wages we’ll starve.
Lazarus: I told you that Isaac, Thomas, and I saw Jesus teach. He said that we shouldn’t worry and instead just trust God. So I’ve decided not to worry.
Mary: What did he say about women like me?
Lazarus: Jesus loves you, Mary. I don’t think he’d forsake you either.
Mary: He’s coming to see the Rabbi, and I know Simon will tell Him about me.
Lazarus: Let me deal with Simon.
Mary: Please, no. I couldn’t bear it.
Lazarus: And I can’t bear to see you like this.
Mary: But what about what you said about not causing trouble?
Lazarus: I’m not causing trouble, I’m fixing it.
[Lazarus gets up and leaves. Mary remains behind.]

Scene 8

Simon’s house. Lazarus enters and is angry.

Lazarus: Rabbi! Rabbi Simon!
Simon: Yes, hello Lazarus.
Lazarus: Mary told me everything.
Simon: Then you see that I had no choice.
Lazarus: No choice?
Simon: It’s a matter of propriety. I can’t have a woman like that working in my house.
Lazarus: That woman is my sister.
Simon: And I’m sorry for the shame I know this brings you.
Lazarus: Ashamed? Yes I’m disappointed, but I love her. I will not turn her away.
Simon: Then do as you must, as I have.
Lazarus: Why dismiss her? Nobody knew.
Simon: I knew, and I know Jesus would know.
Lazarus: What?
Simon: From what I hear, this Jesus tends to know things about people before they tell him.
Lazarus: And?
Simon: And what would Jesus think if I had a sinner like her in my house?
Lazarus: Jesus is Mary’s friend.
Simon: Not if he seeks righteousness. This feast will be about showing Jesus and everyone else the righteousness of the Pharisees and the necessity to follow our ways. He will see my purity and the purity of my home and know that he must ally with us.
Lazarus: After the way you treated Mary? 
Simon: I know you are angry, but you should be angry at her.
Lazarus: How dare you…
Simon: Careful, Lazarus, I am a Pharisee and you are under my authority.
Lazarus: I will never forgive you for this.
Simon: You will come to see the wisdom of my decision when Jesus dines with me.
[Lazarus says nothing more and walks out angrily.]

Scene 9

Lazarus, still angry, runs into Thomas and Isaac. Before they can ask him what is wrong, a former leper appears.

Leper:  I’m healed, I’m healed!  (he runs to Thomas and hugs him.)
Thomas: Get off me. (He pushes the man away.) What do you mean you are healed?
Leper: Human contact, how I’ve missed it!
Isaac: What are you talking about?
Leper: I used to be a leper...(The three men jump back and vigorously rub themselves in a panic.) but Jesus healed me
Isaac: What do you mean… used to?
Leper: There I was. Outcast! Unclean! Covered in rags. I had to shout so that people would know a leper was coming.   No one could come near me. I wondered what I did wrong? Why did God let this happen to me? Am I being punished? Did God curse me? For years, I was alone…all alone.
Isaac: and so what happened?
Leper:  Jesus…He healed me!
Lazarus: Jesus?
Leper: Yes!  You have heard of him?
Isaac: Heard of him?
Thomas: He’s been acting kind of strange lately
Leper: He healed me. He touched me. He touched me!  I was made clean!
Lazarus: Jesus touched you and you were made clean?
Isaac: Why are you telling us this?
Leper: I’m telling everyone!  Everyone I meet!
Lazarus: He’s going to get himself into trouble.
Isaac: Jesus can heal lepers?  Did anyone know this?
Thomas: I’ll believe it when I see it. I don’t know why you believe this wild claim.
Leper: I was healed. It’s true. You have got to believe me.
Thomas: Like I said, I’ll believe it when I see it (The leper runs off to tell others). What a strange man.
Isaac: You don’t see what’s right in front of you.
Thomas: Did you see him healed? We’ve heard those claims before, you know.
Lazarus: I don’t feel like talking right now. I think I’m going to lie down.
[Lazarus leaves and the lights fade.]

Scene 10

Feast at Simons house. Everyone from Bethany save Mary is there, as are Jesus, Peter, John, and other Disciples. Lazarus and Martha sit at one table. Peter, John, and the Disciples at another. Jesus dines at the head table with Simon. Mary Magdalene is also standing about with a few other onlookers.

Simon: Tell me, Jesus, do you agree that our people need to be led in the path of righteousness, as we Pharisees have done? 
Jesus: Tell me, what are the greatest commandments?
Simon: To keep the Sabbath holy. To avoid pollution from sinners. To observe the Law.
Jesus: I tell you, Simon, the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God, with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. And the second is this, ‘To love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. There is no law greater than these.
Simon: While you speak truth, isn’t there something to be said for the need for righteousness. Myself, I never suffer sinners because I honor God. How can you be around sinners all the time and not be dirtied by them? I’ve heard stories about you Jesus, and they make me very uncomfortable.

[As he is saying this, a woman enters. She is covered and weeping, carrying an alabaster jar. It is Mary, but no one knows it just yet. She kneels at Jesus’ feet, pours out the jar, and washes his feet.]

Peter: Look at the size of that alabaster jar! Why was all of this wealth wasted?  A year's wages that could have been used for the poor!
Jesus: She has done a good work for me. The poor you will have with you forever and may serve them whenever you will. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint my body for the tomb. (Peter gets a strange look at this, not at all understanding what Jesus is saying) I tell you, wherever and whenever this gospel is preached throughout the whole world, this deed of love shall be spoken of.  It is an eternal memorial of her.
Simon: (to himself) Look how He lets her touch Him. If He were really a prophet He would have known what a sinner she is.
Jesus: Simon?
Simon: Yes?
Jesus: Come closer. I have something to say to you.
Simon: What is it?
Jesus: (Confidentially) Simon, judge for me. There was once a certain creditor that had two debtors: One owed him 500 days wages and the other 50. When neither one could pay him he totally canceled their debts.
Simon: Oh?
Jesus: Tell me. Which one of them will love him the most?
Simon: Well, I suppose he who was forgiven most would love the most.
Jesus: (Still in a confidential tone) you have judged correctly.  Simon, when I came into your house, you assigned no servant to wash my feet....
Simon: Well, yes, but…
Jesus: ...but this woman has washed my feet with tears of repentance and wiped them dry with the hair of her head.
Simon: Well, you see…
Jesus: You did not greet me with a kiss,
Simon: Well…no.
Jesus:  But this woman whom you despise has kissed my feet! (Still in a confidential tone) You see this woman? (He lifts Mary up and uncovers her face. It is the first time anyone knows she is Mary)
Simon: I uh….Mary?  (growing more nervous). Yes, I see her.
Jesus: You have judged correctly. She is a sinner indeed. And her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but whoever is forgiven little loves little.
Simon: (starting to understand a bit) I think I see now.
Jesus: What do you see?
Simon: That I should have been more understanding to my servant, Mary, and that I should have had mercy, for our God is a merciful God. Can you forgive me?
Jesus: As you forgive, so are you forgiven.
Simon: I understand, Lord.
Jesus: Then do as you would have done for you.
Simon: Mary.
Mary: Yes?
Simon: I am sorry. (She bows her head submissively)
Mary: Sorry?
Simon: Please forgive me Mary. I did not love as I should have loved. I did not care as I should have cared, and I did not help as I should have helped. I was a slave to my own self-righteousness. Tonight, I saw you as you were and I despised you.  And yet, while I entertained only a man, you anointed a King, the Son of Man. I am sorry for throwing you out of my service. Please forgive me and come back.
Mary: I will do both.
Simon: Thank you. You have shown me the way of true righteousness, (he turns to Jesus) as have you, Lord. I would like to know more, Lord. I would like your council. Remain at my side, and you and I will reshape this land. (He begins to grow very excited.) I see it now, Lord. I will be at your side when you achieve your glory.
Jesus: Can you drink from the cup that I must drink from? It is not for me to choose who sits at the right or the left when the Son of Man is glorified. But if you love me, Simon, keep my commands, do as I would do, and love others. 
Simon: I will, Lord.
Jesus: Lazarus?
Lazarus: (startled) Yes, Jesus?
Jesus: There is one more matter to attend to. Do you know what?
Lazarus: I do, Jesus. (he approaches Simon, but not without some reservation) Rabbi Simon, I apologize for the way I spoke to you. Can you forgive me?
Simon: Of course, Lazarus, if you can forgive me.
Lazarus: You are forgiven, Rabbi.
Simon: Lord, is there anything else you would have us do?
Jesus: Yes, there is one more thing.
Simon: What?
Lazarus: There’s more?
Jesus: Yes, my friends. This is a feast. Let us celebrate God’s love. Let us celebrate God’s grace. Let us celebrate.
[The celebration continues. This may be a good place for a dance, as we see a time when people formerly separated from Jesus and each other are reunited. Mary and Martha may also make amends here as well. Mary will be welcomed back into the warm embrace of her family, an embrace shared with Jesus.]

Scene 11

In the house of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. Jesus is spending some time with them. Lazarus is beginning to show signs of feeling really ill. Martha is mostly busying herself around the room cleaning and arranging things. Mary sits at Jesus’ feet.

Jesus: Then the Pharisees ask me about whether we should pay taxes.
Lazarus: Jesus, I don’t like it that you’re stirring up trouble with them.
Jesus: Peace, Lazarus. Peace.
Mary: Lazarus, let him tell his story.
Lazarus: Fine. Finish your story.
Jesus: I told them to look at a coin and I asked them whose picture was on it.
Lazarus: Whose picture?
Mary: Why?
Lazarus: Isn’t Caesar’s picture on the money?
Martha: (pausing her work for a moment to peek in) Is anyone hungry?
Mary: We are fine.
Martha: Ask Jesus if he is hungry.
Jesus: You don’t have to do all this right now.
Martha: Someone has to. (She shoots a look at Mary before hurrying off to do more things)
Mary: So what did they say?
Lazarus: After they saw Caesar’s picture.
Jesus: I told them to render to Caesar what is Caesar, and render to God what is God’s.
Mary: Ah.
Lazarus: So we are to pay our taxes?
Jesus: You are to pay what you owe to all your authorities.
Lazarus: No wonder I never heard you complain when we had to visit the tax collectors.
Martha: (poking her head back into the conversation) Is it true that one of your followers is a tax collector?
Mary: (offended) Martha! That’s an unkind thing to say!
Jesus: No, Mary, your sister speaks truth. She speaks of Matthew, who was once a tax collector but now is a man of faith.
Martha: After all those tax collectors and Roman loyalists have done to our people, how can you stand to be around them?
Jesus: Because they need me more than anyone else, and you all know of forgiveness.
Mary: We do.
Lazarus: Yes, we do.
Martha: I’ve never heard such a thing, but I trust you know what you’re doing. (she continues to busy herself around the house.)
Lazarus: We ran into a friend of yours a while back.
Jesus: Who?
Lazarus: A man claiming to have once been a leper.
Jesus: What did he say?
Lazarus: First he hugged Thomas.
Jesus: Yes, he would have done that.
Lazarus: He told us that you healed him. I’ve never heard of such a thing. You can heal lepers?
Jesus: It is my Heavenly Father who heals, and it is because of faith. You should know, that with the faith of the mustard seed, you can move mountains.
Lazarus: A mustard seed?
Mary: The seeds are so tiny, but they grow into the largest trees.
Martha: (interrupts) If we are to have a meal, then there’s a lot more work to be done. (she goes back to her business)
Mary: Everyone talks about you.
Jesus: What do they say?
Mary: I don’t heed what they say, because I know you. You are Jesus and you are my friend.
Lazarus: But I will say that sometimes it’s hard to be your friend.
Jesus: Why is that?
Lazarus: People know that I call you friend, that you are like a brother to me. For some, this is a blessing. But others, especially those closest to the Pharisees, aren’t too happy with you. And they don’t like that I’ve cast my lot with you.
Jesus: And how do you feel?
Lazarus: I feel like I should lie down.
Martha: (again interrupts) Jesus, I’m trying to get things ready for us. Tell Mary to stop sitting around and to help me out.
Jesus: Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.
Martha: But there’s so much to do.
Jesus: They will keep. Come and sit with us.
Martha: I think I’d like that.
[lights fade as they sit and talk.]

Scene 12

Outdoors. It is night. Jesus is off by himself, praying on one corner of the stage. Peter and John huddled by a fire, tired. Peter is angry. Other Disciples are nearby onstage.

Peter: They tried to kill him.
John: I know.
Peter: Jesus, their savior. They tried to kill him. In Jerusalem, at the feast of Dedication.
John: Calm down, I was there.
Peter: He should have fought them. Why did he run?
John: He didn’t run. He left. And he told us that sometimes we’re allowed to leave, too.
Peter: Well he needed to knock some sense into them. He came to save them.
John: You can’t force someone to believe in Jesus.
Peter: How can they not believe? 
John: It takes longer for some people. They all aren’t going to be like you.
Peter: Well they should. I saw Jesus and I knew he would be a great and mighty leader.
John: And yet he rebukes you almost daily.
Peter: Only because he is a great and mighty leader. I would follow him anywhere, and I will be there at his final battle when he defeats evil.
John: Are you sure you even know what that final battle will be?
Peter: Whatever it is, I will be there with him, at his side.
John: Just don’t get yourself into trouble. Again.
Peter: Funny.

[Isaac and Thomas enter. They have to catch their breath, as they are tired and worn out. They see Peter and John.]

Isaac: Where is Jesus?
John: He is in prayer.
Isaac:  Well go get him.
John: Why are you so upset? 
Thomas: It’s Lazarus. He’s ill.
Isaac: Very ill. We never knew how ill until one day he just collapsed. It’s only a matter of time before he dies.
Peter: So why are you here?
Thomas: Mary and Martha told us to find Jesus.
John: And you believe that Jesus will heal your friend.
Thomas: Honestly, I don’t know what I believe. I’m here because I can’t think of anything else to try. Many others trust him and give testimony of what he does, so I thought I would come myself.
Peter: So, what, Jesus is your last resort? We don’t need that.
John: Stop it. They could have come elsewhere; they came instead to see our Lord.
Isaac: He might have doubts, but I don’t. Jesus will heal him.
Thomas: That remains to be seen.
Peter: You don’t believe our Lord Jesus can heal your friend?
Thomas: I’ll believe it when I see it.
John: Do you want to believe?
Thomas: I think I’d like to. If I saw this power that I hear people speak of, I could trust it.

[Jesus has left his silent prayers and joined them. They don’t notice until he speaks.]

Jesus: Blessed are those who believe without seeing.
Isaac: That’s what I’m trying to tell him.
Thomas: Look, you’re not the first who’s asked me to have blind faith. How many times was Bethany visited by charlatans who made great promises and then ran off with as much money as they could carry? ‘Have faith’ they said. ‘Trust us’ they said. ‘Don’t ask questions’ they said. And in the end, they delivered nothing and left people penniless.
Jesus: Am I just a charlatan?
[Both Peter and Isaac want to jump in and answer, but John silences them both. Thomas is the one who must answer.]
Thomas: No, I’m not saying you are.
Jesus: (anticipating) But.
Thomas: But I can’t believe what I hear. The blind see? Lepers whole again? The lame walk?
Jesus: Did you not meet a man who was once a leper?
Thomas: I met a man claiming to be so.
Jesus: Have I ever lied to you.
Thomas: Well, no, but…
Jesus: Have I ever lied to you?
Thomas: No, you haven’t, but…
Jesus: Have I ever lied to you?
Thomas: No, Jesus, you’ve never lied to me. Not once.
Jesus: Then why do you doubt? If you call me friend, why do you suspect what I say?
Thomas: Because I keep hearing other people talk about miracles and great signs, but nothing like that ever happens to me. I never see anything.
Jesus: Patience. The time will come when you and the world will see a great wonder, when the Son of Man will die but not remain so. Though he tastes death, he will rise again and be glorified.
[Thomas and Isaac stare blankly.]
Peter: He says that all the time. I don’t get it either.
Jesus: You will.
Peter: So you keep saying.
Isaac: Jesus, I trust you’ve heard about Lazarus.
Jesus: I have heard. He is ill. 
Isaac: Then you will come back with us to heal him.
Jesus: This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s son may be glorified through it.
Isaac: Good, then we will head back now.
Jesus: No.
Isaac: What?
Thomas: What?
Jesus: I am to remain here a while longer.
Thomas: Wait. What about Lazarus? What about having faith?
Jesus: As I said, this will not end in death.
Isaac: You have to come back now. Before it is too late.
Jesus: Peace, I say to you, peace.
Thomas: Easy for you to say peace. It’s not your friend who lays dying.
[Jesus is hurt by this remark and Thomas regrets saying it some.]
Jesus: Lazarus is my friend, too, but my path is set. I will remain here and not return with you. Have faith.

[Jesus leaves, and Peter and John follow, leaving Thomas and Isaac alone.]

Thomas: So that’s it. Jesus can heal and I’m supposed to have faith, and yet he won’t be healing our friend? What exactly am I supposed to have faith in.
Isaac: He said Lazarus wouldn’t die.
Thomas: Lazarus is going to die. Without Jesus, he’s dead. So how am I supposed to put my faith in someone who doesn’t take care of his friends. How are we supposed to trust when Jesus lets us down?
Isaac: I…I don’t know.
Thomas: So much for having faith. 
Isaac: But why would Jesus do that? Why won’t he come?
Thomas: I just can’t trust him.
[They leave.]

Scene 13

Outdoors. Mary Magdalene is standing alone and Jesus joins her.

Jesus:  You seem troubled what is it?
Mary Magdalene: I have heard word that your friend Lazarus is sick…perhaps, dying
Jesus: You must have faith.
Mary Magdalene: Why are you letting him die?
Jesus: When this is all over, he will not be dead.
Mary Magdalene: He will go to be with his fathers and live on, I know.
Jesus: There is more to it than that.  My father works all things together for good to those that love Him.
Mary Magdalene: So your father would work all things for my good? A harlot?
Jesus: You are more than that.
Mary Magdalene: What brought you here?
Jesus:  You did, Mary Magdalene.  You are a precious one in my Fathers eyes.  
Mary Magdalene:  You keep saying that. And sometimes I believe it, but deep down, I still feel like I’m no different than before.  
Jesus:  Don’t rely on your feelings Mary…they will change.
Mary Magdalene: How can I feel like anything else? How can I stop feeling this way?  I chose that life.
Jesus: And I chose you. Choice is a powerful thing.
Mary Magdalene: I can’t undo my past. What I am. What I did. What happened to me. I can’t choose to go back and not have it happen.
Jesus: No, you can’t but I can.  You can choose what you do right now, this very moment.
Mary Magdalene: And what shall I choose?
Jesus: To believe that you are more that what you seem…that your past does not define your present nor your future. 
Mary Magdalene: That’s easy for you to say Jesus.  You’ve never had a hard choice in your life.
Jesus: I have indeed made hard choices.  And I will have hard choices in the future. The Son of Man must suffer, die, and rise again. I choose to die
Mary Magdalene: So I to must choose to die?
Jesus: Die to your old life. Die to your past.  
Mary Magdalene: Even if I could choose that, I see the way everyone looks upon me…they could never forget.  Nor could I.
Jesus: My Father forgets.  Repent and it is as if you never sinned. That men remember it is not of my Father.
Mary Magdalene: Harlots, tax collectors, even a murdering zealot. Why do you gather us?  Associate with our kind? Do you know what they say about you?
Jesus: I know who I am and what I must do.
Mary Magdalene: You are a friend of sinners and rescue them… but aren’t you a friend of Lazarus also?
Jesus: Faith, Mary. Faith.
Mary Magdalene: It’s hard to have faith when the one who can heal him doesn’t.
Jesus: This is not about healing Mary, nor friendship.  This has been done so that more than a couple people might believe.  Thought faith is very powerful, it isn’t always easy.
Mary Magdalene: I don’t understand you.
Jesus: You will.
[They continue to talk as the lights fade.]

Scene 14

Lazarus has taken a turn for the worse. He is sick and bedridden. Mary sits by his side and Martha fusses over him when she isn’t darting back and forth to keep herself busy.

Martha: (mopping Lazarus’ brow) Lay still. Don’t strain yourself.
Lazarus: I wish I could get up and walk around a bit.
Mary: I’ll help you.
Martha: There will be no walking today. You’ll exhaust yourself.  You need to rest.
Lazarus: I’m not getting better, am I?
Mary: Don’t say that Lazarus
Lazarus: I can see it in your eyes. 
Mary: You’ll be on your feet before you know it.
Martha: You shouldn’t be upsetting him.  I am worried about you Lazarus.
Lazarus:  Martha, worrying is not going to change this.  I am sick.  I am very sick
Mary: Oh Lazarus, don’t talk like that, there is hope.  Jesus is on his way.
Lazarus: My days are numbered Mary.  I know this (Mary starts to cry)
Martha: Stop this foolish talk. Your friends will be here and they don’t need to be thinking you’re going to die.
Mary: (Stands and wipes tears away) Yes, Isaac and Thomas will be here.
Lazarus: What about Jesus?
Mary: He should be coming back with them.
Martha: You just save your strength until he gets here.
Lazarus: He is very busy isn’t he?
Martha: If he came for Mary… (she is silent, not wanting to say any more. Both Lazarus and Mary are silent as well. It is an uncomfortable moment.) Well, he should have no problem being here for you!

[Thomas and Isaac enter. They carry a message from Jesus but are unsure of how to approach the matter. They are also unsure of how to deal with a clearly dying Lazarus.]

Martha: Come in, but don’t make a mess and don’t wear him out. He needs to save his strength.
Isaac: Is he awake?
Lazarus: Thomas. Isaac. How’s the boat. (laughs and starts coughing)
Isaac: The boat is fine Lazarus.  No one has fallen out in quite some time…
Thomas: We’ve missed you Lazarus
Isaac: We can’t wait to see you back.
Mary: Have you heard from Jesus?
Isaac: Well…
Thomas: (clearly upset) Apparently our good friend can’t be bothered to come at this time!
Mary: No?
Martha: Are you certain?
Isaac: Yes… but he did say that this sickness won’t end in death
Mary:  Oh praise God! 
Martha:  But?  What do you mean?  Why would Jesus not come for his friend?
Isaac: I’m sure Jesus knows that Lazarus will get better.
Thomas: No, he isn’t getting better!  Jesus is not coming. He doesn’t care!  He knows as much as we do that our friend Lazarus is going to die! (Complete silence. Everyone just stares at Thomas)
Mary: Lazarus will get better.
Martha: No, he won’t.
Mary: Martha!  I can’t accept it!  How is that fair? How is that just? 
Isaac: I am sure he has his reasons.
Mary: But, Lazarus is his friend. How can he just forget about him?
Lazarus: Stop….all of you, stop.  I don’t think he’s forgotten me.
Mary: Then why is he not here?
Lazarus: Please, no more. Let me rest
Mary: Here, Lazarus. This cold cloth will cool your fever. (Puts the cloth on his head and then takes his hand)  Lazarus? Lazarus? Can you hear me?
Martha: (Kneels beside her sister) You're going to be all right.  This sickness will not end in death. Jesus told you that, so you have to get better. That’s just it. Not in death.
Thomas: He can't hear you.
Martha: Yes he can.  You're not going to die! Do you hear me?
Mary:  Why isn't Jesus here? (Touching his cheek) So hot…his breathing is so shallow, I can scarce . . . hear . . . (She puts her head to his chest for a few seconds. Her alarm grows) Martha!
Martha: What is it? (Moves quickly to her side)
Mary: (Shaking him) Lazarus!
Martha: Let me listen! (Moves Mary aside and listens)
Mary: (Kneeling at his head) Lazarus! Don't you leave us!
Martha: Shhhh (She puts her ear to his chest. After a long pause she straightens up with a blank unseeing stare. Lazarus is dead)
Mary: Martha?
Martha: (No response)
Mary: (Standing) Martha! (Taking her by the arm)
Martha: He's . . . dead.
Mary: Dead! No! Lazarus! (Taking his face in her hands and turning it toward her) Lazarus, wake up. This sickness won’t end in death. You're going to be all right.
Martha: (Putting both hands on Mary's shoulders) Mary.
Mary: Maybe you can't hear me right now. But you're going to get better. Jesus said that you would not die.
Martha: Mary.
Mary: Jesus says you're not going to die! You have to come back to us!
Isaac: Let me check him. (He moves to the bedside. A quick hand to the chest and then an ear to the heart tells him the story.)
Mary: It will be all right, Isaac…
Thomas:  All right?! This is all right?
Martha: Why didn’t Jesus come to save him?  I thought they were friends?  He wasn't supposed to die! "It won’t end in death", Jesus told us. (She punctuates the next three words angrily.) Not! In! Death!

[The women weep over Lazarus and Isaac and Thomas watch the scene, not knowing what to do. The scene fades to black.]

Scene 15

Lazarus’ tomb. It has been four days since he has died, and word has spread that Jesus is finally arriving. A group of Pharisees stand in a group, talking among themselves and glancing around, waiting for Jesus. Simon is with them, but the other Pharisees are keeping their distance from him.  A few other onlookers have arrived, trying to get a good view. 
Mary and Martha are also at Lazarus’ tomb. Mary sits and weeps, while Martha does her best to keep it tidy. Thomas and Isaac stand near the woman, neither knowing what to say and just standing a silent vigil.
Jesus enters, followed by Peter, John, Mary Magdalene, and other Disciples. When Jesus enters, all sound stops and all eyes are upon him. Mary breaks the silence first and runs up to him.

Mary: (very angry and upset and on the verge of tears) Where were you? Lord, if you had been here, my brother would still be alive. How could you leave us like that? He was your friend, and you abandoned him. Why? How could you do something like this? I thought you taught us to love. How is letting my brother die love?
Jesus: Where have you buried him?
Mary: (bitterly) Come and see. 
Martha: (steps aside so that Jesus can clearly see the tomb of her brother) Here is the place.

[Mary leads Jesus to the tomb. Jesus stands in front of it, feeling the glare from everyone else, and weeps.]

Pharisee 1: (speaking with another Pharisee 2) He's weeping. Look how he loved him.

Jesus: Take away the stone. (There is a murmur of surprise from the crowd)
Martha: Lord! He has been dead four days. By now he has begun to stink. I will not have my brother degraded like that!
Jesus: (returning her had glare with a stern, yet compassionate stare) Did not I tell you that this sickness will not end in death?
Martha: Yes, . . . but...
Jesus: Your brother will rise.
Martha: I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.
Jesus: Martha, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies. And whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?
Martha: Yes, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God who has come into this world. I believe in you, Lord.
Jesus: If you will believe, you shall see the glory of God.
Martha: Yes, my Lord.
Jesus: (To Thomas and Isaac) I would speak to my friend Lazarus. Take away the stone!

[As the two remove the stone, hard work considering the weight of it, the Pharisees talk privately.]
Pharisee 1: Is he going to talk to a dead man?
Pharisee 2: How dare he violate the sanctity of the tomb!
Pharisee 3: What blasphemy is this? He already undermined Simon, does he seek to undermine us all?
Pharisee 2: He is dangerous, I can feel it. We may have to take drastic action.
Pharisee 1: Let us watch and see what happens. We have ways of dealing with radical threats.

[The stone is finally rolled aside, revealing the tomb behind it.]

Isaac: The rock's moved aside, Jesus.
Thomas: And now we’re desecrating a tomb! Haven’t you hurt Lazarus enough?
Jesus: Have you so little faith?
Thomas: My friend is dead. His body is not five feet from where we are standing. How am I supposed to have faith?
Jesus: Peace. You will soon have all the faith you can manage. (to Isaac) And what of you?
Isaac: I thought you would be here to make things right.
Jesus: I’m here now.
Isaac: But now is too late. Lazarus is dead!
Jesus: Peace. The time is exactly right. Have faith.
Isaac: I don’t have much faith left.
Jesus: With the faith of a mustard seed, you can move mountains.
[The Pharisees still talk among themselves.]
Pharisee 3: How do we stop this?
Pharisee 1: Why stop it? When the people see Jesus talking to a dead man, they will stop following him. For who would follow a madman?
Pharisee 2: But what if Lazarus answers....
Pharisee 1: The man is four days dead. Surely not
Pharisee 3: Have you not heard stories of the miracles this Jesus performs?
Pharisee 1: Nonsense.
Jesus: Father, I thank You that You have heard Me....
Pharisee 1: (to the other Pharisees) Blasphemy! How can such a man perform miracles?
Jesus: . . . And I know that you hear me always: but I have said this on behalf of those who stand by, that they may believe that You have sent Me.
Mary: What's He doing, Martha?
Martha: I don't know. He couldn’t be...
Jesus: (With a loud, commanding voice) Lazarus! (Pause while the Pharisees look at each other with dread and the crowd looks to Jesus to see what will follow) Lazarus, come forth!
Pharisee 2: Well, there it is. This man thinks he can raise the dead.
Pharisee 3: Yes. Now God will reveal Jesus for what He is.
Pharisee 1: And now the people will see that…
Pharisee 2: Shhh. Look!
Pharisee 1: I don't believe it.

[Lazarus emerges from the tomb. Since he is bound head-to-toe in grave wrappings, it is hard for him to move and he has to hop out of the grave.]

Mary: Lazarus!
Martha: Lazarus!
Lazarus: (Muffled speech)
Jesus: Will someone free Lazarus from his bindings?
Pharisee 3: This is incredible! Simply incredible!
Isaac: (starts unwrapping Lazarus’ head) Thomas, help me unwrap him!
Thomas: (stunned beyond words) What just happened? (while Isaac works on Lazarus’ head, he helps to unbind his hands and feet.)
Mary: Martha! Do you see!
Martha: Yes! Oh, Mary! Yes, I see!
Isaac: We’ve got to get him out of here!
Thomas: I’m working as fast as I can.
[They free Lazarus’s head and unbind him enough so that he can move. Thomas removes his cloak and puts it around Lazarus. Lazarus is stunned and just stands around, looking at everyone for a moment.]

Pharisee 3: What now?
Pharisee 1: We now have solid evidence that Jesus is dangerous.
Pharisee 2: What will we do?
Pharisee 1: We’ll meet with Caiaphas. He’s high priest this year and he knows how to take care of people like Jesus.
Pharisee 3: I’ve heard rumors that Jesus will return to Jerusalem.
Pharisee 1: If that’s true, we’ll be waiting.

[The three Pharisees leave in a huff. As they do, Jesus approaches Lazarus and Thomas and Isaac stand back to give him room]

Jesus: (embraces Lazarus) Lazarus.
Lazarus: (still disoriented) Jesus. It is good to see you again. What is going on? Why was I wrapped up like that?
Jesus: (puts an arm around Lazarus) Lazarus! Behold your sisters! Mary, Martha! Behold! It is your brother. Did I not say that this sickness would not end in death!?
Martha: I...
Mary: I...
Jesus: Well, aren't you going to give the dear man a hug? (Jesus steps aside and slowly makes his way offstage. His departure should be as unobtrusive as possible. No one should notice until he is gone.)

[Mary takes a tentative step forward, but it is Martha who lunges at Lazarus and crushes him in a powerful hug.]
Martha: Lazarus! Oh, Lazarus!
Lazarus: Martha, what happened?
Martha: A miracle happened! A wonderful, happy, blessed miracle! Oh, Lazarus!
Lazarus: Why are we out here. The last thing I remember…(still can’t quite put his finger on it)
Mary: (also hugs him) You were dying. You were dead. We saw you die!
Thomas: And we buried you and closed your tomb. (takes a step closer to Lazarus) And you definitely smell like you’ve been dead for four days!
Isaac: He was dead, but Jesus said that his sickness wouldn’t end in death. Jesus was right, because here you are.
Thomas: Here he is. I’m seeing it with my own eyes.
Isaac: We all are.
Lazarus: And what about me?
Martha: We need to get you into some new clothes.
Mary: And a bath.
Thomas: A long bath.
Isaac: Or we could just let you steer the boat again. You’ll be bathed in no time.
Lazarus: I want to talk to Jesus. Where is he.

[Everyone starts to look around but cannot find him. Even Jesus’ followers are clueless as to his location. The scene ends as everyone follows Mary, Martha, and Lazarus offstage, back home.]

Scene 16

Some time after Jesus raised Lazarus. Everyone is just outside Jerusalem. Mary Magdalene and some of Jesus’ followers are there, and a small crowd has gathered, carrying palm fronds. Jesus will be making his triumphal entry that day. Jesus speaks quietly with his disciples as the friends enter. One of the disciples, Peter, has a donkey.

Mary: There he is.
Martha: Has he been eating? I wonder when he last washed that robe.
Lazarus: I am sure he is fine and doesn’t need you to fuss over him.
Martha: Someone’s got to.
Mary: Martha, you still need to have faith. Did Jesus teach you nothing?
Martha: (chagrined) You are right, sister. But I just want to do something.
Mary: Just have faith. That’s what he wants.
Isaac: After seeing him raise our friend, how could anyone doubt?
Thomas: I still can’t believe what I saw.
Isaac: So you believe?
Thomas: I want to learn more. I thought I knew everything about Jesus. I thought he was just a man, a good man, but just a man.
Isaac: And now?
Thomas: I don’t know. But I plan to follow after him, wherever he goes.
Isaac: You’re following after him. You? 
Thomas: I have to see. I have to know more.
Lazarus: You should be careful. I’ve heard rumors that there are those who wish to kill Jesus.
Thomas: For a man who was dead and now alive, you worry too much.
Jesus: (he sees the friends and smiles) It pleases me to see you today.
Lazarus: I’m sorry to see you go. 
Mary: Will we see you again?
Jesus: I put my feet on the path my Father has prepared for me.
Martha: Have you been eating? (Mary shoots her a look and she relents.) I’m sorry. 
Jesus: You are such a blessing, Martha. But while you do good works, do not neglect to rest your burdens upon me. You and Mary both are cities on a hill.  
Isaac: I hear you’re going to Jerusalem. Will you finally overthrow the Romans?
Jesus: Have faith. I am in my Father’s will.
Thomas: Jesus, I don’t know if I believe everything you say. But I have seen things that I cannot explain. I want to know more.
Jesus: Are you prepared to follow?
Thomas: I am. I want to know more.
Jesus: Then seek, and you will find. The answers won’t be easy, but you will find the faith you’re looking for.
Thomas: I’d like that.
Peter: (approaches Jesus with donkey in tow) Lord, I have the donkey you wanted.
Jesus: You have a question.
Peter: Why this beast? Why not a great stallion or warhorse?
Jesus: You still do not understand. But you will. In time, all will be revealed.

(Jesus gets onto the donkey. Peter will lead it, if it needs to be led. The gathered crowd with the palms begins to shout ‘Hosanna!’ and lay the palms down in front of the donkey. The friends will watch as Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem. Thomas follows after Jesus, picking up a palm leaf on his way out.)

Copyright 2005 Charles B. French. All rights reserved
Special thanks to Scott Bland and Cornerstone Harvest Church

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