Introduction

The three women who went to the tomb on that first Easter morning invite the audience to go back in time as they tell the story of what they experienced with Jesus.

Song: “I Love To Tell The Story”

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The Prologue

The “prologue” is twenty-four “frozen pictures” made up of frozen actors (tableaus), that “preview” the events of the life of Christ, from His humble birth in Bethlehem to His triumphant ascension. Stirring music and inspirational narration ushers each human “tableau” along as the lights come up, then gently fade out, on picture after picture of “tableaus” scattered throughout the set.

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The Triumphal Entry

The crowd begins pouring in from all sides of the auditorium and joins in celebration at the arrival of Jesus!  They interact with the audience, making them part of the action, and asking, “Do you see Him? Jesus is coming!  Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” As Jesus enters, He greets the singers, dancers, children, and actors throughout the auditorium.  

Song: “Here He Comes!”

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The Passover Preparation

The three women narrators introduce the process of preparing the Passover meal.  Jesus’ voice is heard as the disciples carry out His instructions.

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The Pharisees Seek A Traitor

The Pharisees make plans to arrest Jesus.  They discuss the need for a traitor to help them arrest Jesus away from the crowds.

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The Last Supper

Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” is displayed on stage.  The disciples are frozen as they sit at the table with Jesus. 

Song: “I Love To Tell The Story” 

Masterpiece: Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”

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John Remembers

John rises from the silhouetted Last Supper table, and walks onto center stage. John talks about the raising of Lazarus, and Jesus proclaiming “I AM the resurrection and the life!”

Song: “I Love To Tell The Story”

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Andrew Remembers

Andrew rises from the silhouetted Last Supper table, and walks onto center stage. Andrew talks about the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, and Jesus proclaiming “I AM the bread of life!”

Song: “I Love To Tell The Story”

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Matthew Remembers

Matthew rises from the silhouetted Last Supper table, and walks onto center stage. Matthew tells the story of Jesus protecting, and forgiving, the adulteress., using children as examples of who we should be, and proclaiming, “I AM the light of the world!”

Song: “I Love To Tell The Story”

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James Remembers

James rises from the silhouetted Last Supper table, and walks onto center stage. James tells the story of Jesus driving the demons from the demoniac named “Legion,” and declaring, “I AM the Good Shepherd!”

Song: “I Love To Tell The Story”

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Peter Remembers

Peter rises from the silhouetted Last Supper table, and walks onto center stage. He tells the story of Jesus suggesting to “Let down your nets again,” and then catching a miraculous catch of fish.  It was then that Peter declared, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!”  Jesus then stated very clearly, “I AM the Son of God!”

Song: “I Love To Tell The Story”

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Thomas Remembers

Thomas rises from the silhouetted Last Supper table, and walks onto center stage. He tells the story of Nicodemus coming to Jesus at night.  Jesus challenges Nicodemus to be “born again,” and then tells him “I AM not of this world!”

Song: “I Love To Tell The Story”

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Judas Remembers

Judas rises from the silhouetted Last Supper table, and walks onto center stage. He explains why he took the bribe from the Pharisees to tell them where Jesus would be.  Judas wants Jesus to take His rightful position as Messiah, and from his point of view, to be confronted by the Pharisees would force Him to take action!

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The Last Supper

Judas returns to the Last Supper table, and Jesus identifies Judas as the one who will betray Him.  After Judas leaves, the disciples partake in the Last Supper with Jesus. During the meal, Jesus declares, “I AM the way, the truth, and the life.”

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The Farewell

Jesus leads His disciples to the Garden.  There, He blesses and prays the “Priestly Prayer” over them.  Once again, He prepares them for His arrest and death.  Jesus states, “I AM the vine, and you are the branches.”

Song: “A Place For You”

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Gethsemane

Jesus, overcome with sorrow, prays, “…take this cup from me; but, not my will, yours be done.”  Jesus returns from praying and finds His disciples asleep.  He tells them to, “Watch, and pray!” 

Masterpiece Art: “Christ In The Garden of Gethsemane” By Heinrich Hofmann

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The Arrest

Jesus is betrayed by Judas’ kiss.  Peter takes a Roman guard’s sword to protect Jesus.  Jesus rebukes Peter, and gives the sword back.  Jesus asks the arresting group, “Whom do you seek?”  When they answer, “Jesus.”  Jesus forcefully declares, “I AM He!”  The arresting crowd falls down, recovers, then takes Jesus away.