Here is the bulletin, script and staging directions I used last year. I've done this about 7 times. It is always fun and well received. I hope not to start a thread about the accuracy of the disciple's monologues. I was passed this script about 15 years ago. I don't have any idea who wrote the original, and this one has been altered a number of times. Usually the men forgo the body language instructions and just do what feels natural to them. Anyway, here it is. Use, change, enjoy. Questions? Contact me by email.

Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Maundy Thursday

20 April 2000

"Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me."

Mark 14: 18

PRELUDE

WELCOME

CALL TO WORSHIP

Return to the Lord, the God of all mercies, for a feast of love has been prepared for his own.

I will bless the Lord at all times. God's praise shall be continually in my mouth.

O taste and see the goodness of the Lord. Happy are those who take refuge in God.

O magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt God's name together.

HYMN "Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast"

Come Sinners to the gospel feast, let every soul be Jesus guest.

Ye need not one be left behind, for God hath bid all humankind.

Do not begin to make excuse, ah! Do not you his grace refuse;

Your worldly cares and pleasures leave, and take what Jesus hath to give.

Come and partake the gospel feast, be saved from sin, in Jesus rest;

O taste the goodness of our God, and eat his flesh and drink his blood.

See him set forth before your eyes; behold the bleeding sacrifice;

His offered love make haste to embrace, and freely now be saved by grace.

Ye who believe his record true shall sup with him and he with you;

Come to the feast, be saved from sin, for Jesus waits to take you in.

CALL TO CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Ever gracious God, we gather this evening hour as friends gathered with Jesus in the upper room long ago. We come bearing the marks of a bitter and broken world. We come from anonymous places, with dry and thirsty spirits. Refresh us, in the breaking of the bread, of our need and your sufficiency. Refresh us and make us whole with the cup of forgiveness. Draw us nearer to each other in mutual service and closer to you in the covenant of faithfulness and thanksgiving. As the night advances, deepen in us a sense of your steadfast love for us in Jesus Christ, our friend and redeemer.

Amen.

SILENT PRAYER

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

GOSPEL LESSON Mark 14: 1 - 25

HYMN "Here, O My Lord, I See Thee"

Here, O my Lord I see thee face to face; here would I touch and handle things unseen; Here grasp with firmer hand eternal grace, and all my weariness upon thee lean. This is the hour of banquet and of song; this is the heavenly table spread for me; Here would I feast, and feasting, still prolong the hallowed hour of fellowship with thee. Here would I feed upon the bread of God, here drink with thee the royal wine of heaven; Here would I lay aside each earthly load, here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiven.

"THE LIVING LAST SUPPER"

THE INVITATION TO THE TABLE

HYMN AFTER RECEIVING

"Here, O My Lord, I See Thee"

Too soon we rise; the symbols disappear; the feast though not the love is past and gone. The bread and wine remove but thou art here, nearer than ever still my shield and sun. Feast after feast thus comes and passes by; yet passing points to the glad feast above, giving sweet foretaste to the festal joy, the Lamb's great bridal feast of bliss and love.

SILENCE

THE BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Please read these notes before we begin...

This evening Holy Communion will be served at the table with the disciples. The ushers will direct you to come forward and stand in front of the communion table to receive. You will be offered a piece of the loaf. Please hold it until the cup is offered, at which time please dip the bread into the cup, and then partake. Prior to this evening's service of Holy Communion, the bread and wine were consecrated by the Protestant chaplain, in the presence of the disciples.

The Cast (from left to right)

Nathaniel

James the Lesser

Andrew

Peter

Judas

John

Jesus

Thomas

James

Philip

Matthew

Thaddeus

Simon the Zealot

Narrator

Lights and sound

Set Construction

Video

The Living Last Supper

Staging Directions for Living Last Supper

13 men are dressed in costumes, with hair and makeup to match the DaVinci painting. The table is set to look like the table in the painting, complete with fish and rolls. A screen or curtain is pulled in front of the table before the service starts, and the men, in complete costume sit in their places so that the congregation cannot see them.

The narrator, holding a candle, begins reading in a darkened sanctuary. Toward the end of the narration, the men set the pose in anticipation of the curtain opening.

After the narrator says:

"...these famous six words; "One of you will betray me."

the curtain opens, the lights come on the disciples in their pose, and they hold it for about 15 seconds. Then the lights go off and the disciples sit at their places. After the lights come back on, the disciples take turns giving their monologues.

After the 12 monologues, Jesus stands, takes bread, and blesses it as follows:

(These words are the blessings from the Passover meal)

"Praised is He of whose bounty we have partaken, and through whose goodness we live. Praised art Thou, O Eternal our God, Ruler of the Universe, who nourishes the whole world in goodness, grace, loving kindness, and compassion. "He gives food to all flesh, for His mercy is everlasting." Because of His enduring goodness, we have not lacked sustenance for all living things of His creation. Praised are Thou, O Eternal, who provides food for all."

(break bread and give it to the disciples--pass half left and half right, all hold till everyone is done--saying)

"Take, eat; this is my body."

(everyone eats)

(and he took a cup, and when he had given thanks.. hold cup and say)

"Praised be Thou, O Eternal our God, Ruler of the Universe, for the vine and the fruit of the vine, and for the produce of the field and for the goodly and pleasant land which Thou wast pleased to give as an inheritance to our fathers. O Eternal our God, let Thy compassion pour out on Thy people, on Jerusalem, Thy city, and on Zion, the abode of Thy glory."

(he gave it to them--pass to your right; end person walks around to left end, where if moves back to the middle, hold cup and say...)

"This is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I shall not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."

(pause, then say, to the congregation)

The table is open to all.

Jesus then serves pastor, who in turn serves the congregation. They are invited to come forward and stand at the table to receive. I have overcome the logistics of consecration by consecrating the elements in the presence of the actors prior to the service.

After all are served, the service continues to just before the benediction. The lights go out and the disciples resume their pose. When the lights come back on they again look like the painting. After posing for about 15 seconds, the spot light is on Jesus and Judas, and Jesus says:)

"What you are going to do, do quickly."

(Judas leaves the table with bag of money and exits.)

Slowly the disciples break their pose and watch Judas exit.

Then the pastor gives the benediction.

Narrator

Your appreciation of this drama, the living last supper, will be greatly enhanced if you will now bow your heads and close your eyes. Please do not open your eyes until you hear the words of Christ - "One of you will betray me."

The scene you are to witness took place in an upper room in Jerusalem the night before Christ was crucified. Jesus and the twelve apostles were eating their last supper together before Jesus' death.

The Italian painter Da Vinci was one of history's most astonishing

interpreters of the Christian faith. The scene you will see in a moment is patterned after the painting "The Last Supper." All the pictures which preceded his seem mere attempts all that followed imitations, for Da Vinci has truly captured and electric moment which took place at this supper.

Here is a portrayed action - as the disciples are startled each in a different way by the tragic pronouncement made by Christ. One registers horror. Another cried, "This is preposterous." Another disbelieves what he has heard and reaches for a companion to confirm that his ears have not tricked him. Still another begs Christ to reveal the name of the betrayer while yet another stoutly proclaims his own innocence. Judas draws back from Christ, overturning a salt shaker as he clutches tightly in his fist the bag containing his pitiful reward for betraying his master.

Jesus alone is calm in the wake of the turmoil his six words have created. It is at this point that we share what each of the disciples remembered of how he came to Christ and how he felt about him.

What are these six words?

"One of you will betray me."

(Stand and look around)

I am James, elder brother of John (nod at John) and a son of Zebedee.

We were fishermen with our friends Andrew and Simon Peter when

Jesus called us to become his disciples.

John and I were quick to anger in those early days.

One time, when traveling to Jerusalem, the people of a little village refused us food and shelter.

We had walked many miles that day and were footsore and weary.

(Hands on hips.)

John and I were furious at the lack of courtesy.

Angrily, I asked Jesus (open hands to Jesus) "Lord, let us call down fire from Heaven (hands to heaven) to destroy this miserable little town (swing arm down) in menace."

But he sternly replied, shaking his head, "No. You do not know what you ask. The son of man did not come to destroy, but to save." Then seeing our shamed faces (turn to Jesus and smile) he knowingly added "You two brothers are as fierce and quick as thunder and lightning." (Face forward, shrug and smile.)

So, sons of thunder we became.

I have tried to quiet my thunder most of the time but I get so angry with those who don't trust Jesus that sometimes it is hard to control my temper. (Shake head.)

Peter, John, and I (indicate them) were constant companions of Jesus.

We were with him in Gethsemane that awful night before the crucifixion.

I can never forget the desolation that we felt.

(lean forward on hands and look down, long pause, look up)

My burning faith caused me to be the first martyr of the twelve disciples.

When King Herod Agrippa started persecuting the Church, I was beheaded with a sword, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus when he said "This cup that I drink, you shall drink also."

Even though I had to pay the extreme sacrifice for my faith, being martyred for Christ, I wouldn't change a moment of my time spent with him.

My experience with Christ was wonderful beyond imagination.

(Open arms.)

It is even said that my courage and forgiveness during my trail won my prosecutor to the Christian faith. Though at times the situation was fearful and grim, I never doubted that Jesus was my King.

(Look at Jesus, pause, and sit.)

(Stand)

I am John, brother of James.

He has spoken of me and how, in spite of our quick tempers and foolish impulsiveness, Jesus (turn to Jesus) loved us dearly. Leaving our family to follow Jesus was the most important decision of our lives.

I am the youngest of the disciples and my time with Jesus was exhilarating.

I watched his many miracles with excitement and awe, and saw how his love and concerns drew hundreds of people to him.

On the night in which Jesus was betrayed, our master served the first communion. (Hold out arms along the table.)

I sat on Jesus' right hand side.

He talked of betrayal, of being taken from us.

He seemed to be in some private agony that none of us could comprehend. (Pause, look at Jesus and then out front again.)

I shall never forget that terrible day when Jesus was crucified.

The others fled, but I could not leave my Lord.

He asked me to take care of his mother. It was all I could do for Him!

Can you imagine how we felt when we heard from the women that Jesus was risen?

I outran Peter to the tomb in my haste to know that it was true.

Later in my life I was banished to the Isle of Patmos.

There I was given the visions of the Last Days which I wrote down in the Book of Revelation.

The closing years of my life were spent at Ephesis.

I was the last of the twelve to bear earthly witness of Christ and lived to see the end of the first century.

Stand.

I am Philip, Nathaniel's brother. (Indicate Nathaniel.)

I first came to Bethany to hear John the Baptist speak and while there I met Jesus. (Turn to Jesus.)

I found him a very interesting person and a very powerful speaker.

I was so moved by Jesus that I had to bring Nathaniel to hear him also.

For many months we traveled with the master up and down Palestine. I saw the lame walk erect; the blind made to see (touch eyes) and even some who were dead (look down at outstretched arms) brought back to life (raise hands up). Soon I realized that Jesus was indeed the true Messiah. But I still had much to learn!

When Jesus told us that God was our Heavenly Father, it was almost beyond my understanding. It was I who asked him (turn to Jesus) "Lord, show us the Father and we will be satisfied." Jesus replied, "After all I have done and said, Philip, do you not know that I am in the Father and He is in me? Anyone who has seen me, has seen the Father."

(Hand to chest.) Startled, I drew back from Jesus, but suddenly I began to understand.

Had I been blind? (Both hands at chest.)

For months I had watched Jesus at work. I looked but did not see.

I heard what he said, but did not understand. I had accepted what Jesus did, and then demanded more proof.

My sense of failure served to strengthen my newborn conviction and after the ascension, I spent my life as a missionary for Christ.

I died as a martyr in Hieropolis.

If I had my life to live over, I would gladly follow Jesus again (look at Jesus) and would be even more faithful than the first time.

I am James the Lesser, son of Alpheous and Mary.

History does not tell much of my life.

There is even confusion about who I really am or how closely I am related to Jesus.

Whether I was his brother or not seems unimportant.

What is important, is that He called on me to become one of his disciples, and I answered his call.

The lessons I learned while with him changed my life completely.

When Jesus was crucified on that cross, it seemed as if part of me died there with Him.

But, when he appeared in the upper room, it gave me new life and new spirit.

So much so, that on the day of Pentecost, I was able to preach the Good News with great joy and happiness.

Later in my life, I served as a leader in the church at Jerusalem.

I am sometimes referred to as the bishop of Jerusalem.

My faith was a vital part in my life.

By declaring my faith to all Jerusalem from the temple ramparts, I angered the scribes and Pharisees. In their rage, they threw me to the ground. The fall did not kill me, so my attackers stoned me. When my Master died, he called on God to forgive His murderers. How could I do anything less.

I am glad that I remained loyal to the Master to the very end.

As a Christian, it was my desire to show that Jesus came to reconcile man to man and man to God.

(Stand. Look around.)

I am Andrew.

I am not particularly gifted.

I'm just an average man like any one of you.

(Hold out hand to congregation.)

I was a fisherman on the sea of Galilee when I met John the Baptist. His challenging message moved me to follow him until the day Jesus appeared. (Turn to and indicate Jesus.)

I knew at once that I had found the Messiah.

I hurried to find my brother, Simon Peter and said to him, (touch Peter) "We have found the Messiah."

Peter also believed and we followed the Master; leaving behind our family and our fishing nets to become fishers of men.

On the day when Jesus fed the five thousand, it was I who drew attention to the lad with five loaves and two fishes.

How incredible to feed so many with so little.

Jesus filled our lives with many such wonders.

(Hold out arms to include all the disciples.)

My life ended in Patrae. There, the Roman Proconsul, outraged by my refusal to offer a sacrifice to Pagan gods, had me scourged and crucified.

(Look down and pause briefly.) I died a martyr for Christ.

(Passionately) I served my life for his cause, (look at Jesus) but I received so much more than I gave.

(Shake head. Pause and sit.)

(Stand.)

I am Thaddeus.

In John's Gospel I am called Jude.

Matthew and Mark refer to me as Lebbeus.

I became a disciple because I liked the way Jesus walked boldly and bravely among all kinds of people. (Turn to Jesus.)

I thought that Jesus was the kind of leader that we needed.

He had good common sense, he loved his fellow countrymen, and he was devoted to his cause.

The problem was that I did not fully understand his cause.

I thought that by preparing for the coming Kingdom of God on Earth he would restore Israel to its old power and glory.

(Shake head, shrug shoulders.) How wrong I was.

He talked about loving our enemies and returning good for evil...

(pause) ....and he didn't ever try to stir us up or reveal himself to the people in the way I thought he would.

Finally, I asked him, "Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us disciples, and not to the whole world?"

Jesus answered, "Because I will only reveal myself to those who love me and obey me."

I was disappointed and yet I knew Jesus well enough to think there was much meaning in his words.

It was not until after Jesus died that I came to understand that I had asked him to show me his power and he had replied that his power was the power of love.

When I finally understood my Master, it became my desire as a Christian to share with others the light and healing which Jesus ( arms out to Jesus) brought into the world.

(Stand.)

I am Thomas, often I am called Didymus, 'the twin'.

You know me as doubting Thomas.

Even though I was a man of wavering faith, my devotion to Jesus (gesture to Jesus) was very sincere.

Like him, I had been a carpenter and I felt closer to Jesus because of my work.

I am a realist and it confused and discouraged me to see the criticism of Jesus growing.

We disciples were almost too afraid to go with Jesus to Jerusalem that last time.

I became so impatient with our indecision that I blurted out (hand out and look along the table at the others) "Let us go with him. Even to die, if need be."

So we went. (Drop hands.)

Even now, it chills me to think of how prophetic my words were.

We were all together for the Passover.

The day was dark and oppressive.

It matched our mood as we heard Jesus speak of leaving us.

I asked him, (look at Jesus) "Lord, we don't know where you are going; how do we find the way?"

Jesus revealed his purpose to us when he answered "I am the truth and the life. Any man who comes to the Father must come through me."

I was desolate after the crucifixion. (Pause and look down.)

I stayed away from the other disciples for awhile (look up) and when I returned to the upper room, they said "He is risen."

(Incredulously) I just could not believe them and I said "I won't believe it until I see the nail wounds in his hands and put my fingers into them and place my hands into his side"

(Mood change from doubt to joy) "But when I saw him and heard him speak my name, I had to believe. (Turn to Jesus)

This man was my Lord and my God.

I rejoice today that I believed in the Master and that I gave my services to the King of Kings.

I gave my life as a martyr for faith in Jesus Christ and gladly do it again.

(Stand. Fold arms across chest.)

I am Judas Iscariot.

I am known to all the world as the traitor who sold Jesus for thirty

pieces of silver.

Yes, (nod emphatically) I betrayed the Christ with a kiss.

I first received my call to be an apostle by the sea of Tiberius.

I was always a man of ambitious designs. In fact, in the early days, I cherished a hope that Jesus (gesture toward Jesus) would establish an earthly kingdom and that I would receive a prominent position in his political set-up.

I acted as treasurer for the original twelve apostles.

I followed Jesus (look at him) not from scriptural motives, but

rather for personal gain. (Hands to chest)

As a cover up for my greed and hypocrisy, I pretended to be zealous in all my duties.

I was always watching for new ways to get more money.

(Hands on hips) When Mary anointed the feet of Jesus I protested (lean forward on table and ask question of disciples)

"Why wasn't this ointment sold for 300 shillings and the money given to the poor?" (Look to front)

I managed to conceal my true motives form the apostles (straighten up) but somehow I couldn't seem to fool the Christ. (Shake head slowly) He was so very patient with me.

Once he said, "Haven't I chosen twelve of you? And one of you is the devil."

Jesus knew my true motives (pick up money bag) but the other disciples never guessed that I was a traitor.

Then one night he said, "What you are going to do, do quickly." Immediately I turned my back on my Master and went out into the night.

I sought revenge!

So I sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

(Drop money bag on the table)

I led the mob to the Garden of Gethsemane where we found Jesus at prayer, and I betrayed him into the hands of the enemy with a kiss.

(Pause - change tone from anger to anguish)

When I kissed him he called me "friend!"

His words of love pierced me; my heart sank within me and my face burnt with the guilt of a traitor. (Look down)

My lust for revenge was satisfied, but almost at once I realized what a terrible mistake I had made.

I was a victim of Satan.

I was sorry for my mistake, but being a spiritual coward, I refused to ask Jesus for another chance.

(Turn to Jesus) I knew he would give it to me, just as he had done Peter.

But I had played with sin until it had consumed me and my tragic end is known to all the world.

(Drop head and sit down)

(Stand, hands firmly on hips)

Like Zaccheus, I am a tax collector.

Some call me Levi, others call me Matthew, the Publican.

It is said that there is no class of men in the world more hated than tax collectors. However, that did not stop this man (gesture toward Jesus) called Jesus.

(Lean over the table with hand on it) In fact, he came by my office one day and said "Follow me."

(Shake head) There was no way I could resist.

(Stand up) So I left everything (arms open) and followed him. Later I gave him a great feast in my home and many of his disciples

(nod at them) and my business friends were present.

(Hands back on hips or hold edges of robe) When some of the Pharisees complained about Jesus eating with publicans and sinners, Jesus said, "Those who are well have no need of a doctor, those who are sick do."

From that day when I repented and followed him, the ancient scriptures became a way of life for me and I was convinced that Jesus was the fulfillment of every prophecy about the coming Messiah.

(Hands down) I first preached this Good News in Judea to my own countrymen.

It was said that never had there been a man more unsuited for the job than I, but in the hands of Jesus Christ, (nod to Jesus) I became the first man to write down his teachings.

I became a missionary of the Gospel in every way possible.

But no one received more rewards than I.

Jesus took me from a life of money and gave me riches of a far greater kind.

Stand.

My name is Nathaniel, but some call me Bartholemew.

It was my brother Philip who told me that he had found the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth.

I couldn't believe my ears and asked him, "Can anything good from Nazareth?"

Philip ignored my sarcasm and insisted that I go with him.

(Look at Jesus) When Jesus saw us coming, he looked and said, "Here comes an honest man, a true son of Israel."

(Look to front) That stopped me short: "How do you know who I am?" (touch chest) I demanded.

Jesus looked steadily back at me and replied, "I knew who you were even before Philip found you."

Filled with elation, I called, (look to Jesus, raise arms) "Rabbi! You are the Son of God! You are the king of Israel."

(To front) I knew within my heart that he was the Christ, and that I, (touch chest) Nathaniel needed him.

I followed him for three years as on of the disciples.

After Jesus ascended into heaven, I worked with the other disciples in Jerusalem.

Later I traveled as a missionary in Persia, Egypt, and Armenia.

The true manner of my death is not recorded.

Some say that I was crucified or beheaded, some even say that I was flayed alive.

How I died is not important, what matters is that I died gladly for my Savior.

My torturers destroyed my earthly body, (gesture toward body) and put an end to my earthly ministry, (gesture toward earth ) but they could not destroy my soul which lives today in the mansion of heaven (gesture toward heaven) with Christ (look at Jesus) my Savior.

I am Simon the Zealot.

Before Jesus called me, I belonged to the group of hot headed,

blood thirsty revolutionaries known as Zealots.

I hated Rome for enslaving my country, and God for turning His back on us.

My Jewish brothers seemed not to care that they were slaves in their own kingdom.

But one day while I was by the sea of Tiberias, I met Jesus of Nazareth.

He told me of another kind of kingdom, the kingdom of the human heart, where God reigns supreme.

Since that day, my attitude toward Rome, toward God, and toward my fellow man has changed.

My inner tensions have been relieved. I'm not uptight about things anymore. He gave me a balance in life that I had not enjoyed before, a peace beyond understanding.

I recognized in Him the hope and the answer for all humankind.

I couldn't help following Him because He was the greatest person I had ever known.

Unconditionally and completely, I surrendered myself to Him:

to think His thoughts, to love as He loves, to obey as He obeys, to serve as He serves.

After the cross, I was still there.

I dedicated my life to the ways of the Christ.

There is no breach between people that cannot be healed when they love Christ.

(Stand, place hands firmly on hips and look around.)

I am Simon Peter.

I was a fisherman when my brother Andrew (nod at him) brought me to Jesus.

(Turn to Jesus) Jesus looked at me and said "Your name shall be Cephas, meaning 'Rock' or 'Stone'.

Maybe he saw already in me the faith and steadfastness that I would yearn for and which would take so long to grow.

I was so headstrong and my impulsive spirit caused me to do and say many things for which I am now sorry.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, when the mob came after Jesus, I drew my sword to protect him and cut off the ear of a slave.

(Draw sword as you say it)

Jesus was furious.

"Put your sword back in it's sheath" he said, "for they that live by the sword will die by the sword."

And I fled in shame and terror. (Pause and drop head. Look up) It was I who boasted that I would never (clench hands and shake head) forsake Jesus and then, in the face of danger, I cursed and denied my Savior.

(In anguish) Three times I did it.

(More softly) And yet when Jesus asked, "Who do men say that I am?" my voice was strong and sure.

(Turn and raise hand to Jesus) "You are the Christ, son of the living God" and Jesus answered "You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it."

After our master ascended into Heaven, I became one of the leaders of the Church in Jerusalem.

On the day of Pentecost the Lord spoke through me and converted three thousand souls.

My life ended when I was 75.

I died in the city of Rome, crucified as a martyr for Christ.

I asked to die head downwards because I knew that I was not worthy to resemble my Lord in his death.

My life was like the shifting sand until I found Christ.

(Look at Jesus) In him I found my true and sure foundation.