SCENE FOUR

AT RISE:  Lights illuminate PETER’S emerging house.  PETER slowly lifts his head, and begins sharpening and shining his sword.  Many months have passed, and PETER prepares to leave again.  ELISABETH comes out with a basket of things to mend.  The atmosphere is pleasant.

ELISABETH
Mother is healed!  Completely healed! She’ll be singing Jesus’ name for the rest of
her life.

SIMON PETER
Maybe someday he’ll use those vast powers in military action instead of wasting--

ELISABETH
Ha!  What powers?

SIMON PETER
I told you!  Pretty sure I told you! That time I drug so much fish into my boat that--

ELISABETH
Time, chance and circumstance.  Hush!  Where are you planning to go now?

SIMON PETER
Already trying to get rid of me?  Gehenna fire! You made it miserable for me to go before! Now I can’t even relax and catch my breath without you shoving me out the door!  Women!

ELISABETH
Do you remember … last night?

SIMON PETER
Huh?  Oh!  I sure do. 
 
ELISABETH
Do you ever, ever want to do that again?

SIMON PETER
Elisabeth!

ELISABETH
Straighten up, fisher-man, and tell me where you’re going.

SIMON PETER
Alright!  Geez.  He’s sending us out on our own this time! And I hope I don’t get paired with Judas … or John.

ELISABETH
Judas?  Why don’t you want to go with him?  

SIMON PETER
Don’t know.  Have a hard time liking the man.   Don’t trust him. John’s just getting on my nerves.  What's new.

ELISABETH
Really.  So what will you be doing this time?

SIMON PETER
Going to the lost sheep!  Whatever that means. Our main objective is the kingdom’s at hand though. That’s all that matters.  Thought we’d never get serious about this! You know, since he’s been dragging his feet forever. But, it won’t be long now!  Won’t be long now!  

ELISABETH
Hmmm… what do you mean?

SIMON PETER
He wants us to go far and wide. To recruit! I think this’ll be one of our last big moves before we march into Jerusalem.

ELISABETH
Think so?  But won’t--

SIMON PETER
He’s planned an immediate trip as soon as we return.

ELIZABTEH
But won’t that put you in Jerusalem around the Feast of Tabernacles?

SIMON PETER
Yes!  And if you ask me, there couldn’t be a better time than then!  The man’s brilliant.    

ANDREW
I’m ready!  You ready?

ELISABETH
Good morning, Andrew.  Please. Go ahead and make yourself at home.  

ANDREW
Morning, Lisbeth!  Thanks.

ELISABETH
He’s not quite ready.

SIMON PETER
I’m ready!    Where’s John?

ANDREW
Said he’d be in … in a minute. I, uh … I wanted to talk to you before he got here.

SIMON PETER
Don’t mind her.

ELISABETH
Humph!

ANDREW
I’ve been thinking!  What do you think?  
 
SIMON PETER
That it’s time you learn some manners!  Barging up here like that all the time? With your face all flushed? Eyes shining like a demon? My wife’s getting kind of tired of it, you know.

ELISABETH
Peter! 

SIMON PETER
You are!

ANDREW
Huh?  What?  No!  Can he really forgive sins?!?  

SIMON PETER
Oh!  Well … I suppose he can … if he’s really who he says he is.

 ANDREW
But since the Pharisees are so strict about “only God can forgive sins” and since he’s been saying what he’s been saying lately, don’t you think there might be more trouble again like we had in Nazareth?  

SIMON PETER
Doubt it, Andrew.

ELISABETH
What trouble?  You didn’t tell me about no trouble.

SIMON PETER
Hush!  Don’t make me tell you to leave, woman! If I want you to know about it, I’ll tell you! It wasn’t that bad anyway.    
 
ELISABETH
Humph!

ANDREW
What happened in the hills was bad but Nazareth was downright scary!  He could’ve got himself killed!

SIMON PETER
Not while I’m around.

ANDREW
I suppose you’re right.  

SIMON PETER
I know I’m right!

ANDREW
Our very own, self-appointed bodyguard. 

SIMON PETER
Someone’s got to do it.  

ANDREW
Think this is it?  Do you really think this is it?

SIMON PETER
It’s about time, I say!  About time!  

JOHN
Elisabeth. Andrew, Peter. What is about time?

SIMON PETER
The revolution!  What else. 

JOHN
Ah.  The revolution.  Yes.  We have talked much about it, Peter. These things have to be planned very carefully. You cannot just start a war whenever you feel like it.  

SIMON PETER
Don’t even talk down to me, John.

JOHN
If you have a problem, it is with him not me. Jesus is on a timetable of his own. You know very well he has said over and over that--

ANDREW
“The time is not now.”

SIMON PETER
Yeah, yeah … but, you do believe he’s going to follow through with his plans to set up his kingdom, don’t you?

JOHN
Of course, don’t you?

SIMON PETER
Yes … no!  I want to, but he’s always hesitant when the time’s ripe!  I wish I could understand it then maybe I wouldn’t be so … so--

JOHN
You know what he says about patience.

SIMON PETER
Are you patient?

JOHN
I find myself growing impatient for something to happen just like everyone else, I suppose, but I have also seen enough signs by now that I’ve learned to wait on him to decide.

SIMON PETER
You and your signs!  Normal people call it magic … or miracles.  I call it powers.  Whatever it is it seems such a waste!  
 
ANDREW
We’ve seen and heard so much!  Hard to keep it straight, you know?  
 
SIMON PETER
I’m glad some of you are keeping notes. Someday we’re going to have to refer back to them.  

JOHN
Refer back to them?  Our private diaries?

SIMON PETER
Yeah!  I sense that open fighting can break out at any moment.  Hey, laugh all you want!  In the aftermath of a revolution there’s going to be a day of reckoning.

ANDREW
Like maybe a new type of Pharisees or Sanhedrin or some other body of judges. You never know!   

SIMON PETER
We’ll get those raping Roman pagans!

JOHN
Remember what he said about mercy.

SIMON PETER
I’ve just about had it with your pure and pious bull—!

JOHN
“Blessed are those who have the opportunity to show mercy; they are the ones who will be given mercy.”

SIMON PETER
Oh, yeah. You know, I’ve had to think about that one. But … gotta little problem with it.     

JOHN
And why is that, Peter?

SIMON PETER
The way I see it is … is to go ahead and let all his talk of idealism and love and fluffy philosophy motivate the rest of you boys.

JOHN
Jesus does know how to cut right to the heart of the mat— hey! 

SIMON PETER
Sure! But when fighting time comes this man’ll be more than ready!  Jesus?  Now I wonder about him.

JOHN
Careful.

SIMON PETER
Look at him, John! We’ve seen  him  force open huge doors with rusty  hinges! Doors that you and I would have a hard time even budging!  Well, I probably could … but--

ANDREW
And I’ve seen him lift big beams, heavy tables, large stones! 

SIMON PETER
For all this obvious strength, he’s hardly a war hero … if you ask me! … and he’s a bit--

JOHN
Until his voice rises!  I have seen men shrink! Shrink!  Frightened by the sheer force of his person!  You of all people! Of all people!  Ought to know how his righteous authority radiates from his rebukes!

SIMON PETER
Uncalled for!  My house of all places!  Front of my wife! You really don’t want--

JOHN
Who’s fighting, Peter.

SIMON PETER
It’s just that … it’s just … I don’t get it!  The contrasts are too … too unbelievable. It’s not natural!  It plays with my mind, you know?

JOHN
We humans are never satisfied.  Are we.  
 
SIMON PETER
It’s not human!

JOHN
Exactly.

SIMON PETER
Bothers me, John!

JOHN
Why?

SIMON PETER
Sometimes he seems so vulnerable!  Not soft, just vulnerable. If someone were to walk up to him and throw a good one to the side of his jaw--

ANDREW
He’d probably just stand there and turn the other cheek! 

JOHN
Yes, he probably would, Andrew.

SIMON PETER
I almost choked when he came out with that one.

JOHN
Surprised you didn’t, Peter.  

SIMON PETER
I’m going to choose to ignore that.  

JOHN
Thanks.

SIMON PETER
Heeheehee … I’ll tell you what! The man who dares lift a pinky against Jesus will be prostrate on the ground with a prize the size … of a … a pomegranate … on his … his ear!

ANDREW
Seriously, John.  What do you think about loving your enemies, turning cheeks and doing good to people who hate you?

SIMON PETER
Yeah!  Come on, man!  Do you really think it will work?  In this day and age?

JOHN
I doubt he meant for it to work.

SIMON PETER
See!  I knew it!

JOHN
If by “work” you mean it will make the other fellow quit hitting you.

SIMON PETER
But if the guy doesn’t back off! Are we supposed to just …? That’s a little too delicate for me. If you know what I mean.

JOHN
That’s what he said.

SIMON PETER
I know what he said!   You damned—!  I’m not arguing that!  

JOHN
Then what are you doing?  Peter?

SIMON PETER
Trying to understand!  John!  I don’t know everything like you!

JOHN
The way is going to be rocky, and only a few of us will fin-

SIMON PETER
Oh!  So you think you’ve found it?  Huh?  Look John, we go way back.  Stop putting on these …high and mighty airs! Listen.  A lot of what he says goes against everything I am.  And yet I … I … I just don’t know.  

JOHN
Simon Peter. My friend. Some things never change.  Do they?  I have my airs, and you have your arrogance. I have always been amazed and amused at some of the things you come out with.   

SIMON PETER
At least no one has to wonder what I think!

JOHN/ANDREW/ELISABETH
No, we sure don’t!

ELISABETH
My husband doesn’t sprinkle his words with salt.

ANDREW
He dumps the whole sack!

JOHN
Well said!  Well said!  Come on, Andrew.  We ought to head out. I’d bet some guys are already gathering. Tell your mother I heard she’s doing a lot better, Elisabeth, and I am glad to hear it.  Peter, take your time.

ELISABETH
Thank you, John.

SIMON PETER
Thanks.  Like I need your permission.  Scram! ...........Sorry.  You shouldn’t have witnessed all that. I’m still working on some things … but … don’t tell anybody.    

ELISABETH
Secret’s safe with me.

SIMON PETER
You don’t think less of me?  I almost crumbled!  Came real close.

ELISABETH
Goodness no!  You’re my big hunk of a rock!  

SIMON PETER
Yeah, I know. But I feel like I’m being chiseled on. I’ll be down to nothing if this keeps up!

ELISABETH
I don’t think you have anything to worry about.  Besides, it was nice to hear you and the guys talk so openly in front of me. I didn’t get to hear any juicy stories this time.   

SIMON PETER
Juicy story? Um… let’s see … one day, we were having lunch at this Pharisee’s fancy
house.

ELISABETH
Really?  What did you have?  Was it good?  

SIMON PETER
What’s with you women always wondering if the cooking’s good or not?

ELISABETH
Our husbands might find someone who cooks better, and not come home.

SIMON PETER
It was delicious! Steaming plates of lamb and kid.  Vegetables, cheeses.  Bread that melted in my--

ELISABETH
Oh. Glad you enjoyed it.

SIMON PETER
But I came home!  To you! Come here! Do you want to hear my story or not?

ELISABETH
I don’t know now.

SIMON PETER
Hush! While I was eating, I noticed several servants whispering to each other … and others were pointing, laughing, at a huddled figure kneeling in front of Jesus.  At the table of all places!  

ELISABETH
What?!?

SIMON PETER
It was a woman!  Rubbing and kissing his feet!  I remember thinking to myself, “Oh, no.  Not here!”

ELISABETH
What do you ever mean?

SIMON PETER
I’m quite used to displays of powerful emotion and passionate acts of unrestrained … uh, worship towards him, but … you know …knowing the woman by reputation--

ELISABETH
And just how did you know of her reputation?!?

SIMON PETER
Gehenna fire, Beth!  I’m trying to make a point here! A good point!  Or my name isn’t--

ELISABETH
Peter, but how!  How … but how did you …

SIMON PETER
Hmm. Well.  Oh … never mind.

ELISABETH
Has this one been jotted down for the whole world to see someday?

SIMON PETER
Don’t know.  Hope so.  It’s a juicy story with a twist at the end. It’d make people think.

ELISABETH
I believe you’ve given me more than enough to think about while you’re gone!

SIMON PETER
Like what?

ELISABETH
Like can he really forgive sins?

SIMON PETER
Oh.  I suppose he can … if he’s … if he’s really … who he says he is.

Lights fade.

MARY
Simon.  Wake up.  Peter.  

SIMON PETER
Huh?   (Incoherent  mumble.)  We’re not  going  nowhere.   (Snore.) It’s  not  …  time! (Snore.)  Everything’s alright.  

MARY
(A little louder; a little harder.)
Simon Peter.  No!  Everything is not alright. Wake up!

SIMON PETER
I’m right here! Nothing’s going to … (Incoherent mumble.) Got all the time in the world … (Snore.) … or my name isn’t Simon--

MARY
(Completely over him, and pushes hard.)
Peter!  There’s a crowd gathering again! Ready for a fight!  Demanding revolution!

SIMON PETER
Get off me woman!  (PETER strides toward some bushes nearby, calling over his shoulder.) Where is he?

MARY
(Shocked; confused at PETER’S boldness.) 
East side of the slope!   Under a small grove of--

SIMON PETER
(While relieving himself.)
Wake him up while I see what’s happening.

MARY
Simon Peter!

SIMON PETER
What?  This? (Laughing.) And how many sons do you have?!?

(MARY flees.  PETER hurries as voices get louder.  Turning around, PETER is at once facing JESUS, MARY and the anxious CROWD fast approaching from opposite directions. PETER feels for sword.  JESUS bellows before immediate intersection.) 

JESUS
The ONLY reason you’re looking for me is because you’re hungry again!  You’re
here because you THINK I’ll feed you!  (Softly.)  Step aside, mother.  It’s fine.  

(JOHN and ANDREW rush up to PETER and MARY.  PETER discreetly moves them away from JESUS, the CROWD, and the soiled bushes.  JESUS gesticulates and the CROWD responds in heated conversation.)

SIMON PETER
What the--

JOHN
Shhh!

SIMON PETER
Don’t even shush me, John.

(PETER, ANDREW, JOHN and MARY snap their heads toward JESUS’ thundering
voice.)

JESUS
Don’t labor so hard for bread that will perish!  Labor for that which will never perish!

(CROWD wildly gestures in response.)

SIMON PETER
I don’t believe this! They only want what all of us want! A revolution!  Why’s he insulting these people? 

MARY
I’m not sure.

ANDREW
Look at their faces!

SIMON PETER
What does this have to do with food?!?

JOHN
Listen! He’s speaking analogies again.

ANDREW
Knowing full well--

JOHN
Most of them won’t understand.

SIMON PETER
A damn word he’s saying!

(MARY swallows a giggle. The focus is on the crowd again.)  

MAN #2
(Sarcastic challenge.)
Moses gave our fathers bread from heaven!  And they’re all dead!  
 
SIMON PETER
(Under his breath.)
I should’ve laid him out when I had the chance!

JESUS
NO!  (PETER’S head jerks.) It wasn’t Moses who gave your fathers that bread! My Father did!  The one who gives you true bread!

MAN #1
(Now caught up in the sarcastic frenzy.)
Oh!  Well then, please, Lord!  Please! Give us that kind of bread. We want only that kind of bread from now on!

(Crowd laughs at Jesus.) 

SIMON PETER
(Bracing himself.)
Here we go.

JESUS
I’M the bread of life!  He that comes to ME won’t hunger! He that believes on ME will never thirst! For I’M come down from heaven.   

MAN #1
(Sneering.)
Is this the same Jesus who came from Nazareth?  Whose own father and mother we know?  Now, I may be wrong!  But, I’m quite sure it is!

MAN #2
His mother’s right there! How can he say he’s come down out of heaven?

MARY
(Whispers.)
He’s walking right into this one!

SIMON PETER
He walks into every one of them.  (CROWD reacts violently to something JESUS has just said.) Mary move back! Get ready, guys.

JESUS
I SAID!  I said, EXCEPT you EAT the flesh of the Son of Man! And DRINK his blood! 
You DON’T have life in you!

(PETER’S hand falls limply from his hip/sword and he stands stunned.  No one moves.   There is complete silence.)

MARY
Oh, son. 

MAN #1
(Incredulous anger; disgust.)
I’ve never heard such a thing!  What?!?  Have you lost your mind?

SIMON PETER
(To himself; disgusted.)
That’s it.  

MAN #2
(To the surrounding crowd.)
How can this man give us the very flesh of his own body to eat?

SIMON PETER
(Under his breath.)
Impossible.  Unthinkable.

CROWD
Cannibalism!  Did you hear that?  Disgusting!  Who does he think he is?

SIMON PETER
(Thinking out loud.) 
All my life … wondering who he will be?

ANDREW
What’s he saying, John?

JOHN
I have no idea.

SIMON PETER
Thought you knew everything.

JOHN
This is beyond all I’ve ever heard.

SIMON PETER
We can kiss those recruits goodbye.  In fact, me too!  (Turns to walk away.) Bye.

MARY
(Whispers.)
Please … son …

JESUS
(Turning to his friends/mother.) 
Does this cause YOU to stumble?  The words I have spoken are spirit!  Are life!
                                                                                                     
(PETER whips back around.) 

ANDREW
(Under his breath.)
How’d he know? There’s no way he heard—

CROWD
Who ever heard?  What is this anyway?  Someone eating the flesh?  Drinking the blood? Of another man?

SIMON PETER
What is he doing?!?  

MARY
I’m still not sure.

SIMON PETER
Why am I here?

JOHN
Shhh!

SIMON PETER
You shush me one more time and I’ll shu--

JOHN
I said Shhh!  

(PETER starts to lunge JOHN.) 

MARY
Settle down you two!  I mean it!  

CROWD
That’s a violation!  Of the Law itself! An abomination! How can he say such things?

MAN #1
Evil!  No surer way to turn people away!  This man is evil, I tell you!  Evil!

MAN #2
We won’t support talk like this from any so-called leader.

SIMON PETER
(Thinking out loud.)
All my life.  A Messiah will come.

CROWD
Yes!  And he seemed so convincing!  What a shame!  Let’s go home! What a waste!  

SIMON PETER
(Thinking out loud.)
Wondering who he will be?  Why me?!?

MAN #1
I’m out of here! This is the biggest joke!  (Stomps near.) Come on!  Simon?

SIMON PETER
(Lunges forward.)
Hey!  Hear him out!  I’m sure there’s an explanation!

MAN #1
Maybe you don’t care about your wife and children, but we care about ours!  
 
SIMON PETER
(Reacts defensively; ready for a fight.)
That’s out of line.

MAN #1
(Ignored the threat.)
We’re sick of waiting for the revolution!  

SIMON PETER
(Incredulous.) 
And I’m not?!?

MAN #1
We came out here for action, and at no small cost to ourselves! No small cost! 

SIMON PETER
(Desperate to stop the crowd from leaving the cause.) 
But he fed you!

MAN #1
We didn’t come to hear disgusting words about … about drinking human blood!

SIMON PETER
I know you didn’t! (Lowers voice.)  I didn’t either!

JESUS
(To PETER from across the chaos.)
You leaving me too?

SIMON PETER
(MAN #1 tears away.)
How does he do that?!?

MARY
He’s always been that way.

ANDREW
What are you going to do?

SIMON PETER
Do?!

(CROWD flees in all directions.)

JOHN
Why, it’s mutiny!  

SIMON PETER
Yet there he stands. 

JOHN
With his crew bailing out!

SIMON PETER
Still he stands doing nothing!   Nothing! 

JOHN
It has got to be a misunderstanding.

ANDREW
Then why isn’t he trying to explain?

MARY
Yes, son … explain … please! 

JESUS
(Turns to go.)
What do you not understand?

SIMON PETER
(Exaggerated sarcasm.)
Let’s see--

JOHN
Shhh! (Caught himself.) Sorry.  

SIMON PETER
(Wagging fist at JOHN as he walks away miffed.) 
Just wait … you just wait.

ANDREW
He didn’t mean we’d have to drink his own blood literally!  Surely?

SIMON PETER
I don’t know anything anymore, Andrew.

ANDREW
(Watching PETER leave.)
Where are you going?

JESUS
(From afar.)
Peter?

SIMON PETER
(Slams against a post/tree.)
I said … I’d follow … this man … 

ANDREW
But what do you think?  

SIMON PETER
(Whips his head toward his friends.) 
I think … though half the catch is lost … through a rip in the net … there are other fish in the …

JOHN
(Under his breath.)
He’s staying.

SIMON PETER
And I’m thinking that … (Gets louder; walks back toward friends.) … Simon Peter, son of Jona, don’t run!  Ever! 

JOHN
You know he’d re-gather those men in an instant if he wanted to.

ANDREW
And we can raise another group easy!

SIMON PETER
(Sits down. Whips out sword.)
No!  Not easy.  Not easy at all!  Like he says … many are called, but few are chosen.

Lights fade as Peter begins sharpening his sword.

MAN #1
(Rubbing his belly.)
Just like Moses in the wilderness!  And the manna from heaven!

WOMAN
Yes!  He can do anything! (Looks up.) Praise the Lord. (Resumes with MAN #1.) And healing those poor, sick children?!? Bless their little hearts. (Eyes close; whispers)  Thank you, Jesus.  (Resumes with Man #1 without missing a beat.) I bet nothing’s beyond him!  

MAN #1
(Welcoming the distraction.)
Simon?  Simon Peter?  Is that you?   

SIMON PETER
Far from the fish nets, aren’t we?

MAN #1
I’d know that voice anywhere!  Amazing day!  Amazing! We ought to go right now and begin the revolutionary march!  

MAN #2
Nonsense! How will we make it to Jerusalem without being set upon by the Romans?   And besides, how will we eat?

SIMON PETER
(Incredulously.)
Did he say eat?!? 

MAN #1
(To MAN #2.  Laughing.) 
Your belly is happily growling with miraculous food that Jesus fellow just gave you! And you wonder how you will eat?    

SIMON PETER
So what if some rabid Romans show up!  We can take care of them!  

WOMAN
Yes!  Jesus can take care of them!  Why, he can stop the wind and the waves!  (Looks
up.)  Praise the Lord.  (Resumes with SIMON PETER.) Simon, you know!  You saw it.  We’ve heard all about it from your Elisabeth!  Bless her heart.  And healing her sick
mother? (Eyes close; whispers.)  Thank you, Jesus.  (Resumes without missing a beat.)  Tell him, Simon Peter! What do you say?

SIMON PETER
(Under his breath.)
I say you women talk too much.  

ANDREW
(Calls out.)
Hey Peter!

SIMON PETER
(Heading over to Andrew and John.)
Yeah!

MAN #1
Thank you, friend!  (Calls after PETER.)  It’s good for her to hear that from someone other than me!

ANDREW
What a day!  Huh?  

JOHN
Crowds of thousands!  All over the hills!

ANDREW
Everyone’s stirring, too!  Ready to go!  

SIMON PETER
You know I’m ready! (Stifles yawn.  Stretches.  Shakes.)  I’m always ready!

(ENTER JESUS, with a small CROWD, making his way toward PETER.  There is nothing about his physical appearance to set him apart.  MAN #1 and WOMAN rush over to him with MAN #2 in tow.)

MAN #1
We know you’re from God!  We know you’re sent to redeem our nation!    

SIMON PETER
I say it’s about time!  Or my name isn’t Simon--

WOMAN
(Looks up.) Praise the Lord! (Eyes close; whispers.) Thank you, Jesus.
                                                                                         
(MAN #1 elbows her.  MAN #2 rolls eyes.) 

CROWD
Amen!  Hallelujah!  Exactly!  Yes!  Now!

ANDREW
(Privately.)
We’ve waited for this moment.

SIMON PETER
All our life, Andrew!

MAN #1
(Rallying cry.)
Men!  Are you with me?

CROWD
(Moves to hoist JESUS to shoulders.)
Yes!  We’re through waiting!  Revolution! We’ve waited long enough!  Let’s go!

JESUS
(Bellows.) 
NO! 

(SIMON PETER jumps at JESUS’ command.)

SIMON PETER
Sit down!  All of you!  (MAN #2 bows up.) Now I said! (PETER stuffs him down.) Everybody! Quiet!

JESUS
(Flash of disappointment.)
I know you’re excited, friends, but now is NOT my time!  Only the Father knows the time.

SIMON PETER
(Shocked.)
You’re kidding me!  

ANDREW
What could be better timing than this?

JOHN
We’d gather tens of thousands en route.

JESUS
Still!  It’s NOT time.

(JESUS gestures to the CROWD as PETER stomps away.  ANDREW and JOHN follow.  Following conversation ensues privately.)

SIMON PETER
Listen to him! Just listen to him. He has no intention going to Jerusalem yet!  For there is ‘much, much more to be done!’  And so on … and so forth … and so on.   (Yawns.) 
This is insane.  (Stretches.) I know the time.  (Yawns.)  It's time to fly up the roost before roosters crow. (Looks toward Jesus' way.) Now is my time!   

I guess now is a good time to share my stage play about the Apostle Peter since I mentioned him, and it, in my last blog "Can Christians Have a Sense of Humor?"

You can read more about the play HERE, and for a description of the main characters you can go HERE.

Please know that I am a creative writer, not a technical writer. This play is my personal imagination of how I see the events when I read the Bible ... it is as biblically accurate as my knowledge can ascertain, and I will reference scripture whenever it is relevant to show what biblical events I am expounding upon and fleshing out with my imaginations. My play shows these biblical characters as REAL men, with REAL lives.

We are going to take this one scene at a time ... and discuss it ... enjoy :)

SCENE:  A unit setting around a pivotal fire pit surrounded by various stones and tree trunks.  PETER prepares to leave on a journey with his new rebel friends. Outside PETER’S beachfront home: it is morning.  
 
AT RISE:  ELISABETH kneads dough out of a large wooden bowl braced between her knees.  PETER sharpens/shines his beloved Roman short sword.  They are arguing.  

ELISABETH
…and what am I supposed to think?  Running in here without warning!  Face all flushed.  His eyes just shining like a demon! ‘Brother!  Come on!  We’ve found the
Messiah!’ And do you know what you said to him?  Do you?  Remember?  Do you?  

SIMON PETER
Don’t know, Beth.

ELISABETH
I’ll tell you exactly!

SIMON PETER
Probably something like, ‘Andrew?  Been at the wineskins so early without me?’

ELISABETH
It’s not funny!  You said … and I remember! (Laughs.) You said … ‘You found who!?’  

SIMON PETER
Thought you said it wasn’t funny.

ELISABETH
Stop right now, Simon Peter!  Now is not the time to sling dung at me!  With you tramping up and down the countryside?  Lord knows where!  With those rebels again?

SIMON PETER
He said Capernaum area. Not very far!  Maybe up to Nazareth. Should be able to stop back by to see you and the kids fairly often.  Might even bring him home with me. 
 
ELISABETH
You’ve no business picking up and leaving your family like this. And the boats!  Have
you thought about the boats?  Humph! Simply leaving, whenever the fancy strikes, to follow some guy with far-fetched ideas about some sort of … revolution?  
 
SIMON PETER
Revolution is exactly--

ELISABETH
War against Rome!  Ha!  You know nothing about politics, religion and such!  And despite all your big-talk about carving someone a new--

SIMON PETER
 Elisabeth! 

ELISABETH
You just better leave politics and talk of new kingdoms to the elders of the synagogue!   Or to those filthy desert rabble who … who--

SIMON PETER
(Whacks sword upon a tree trunk.)
Woman!  Shut your mouth!  
 
ELISABETH
No, I will not!  (Whacks cheesecloth.)  Not this time! There are enough wanna-be war heroes to fill every burn pit across the nation.  (PETER immerses into sword again;
deep in his own thoughts.) It doesn’t have to be you!  You’re a father! And a partner in your family business!   What about me, Simon?  Huh?   

SIMON PETER
(Almost trance-like.) Father bought this sword many years ago … from an Arabian trader … who got it from an Alexandrian … who took it off a fallen Roman … in the battle of Actium. 

ELISABETH
(Exasperated.)
We all know its history, but--

SIMON PETER
No matter the sword’s history!  It’s become a part of me.  Me!  I use it for everything.  You realize that?  From scraping the boats to mending the nets to butchering goats … sheep … to scaling the fish and--

ELISABETH
I know, alright?  I know!  But--

SIMON PETER
But!  Maybe this blade’ll serve some greater purpose than mundane chores or slapping some sassy mule on its ass!  Maybe this blade will serve me well in the revolution that’s talked about so much.  

ELISABETH
You really trust him, don’t you.  
 
SIMON PETER
Why not?  He’s known around these parts as an honest man.   He and his brothers’ll give you a fair share and hard work. Talk about excellent craft!  Father knows the family, you know. He comes from good stock. 

ELISABETH
But do you really believe what he says about restoring our kingdom?

SIMON PETER
Absolutely … I guess.

ELISABETH
You guess?!?

SIMON PETER
I’d like to think so, Beth.  A man’s got to believe in something!   The old-ones used to tell us how the kingdom of Solomon stretched from Egypt to Persia.  And how his ships navigated around some far-off place called … oh, what was it …

ELISABETH
Africa.  I remember the stories.   They brought ivory and peacocks and--

SIMON PETER
(Back in trance-like state; thinking out loud.)
King Solomon even made a throne out of … from those gigantic thick-skinned, long-nosed animals the Greeks called …oh, what were they called?

ELISABETH
(Dull.)
Elephants.  

SIMON PETER
(Sudden idea.)
Ivory’s what it was!  From elephants!  Did you know that?!?  (Back to trance.) Wonder how many it’d take to make a throne like that?  
 
ELISABETH
So this guy’s talking about a kingdom even greater than Solomon’s?  

SIMON PETER
(Thinking out loud again.)
At least a dozen, I ‘magine ... to make a throne like that. 

ELISABETH
(Losing her patience.)
Huh?  Peter?  Is that what you’re saying? A kingdom greater than Solomon’s?

SIMON PETER
(Snaps out of it.)
Greater than the greatness of Rome, Beth! I’ve heard rumors at the dockyards about the Romans colonizing a whole world beyond the gates of Hercules.   Something’s got to be done! 

ELISABETH
But how can a tiny army fight the might of Rome? What are you all think—?!

SIMON PETER
Remember your place!  I don’t know what we think we’re going to do.  But I’ll tell you one thing, we’re going to do it!  So help me--

ELISABETH
Shhh!  Thou shalt not take the Lord God’s name in vain.

SIMON PETER
Don’t you dare shush me, woman! Gets on my nerves. You know that! I don’t know
what we’re going to do!  Alright?  Even if I did it’s none of your--

ELISABETH
It most certainly is!

SIMON PETER
Maybe he’ll finally grow angry enough to use his … his vast powers in military action!  

ELISABETH
Ha! What powers?

SIMON PETER
I told you!  Pretty sure I told you.  That time I drug so much fish into my boat that--

ELISABETH
Uh-huh.  That fisher of men story.  Humph! Time, chance and circumstance is all that
was.  

SIMON PETER
But then there’s also that time me and the guys went to a large wedding feast with
him!  (Awkward silence.) Don’t look at me that way.  

ELISABETH
What way?

SIMON PETER
That way!

ELISABETH
Just what does wedding feasts have to do with vast powers?

SIMON PETER
Anyway. (Feeling sick to his stomach.) The wine ran out.

ELISABETH
Oh it did, did it?  You want to tell me why?

SIMON PETER
It was … a party … Beth.   People drink … at parties.  Especially happy … parties.  
And, you know, well … we sort of ... ran out of wine.

ELISABETH
And how much did you drink?

SIMON PETER
Not much. 

ELISABETH
Lie!  I know you, Simon Peter!  Free wine!  Festive music!  

SIMON PETER
I didn't! Ask Andrew!

ELISABETH
(Rants over him.)
Fair maidens!  Far … faraway wife!

SIMON PETER
I didn't! I swear! Ask Andrew if you don’t believe me!

ELISABETH
Like I’d really trust him!  Mister We’ve-Found-the-Messiah!

SIMON PETER
Don’t roll your eyes at me, woman!  (Slaps sword upon trunk again.)  You haven’t seen some of the stuff we’ve seen!

ELISABETH
Uh-huh.  I bet! Throngs of women supporters! Harems!  (Slaps dough: sounds like slapping flesh.)  Prostitutes!

SIMON PETER
Enough!  I’m not even going to--  

ELISABETH
Because you can’t!

SIMON PETER
All I know is!  When the time’s right we’ll throw out that pompous bag of bile and
then we’ll be on to Rome!

ELISABETH
But your numbers are so--

SIMON PETER
No matter our number!  I’ll slit their gentile throats with their own
sword! …Ha!   

 ELISABETH
(Covers dough with cheesecloth.)
And have you thought about what you’ll do when someone tries to shut your friend up?!?  

SIMON PETER
I’d--

ELIZABETH
He’s bound to start attracting unwanted attention to himself.  With you right in the middle of it!  Humph.  I can see it now!

SIMON PETER
I’d slice an ignorant head in two.  That’s what I’d do!  So help
me--    

ELISABETH
Shhh! I shouldn’t be hearing all this blather. Why’d you start it, anyway?  

SIMON PETER
I didn’t!  You did!  With your moody contempt for my brother!  
 
ELISABETH
Moody?!?  Who’s moo--

SIMON PETER
You want a whipping, woman?  I didn’t start it, but I’ll sure settle it! 
 
ELISABETH
I’m not scared of you!  (Solemn resignation.)  It’s been tried before.  

SIMON PETER
(Thinks he’s been challenged.)
What!

ELISABETH
Revolutions.  Who’s to say it can’t succeed this time?

SIMON PETER
Not me, that’s for sure!  I’d never deny my part in this.  Or my name isn’t Simon--

ELISABETH
Peter.  My rock.

SIMON PETER
That’s right!  Nothing can make me crumble.

ELISABETH
(Sadly supportive. Gets up to go into house.)
I know.  And that’s why you’ll need your best walking boots, and your warmest cloak, and … and …

SIMON PETER
Dry those tears, woman!  Come here. (Flops ELISABETH into lap.) Where’s my belt? 

ELISABETH
Don’t you dare start this now!  You’d better go. (Dodges kisses.)  Peter!  Not now!  Your rebel friends are waiting.  (Sad smile.)  Wouldn’t want to keep them waiting.  Would we?   Please be careful. 

SIMON PETER
You know I will.

ELISABETH
Let me know when you’ll be coming back this way.  I’ll have mother come help me
prepare a nice meal for you and your … your friend.

SIMON PETER
His name is--

ELISABETH
Jesus! (Gets off of her husband.  Walks toward house.) I know. Go!
                                                          
(ELISABETH exits to gather his things.) 

SIMON PETER
(Deep in thought.)
All my life a Messiah will come. All my life this supposed Messiah.  Who he will be.  Where he will come from.  Wonder all my life.  Some mighty warrior to lead us once again to Solomon’s glories.  A Messiah will come to redeem Israel.  Pained, persecuted, plundered. Israel!  Dashed to the ground … but not beaten.  All my life nothing but wonder.  And now … and now Messiah has come!  He is here!  Impossible.  Unthinkable!  Yet … all my life … wondering who he will be.  Is it he?   And .....Why me?

(Lights fade to signify a setting sun.)