CHISELING THE ROCK
A Play in One Act: Full-Length Version
Brooke Brookreson © 2005
CHARACTERS
In Order of Appearance
ELISABETH – Peter’s wife. Fiery. Flirtatious.
(Also plays WOMAN BY THE FIRE.)
SIMON PETER – Prince of the Disciples; faithful husband. Bombastic. Competitive. Dynamic. Passionate. Patriotic. Prone to extremes. Choleric temperament.
ANDREW – Peter’s brother; fishing partner; disciple. Curious. Dutiful. Hyper. Informal. Jovial. Sometimes clueless. Sanguine Temperament.
(May be double cast where appropriate, and not obvious.)
JOHN – Peter’s longtime fish buddy; disciple. Philosophic. Practical. Prone to come across as patronizing. Phlegmatic temperament.
(Also plays MAN BY THE FIRE.)
JESUS – Mentally, physically and verbally matches Peter blow-by-blow. Masculine. Disregard all stereotypical images: Super-long, straight hair; sad eyes; slow movements; soft voice; snow-white robes. United Temperament.
MARY – Jesus’ mother; follower. Supporter.
(May be double cast where appropriate, and not obvious.)
THOMAS – Disciple; scouts out a Samaritan village.
(May be double cast where appropriate, and not obvious.)
CHORUS of at least 2 women and 4 men to cast the following:
MAN #1 - Acquaintance of Peter; spokesman for crowd. (Suitable for PHARISEE #1.)
WOMAN – Acquaintance of Peter; emotionally/spiritually over-charged. Fulsome. (Suitable for VENDOR.)
MAN #2 – Doubtful. Pessimistic. (Suitable for PHARISEE #2.)
CROWD – Five or so men to keep things stirred up during excitement. (Suitable for THOMAS.)
FOUR PHARISEES – Self-righteous judges who condemn an adulteress and Jesus. (Suitable for ANDREW & THOMAS.)
ADULTERESS – Woman brought to Temple by the Pharisees to be stoned. (Suitable for SERVANT GIRL.)
VENDORS – Various men and women at the Temple. (Suitable for THOMAS & MARY.)
ONLOOKERS IN COURTYARD – Various men and women milling around. (Suitable for ANDREW, THOMAS & MARY.)
SERVANT GIRL – Recognizes Peter in the Courtyard. (Suitable for ADULTERESS.)
CRUCIFIED JESUS – Similar height/build; mutilated and unrecognizable; dead.
DISCIPLES – At least four men to be present when Jesus reveals his resurrected self.
ROMAN SOLDIERS – Two men to lead captive Peter; crucify Peter. (Suitable for MAN #1 and Man#2.)
ELDERLY PETER – Similar height/build; crucified upside down.
In Order of Appearance
ELISABETH – Peter’s wife. Fiery. Flirtatious.
(Also plays WOMAN BY THE FIRE.)
SIMON PETER – Prince of the Disciples; faithful husband. Bombastic. Competitive. Dynamic. Passionate. Patriotic. Prone to extremes. Choleric temperament.
ANDREW – Peter’s brother; fishing partner; disciple. Curious. Dutiful. Hyper. Informal. Jovial. Sometimes clueless. Sanguine Temperament.
(May be double cast where appropriate, and not obvious.)
JOHN – Peter’s longtime fish buddy; disciple. Philosophic. Practical. Prone to come across as patronizing. Phlegmatic temperament.
(Also plays MAN BY THE FIRE.)
JESUS – Mentally, physically and verbally matches Peter blow-by-blow. Masculine. Disregard all stereotypical images: Super-long, straight hair; sad eyes; slow movements; soft voice; snow-white robes. United Temperament.
MARY – Jesus’ mother; follower. Supporter.
(May be double cast where appropriate, and not obvious.)
THOMAS – Disciple; scouts out a Samaritan village.
(May be double cast where appropriate, and not obvious.)
CHORUS of at least 2 women and 4 men to cast the following:
MAN #1 - Acquaintance of Peter; spokesman for crowd. (Suitable for PHARISEE #1.)
WOMAN – Acquaintance of Peter; emotionally/spiritually over-charged. Fulsome. (Suitable for VENDOR.)
MAN #2 – Doubtful. Pessimistic. (Suitable for PHARISEE #2.)
CROWD – Five or so men to keep things stirred up during excitement. (Suitable for THOMAS.)
FOUR PHARISEES – Self-righteous judges who condemn an adulteress and Jesus. (Suitable for ANDREW & THOMAS.)
ADULTERESS – Woman brought to Temple by the Pharisees to be stoned. (Suitable for SERVANT GIRL.)
VENDORS – Various men and women at the Temple. (Suitable for THOMAS & MARY.)
ONLOOKERS IN COURTYARD – Various men and women milling around. (Suitable for ANDREW, THOMAS & MARY.)
SERVANT GIRL – Recognizes Peter in the Courtyard. (Suitable for ADULTERESS.)
CRUCIFIED JESUS – Similar height/build; mutilated and unrecognizable; dead.
DISCIPLES – At least four men to be present when Jesus reveals his resurrected self.
ROMAN SOLDIERS – Two men to lead captive Peter; crucify Peter. (Suitable for MAN #1 and Man#2.)
ELDERLY PETER – Similar height/build; crucified upside down.
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?
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
Well yeah. 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. 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
Ask Andrew!
ELISABETH
(Rants over him.)
Fair maidens! Far … FAR-away wife!
SIMON PETER
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
(Gets off of her husband. Walks toward house.)
Jesus! 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? Why me?
(Lights fade to signify a setting sun. Many months have passed. PETER looks over at ANDREW and JOHN shaking out their sleeping blankets before rolling them back up. PETER is still sharpening and shining his beloved sword. ENTER MAN #1 and WOMAN looking for Jesus. MAN #2 follows closely. PETER stretches and yawns.)
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 he 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!
(PETER jumps at JESUS’ command.)
SIMON PETER
Sit down! All of you! (MAN #2 bows up. SIMON PETER stuffs him down.) Now I said! 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 walks 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.) Now is my time!
(PETER stomps over to his things away from the dispersing CROWD, and snaps his blankets out. ANDREW and JOHN pick up their sleeping blankets and exit with JESUS. Lights fade, and gradually brighten to signify the next morning. PETER snores wildly. Enter MARY, who gently pushes on PETER.)
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.)
SIMON PETER
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
(Laughing.)
What? This? 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
(To herself; almost a sickening resignation.)
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! 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! He seemed so convincing! What a shame! Let’s go home!
SIMON PETER
(Thinking out loud.)
Wondering who he will be? Why me?!?
MAN #1
I’m out of here! This is the biggest waste of time! Come on! (Stomps near.) 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.)
Oh, 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.)
No! Not easy. Not easy at all! Like he says … many are called, but few are chosen.
(ANDREW, JOHN and MARY discreetly exit. 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
(Frustrated.)
Maybe someday he’ll use those vast powers in military action instead of wasting--
ELISABETH
(Being silly; trying to lighten the mood.)
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
(Flirting.)
Do you remember … last night?
SIMON PETER
Huh? Oh! (Grins.) I sure do.
ELISABETH
(Seductively; teasing.)
Do you ever, ever want to do that again?
SIMON PETER
(Feigned shock.)
Elisabeth!
ELISABETH
(Satisfied in her success.)
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.
ELISABETH
Really. So what will you be doing this time?
SIMON PETER
Going to the lost sheep! (Growl.) Whatever that means. Our main theme 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 … (Bites off thread.) … 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?
(Enter ANDREW, breathless, without warning. ELISABETH is startled. PETER laughs heartily.
ANDREW runs into their house, and comes out with a chunk of bread.)
SIMON PETER
Yes! And if you ask me, there couldn’t be a better time than then! The man’s brilliant.
ANDREW
(Chews.)
I’m ready! You ready?
ELISABETH
Good morning, Andrew. Please. (Somewhat snide.) Go ahead and make yourself at home.
ANDREW
Morning, Lisbeth! (Oblivious.) Thanks.
ELISABETH
He’s not quite ready.
SIMON PETER
I’m ready! Where’s John?
ANDREW
Said he’d be in … in a minute. (Cuts eyes to ELISABETH.) 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
Well! You are!
ANDREW
Huh? 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! (Softens.) It wasn’t that bad anyway.
ELISABETH
Humph!
ANDREW
What happened in the hills was bad but the Nazareth mob was downright scary! He could’ve got himself killed!
SIMON PETER
Not while I’m around.
ANDREW
(Unsure.)
I suppose you’re right.
SIMON PETER
I know I’m right!
ANDREW
(Friendly sarcasm.)
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!
(Enter JOHN. ELISABETH bows her head with a slight grin on her face.)
JOHN
Elisabeth. Andrew. What is about time?
SIMON PETER
The revolution!
JOHN
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. (JOHN laughs.) 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. (Sneers.) 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 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! Like it's nothing!
SIMON PETER
For all this obvious strength, he’s hardly a war hero … if you ask me! … and he’s a bit--
JOHN
(Angry.)
Until his voice rises! I have seen men shrink! Shrink! Frightened by the sheer force of his person!
(Invades PETER’S personal space.)
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! (Shoves John.) Front of my wife! You really don’t want--
JOHN
(Soft.)
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
(Chuckle.)
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!
(Round of laughter.)
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 turning the other cheek 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.
(Cuts eyes toward ELISABETH.) If you know what I mean.
JOHN
(Shrugs.)
That’s what he said.
SIMON PETER
I know what he said! You damned—! (Growl.) 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 …!
Listen. A lot of what he says goes against everything I am. And yet I … I … (Sheepish grin.) … I don’t know.
JOHN
Simon Peter. My friend. Some things never change. Do they? 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
(Hearty laugh.)
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
(Sarcastic.)
Thanks. Like I need your permission. Scram!
(ANDREW and JOHN exit laughing. PETER turns to his wife with a growl that turns into an embarrassed smile, and holds out his arms. PETER embraces her warmly.)
SIMON PETER
Sorry. You shouldn’t have witnessed all that. I’m still working on some things … but … (Looking toward the retreating backs.) … 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.
(Feigns a pout.) 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
(Pulls away.)
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! (Audible gasp from ELISABETH.) I remember thinking to myself, “Oh, no. Not here!”
ELISABETH
(Pulls away successfully.)
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
But how … 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. But 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
(Pulls ELISABETH back into his arms.)
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. End of scene.)
SCENE: On to Jerusalem; several months later. Waiting on news from THOMAS.
AT RISE: There is a donkey tied to a post. PETER and JESUS are arm wrestling in the sand. JOHN and ANDREW cheer them on. JESUS makes eye contact with PETER and slams his hand down so hard that it tosses PETER over. Soon they are having a full-blown wrestling match. Finally, after much scrambling (for PETER gives him an excellent fight) JESUS pins him in defeat. Each rise, gasping and laughing, and gives slaps on the back of the head, buttocks and shoulders. Everyone finds a place to sit at the fire.
SIMON PETER
Next time! You just wait! Next time!
JESUS
You say that every time!
SIMON PETER
No, seriously! I haven’t wanted to embarrass you, that’s all. Next time I’m gonna—
JESUS
I’d like to see you try!
SIMON PETER
Low blow! Whoa.
JESUS
No it isn’t! It’s the high truth. I do like to see you try! It’s fun!
I’ll try to go easy on you next time, but I won’t make any promises I’m not sure I can keep.
SIMON PETER
Man, I can’t figure you out.
JESUS
You know, I get that all the time! From everybody. All my life! What’s so hard to figure out?
SIMON PETER
How are we supposed to know if you don’t know?
(JESUS laughs; shakes his head.)
JOHN
Actually, and I’ve been putting some deep thought into this.
Actually, I think some people really want to believe you’ll be the prophesied Messiah … and that has them confused.
SIMON PETER
Can count on good ‘ole John to spoil the mood.
JESUS
(Laughs.)
Really? How so?
SIMON PETER
You asking me or John?
ANDREW
I think many just want you to be our military leader.
JESUS
I will.
SIMON PETER
Counting on it!
ANDREW
When?
JESUS
It’s not for you to know the time.
SIMON PETER
You say that all the--
JOHN
(Looks at PETER.)
Some marvel over your … (Takes a jab at PETER.) … miraculous POWERS.
SIMON PETER
Yeah! With hopes they’ll be used in battle, weasel!
JOHN
(Points at self.)
Yet some, like myself, talk about your philosophical insights and knowledge.
ANDREW
Or about whether or not you can really forgive sins.
JESUS
(Laughing at their childish antics.)
Interesting! But who do THEY say I am?
JOHN
Well, some of them think … and I’d like to think … you are Jeremiah. Or Isaiah.
JESUS
Hmmmm …..
SIMON PETER
Elijah!
ANDREW
(Timid guess.)
John the Baptist?
JESUS
(Shocked.)
The Baptist, huh? (Laughs.) Good one!
SIMON PETER
The Baptist? Really Andrew!? You’re such a--
JESUS
Who do YOU say I am?
(JOHN ponders philosophically. ANDREW fidgets cluelessly.)
SIMON PETER
(Blabs boldly.)
That you’re the Christ! The very son of God!
(JOHN and ANDREW look stunned. PETER is proud of himself.)
JESUS
(Taken aback.)
You’re blessed Simon, son of Jona, for flesh and blood hasn’t revealed this insight to you … my Father has.
I am pleased. Real pleased. So I’ll tell you this …you are petros, but—
SIMON PETER
(Disappointed; almost insulted.)
A pebble?!?
JESUS
But upon this petra … this boulder … (Gestures first to himself, then to the others.) … I’ll build my--
SIMON PETER
You mean, like, I’ll be a major part of your new government?!? (JESUS nods.) Whoa! Really? Me?
You got to be kidding! (JESUS grimaces.) Oh, sorry. Whoa!
JESUS
It’s good you know Who I am, but keep it to yourselves. At least for right now. Most especially, don’t argue with others about me.
My time is not yet come but—
SIMON PETER
We’ve finally figured that one out.
JESUS
Will you STOP interrupting me!? Peter, I appreciate your excitement; your grit; but it’s rude.
SIMON PETER
(Humiliated.)
I’m--
JESUS
As I was saying: It’s good you know who I am, but keep it to yourselves. Most especially, don’t argue with others … about me.
My time is not yet come but it is close at hand. You need to know … (Holds hand up as an additional forewarning.) …
Tough times are ahead. Real tough. I’ll be delivered into the hands of the chief priests and Pharisees to be tortured and k--
SIMON PETER
(Leaps and grabs JESUS by shoulders.)
Never! Such stupid talk! I’d never let them take you!
(JESUS throws PETER’S hands off of him, and quickly stands toe-to-toe with PETER.)
SIMON PETER
(Drags JESUS aside.)
Nothing like that will ever happen to you! You know better than that! How can you say such things? To even think--
JESUS
(Leaning into PETER; angry.)
Get behind me, Satan! Now! You’re a stumbling block to me!
SIMON PETER
I don’t understand … I want to … well, not really--
JESUS
You savor not the things of God but the things of men!
SIMON PETER
It’s just that … I don’t--
JESUS
(Whips around to face JOHN and ANDREW.)
Stand up and listen! (Looks back at PETER.) Understand this!
If any man wants to come after me then he must deny himself and take up his daily stake to follow me!
SIMON PETER
(Voice rises.)
That’s what we’ve been doing! Willingly!
JESUS
Whoever seeks to save his physical life will lose it!
SIMON PETER
What?!?
JESUS
I SAID! Whoever seeks to save his physical life … will lose it!
SIMON PETER
That makes no sense!
JESUS
Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it!
SIMON PETER
But--
JESUS
I am not finished!
Whoever is ashamed of me! And my words! In this adulterous and sinful generation—!
SIMON PETER
(Shocked.)
I’d never be ashamed of you! Never!
JESUS
(Equally shocked.)
Really, Peter? (Quietly.) Never?
SIMON PETER
Never.
Never! Never.
JESUS
(Faint smile.)
Never?
SIMON PETER
Never! Ashamed? Of you? How can you even--
(Enter THOMAS.)
THOMAS
Shalom!
(JESUS thumps PETER on the back in a friendly gesture; able to switch gears with ease.
PETER contemplates the horrifying and ridiculous implication of JESUS’ comments. )
JESUS
Shalom, Thomas! What news do you have?
THOMAS
When they found out we intended to go to Jerusalem for the Feast … they became, well, sort of … angry.
JESUS
Angry.
SIMON PETER
(Not able to switch gears as Jesus had.)
Angry?!?
THOMAS
Yes! Angry! Knowing we are Jews they refused us a place to stay!
JESUS
I see … well … let me think about this a few … Jews, huh? I see …
SIMON PETER
Gehenna Fire! Just like Elijah and King Ahab! We ought to make flames swoop down and singe those stinking Samaritans!
JESUS
You don’t know what spirit you’re of! Are you really that dull? Peter think! I didn’t come to destroy men’s lives, but to save men’s lives!
SIMON PETER
(Humiliated again.)
I didn’t mean it! Well, I don’t think I meant it … not like for real … I think I better just--
JESUS
Uh-huh. I think I’d be quiet, too. Yeah. (Back to Thomas.) And I also think we’ll keep going. That’s what I think.
There are more villages ahead, and we can find a place to stay later. Yeah. That’s what we’ll do. Get the others. We’ve rested well enough.
(The men take off. PETER, temper fresh, stomps over to his donkey and swings upon it. He kicks it as hard as he can, but it doesn’t move.
He whispers fake sweet nothings into its ear. He jiggles, rocks back and forth, but still it doesn’t budge an inch. Jesus looks back at PETER just as he grabbed for his sword.)
JESUS
Hey! What’s wrong with your ass?
SIMON PETER
(At the end of his rope.)
He’s … he’s … he’s a … (Growl; turned yell as he whacked the animal's backside.) … he’s a dumb ass!
(JESUS pauses for a second, with a puzzled look on his face, then tosses his head back and laughs so hard he eventually cries. PETER is slow to see the hilarity of the situation, but starts to chuckle, and finally gives in. PETER falls off the donkey in hysterics as lights fade. End of scene.)
AT RISE: There is a donkey tied to a post. PETER and JESUS are arm wrestling in the sand. JOHN and ANDREW cheer them on. JESUS makes eye contact with PETER and slams his hand down so hard that it tosses PETER over. Soon they are having a full-blown wrestling match. Finally, after much scrambling (for PETER gives him an excellent fight) JESUS pins him in defeat. Each rise, gasping and laughing, and gives slaps on the back of the head, buttocks and shoulders. Everyone finds a place to sit at the fire.
SIMON PETER
Next time! You just wait! Next time!
JESUS
You say that every time!
SIMON PETER
No, seriously! I haven’t wanted to embarrass you, that’s all. Next time I’m gonna—
JESUS
I’d like to see you try!
SIMON PETER
Low blow! Whoa.
JESUS
No it isn’t! It’s the high truth. I do like to see you try! It’s fun!
I’ll try to go easy on you next time, but I won’t make any promises I’m not sure I can keep.
SIMON PETER
Man, I can’t figure you out.
JESUS
You know, I get that all the time! From everybody. All my life! What’s so hard to figure out?
SIMON PETER
How are we supposed to know if you don’t know?
(JESUS laughs; shakes his head.)
JOHN
Actually, and I’ve been putting some deep thought into this.
Actually, I think some people really want to believe you’ll be the prophesied Messiah … and that has them confused.
SIMON PETER
Can count on good ‘ole John to spoil the mood.
JESUS
(Laughs.)
Really? How so?
SIMON PETER
You asking me or John?
ANDREW
I think many just want you to be our military leader.
JESUS
I will.
SIMON PETER
Counting on it!
ANDREW
When?
JESUS
It’s not for you to know the time.
SIMON PETER
You say that all the--
JOHN
(Looks at PETER.)
Some marvel over your … (Takes a jab at PETER.) … miraculous POWERS.
SIMON PETER
Yeah! With hopes they’ll be used in battle, weasel!
JOHN
(Points at self.)
Yet some, like myself, talk about your philosophical insights and knowledge.
ANDREW
Or about whether or not you can really forgive sins.
JESUS
(Laughing at their childish antics.)
Interesting! But who do THEY say I am?
JOHN
Well, some of them think … and I’d like to think … you are Jeremiah. Or Isaiah.
JESUS
Hmmmm …..
SIMON PETER
Elijah!
ANDREW
(Timid guess.)
John the Baptist?
JESUS
(Shocked.)
The Baptist, huh? (Laughs.) Good one!
SIMON PETER
The Baptist? Really Andrew!? You’re such a--
JESUS
Who do YOU say I am?
(JOHN ponders philosophically. ANDREW fidgets cluelessly.)
SIMON PETER
(Blabs boldly.)
That you’re the Christ! The very son of God!
(JOHN and ANDREW look stunned. PETER is proud of himself.)
JESUS
(Taken aback.)
You’re blessed Simon, son of Jona, for flesh and blood hasn’t revealed this insight to you … my Father has.
I am pleased. Real pleased. So I’ll tell you this …you are petros, but—
SIMON PETER
(Disappointed; almost insulted.)
A pebble?!?
JESUS
But upon this petra … this boulder … (Gestures first to himself, then to the others.) … I’ll build my--
SIMON PETER
You mean, like, I’ll be a major part of your new government?!? (JESUS nods.) Whoa! Really? Me?
You got to be kidding! (JESUS grimaces.) Oh, sorry. Whoa!
JESUS
It’s good you know Who I am, but keep it to yourselves. At least for right now. Most especially, don’t argue with others about me.
My time is not yet come but—
SIMON PETER
We’ve finally figured that one out.
JESUS
Will you STOP interrupting me!? Peter, I appreciate your excitement; your grit; but it’s rude.
SIMON PETER
(Humiliated.)
I’m--
JESUS
As I was saying: It’s good you know who I am, but keep it to yourselves. Most especially, don’t argue with others … about me.
My time is not yet come but it is close at hand. You need to know … (Holds hand up as an additional forewarning.) …
Tough times are ahead. Real tough. I’ll be delivered into the hands of the chief priests and Pharisees to be tortured and k--
SIMON PETER
(Leaps and grabs JESUS by shoulders.)
Never! Such stupid talk! I’d never let them take you!
(JESUS throws PETER’S hands off of him, and quickly stands toe-to-toe with PETER.)
SIMON PETER
(Drags JESUS aside.)
Nothing like that will ever happen to you! You know better than that! How can you say such things? To even think--
JESUS
(Leaning into PETER; angry.)
Get behind me, Satan! Now! You’re a stumbling block to me!
SIMON PETER
I don’t understand … I want to … well, not really--
JESUS
You savor not the things of God but the things of men!
SIMON PETER
It’s just that … I don’t--
JESUS
(Whips around to face JOHN and ANDREW.)
Stand up and listen! (Looks back at PETER.) Understand this!
If any man wants to come after me then he must deny himself and take up his daily stake to follow me!
SIMON PETER
(Voice rises.)
That’s what we’ve been doing! Willingly!
JESUS
Whoever seeks to save his physical life will lose it!
SIMON PETER
What?!?
JESUS
I SAID! Whoever seeks to save his physical life … will lose it!
SIMON PETER
That makes no sense!
JESUS
Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it!
SIMON PETER
But--
JESUS
I am not finished!
Whoever is ashamed of me! And my words! In this adulterous and sinful generation—!
SIMON PETER
(Shocked.)
I’d never be ashamed of you! Never!
JESUS
(Equally shocked.)
Really, Peter? (Quietly.) Never?
SIMON PETER
Never.
Never! Never.
JESUS
(Faint smile.)
Never?
SIMON PETER
Never! Ashamed? Of you? How can you even--
(Enter THOMAS.)
THOMAS
Shalom!
(JESUS thumps PETER on the back in a friendly gesture; able to switch gears with ease.
PETER contemplates the horrifying and ridiculous implication of JESUS’ comments. )
JESUS
Shalom, Thomas! What news do you have?
THOMAS
When they found out we intended to go to Jerusalem for the Feast … they became, well, sort of … angry.
JESUS
Angry.
SIMON PETER
(Not able to switch gears as Jesus had.)
Angry?!?
THOMAS
Yes! Angry! Knowing we are Jews they refused us a place to stay!
JESUS
I see … well … let me think about this a few … Jews, huh? I see …
SIMON PETER
Gehenna Fire! Just like Elijah and King Ahab! We ought to make flames swoop down and singe those stinking Samaritans!
JESUS
You don’t know what spirit you’re of! Are you really that dull? Peter think! I didn’t come to destroy men’s lives, but to save men’s lives!
SIMON PETER
(Humiliated again.)
I didn’t mean it! Well, I don’t think I meant it … not like for real … I think I better just--
JESUS
Uh-huh. I think I’d be quiet, too. Yeah. (Back to Thomas.) And I also think we’ll keep going. That’s what I think.
There are more villages ahead, and we can find a place to stay later. Yeah. That’s what we’ll do. Get the others. We’ve rested well enough.
(The men take off. PETER, temper fresh, stomps over to his donkey and swings upon it. He kicks it as hard as he can, but it doesn’t move.
He whispers fake sweet nothings into its ear. He jiggles, rocks back and forth, but still it doesn’t budge an inch. Jesus looks back at PETER just as he grabbed for his sword.)
JESUS
Hey! What’s wrong with your ass?
SIMON PETER
(At the end of his rope.)
He’s … he’s … he’s a … (Growl; turned yell as he whacked the animal's backside.) … he’s a dumb ass!
(JESUS pauses for a second, with a puzzled look on his face, then tosses his head back and laughs so hard he eventually cries. PETER is slow to see the hilarity of the situation, but starts to chuckle, and finally gives in. PETER falls off the donkey in hysterics as lights fade. End of scene.)
SCENE: Temple/Jerusalem a few weeks later, and immediately following the Feast of Tabernacles. It is early evening.
AT RISE: JESUS is at the back of the temple reading from scrolls. JOHN and PETER are off to the side chatting softly with each other. A group of PHARISEES half carry, half drag, a sobbing woman struggling against their grip. They halt in front of JESUS, who ignores them by continuing to read. The woman tries to hide her face in her shoulders since her arms are pinned. The Pharisees speak with raised voices to enhance their self-righteousness.
PHARISEE #1
This woman has been caught in the very act of adultery! The very act, I tell you! (Chatter.) The very act. (More chatter.) Yes! The very act.
(The following exchanges between PETER and JOHN cannot be heard by the rest of the cast – unless specified.)
SIMON PETER
That must’ve been interesting.
JOHN
Shhh … sh-sure bet they don’t see that everyday.
PHARISEE #1
(Clears throat.)
Now! The Law of Moses, as you should well know, commands us to stone her to death!
(Jesus rolls up the scroll; unconcerned.)
SIMON PETER
He’d never condone that!
JOHN
Sh-no.
(PHARISEES murmur as JESUS gets up, continuing to ignore them, and kneels to the floor.)
SIMON PETER
But if he doesn’t … you know, condone it … it’d fly smack in the face of sacred law.
JOHN
Then they’d have him on a grave charge.
SIMON PETER
That’s what I’m thinking.
JOHN
One that could mean actual death!
SIMON PETER
(Loosens sword from scabbard.)
We protect him to the end. Agreed?
PHARISEE #1
(Sneers.)
What do YOU think we ought to do with her, Lord?!?
SIMON PETER
What an ass!
JOHN
Try to keep it down, Peter. Please.
SIMON PETER
Trust me. I am.
JOHN
What is he doing?
SIMON PETER
What? Who?
JOHN
Jesus. What is he doing? (PETER moves off to check it out.) No!
(PETER creeps over to JESUS. PETER studies the floor. The PHARISEES leave the woman unattended and press close. They shove PETER out of the way. PETER sweeps an overly- courteous bow. True to their rigid pecking order, the eldest PHARISEE is in front of the shuffle. PETER slips back to JOHN.)
JOHN
You push it. You know that? Push, push, push it! What is he writing?
SIMON PETER
(Smug.)
Nothing.
JOHN
Nothing?
(PHARISEE #1 gasps, flings his robe over his shoulders, and flees.)
SIMON PETER
(Calls out.)
What’s wrong, Nicholas?
JOHN
(Shocked.)
You know him?!?
SIMON PETER
That’s disgusting!
JOHN
You’re disgusting! I meant: How … do you … know … his name?
SIMON PETER
Oh!
(PHARISEE #2 casts a puzzled look at the back of the departing elder, and also tries to get a good look at the floor.)
JOHN
Come on, tell me, what is he writing?
SIMON PETER
You’re not going to believe it.
JOHN
Why not?
SIMON PETER
You’re just not. Trust me!
JOHN
Trust you? Ha!
(PHARISEE #2 stiffens and stalks away.)
SIMON PETER
(Calls out.)
See you later, Zeb!
(JESUS stretches, remembers something else, and bends back down.)
JOHN
(Impatient.)
What’s he writing, Peter!
SIMON PETER
Nicholas with Priscilla … Zebuliah with Adah … um … Josias with Brachah…
JOHN
No, seriously.
SIMON PETER
(Deep breath.)
Nicholas with Priscilla--
(Another PHARISEE shrieks. PETER holds his breath. The retreating PHARISEES create a ripple effect. PETER bursts out with a stifled laugh that sounds like a modern-day pressurized air hose. JESUS shakes off a grin.)
JOHN
You’re serious! Are you serious!?
SIMON PETER
Yep.
JOHN
Holy sh—!
SIMON PETER
(Whips arm across JOHN’S chest.)
Shhh!
(When the last of the ridiculous parade makes it to the exit, Jesus stands up, stretching, and looks surprised that the PHARISEES are gone.)
JESUS
Woman? Whatever happened to your accusers?
SIMON PETER
I wonder?
ADULTERESS
I … I don’t know. (Sniffle.) They just ran off. (Sniffle.) I don’t know. Please have mercy!
JESUS
So … no one’s here to condemn you?
SIMON PETER
Nope.
ADULTERESS
No, Lord. (Sniffle.) Not anymore … (Sniffle.) … unless those men over there …
(JOHN discreetly looks away. Wide-eyed with shock, PETER points to his chest.)
SIMON PETER
(Calls out.)
Who me!? Oh, no! You’re fine with me! Perfectly fine! Yes ma’am. Just fine!
(Shuts eyes and grimaces.) I mean … well, you know … (Panics.) … what about you, John?
JOHN
I … uh … I am … fine? (Whispers.) Thanks a lot!
JESUS
(Containing a chuckle; releases her arms.)
Then neither do I accuse you. Go along, and from now on, woman: Don’t sin any more!
ADULTERESS
(Grateful sobs.)
Yes! Yes, Lord! Thank you! I won’t. Thank you very much!
(The ADULTERESS covers her head and flees.)
JOHN
Gehenna fire, Peter!
SIMON PETER
(Embarrassed; disgusted.)
I know! I know!
JESUS
Peter.
JOHN
I am convinced you have a medical condition.
SIMON PETER
I know! I know! Why do I always do that?!?
JESUS
I have an idea.
SIMON PETER
(Stomps to the exit.)
What?!? Help me out here! I’d really like to know!
JESUS
(Follows; laughing.)
Oh …
SIMON PETER
What? (Sudden thought.) Dumb-ass?!?
JESUS
I wasn’t going to say it. Being your word and all!
JOHN
(Tries to catch up.)
What are you two talking about?
JESUS
Peter made a new word, and I’ve a funny feeling it’ll catch on.
JOHN
What? Dumb-ass? What’s dumb-ass got to do--
SIMON PETER
Long story! Just drop it alright?
JOHN
I don’t get it.
JESUS
Guess you had to be there … (Calls to PETER’S back.) … secret’s safe with me!
(PHARISEES pile in to block exit.)
SIMON PETER
Hey!
PHARISEE #1
(Craning to look at JESUS.)
How dare you humiliate us!
SIMON PETER
You humiliated yourself, Nick!
JESUS
(Pushes past PETER.)
I only shed light on your hypocrisy!
PHARISEE #1
And who are you--
PHARISEE #2
What gives you the right--
JESUS
I’m the light of the world!
PHARISEE #1
You have shown record of yourself!
SIMON PETER
He sure has! Or my name isn’t Simon--
JESUS
He that follows me will not walk in darkness!
PHARISEE #1
But your record is not true!
SIMON PETER
If his record were false you wouldn’t have stomped off! Now would you!?
JESUS
I think I can handle this, Peter. (JOHN pulls PETER back. PETER jerks free.) I know where I came from!
I’m the one who bears witness of myself, and the Father that sent me also bears witness of me!
PHARISEE #2
(Snickers.)
And just where is your father?
PHARISEE #1
No one seems to know where you came--
JESUS
You neither know me nor my Father!
SIMON PETER
That’s right!
JESUS
For if you knew me, you would know my Father!
SIMON PETER
Where is your father, Nick?
PHARISEE #1
Our father is Abraham!
JESUS
If you were Abraham’s children you’d be doing the works of Abraham! You would not be trying to find a way to kill me! (Holds hand up to PETER without looking.) Me! A man who has told you the truth! Abraham did nothing like this! You’re doing the deeds of your real father!
SIMON PETER
Whoa!
PHARISEE #1
You’re … you’re that … that illegitimate son of Joseph we heard about!
SIMON PETER
Ha! One of the oldest dodges since the beginning of time!
PHARISEE #2
Well! We weren’t conceived in fornication! Were we?
SIMON PETER
You—! (Hit with instant, sincere curiosity.) Wait. How do you know?
(PHARISEES shutter self-righteousness.)
JESUS
Peter! Let me--
SIMON PETER
No, seriously. How would any of us really know how or when we were concei--
PHARISEE #3
We know! And we know he’s a bastard. Bastard!
SIMON PETER
See what I mean! Oldest dodge in the world. If you can’t answer the other man’s argument just attack him personally!
(JESUS stays PETER with a determined gesture.)
JESUS
You’re of your father the devil! And you’ll do the lusts of your father!
Your father was a liar and a killer from the very beginning and didn’t stand for the truth because there was no truth in him!
SIMON PETER
Amen!
JESUS
He’s a liar! He’s the father of lies! Because I speak the truth you won’t … you can’t … believe me!
PHARISEE #1
Isn’t it true that you’re only a swarthy Samaritan who has a demon?
SIMON PETER
(Whispers.)
Let me go … let me go.
JESUS
Demon?!? I have no demon! I honor my Father! And you dishonor me!
PHARISEE #2
Now we know! Now we really know! You are a demon possessed! A Demon!
PHARISEE #1
Are you claiming to be greater than Abraham? Who is dead?!? Greater than even the prophets? Who are all dead?!?
Just who are you trying to make yourself into?
SIMON PETER
(Whispers.)
Tell me when … tell me when.
JESUS
Abraham rejoiced to see my day! He saw it! And he was glad!
PHARISEE #2
Oh, really?!?
JESUS
Really!
PHARISEE #1
What are you talking about? You can’t be close to fifty years old! Yet you claim to have actually seen Abraham?!?
PHARISEE #3
Lunatic bastard!
SIMON PETER
(Whispers.)
Let me go … tell me when.
(JESUS subtly nods, and PETER smoothly steps forward. JOHN follows.)
JESUS
I’m telling you! Flat out! Even before Abraham was! … (Deep, booming voice.) … I AM!
(With shrieks of rage, a wild melee ensues as JESUS ducks between his friends. PETER knocks one out.)
JESUS
Careful, Peter! Gentle! They don’t know what they’re doing.
SIMON PETER
I’m being gentle!
(PETER shoves one more PHARISEE, and quickly escorts JESUS and JOHN out of the Temple with a look of regret upon his face. Lights fade as the Temple slowly recedes, and illuminate PETER’S emerging home. Five months or so has passed. MARY and ELISABETH prepare travel bags; wrapping meats, cheeses and breads. PETER, JESUS, JOHN and ANDREW walk up, talking, and make their way to the fire. PETER, of course, begins to sharpen and shine his sword. It is night.)
JESUS
But get it firm in your mind, right now, not to worry about how you’ll answer. Be still and think!
Don’t just blurt out the first thing that pops into your head.
SIMON PETER
Yes, sir. (JOHN nudges ANDREW.) Hey! You have to admit! I’m getting better.
JOHN
Well …
ANDREW
Yeah?
SIMON PETER
Well I am! I’m getting better. I am, aren’t I?
JESUS
Yes, yes, you are, Peter. (Laughs.) You are. I’ll give you wisdom to speak when the time comes. Not just Peter. All of you.
Tough times are ahead, and you need to know that some of you will actually be betrayed from within.
SIMON PETER
Betrayed? From within?
JESUS
By your parents, your children, your brothers, your friends. (Deep breath.) Your closest friends. (Pause.) Some of you will even be put to death.
SIMON PETER
But you’ve said not a hair on our head will perish!
JOHN
You’re talking about some of us, not all of us, right?
ANDREW
The very hair on my head is supposed to be numbered!
JESUS
Yes, but--
SIMON PETER
So this is it? You’re serious this time? This is finally it? Revolution and restoration!
JOHN
Yes! And peace!
JESUS
(Smile dissolves.)
No! Do you think I came to send peace to this earth? I tell you no!
JOHN
No peace?
JESUS
No! I haven’t come to send peace but a sword!
SIMON PETER
I’ve got your sword!
ANDREW
(Waves a small hunting knife.)
I’ve got this!
JOHN
I don’t have anything.
JESUS
He who has no sword let him sell his garments to buy one!
SIMON PETER
It’s about time! Revolution! I can’t believe it! All my life I’ve waited and wondered! Oh, deep down, I knew it! (Laughs.) Yeah! I knew it!
ANDREW
On to Jerusalem!
SIMON PETER
My prayers are finally answered!
JESUS
Simon Peter, if you only knew … (Sad smile.) … how Satan longs to sift you like wheat.
Still … still I pray and your faith doesn’t fail.
SIMON PETER
You’ve got it. Anything. I’m here to do anything you ask of me. To go anywhere you need me.
JOHN
Me, too!
ANDREW
I’m the one that told him about you in the first place!
SIMON PETER
I’ll go with you to prison. If that’s what it takes! (ELISABETH’S head snaps up.) Even to death!
JESUS
Will you, Peter?
SIMON PETER
Why yes—!
JESUS
Will you really die for me, Peter?
SIMON PETER
Of course I will! You can count on me. You know that! I’d never fail you. Ever! Or my name isn’t Simon--
JESUS
Peter … my petros.
ELISABETH
Pebble?
SIMON PETER
Hush, woman! A pebble’s still a rock! And nothing can make me crumble. Nothing!
(JESUS tears up, and holds up his hand.)
What? What’d I do?
JESUS
Peter … I … before the rooster crows three times … Peter … nevermind.
SIMON PETER
What is it?
JESUS
Not right now, Peter. It’s not important right now. Not tonight, anyway.
(Walks toward house. PETER drops his head.)
Rest up, men … we’ve got a big journey ahead of us. We’ll all need our strength.
ANDREW & JOHN
Good night.
JESUS
(Opens door, and turns around.)
I want you to do something for me, Peter … when you’re converted … when your mind is converted … strengthen your brothers.
(JESUS exits into the home. MARY and ELISABETH hurry to follow. MARY drops her shawl.
There is silence between the men. PETER stares numbly into the fire. )
SIMON PETER
So. How’d it feel?
ANDREW
Huh?
JOHN
How did what feel?
SIMON PETER
To be on the receiving end of one of his … what’d you call it that time? Radiating rebukes?
JOHN
Oh! It felt … like …
SIMON PETER
The slice of a blade maybe?
ANDREW
You ought to know!
JOHN
Shhh.
(The guys fidget in silence.)
ANDREW
He seems serious, guys!
JOHN
He’s always serious.
ANDREW
But something’s up!
JOHN
What do you think, Peter?
SIMON PETER
I suppose he’s really going to be mistreated in some way, but I don’t like it. Don’t like it at all.
ANDREW
I don’t like all the rumors.
JOHN
I know what you mean. All the threats to stay away.
SIMON PETER
He’s not afraid! Just look at him! He knows who has his back!
ANDREW
The word’s spreading that anyone who sees him--
JOHN
They’re to run to the chief priests … instantly.
SIMON PETER
So what? Come on, guys! He’s too popular with the people!
And, besides! Most people are afraid of the priests! No one would ever betray him like that.
JOHN
Weren’t you listening? He was just telling us--
ANDREW
That’s the whole point! Their fear!
SIMON PETER
I just can’t believe anyone would do that! Turn on him like that?!?
Of course, not everyone thinks like me, but still.
JOHN
What do you think he was just talking to us about, Peter? Betrayal? From within?
ANDREW
Shut--
SIMON PETER
Shut up, John! When I’m ready to think about that I’ll think about that! (Pause.) Sorry.
ANDREW
All I know is … trouble’s brewing!
SIMON PETER
I can handle trouble!
JOHN
But we’re heading Jerusalem’s way tomorrow.
ANDREW
We better be ready.
SIMON PETER
(Stands with sword shining.)
You know I’m ready! This is it, boys! I know it! Couldn’t be a better time than Passover! Just think about it!
Escaping bondage? I’m telling you the man’s brilliant! This is really it!
ANDREW
(Stands with knife drawn.)
It seems to be … it really does!
JOHN
Especially if he intends to enter the city so publicly … (Waves MARY’S shawl.) ... it could draw huge crowds!
SIMON PETER
(Before entering house.)
What do you think? Will he go first to the temple or directly to Herod’s house?
ANDREW
(Before following PETER.)
Or will he go to Pilate or assemble the Sanhedrin to throw them out?
JOHN
(Before following ANDREW.)
He’d almost have to do all of that at once.
SIMON PETER
(Booms from inside house.)
My guess is the temple! That’s what I think. The
temple! Or my name isn’t Simon—!
(Many voices from within the house expel a loud “Shhh!” Lights fade out the receding home of PETER, and streams onto JESUS striding purposefully out of the shadows toward the massive temple creeping into view. PETER, ANDREW and JOHN catch up, and flank JESUS on every side.)
SIMON PETER
Ready or not!
JOHN
Make way there!
ANDREW
Here we come!
(VENDORS panic. JESUS tackles the nearest table, and turns it over.)
JESUS
My house is the house of prayer! (Throws another table.) You’ve made it a den of thieves!
(JESUS continues to sweep tables, and disappears within the raucous. VENDORS scramble to collect their wares.)
VENDOR
No! Oh, please, no!
SIMON PETER
Yes! Yes! Crawl upon your knees for your needless coin! Scurry to scoop all that you can catch sight of!
VENDOR
No! No! Help! I’ve got babies to feed! Help me please!
SIMON PETER
(Moment of conscience.)
I … I’d help you … it’s just that … You really need to take your business elsewhere … and I got to keep an eye out for … John!
Andrew! Find him and stay with him!
(PHARISEES run up as PETER squats to help the poor person. PETER stands back up erect.)
SIMON PETER
Hello, Nicholas! My! You’re looking spry this evening! Caught any more action lately?
PHARISEE #1
Where is he? Where is he?!?
SIMON PETER
No telling. My guess is to follow the flying tables.
PHARISEE #1
(Runs in search of JESUS.)
This is mad!
SIMON PETER
(Points in wrong direction.)
He went that way!
PHARISEE #2
Mad, I tell you! Mad!
SIMON PETER
Yes. Yes, you could say he’s pretty--
PHARISEE #2
This has got to stop!
SIMON PETER
Zeb, I totally agree with you. It just has to stop! Just has to. All this chattel in God Almighty’s temple?
I bet you’re thankful someone is finally doing something about it.
PHARISEE #2
(Grabbing a hold of Peter’s robe.)
That is not what I meant!
SIMON PETER
(Anger flashes; remains calm.)
It’s alright, Zebuliah … I understand. (Sighs.) It’s difficult, I know.
(PHARISEE #2 releases PETER in disgust, and runs to follow PHARISEE #1.)
PHARISEE #3
We’ll get him. We’ll get that wine-bibbing, troublemaking friend of yours! Just you wait and see!
We’ll get him and shut him up. We’ll get all of you! Come on!
(The remaining PHARISEES take off.)
SIMON PETER
(Looking along the ground; grinning.)
I did good. Better, anyway. Kinda fun playing nice. Hey! Found one for you … oh!
And here’s another one! Goodness, they’re everywhere.
(PETER begins plucking up coins. Lights fade. End of scene.)
SCENE: PETER’S home: a month or so later. PETER is home after severe emotional/spiritual upheaval, and tells his wife about the terrible events. It is night.
AT RISE: ELISABETH sits at the fire. PETER paces back and forth.
SIMON PETER
That puny little pouch of pus-covered traitor! Judas! I knew something was fishy about him!
And why didn’t he stop it?!? Beth, he could have stopped it! He could’ve stopped it! I should’ve been arrested with him!
I should’ve struck out again and again. I was the only one who had the … the … the courage to take action! The only one! Can you believe that? Everyone else just stood there like helpless, pathetic women! While I staked my life on that first blow! They just stood there!
And he stopped me! I can’t believe he stopped me! He actually stopped me!
ELISABETH
You knew what he thought about--
SIMON PETER
But he made that comment about selling your very clothing for a sword! Made it right there where you’re sitting!
ELISABETH
Still, you’ve no reason to feel—
SIMON PETER
Shut your mouth, woman! (Raises fist to her.) You have no idea! None!
ELISABETH
(Slaps PETER hard across the face.)
How dare you, Simon Peter! Raise your hand to me? How dare you!
SIMON PETER
You have no idea! Absolutely no idea!
ELISABETH
I’m right here! I haven’t left … yet! But I—
SIMON PETER
Better a living dog.
ELISABETH
What?
SIMON PETER
You’ll never understand! Never!
ELIZABETH
I won’t if you don’t tell me!
(ELISABETH stands to watch her tormented husband flee. She hears PETER’S sobbing voice from the shadows.)
SIMON PETER
I ran! Alright? Simon … son of Jona … ran!
(The house fades out of sight. A courtyard slowly emerges. PETER is seen crouching through the shadows. People begin milling around.
Some approach ELISABETH at the fire; she transforms into the WOMAN BY THE FIRE. PETER is seen behind a gate, looking in and dodging back into the shadows. JOHN slinks up to the gate, stands with his back to it, and nervously looks around. He stands this way throughout the entire conversation. PETER ducks into the shadows intermittently during their exchange.)
JOHN
Peter? (A little louder.) Peter!
SIMON PETER
John?
JOHN
Where are all the others?!?
SIMON PETER
Don’t know. Haven’t seen any of them since Jesus was dragged--
JOHN
I guess everyone got scared and ran.
SIMON PETER
“Better a living dog than a dead lion.”
JOHN
Solomon, huh?
SIMON PETER
Everyone ran except that rotten Judas!
JOHN
I caught a glimpse of him. Looked like he was arguing with Nicholas, and not getting anywhere.
SIMON PETER
I wonder what he settled for? That seditious swine!
JOHN
Don’t know, but I bet it was plenty! I hope I find him someday.
SIMON PETER
I’d like to take his dearly beloved money bag and bash it down his mouth!
JOHN
I know, Peter … I know. Me, too.
SIMON PETER
You? Yeah, right! Maybe in the old days!
JOHN
Sometimes something still triggers … I’m still me, you know.
SIMON PETER
I’ve been wondering.
JOHN
Some things never change, do they? Friend?
SIMON PETER
Do you think I was wrong to do it? Sliced that ear smooth off.
JOHN
I wanted to do something myself but you know I’m not armed!
SIMON PETER
I’m not abandoning him yet! He may need us soon! Especially when he makes his escape!
JOHN
Expecting it any time now.
SIMON PETER
Get me in there!
JOHN
Stay close.
SIMON PETER
Hurry! We’re running out of time!
(JOHN speaks to a SERVANT GIRL, and slips to the fire. The SERVANT GIRL rushes over, and stares while trying to unlatch the gate.
Sound: Rooster crows.)
SERVANT GIRL
Are you one of that man’s disciples?
SIMON PETER
Huh? What are you talking about?
SERVANT GIRL
(Points to commotion.)
Jesus.
SIMON PETER
You’ve no business questioning me. Mind your place! And hurry it up there! Humph! You’re just a mere snip of a girl.
SERVANT GIRL
I’m sorry! I meant no offense! I just thought you were--
SIMON PETER
(Pushes past girl, and heads for fire.)
I most certainly am not!
SERVANT GIRL
—his friend.
(PETER nods to the men around the fire, and brusquely acknowledges the “WOMAN BY THE FIRE.”
A lit window entertains shadows of raised fists. Unclaimed voices from within get louder.)
MALE VOICE
Yes, Prophet! Since you cannot see tell us who is hitting you!
(PETER winces, and grabs his hip/sword.)
ANOTHER MALE VOICE
Tell us! Are you the Christ?!? The very son of the Living God?!?
JESUS’ VOICE
I am.
(SOUND: Distant crow of a rooster.)
SIMON PETER
(Under his breath.)
Do something! I can’t fight them all! Tell me when … tell me when …
WOMAN BY THE FIRE
I’m sorry, did you say something?
SIMON PETER
Nothing. (Wipes eyes.) Nothing at all.
WOMAN BY THE FIRE
You look very familiar. Do I know you?
SIMON PETER
Don’t think so.
WOMAN BY THE FIRE
I’m sure I know you from somewhere.
SIMON PETER
Doubt it.
WOMAN BY THE FIRE
Yes! That’s it. I knew I’d seen you before! You were with that guy inside.
(Men by the fire hedge in.)
WOMAN BY THE FIRE
You’re one of his followers. Aren’t you?
SIMON PETER
Woman! I have no idea what you’re talking about! I just got here!
WOMAN BY THE FIRE
No! I’m sure of it now. You were with him!
SIMON PETER
Gehenna fire! Why all the questions?!? I don’t even know of whom you speak!
WOMAN BY THE FIRE
This woman never forgets a face! Especially a face such as yours.
SIMON PETER
I don’t know the man!
MAN BY THE FIRE
You are Galilean. Can tell by your voice! You are most definitely from Galilee.
(JESUS is escorted out of the building. The blindfold is ripped off. He looks at PETER.)
SIMON PETER
I’ve never even met the man!
(SOUND: Distant rooster crows again. JESUS is shoved away as PETER vomits within the fire. People scatter. Lights fade out the receding courtyard as PETER’S house slowly re-emerges. PETER staggers to a rock near ELISABETH, and eases himself down.)
SIMON PETER
(Detached, numb recollection.)
… and then it was done. His body … a ripped, swollen, whelped … mass … they left nothing untouched, uninjured … even his … (Stomach heaves.) … was exposed at the end … up there for all to see …
(During PETER’S description, a severely mutilated body suspended upon a cross slowly emerges from the dark shadows. The injuries are such that it doesn’t even remotely look like JESUS.)
ELISABETH
Please!
SIMON PETER
(Sudden, explosive anger.)
Everything I’d lived for! Everything I’d worked for! Prayed for! Sacrificed for! Everything in which I’d believed! All my hopes and dreams of a new Israel! Of a great kingdom! The promise of a Messiah! A leader to restore our beloved nation! A leader to give back our self-respect as a people! Our commerce! Our industry! Our culture! Our religion! Was all for nothing!
(Slams head beneath the nailed feet.)
Nothing! It was all for nothing!
ELISABETH
Oh, Peter … no!
SIMON PETER
(Tries to shake the post.)
I really thought he was the one! I wanted to scream out to him! Urge him on to victory! I wanted to charge … (Pulls sword in military salute.) … get off of there! Now! I know you can do it! You listening to me?!? (Arm shakes.) Come down from there! That’s an order, soldier! An order!
You hear me? An order! (Collapses, writhing in agony, and gulps for air. Through sobs, he moans over and over.) I know you can do it.
I know you can do it. I know you can do it.
(Lights fade, and the cross recedes. Lights re-illuminate to show PETER still lying motionless in the same spot. ELISABETH slowly walks over to her husband. She extends her hand. PETER hesitates and stares at her offer. Finally he reaches out, and pulls her down to him.)
ELISABETH
I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I’m not going anywhere … look at me … I love you … Peter. You’re my rock …
SIMON PETER
More like a piece of camel shit --
ELISABETH
You’re my rock. Always have been. Always will be.
SIMON PETER
I am nothing but a small pebble.
ELISABETH
Stop this!
SIMON PETER
I saw him … I saw him … dead! Do you understand? Do you?!? I can’t stop thinking about what I’d done … what I could’ve done … what I should’ve done. (Pause.) I should have been more effective with my sword … I could have prevented his arrest … I cursed and lied … denied.
Everything gnaws at me! Gnaws like a rusty fishhook …
ELISABETH
Peter! All this you’re … it’s all understandable!
SIMON PETER
It’s impossible to get rid of!
ELISABETH
You’re human! Peter, you’re human! You’ll have to sort--
SIMON PETER
It sweeps through me like a raging sea! Like roaring wind! (Pause.) I can’t find a way out.
ELISABETH
It’s going to take--
SIMON PETER
I can’t clear my head! I’m always so stupid! “If it is you, Lord, then bid me to walk out there upon the water to you!”
ELISABETH
No, Peter, no--
SIMON PETER
I’m always such a dumb-ass! “Lord! I’m drowning! Don’t you even care?!?”
ELIZABETH
Of course he cared!
SIMON PETER
I was so positive! I was so sure! I staked my life, my family, my friends, my security … everything! On this glowing new kingdom he described! I was so wrapped up in it! That for three long years it’d become my life! And why’d she want to chit-chat around that gehenna’d fire? I could’ve stuffed a pound of overripe figs into her rotting mouth! The last thing I needed was some stupid flip sticking her runny nose in my face! (Pause.)
Beth! Look what she made me do! (Stomach heaves again.) No! No! No!
ELISABETH
He loved you, Peter! Look at all you did for him! He knew you were important.
SIMON PETER
That’s just it! I wanted to be important! I wanted to impress him! For all the wrong—!
ELISABETH
You have got to stop this! I know you, Simon Peter!
SIMON PETER
Then you know it’s the truth!
ELISABETH
I--
SIMON PETER
It is! It’s the truth. You know it!
ELISABETH
I … I don’t know.
SIMON PETER
Then you know exactly how I feel.
ELISABETH
Yes.
SIMON PETER
What! No you don’t! You can’t know! I’ll never be able to look him in the eyes again!
ELISABETH
I’m sorry! I know! I’m so sorry! I can’t believe he’s … I can’t believe he’s--
SIMON PETER
Me either.
ELISABETH
I can't believe he's dead.
SIMON PETER
What!? No!!! Don't you ever say that again!!! He's alive!!!
ELISABETH
What?!? Peter! Come back! Don’t do this! God, please, help us.
(Out of the shadows, a cave-like structure emerges with a large stone to the side. Lights illuminate to signify a rising sun. The house slowly recedes as JOHN, out of nowhere, runs to catch up with PETER. JOHN overcomes him, but stops at the opening because he is unsure if he should enter or not. PETER shoves him aside and rushes in. ELISABETH is a silent and invisible spectator.)
SIMON PETER
John! Come here!
JOHN
(Stares into opening.)
He is gone. He really is gone.
(PETER, temper rising, shoves JOHN to get outside. JOHN stands frozen.)
SIMON PETER
How’d this boulder get rolled back?
JOHN
I don’t know. Unless--
SIMON PETER
Think the Romans took him somewhere?
JOHN
But why? What would they do it for?
SIMON PETER
To parade his dead body!
JOHN
Law wouldn’t permit it.
SIMON PETER
Then the Pharisees? The Sanhedrin? All those fiends who demanded--
JOHN
(Angry.)
No one … no one! Would stand still for a second if anyone … anyone! Paraded his dead body through the streets! Think! Peter, think!
SIMON PETER
(Calm, controlled threat.)
Back off.
JOHN
But you know it would violate traditions about touching dead bodies! And right in the middle of Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread?
No, I really don’t think--
SIMON PETER
Alright! (Regrets outburst.) Alright. So … who, then? How?
JOHN
Well … what if he did it himself? To get out?
SIMON PETER
What?!?
JOHN
Perhaps he is risen! Just like he said!
SIMON PETER
Do you really believe that? Performing “miracles” while alive was one thing! But while dead?!?
JOHN
All I know is what he said! And even that is--
SIMON PETER
Hurry! (Covers face.) Pull up your hood! We shouldn’t be out. Pick up your feet, man! Hurry!
We’ve got to get back to the house so we can drink over this!
JOHN
Drink?
SIMON PETER
Think! John! Think!
(The tomb recedes as a house emerges. The house is filled with DISCIPLES constantly checking the door. Eyes sweep the street after JOHN and PETER step inside. MARY rushes toward them. PETER immediately finds the wineskin, and begins sharpening/shining his sword after finding a place to sit. )
MARY
Did you see? Didn’t we tell you? Did you see?
SIMON PETER
(Flat.)
We saw.
JOHN
He is risen!
MARY
Yes! He came to us! And when I tried to hug him he told me not to touch him yet. He told us to hurry and tell you … yes! It is so! He is risen!
SIMON PETER
We can sit here and talk all day and night! About these distant, philosophical … otherworldly … things! When the reality is … our leader, our friend … your son! … was tortured! Crucified! Alright? That is reality! That is the here and the now!
(JESUS appears inside of the room while PETER is making his bombastic statement. JESUS is dressed the same, and looks the same - except for fresh scarring upon exposed flesh. No one sees him. All eyes are focused on the sour PETER.)
JOHN
Where is his body, Peter?
MARY
Pray tell me!
ANDREW
That is the “here and now” right now!
SIMON PETER
(Concentrates on sword.)
Enough! Remember who you’re talking to. That’s what I’m trying to figure out! (Pause.) And I’ll figure it out alright.
There’s got to be a logical explan--
JESUS
Shalom!
(PETER’S hand slips, and the sword clangs to the floor. No one moves or speaks.)
JESUS
Why are you so frightened? Why are you reasoning and arguing among yourselves? And inside yourselves this way?
SIMON PETER
(Jumps between his friends and this “thing.”)
Get behind me Satan! Now! You’re a stumbling block to us!
JESUS
Pet—!
SIMON PETER
(Screaming.)
In the name of Jesus Christ! I demand you to go!
JESUS
It’s me! Peter, it’s me!
SIMON PETER
(Sits down with a thud.)
What the—!?
DISCIPLES
It’s him! But you’re dead! It’s impossible! It can’t be! Is it really you?
JESUS
(Laughs.)
Have you anything here to eat?
(PETER shakes as he offers a dehydrated piece of meat to JESUS. JESUS rips a tough piece off with his teeth, and takes his time looking at each and every one of them while chewing. JESUS takes the wineskin from PETER’S hands, and drinks to wash down his food. JESUS holds the wineskin out to PETER, and has to jerk his arm to get PETER’S attention. PETER takes the wineskin and helps himself to another gulp … all the while avoiding JESUS’ eyes. JESUS exits without saying another word. JOHN kneels to pray right then and there. PETER continues to shake as he takes another gulp or three or six.)
SIMON PETER
(Thinking out loud.)
All my life. Wondering who he’ll be? Is it he? Why me?!?
(Lights fade to signify a setting sun. THOMAS walks in a few hours too late. Several DISCIPLES get up to peer out the door.)
THOMAS
You look like you’ve just seen a ghost! There’s no need to be frightened! It’s just me! The streets are calm, and no one is out.
I had no trouble getting around. It’s a rather peaceful night out there. Mary? What’s going on?
MARY
Jesus was here!
ANDREW
He was! He really was!
(JOHN is still kneeling in prayer. DISCIPLES avoid confirmation gestures. PETER is still desperately nursing the wineskin while sharpening sword.)
THOMAS
Absurd! Being cooped up has messed with your heads! You’re all crazy with nervous delirium!
SIMON PETER
Watch your mouth, boy! They know what they saw … and … and … I know what I saw!
THOMAS
And you must be drunk! Unless I see the holes in his hands … or better yet! Put my own finger into them! I will not believe any of this demonic chatter. It’s demonic! Or you’re seeing things! You need to get some rest people!
(When THOMAS turns around, he is face-to-face with JESUS. THOMAS squeals. JOHN spooks out of his prayer. PETER stands lightning fast, causing sword to clang to the floor again. This time PETER kicks it into a slide.)
JESUS
Shalom! (THOMAS squeals again.) Missed you earlier, Thomas!
THOMAS
So … I … heard …
SIMON PETER
Yeah! Thom-ass! So you did! So you did! And now’s your chance! Why don’t you just go on ahead, and reach on out there,
and put a finger or two into his hole-ly hands … and while you’re at it--
JESUS
Check out my feet, too.
SIMON PETER
Yeah! Check out his feet, too! (Looks down at JESUS’ feet, and sits with a thud.) Jesus!
THOMAS
My Lord and my God!
JESUS
Because you have seen me NOW you believe.
DISCIPLES
Yes! We believe! It is you! Risen from the dead!
SIMON PETER
(Head in hands.)
Oh, Lord.
JESUS
But blessed are those who haven’t seen and believe anyway.
SIMON PETER
(Thinking out loud; head down.)
Jesus! That boulder wasn’t rolled away to let you out!
THOMAS
How can you say such things! Look at him … where’d he go?!?
SIMON PETER
(Sobs.)
He rolled it away to let us in!
ANDREW
Peter!
JOHN
Shhh. I believe he might have had too much to drink. Help me get him--
SIMON PETER
Don’t you see?!? He really is the Son of God! All this time! And he washed my feet! The Son of God washed my feet! (Trips over sword, picks it up, and has a hard time sliding it back into his scabbard.) All this time I was never worthy enough to look him in the eye! Let alone stand in his presence! Yes! He is the very living Christ! He is! He really is! Or my name isn’t Simon--
ANDREW
We know … we know! Let’s go to bed, why don’t we? We know.
SIMON PETER
No! You do not know! (Feels for sword, but removes hand as if burned.) You don’t know half of it! What have I been doing all this time?!?
What have I done? I’m a disgrace! I’m a joke! I’m … I’m such a dumbass!
(PETER flings open the door and rushes out. The DISCIPLES hurry to peer into the night, and close the door. Lights fade out the receding house in Jerusalem, and illuminate PETER’S emerging house. ELISABETH stands, as a defeated PETER approaches, and holds out her arms to him.
Lights fade. End of scene.)
SCENE: Outside PETER’S home: the next morning.
AT RISE: ELISABETH can be seen inside the house through a window. ANDREW and JOHN are seen in the distance working on nets near a beached fishing boat. PETER and JESUS sit at the fire. Empty utensils are at their feet. PETER is extremely uncomfortable, and still cannot/will not look JESUS in the eyes. JESUS is completely at ease.
SIMON PETER
What a way to break the fast. Thank you.
JESUS
You’re welcome. Breakfast is my favor--
SIMON PETER
You’d think I’d be used to all these surprises by now.
JESUS
You’d think so.
SIMON PETER
Anyway …
JESUS
Simon Peter?
SIMON PETER
Huh?
JESUS
(Looking toward Andrew and John.)
Do you like me more than these others?
SIMON PETER
You know I like you.
JESUS
Simon Peter, Son of Jona, do you love me?
SIMON PETER
Yes.
JESUS
Feed my sheep.
SIMON PETER
You know I … love … you.
JESUS
Feed my sheep!
SIMON PETER
Right. Feed your sheep. I’ll get right on that.
JESUS
Simon Peter, my petros, do you deeply love me?
SIMON PETER
Yes, Lord … I … I do … I do love you. Deeply.
JESUS
Then feed my sheep!
SIMON PETER
I’m not worthy! Alright?!? And you know it! I’m not worthy. I’ve never been wor--
JESUS
Feed my sheep! Straighten up and listen to me! The milk that has spilled is sour!
Peter, when you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished. Yes? Yes?!?
SIMON PETER
(Quietly.)
Yes.
(Lights fade out JOHN and ANDREW, and illuminate ELDERLY PETER being pulled by ROMAN SOLDIERS as the house recedes.)
JESUS
Yes! But when you’re old, you’ll have to stretch forth your hands and another will dress you and take you where … where you wish …. where you wish they would not.
ELDERY PETER
(Mumbles.)
I’m not worthy. I’m not worthy.
(ELDERLY PETER repeatedly mumbles while pushed to the ground, and tied to a post. ROMAN SOLDIERS raise a large hammer into the air.)
SIMON PETER ELDERY PETER
Oh. Oh!
(Both PETERS exclaim simultaneously as hammer makes contact with spike.)
JESUS
(Stands, and offers hand.)
Follow me.
(PETER sits staring at JESUS’ offer. ELDERLY PETER continues to scream out in agony as the remaining spikes are driven in.
PETER’S mute mouth opens and closes with overwhelming emotion each time the hammer makes contact.)
JESUS
I said! Follow me!
(PETER pushes up with his legs, and stands tall. PETER unclips his scabbard from his waist, and chunks his beloved sword into the fire.
JESUS and PETER exit together as the ROMAN SOLDIERS lift up the post with the ELDERLY PETER crucified upside down.)
ROMAN SOLDIER
Can you believe this idiot? He got what he begged for! I’ve never seen anything like it.
ELDERLY PETER
Not worthy to be like … not worthy to die like …
ROMAN SOLDIER
Shut him up!
ELDERLY PETER
Not worthy to resemble him in death.
(Soldier attempts to shove a cloth into ELDERLY PETER’S mouth, but he gains strength and jerks his head away.)
ELDERLY PETER
Or my name isn’t Simon--
(Soldier successfully shoves the cloth into ELDERLY PETER’S mouth, and laughs. But the ELDERLY PETER forcefully hawks the cloth out of his mouth and screams with all the tormented energy he has left.)
ELDERLY PETER
Or my name isn’t Simon … Peter!
(Lights fade indefinitely … or do they?)
You look like you’ve just seen a ghost! There’s no need to be frightened! It’s just me! The streets are calm, and no one is out.
I had no trouble getting around. It’s a rather peaceful night out there. Mary? What’s going on?
MARY
Jesus was here!
ANDREW
He was! He really was!
(JOHN is still kneeling in prayer. DISCIPLES avoid confirmation gestures. PETER is still desperately nursing the wineskin while sharpening sword.)
THOMAS
Absurd! Being cooped up has messed with your heads! You’re all crazy with nervous delirium!
SIMON PETER
Watch your mouth, boy! They know what they saw … and … and … I know what I saw!
THOMAS
And you must be drunk! Unless I see the holes in his hands … or better yet! Put my own finger into them! I will not believe any of this demonic chatter. It’s demonic! Or you’re seeing things! You need to get some rest people!
(When THOMAS turns around, he is face-to-face with JESUS. THOMAS squeals. JOHN spooks out of his prayer. PETER stands lightning fast, causing sword to clang to the floor again. This time PETER kicks it into a slide.)
JESUS
Shalom! (THOMAS squeals again.) Missed you earlier, Thomas!
THOMAS
So … I … heard …
SIMON PETER
Yeah! Thom-ass! So you did! So you did! And now’s your chance! Why don’t you just go on ahead, and reach on out there,
and put a finger or two into his hole-ly hands … and while you’re at it--
JESUS
Check out my feet, too.
SIMON PETER
Yeah! Check out his feet, too! (Looks down at JESUS’ feet, and sits with a thud.) Jesus!
THOMAS
My Lord and my God!
JESUS
Because you have seen me NOW you believe.
DISCIPLES
Yes! We believe! It is you! Risen from the dead!
SIMON PETER
(Head in hands.)
Oh, Lord.
JESUS
But blessed are those who haven’t seen and believe anyway.
SIMON PETER
(Thinking out loud; head down.)
Jesus! That boulder wasn’t rolled away to let you out!
THOMAS
How can you say such things! Look at him … where’d he go?!?
SIMON PETER
(Sobs.)
He rolled it away to let us in!
ANDREW
Peter!
JOHN
Shhh. I believe he might have had too much to drink. Help me get him--
SIMON PETER
Don’t you see?!? He really is the Son of God! All this time! And he washed my feet! The Son of God washed my feet! (Trips over sword, picks it up, and has a hard time sliding it back into his scabbard.) All this time I was never worthy enough to look him in the eye! Let alone stand in his presence! Yes! He is the very living Christ! He is! He really is! Or my name isn’t Simon--
ANDREW
We know … we know! Let’s go to bed, why don’t we? We know.
SIMON PETER
No! You do not know! (Feels for sword, but removes hand as if burned.) You don’t know half of it! What have I been doing all this time?!?
What have I done? I’m a disgrace! I’m a joke! I’m … I’m such a dumbass!
(PETER flings open the door and rushes out. The DISCIPLES hurry to peer into the night, and close the door. Lights fade out the receding house in Jerusalem, and illuminate PETER’S emerging house. ELISABETH stands, as a defeated PETER approaches, and holds out her arms to him.
Lights fade. End of scene.)
SCENE: Outside PETER’S home: the next morning.
AT RISE: ELISABETH can be seen inside the house through a window. ANDREW and JOHN are seen in the distance working on nets near a beached fishing boat. PETER and JESUS sit at the fire. Empty utensils are at their feet. PETER is extremely uncomfortable, and still cannot/will not look JESUS in the eyes. JESUS is completely at ease.
SIMON PETER
What a way to break the fast. Thank you.
JESUS
You’re welcome. Breakfast is my favor--
SIMON PETER
You’d think I’d be used to all these surprises by now.
JESUS
You’d think so.
SIMON PETER
Anyway …
JESUS
Simon Peter?
SIMON PETER
Huh?
JESUS
(Looking toward Andrew and John.)
Do you like me more than these others?
SIMON PETER
You know I like you.
JESUS
Simon Peter, Son of Jona, do you love me?
SIMON PETER
Yes.
JESUS
Feed my sheep.
SIMON PETER
You know I … love … you.
JESUS
Feed my sheep!
SIMON PETER
Right. Feed your sheep. I’ll get right on that.
JESUS
Simon Peter, my petros, do you deeply love me?
SIMON PETER
Yes, Lord … I … I do … I do love you. Deeply.
JESUS
Then feed my sheep!
SIMON PETER
I’m not worthy! Alright?!? And you know it! I’m not worthy. I’ve never been wor--
JESUS
Feed my sheep! Straighten up and listen to me! The milk that has spilled is sour!
Peter, when you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished. Yes? Yes?!?
SIMON PETER
(Quietly.)
Yes.
(Lights fade out JOHN and ANDREW, and illuminate ELDERLY PETER being pulled by ROMAN SOLDIERS as the house recedes.)
JESUS
Yes! But when you’re old, you’ll have to stretch forth your hands and another will dress you and take you where … where you wish …. where you wish they would not.
ELDERY PETER
(Mumbles.)
I’m not worthy. I’m not worthy.
(ELDERLY PETER repeatedly mumbles while pushed to the ground, and tied to a post. ROMAN SOLDIERS raise a large hammer into the air.)
SIMON PETER ELDERY PETER
Oh. Oh!
(Both PETERS exclaim simultaneously as hammer makes contact with spike.)
JESUS
(Stands, and offers hand.)
Follow me.
(PETER sits staring at JESUS’ offer. ELDERLY PETER continues to scream out in agony as the remaining spikes are driven in.
PETER’S mute mouth opens and closes with overwhelming emotion each time the hammer makes contact.)
JESUS
I said! Follow me!
(PETER pushes up with his legs, and stands tall. PETER unclips his scabbard from his waist, and chunks his beloved sword into the fire.
JESUS and PETER exit together as the ROMAN SOLDIERS lift up the post with the ELDERLY PETER crucified upside down.)
ROMAN SOLDIER
Can you believe this idiot? He got what he begged for! I’ve never seen anything like it.
ELDERLY PETER
Not worthy to be like … not worthy to die like …
ROMAN SOLDIER
Shut him up!
ELDERLY PETER
Not worthy to resemble him in death.
(Soldier attempts to shove a cloth into ELDERLY PETER’S mouth, but he gains strength and jerks his head away.)
ELDERLY PETER
Or my name isn’t Simon--
(Soldier successfully shoves the cloth into ELDERLY PETER’S mouth, and laughs. But the ELDERLY PETER forcefully hawks the cloth out of his mouth and screams with all the tormented energy he has left.)
ELDERLY PETER
Or my name isn’t Simon … Peter!
(Lights fade indefinitely … or do they?)