Peace and Security

What do a sword-wielding youth in ancient Israel and a modern teen with a shiny new car have in common? They’re both chasing after the same thing: peace and security. But where do we find it—in power, politics, possessions, or people?

This powerful two-part drama weaves together the lives of young people living just before the birth of Jesus and their modern-day counterparts. Their struggles, doubts, and misplaced hopes play out on alternating stages, divided by light but united in theme. Some trust in strength, others in government, relationships, education, or even just having fun to escape the world's chaos. Yet one voice remains—calling out the truth that peace isn't found in what we create, but in the One who created us.

With minimal props, alternating time periods, and a shared cast portraying mirrored roles across centuries, "Peace and Security" delivers a bold message: The only lasting peace comes through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Cast:  10

• Person 1.  Seq 1: Marcus,  Seq 2 Mark
• Person 2  Seq 1  Deborah. Seq 2. Debbie
• Person 3  Seq 1. Mary. Seq 2. Maria
• Person 4  Seq 1. Jehosheba. Seq 2. Jessie
• Person 5  Seq 1. Ruth. Seq 2. Ruth
• Person 6  Seq 1. Elizabeth  Seq 2. Liz
• Person 7  Seq 1. Rachael. Seq 2. Rochelle
• Person 8. Seq 2 "bookworm type" & Narrator
• Person 9  Seq 1  Soldier. Seq 2  Police Officer #1
• Person 10. Seq 1. Soldier  Seq 2 Police Officer #2

Bible Reference:   Luke 24:25

Set:    blank

Lighting:    will separate the two acting areas

Sound:   wireless mics if available

Song:   "I Love To Tell The Story" Kate Hankey 1834

SFX:  none

Costumes:

• Bible period clothing, including soldier's uniforms
• Contemporary normal leisure clothing, police in uniform
• All clothing should be darker colors in order to blend in as much as possible when lights are down in acting area.

Props:  swords

Special Instructions:   none

Time:   30–40 minutes

Sample of Script:

Scene: Right Stage
Lights up. A group of children are gathered, talking. MARCUS stands at the center, and all are listening intently to him.

MARCUS:
Well, I can tell you that when I grow up I shall take things into my own hands! You know, sometimes I'm ashamed to admit that I am Jewish. All that our people ever do is just permit themselves to be pushed around by those... those Roman savages!

DEBORAH:
What else are our people to do, Marcus? After all, what we really want is peace and security. And the Romans are better trained, better armed. Besides, we Jews have no leader.

MARY:
But God has promised to bring us a leader—a Messiah.

JEHOSHEBA (lifelessly):
A leader? A Messiah? I don't believe that a Messiah will ever come. Really, there is no solution to our situation. We might as well give up.

RACHAEL:
Jehosheba, you are upset. There's no reason for that! Just be happy! Enjoy!

MARCUS:
Quiet, Rachael! Jehosheba is right! For how many thousand years have our people deluded themselves into believing this myth? "The Messiah is coming! The Messiah is coming!" Some chance! No way!

JEHOSHEBA (lifelessly):
Really, there is no solution to our situation. We might as well give up. There is no peace or security for our people.

MARCUS:
Give up if you wish, but my Messiah, my source of peace and security, will be this broadsword!
(Pulls sword from under his clothing.)

All gasp.

ANTHONY:
Marcus! Where did you get that weapon? It's a Roman sword! Where did you find it? Why didn't you take it back? Do you realize the penalty for a Jew having a Roman weapon? Do you not realize...

MARCUS:
Hush, child! Yes, of course I realize the penalty is death for having a Roman sword! And I care that much!
(Snaps fingers.)
The Roman soldier that I stole this sword from will be the one in trouble, not I!

RACHAEL:
Why is everyone so upset all the time? Life can be fun! Be like me! Be happy!

RUTH (ignores Rachael, to Marcus):
Wow! You stole the sword from a Roman soldier! You are very brave!

ELIZABETH:
You are very foolish, that's what you are! You not only put yourself in danger—you have endangered this peaceful community!

MARCUS (mocking):
"Endangered this peaceful community." This cowardly community is what you mean!

DEBORAH:
There simply is no answer! Forget it! We're doomed!

ELIZABETH:
We can have peace if we will all just avoid dangerous situations! That is the way to have security!

RACHAEL:
People! Anger! Have fun! Why don't we all just go somewhere that we can all have fun?

MARCUS:
What do you have in mind, Rachael? Want to go watch the Romans crucify any Jew who has enough courage to speak out against them?

RACHAEL:
No, no! We will—we will... we will think of something great to do! Now, who wants to go with me?

MARY (matter-of-factly):
When the Messiah comes, He will bring peace and security, and He will set all things right.

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