Reflections on the Lords Supper

A One-Act Living Lord's Supper Play

Written by KARL WAGNER

John, in his old age, recalls that momentous time. The stage provides two settings: one for Old John talking to Papius on the island of Patmos, and another for the 12 disciples and Jesus at the Last Supper. The drama alternates between these two scenes, with good lighting enhancing the effect. A very thought-provoking and well-researched drama.

SCENE I

(Lights up on Patmos. Seated is PAPIUS, OLD JOHN’s young scribe. OLD JOHN, now in his late 80s and in exile on the island of Patmos, is dictating his Gospel to PAPIUS. The Last Supper (LS) setting remains dark.)

OLD JOHN: “…and I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”

(A long sigh.)

Papius, we'll stop there. That will bring us to that last Passover with the Lord, I believe. I need to gather my thoughts before we go on. I must remember it just as it happened.

(OLD JOHN sits down; after a long pause, PAPIUS speaks.)

PAPIUS: John…

OLD JOHN: Yes, Papius?

PAPIUS: What was it like…? I mean, that night. Did you know what was going to happen?

OLD JOHN (shaking his head): No, not a clue. Jesus had said things to us that, looking back now, I realize were meant to prepare us for His departure. Things like, “How long shall I be with you?” or, “I shall be with you a little longer...” We also knew He was preparing us for something, as He often explained to us, in clear terms, the parables He used to teach the people. But we didn’t understand it all at the time.

As for that night, it was a busy time, and Jerusalem was packed with people coming in for the Passover. The people had thronged to Jesus and heralded Him into the city with shouts of HOSANNA! To the Son of David!

PAPIUS: In Luke's Gospel, he writes that Jesus wept at the sight of Jerusalem, about its future. And that He had cleansed the Temple of the moneychangers. And had even been questioned by the Pharisees and Sadducees.

OLD JOHN: Oh yes, all of those. He had warned us of the scribes and their future condemnation and predicted the destruction of the Temple and the city. Jesus had also been teaching in the Temple during the day.

(A short pause.)

The day came when the Passover lamb must be sacrificed and the meal prepared. Jesus sent Peter and me, saying, “Go and prepare us the Passover, that we may eat.” Not knowing where to go or what to do exactly, we both said, “Where will You have us prepare it?” And Jesus said, “Behold, when you have entered into the city, a man shall meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house he enters. And say to the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, where is the guest room where I shall eat the Passover with my disciples?’ And he will show you a large upper room furnished; there make ready.”

PAPIUS: And when you went, you found everything as He had said? Even a man carrying water?

OLD JOHN: Oh, yes. Everything. And we made ready the Passover. We had the lamb sacrificed, cooked it, and prepared the bread. We gathered the herbs, had the wine at the table, and eventually, everything was ready.

SCENE II

(Lights fade to black on Patmos, and fade up on the Last Supper (LS). PETER and YOUNG JOHN are already there, completing preparations. ENTER JESUS and DISCIPLES. All sit. PETER and YOUNG JOHN start to serve the Passover meal. After all is set at the table, JESUS rises and speaks.)

JESUS: With heartfelt desire, I have wanted to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I say to you, I will no longer eat of it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

(JESUS takes the cup, gives thanks, and turns to the disciples.)

JESUS: Take this and divide it among yourselves. For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God shall come.

(JESUS takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to the DISCIPLES.)

JESUS: This is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me.

(The DISCIPLES exchange puzzled looks and react among themselves. After some time, everyone begins to finish the meal. JESUS stands, removes His outer garments, takes up the basin and the water, and kneels before YOUNG JOHN. JESUS washes YOUNG JOHN’s feet and dries them with a towel. He then moves to PETER to wash his feet.)

PETER: Lord, are You washing my feet?

JESUS: What I am doing, you do not understand now, but you will know after this.

PETER: You shall never wash my feet!

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