Sacrifice

This powerful drama is designed as a lead-in to the Lord’s Supper, presenting a courtroom scene where ten defendants are charged with crimes based on the Ten Commandments. As the judge reads their sentences—punishments mirroring the sufferings of Jesus—the defendants react in fear and desperation, realizing the weight of their sins. Just as they are about to be taken away, Jesus intervenes, offering to take their place and bear their punishments.

The judge, initially skeptical, warns Jesus that accepting these punishments will lead to His death, but Jesus remains resolute: "Then I will die." The judge strikes the gavel, and the defendants are set free. As Jesus is led away, the Lord’s Supper begins, reminding the congregation of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for their redemption.

Biblical References and Themes

1. Romans 3:23-24 – "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."
   • Connection: The defendants represent all of humanity—guilty before God, yet offered grace through Christ.
2. Isaiah 53:5 – "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
   • Connection: Jesus willingly takes the punishment meant for sinners, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering servant.

Cast:

16

• 10 Defendants (representing sins based on the Ten Commandments)
• 2 Bailiffs (guiding the defendants)
• 2 Officers of the Court (assisting in the courtroom)
• Jesus (takes the place of the guilty)
• Judge (delivers the verdict and sentences)

Estimated Run-Time:

• 12–15 minutes

This dramatic and emotional presentation prepares the congregation to partake in the Lord’s Supper by deeply reflecting on Christ’s atoning sacrifice. The combination of a courtroom setting, the symbolism of the handcuffs, and Jesus' willing substitution makes for a memorable and impactful experience.

Sample of script:

Scene Setup:

(The scene is set as a courtroom drama. Two groups (five defendants and one bailiff each) wait at the back of the sanctuary. The judge and officers of the court stand off to the left. Jesus is positioned in the balcony. The house lights dim, and stage lights focus on the pulpit and floor area in front.)

Scene 1

(BAILIFF #1 steps forward, raising their voice.)

BAILIFF #1:
Hear ye! Hear ye! This court is now in session.

BAILIFF #2:
All rise.

(The congregation stands. The Judge enters and stands at the podium, flanked by the officers of the court on either side.)

BAILIFF #2:
Please be seated.

(The congregation sits. The Judge surveys the room before giving the command.)

JUDGE:
Bailiffs, bring in the defendants.

(Each bailiff leads their group to the front and lines them up before the judge. The defendants stand anxiously, awaiting their charges.)

JUDGE:
I will now read the charges against each of you.

(The judge reads each charge as the defendants react accordingly—some looking defiant, others ashamed, others fearful.)

• Defendant #1 – Devoting too much of your time, talent, and treasure to worldly endeavors.
• Defendant #2 – Placing too high a value on the pursuit of wealth.
• Defendant #3 – Using expressions that take the Lord's name in vain.
• Defendant #4 – Engaging in activities that do not reflect the Sabbath as a holy day.
• Defendant #5 – Dishonoring your parents through neglect and apathy.
• Defendant #6 – Harboring feelings of deep hatred, anger, and resentment.
• Defendant #7 – Having impure thoughts that do not enhance your relationship with your spouse.
• Defendant #8 – Taking or "borrowing" things that don’t belong to you.
• Defendant #9 – Listening to and helping spread gossip and lies about others.
• Defendant #10 – Harboring intense feelings of jealousy.

(JUDGE, solemnly:)
Ladies and gentlemen, you have all been read your rights and have heard the charges against you. Before this court and these witnesses, how do you plead?

(ALL DEFENDANTS, in unison:)
Guilty, your honor.

(As each sentence is read, the defendants react appropriately—some in shock, some angry, some terrified.)

JUDGE:
So noted. I will now impose sentence upon each of you.

(The judge delivers each punishment, mirroring the sufferings of Christ.)

• Defendant #1 – You will endure the betrayal of one of your most trusted friends.
• Defendant #2 – You will be stripped of all your worldly possessions.
• Defendant #3 – You will be given 39 lashes with a leather strap.
• Defendant #4 – You will be paraded through the streets, while people scream insults and spit at you.
• Defendant #5 – You will be left alone at your hour of greatest need.
• Defendant #6 – You will be forced to spend time with people who have a highly infectious, deadly disease.
• Defendant #7 – You will be severely beaten.
• Defendant #8 – You will wear a crown made of thorns.
• Defendant #9 – You will spend 40 days alone in the desert.
• Defendant #10 – You will be nailed to a cross.

(After the final sentence is read, the defendants cry out, reacting vocally with shock, fear, and desperation. The bailiffs begin rounding them up as if to lead them away. Panic sets in among the defendants—they beg and plead for mercy, falling to their knees.)

JUDGE:
Bailiffs, please control the prisoners!

(The bailiffs restrain the defendants as they quiet down, still trembling in fear.)

JUDGE:
What is wrong with you people? You alone made the choices that brought you into this courtroom, and now that it’s time to pay the price, you weep and plead for mercy.

(Leaning forward, voice firm.)
"The punishments are too harsh," you cry, yet you fail to consider the harshness of your crimes—the unnecessary pain and suffering that you are responsible for.

You ask me to lighten your sentences, but just like the consequences of your actions, what has been done cannot be undone.

It is too late.

Bailiffs, take them away!

(The defendants cry and wail once more, their voices full of fear and despair. Just as the bailiffs begin to drag them away—)

crimes, the unnecessary pain and suffering that you are responsible for. You ask me to lighten your sentences but, like the consequences of your actions, what has been done cannot be undone. It is too late. Bailiffs, take them away! Defendants cry and wail once more.

JESUS: Wait! As he descends the stairs. Please, judge, allow me to speak.

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