Teaching the Teacher

This short play captures one of the most striking confrontations between human ambition and divine wisdom. Eli, a temple teacher, sees his chance to rise in influence. His wife Martha drives him to outwit the “Nazarene.” But when they bring a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, expecting to expose Him, the tables are turned. His answer disarms the crowd and leaves the accusers speechless.

Bible Reference: John 8:1–11

Cast: 2

• Eli — middle-aged Jewish leader, ambitious yet shaken
• Martha — his domineering wife, driven by pride and social standing

Length: ~6 minutes

Set: Bare stage (minimalist approach keeps focus on dialogue and tension)

Costumes: Traditional biblical attire

Lighting & Sound: Standard; can emphasize the “accusation” vs. “mercy” tone shift

Tone & Themes:

• Power struggles and ambition
• The futility of trying to outwit Jesus
• Mercy triumphing over judgment

Staging Notes:

• Martha’s pacing and scornful tone contrast Eli’s defeat and shame, underscoring the failure of human schemes against divine wisdom.
• The simplicity of the set highlights the weight of Jesus’ words: “If any among you is without sin, let him be the first to throw the stone.”

Perfect For:

• Church services focusing on forgiveness and grace
• Small group studies on John 8
• Drama ministries wanting a short, impactful two-person piece

Sample Script

(Martha is pacing, impatient. Eli enters, worn down from the day.)

Martha is pacing, looking out window, impatient. Eli, dejected, comes on stage.

Martha: Well finally! You were to be home an hour ago! The reception at the ben Josephs will be starting just about now. Surely you know how important it is that you are seated in a favourable spot at the table.

Eli: Don’t talk to me about such things woman, not after the day I have gone through.

Martha, ridiculing:
“Don’t talk to me”! Someone must remind you of the need to keep your face front and center before the influential people of the region! There will be a man selected to replace old man Thomas ben Emir, rest his soul. And I intend that man shall be you Eli!

Eli: Listen to me woman! If it means dealing with such as the Nazarene then I am not so sure I want advancement.

Martha, getting angry:
Don’t talk foolishness husband! I will not sit back and allow that fool Abraham to be chosen ahead of you as leader in the temple. His wife Mary would never let me hear the end of it! The woman is a vicious slanderer, a gossip is what she is! . . . . And what is this about a Nazarene?

Eli: The prophet, he is out to destroy the leadership in the temple.

Martha, incredulous, laughs: What good ever came out of Nazareth? You are worried about a Nazarene, a peasant, one with no class and less intelligence?

Eli: Martha, be quiet, you have no idea what you are talking about! The prophet is wise, and he confronts us every day, and he is winning the support of the people.

Martha: Then, husband dear, (acidly), win the support back! How hard would it be to match wits with a Nazarene?

Eli: You wouldn’t make such statements if you had been in the temple today, debating with the prophet.

Martha: You look devastated, tell me, what happened.

Eli: All week none of us teachers has been able to stand up to the Nazarene, his mastery of the law is amazing. So an opportunity came along, fell into my lap you might say. I thought I had finally found a way to make the Nazarene look foolish. . . .

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