Thats My Cross

Jesus instructed those who would be his disciples to “pick up their cross and follow him”. But Christians sometimes act like the instruction was to “pick their kind of cross and, when time permits, follow him”.
Are we prepared to accept the cross which has been given to us?

Cast: 4 plus offstage voice of God (VOG)
except for Phillip and voice of God, can be m or f, any age
actors are situated in various parts of the congregation

Set: At the front are several crosses, some very large, some very small, some nicely decorated, some rough in appearance

Costumes, lighting, sound, props: standard

Sample of script:

in darkness, voice of Jesus

VOJ: If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.
Now, take up your cross and follow me.

Woman, stands, moves toward the front:
Here I am Jesus, Winifred James, you remember me, of course. If you’ll remember, I chair the women’s auxiliary, sit on the missionary support board, teach the senior girls Sunday School, sing alto in the Senior choir.
Me, I’m just busy here in the church, proud to be is what. I can’t imagine not being involved.
Anyways Jesus, here I am, eager to serve, just like you asked.

(approaches the crosses, touches large cross)

Well for sure this cross is NOT for me, I mean, with my bad back I could just never handle that weight. I know I don’t have to go telling you about my bad back Jesus, what with me talking to you every day about it in prayer, asking you to lay your hand of healing on me Jesus.

Jesus instructed those who would be his disciples to “pick up their cross and follow him”
But Christians sometimes act like the instruction was to “pick out their kind of cross and, when time permits, and the situation is just right . . . follow him”.
Are we prepared to accept the cross which has been given to us, and when?

Cast:

• actors can be situated in various parts of the congregation, come on stage at the right time
• except for Phillip and Voice of Jesus, can be m or f
  • Offstage Voice Of Jesus male
  • Woman
  • Middle age person
  • Older person
  • Young Phillip

Bible Reference: Matthew 16:24

Set:

• At the front are several crosses, some very large, some very small, some nicely decorated, some rough in appearance

Sound: wireless mics if available

Song: none

Lighting: standard

SFX: none

Props: none

Costumes: standard

Special Instructions: none

Time: 10

Sample of script:

in darkness, voice of Jesus

VOJ: If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.
Now, take up your cross and follow me.

Woman, stands, moves toward the front:
Here I am Jesus, Winifred James, you remember me, of course. If you’ll remember, I chair the women’s auxiliary, sit on the missionary support board, teach the senior girls Sunday School, sing alto in the Senior choir.
Me, I’m just busy here in the church, proud to be is what. I can’t imagine not being involved.
Anyways Jesus, here I am, eager to serve, just like you asked.

(approaches the crosses, touches large cross)

Well for sure this cross is NOT for me, I mean, with my bad back I could just never handle that weight. I know I don’t have to go telling you about my bad back Jesus, what with me talking to you every day about it in prayer, asking you to lay your hand of healing on me Jesus.
Oh and Jesus, sorry I didn‟t get to talk to you in prayer last couple of nights. I do declare the pain of my arthritis is such that I can‟t think of anything else, seems like. Fact is Jesus, you have never known pain like I am going through lately. But, you know me, it's not my way to complain.

(picks up little cross)

Well now isn't this some poor excuse for a cross, so small and puny! This will never do, I mean, no one will even see that I am carrying a cross, if I were to choose this one!
(touches a rough cross)
Now whoever put this cross here? Just look at the workmanship will you? What's this world coming to, turning out crosses not painted, no decoration, twisted, bent, full of slivers! This cross for sure is not going to work! You know only too well Jesus about my sensitive skin, I have spoken to you often enough about that!
(touches another cross)
For a fact, Jesus, I know you never would choose a cross like that one.
(thinks)
You know, come to think on it Jesus, I think you are telling me maybe I shouldn't be carrying a cross. Seems like maybe you put me on earth, not so much for carrying a cross, as to support the cross carriers of this world. Yes, yes, I do think that's wise.

woman moves off stage

VOJ: If any of you wants to be my follower, you must take up your cross, and follow me.