Wicked Ruler

Step into the desert showdown where Jesus confronts the darkest forces of temptation. In Wicked Ruler, Satan appears in three forms—Power, Evil, and Seduction—each trying to lure Christ away from His divine mission. With a striking mix of poetry and confrontation, this short drama explores how the enemy twists truth and disguises danger. But even in hunger and isolation, Jesus stands firm.

Perfect for youth groups, Easter services, or spiritual warfare themes, this powerful skit reminds us that even the Devil must bow at the name of Jesus.

By John Cosper, Jr.
Published by DramaShare®

Runtime: Approx. 10 minutes
Cast: 4 actors

• Power (Satanic persona)
• Evil (Satanic persona)
• Seduction (Satanic persona)
• Jesus

Biblical Reference: Matthew 4:1–11 – The Temptation of Jesus

(A ladder is at stage right. Power is on the ladder, two steps up. Evil is at stage left, holding an apple with a bite out of it. Seduction lies on the ground, facing the audience, with head pointed towards stage right. All three wear black. Jesus enters, slowly, wearing jeans and a white shirt. He is hungry. He sits on the front edge of the stage.)

POWER – Welcome. You have been expected.
EVIL – No one comes by without my knowledge, and no one gets by without seeing me.
SEDUCTION – I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.
POWER – Surprised to see me? Or surprised by what you see? Am I not what you expected?
SEDUCTION – I’m not what anyone expects.
EVIL – To some, I’m a nightmare.
SEDUCTION – To others, a dream.
POWER – And still others, a fantasy.
EVIL – But you know better than anyone who I am.
POWER – The crown prince!
EVIL – A musician by trade.
SEDUCTION – An angel. The archangel.
POWER – This is my kingdom. I am God here.
EVIL – I set the rules. I hold the power!
SEDUCTION – I can make you, or I can destroy you!
EVIL – I’ll make you rich, or reduce you to a pauper.
SEDUCTION – I can give you beauty or transform you into something hideous.
POWER – I’ll give you power and glory.
EVIL – Or I‘ll crush you!
SEDUCTION – Break you!
POWER – Bury you!
EVIL – I control your fate. Resist me, and you only destroy yourself.
POWER – All those hopes and dreams will be smashed beneath my feet. You came here with nothing, and you’ll leave with nothing!
SEDUCTION (sliding next to Jesus) – But it doesn’t have to be that way. I’ll give you life, love, peace, happiness. All you have to do is... listen to me.
EVIL – Let me feed you. Let me clothe you.
SEDUCTION (putting a hand on Jesus’ shoulder) – Let me put rings on your fingers, sandals on your feet. Let me take care of you.

(Jesus pulls away and stands up. Evil approaches him, angry.)

EVIL (holds out the apple) – You think you can resist? No one can! No one! You may see yourself as different, but you’re not! You’re flesh just like the rest of them!
POWER – You’re in my domain now! All you see is mine! The ground beneath you. The air around you. The sky, the water, it’s all mine now! Mine!
SEDUCTION – And the more you resist, the more you become mine!
JESUS – I don’t need you.
POWER – You are hungry. Perhaps you would like to eat? (gesturing to the ladder) Do you see this stone? If you truly don’t need me, if you are who you say, then turn this rock into bread so you may eat.

Want to see how the story unfolds? DramaShare members get this complete script— and access to our entire library—free! Not a member? You can still grab this individual script and bring it to life.