It Was For Me!
2016 Easter Cantata
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"It Was For Me" is a first-person account of how Jesus changed Matthew, one of the Twelve Disciples of Jesus.
This script, along with its selected music, is suitable for churches and choirs of any size. Only one speaker is necessary, to portray the experience of Tuillius. |
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It Was For Me!
It Was For Me (Stanza 1 & Chorus)
I am Matthew. For many years, I worked in my family’s business.
Now, for most families, this would be welcome news! Fathers in Israel are always excited when their firstborn child is a son! And my own Father, Alpheaus, was no exception when I was born! He had great hopes and dreams for me, when he held me in his arms for the very first time.
From the time I could walk, he took me on as many of his business trips! We traveled all over the northern part of Israel, known as Galilee, and sometimes even ventured to the ports along the Mediterranean Sea! Those were my favorite trips, because I loved to play in the sand and swim in the warm summer waters! But these trips were not just for fun – my father made sure of that! He taught me the basics of reading and writing and of our Jewish religion. But he also taught me the essentials of our family business: mathematics, economics, and the skills of negotiation and even persuasion.
My father was a tax collector – often called a Publican. He learned this trade from my grandfather, who personally traveled to Rome, years before I was born, in order to secure this position for family. It was a profitable business, and brought with it financial security, prestige and influence. But it also brought its share of problems. You see, Publicans were considered to be servants of Rome. My father’s boss was Caesar. And the Jews in Galilee despised what we did for a living! They considered us to be traitors, and they believed that we were thieves – collecting more taxes from them than was required in order to keep the money for ourselves!
When I finally took over the business, I had already learned to walk the fine line between fulfilling my obligations to Rome and keeping the peace with my people – and to do so for my own advantage! I expanded our family’s territory, and collected more revenue than my father thought possible! We moved into a larger home, purchased more property, and had all the nicest things! We lived the best life possible! But the Jews were envious! They believed I got to this position by taking advantage of them! And they were right.
I excused my actions by looking to the other Publicans. Everyone did it. Everyone took in more taxes than was required. It was all part of the business plan. But all too often, we used our authority to threaten and abuse the people we were supposed to serve. I became rich, while they remained poor. And for many years, I did not care.
However, things started to change when I heard of a man named John, who was preaching in the wilderness of Judea! Many people from Galilee went to go see and hear him, and when they returned, they told of what a strange man they met! He was a rugged man, aged before his time, with dark and leathery skin from having lived in the desert. His message was just as strange! He preached: “Repent ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” Some who heard him thought he was a prophet, and were eager to hear from God after over 400 long, silent years! I wasn’t too sure. However, many who returned did respond to his message. They did repent of their sins, and were even baptized in the River Jordan to show the cleansing of their conscience before God!
That was the part of the message that I needed to hear most. For so long, my conscience lay dormant. I had no problem conducting my business the way I did. After all, I was taking care of my family! Isn’t that what God would want me to do? But through that one word – “Repent” – my conscience was awakened, and I thought - “What would I need to repent from?” At that moment, guilt flooded into my soul. All those years – all that greed – all those people I took advantage of – my people – no, God’s people! I needed to repent from so much in my life! I even tried to repent! But there was still no calm in my conscience or in my heart. What else could I do?
My Faith Still Clings
After hearing the message of John, I tried everything to clear my conscience from its guilt. I traveled to Jerusalem – this time, not for business, but for sacrifice. I went to the Temple to offer what I was told was necessary to atone for my sins. But my guilt remained. I returned to Galilee to reconcile with those whom I had offended. They took what I returned to them; but they did not offer me what I was needing most – forgiveness. I sought help from my father and my Publican friends, but they reminded me: “Its just business!” My heart remained heavy with the burden of my crimes against my people and my sin against God.
As I continued my work at the port in Capernaeum, I tried to do things differently and honestly. But the people were still skeptical and resentful. However, even there in Galilee, news about John – the “Baptizer” as he became known – kept coming in. One day, one of my Publican friends ran up to me, and breathless with excitement, told me: “The Messiah has come! The Messiah has come!” I gave him a few minutes to catch his breath before asking him what he meant? He told me that while he was listening to John speak, another man came near, and John stopped right in the middle of his message. He then pointed directly at the man and said: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!” The man’s name was Jesus.
This kind of news was exactly what my heavy heart needed to hear! After my friend left, I sat alone at my desk and wondered: “Could He be the One to take away my sin and guilt?” I wondered and I hoped! “Perhaps I could meet Him someday, and find out if this Jesus really is the One promised by God – the Messiah – who could provide the forgiveness I desperately need!”
Over the next several months, my attention turned to whatever news I could get about Jesus! And I was not disappointed! I heard about him doing things that had never been done in all of Israel! Lepers were healed by Him! Many who were lame could walk again, because of Him! And His teaching and preaching were all about the forgiveness of sin! This was such great news to me, and I hoped that I could meet Him someday! On one occasion, I heard that He was even in Capernaum – my own city! But I had already traveled to another town on urgent business. I was so disappointed! But that was all about to change!
After another tiring business trip, I was finally back at the port of Capernaum. I was handling some of the issues that had come up during my absence, when I heard a commotion just down the road. I tried to get a glimpse of what was going on, but, too distracted by my own work, I kept my head down. Until I heard the words that would forever change my life: “Follow Me!” Startled, I looked up and saw the Man who spoke to me! With all the people around Him, I instinctively knew who He was! It was Jesus – It had to be Jesus! And He was looking and calling directly to me!
He Lifted Me!
What else was I to do? It was Jesus who called out to me – to me! If He was the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” – then, surely, He could take away my sin! So, I stood up from my desk and followed Him! I didn’t know everywhere He would go; I didn’t know everything He would ask me to do; but I did know and I did believe that He was the only One who could take away my sin and my guilt! And as I left my tax office there by the Sea of Galilee, I left all of the burdens of my heart there as well! And I did not turn back!
After a few days with Jesus, my hopes were all confirmed! Everything He said and everything He did further proved that He was the Messiah – He was the way, He was the truth, and He was the life! No man could go to the Father, but by Him! This was such good news for a Publican like me, that I wanted to share His message with all of my friends! I invited as many as I could to meet Jesus at my own home in Capernaum, and I held a great feast in His honor. And to my great surprise and pleasure, many of my Publican friends and others who were known to be sinners, actually came! And Jesus did not turn them away! He ate with them – with us; He spoke with us; He loved us; and He offered His forgiveness to whoever would believe in and follow Him! And many did!
Some of the Pharisees made it into the feast as well. At first, I was fine with this, because they needed to hear Jesus as well! But instead of listening, they ignored His message and was taken back by His association with people like me! I overheard them ask James and John: “Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?” I hung my head in shame, because they were right! Who was I to have someone like Jesus in my home? Why would Jesus associate with anyone like me? Doubt entered my mind, until I heard the clear, strong voice of Jesus once again! He said to those Pharisees: “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance!” This is why Jesus was in my home! This was why Jesus came! His words were so tender and comforting to such a wounded sinner like me! He was the doctor of my soul, and I would follow Him wherever he would go!
From the time I was very young, I went on many business trips! At first with my father, and then on my own. I enjoyed these trips – I always thought of them as an adventure! Well, the greatest adventure of my life began when I believed in and followed Jesus! We traveled all throughout Israel, and sometimes went beyond her borders! We even went right through Samaria, where I would never have gone before! Wherever we went, Jesus was always so good and gracious to the people! His words were full of life! His touch was tender and kind! His love was evident! And I saw with my own eyes the things I had only heard about when I was back in Capernaum! I saw Jesus heal people completely from their diseases and disabilities! I heard Jesus offer Himself and His forgiveness to some of the worst kinds of sinners we would meet! And I even experienced Jesus’ strength and power in my own life, when He sent me and the other disciples all throughout Israel to preach: “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” What an adventure! And through it all, my faith in Jesus grew! And when anyone would ask me: “What manner of man is this?” I would answer: “He is Jesus – the King of Creation – the Lord of all Nations – and He came to save our souls!”
What Manner Of Man Is This?
For nearly three years this new adventure with Jesus continued, and I was a new man! I had a new heart, a new life, a new future, and even new friends – all because Jesus called me to follow Him! However, those three years also went by so quickly – too quickly! Jesus would often share with us things that were difficult to understand. On one occasion, Jesus took us aside and gave us some of that difficult news. He said: “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: and they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.” None of us knew what to make of these words! But it didn’t take too long, before we understood completely what Jesus meant!
After spending some refreshing time with some friends in Bethany, we went to Jerusalem for the Passover. Peter and John went into the city earlier to prepare the feast. When the evening arrived, we entered into a comfortable room in another friend’s home. Peter and John had outdone themselves. The table was all prepared, and the fragrance of the roasted lamb brought childhood memories flooding into my mind. It was a very special time to be with Jesus! We ate and drank together, and sang from the great Psalms of King David! It was a warm, calm, and clear night, so when the meal was finished, we left the confining walls of the city to enjoy the beauty and solitude of Gethsemane. Jesus encouraged us all to spend time in prayer, as He went to pray alone. Full from the meal we had just eaten, and content in that peaceful and still garden, we drifted off to sleep as we prayed.
However, our dreams were abruptly ended, when we heard the voice of Jesus! “Why sleep ye? Rise and pray!” And even as He spoke, the solitude of that garden was also broken, and a large, loud crowd headed our way! I barely recognized the person in front – it was Judas – who walked directly to Jesus and greeted him with a kiss. As the rest of the crowd grew closer, we saw the glint of swords and spears! These were not people come to meet Jesus, these were soldiers come to arrest Jesus! And Judas led them right to Him – and to us! We tried to jump to our feet and usher Jesus away from the danger, but it was too late! Peter grabbed his sword, and swung it wildly to keep everyone away, but to no avail! Jesus was not trying to get away! Instead, it seemed as if He gave Himself up! More soldiers filed across the valley, and I was afraid! As the soldiers seized and bound Jesus, I turned around and ran away as quickly as my legs would carry me! I heard some shouts, and then the heavy footsteps of an armed soldier behind me. I kept running! Finally, as my lungs burned and my heart pounded within me, I had to stop. I quickly turned around and stared into the darkness of the night – once again calm and still – the only sound was my labored breath! I was safe – but Jesus was gone! What had just happened? As my mind replayed the events of the night, my heart sank and my face became warm. My fear turned to shame as I realized what I had done: I had abandoned Jesus!
For hours, I wandered around the city of Jerusalem – usually dark in the middle of the night, but now ablaze with light. I didn’t know what to do! I stayed in the shadows, trying to avoid anyone who might alert the soldiers still patrolling the paths into the city. However, as the light from the rising sun melted away my hiding places, I ventured back into the city to see what had become of my master!
The streets of the city were unusually empty, but as I drew closer to the middle of the city, I discovered where everyone was! I heard the great crowd chanting: “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” I walked faster, until I reached the edge of the crowd. Their cries were deafening, and their rage was palpable! But who were they shouting about? Could it be about Jesus? I pushed my way through the press of people, until I could see a band of soldiers – the same soldiers who were in Gethsemane the night before!
And I saw their prey. It was a figure of a man, beaten and bloodied by the most cruel devices. From head to foot, I could see very little of his flesh. His eyes, however, were unmistakable. They were the eyes of Jesus. This man was Jesus. And while I was wandering and hiding through the night, Jesus had been tried, convicted, and now sentenced by the same people whom He came to serve! A wooden beam was on the ground, and as the soldiers forced Jesus to carry it through the streets of Jerusalem, the crowd surged after Him. And I could see Him no longer.
I knew the place where they would take Jesus, so I slowly made my way around the crowd to Golgotha – the place of the skull. It seemed to take forever, but I finally saw Jesus come out of the city gate. Worn and weary, bloody and in excruciating pain, Jesus took His final steps before collapsing on the hard, rocky path. The soldiers surrounding Jesus grabbed His limp body, threw Him on the beams, and used large spikes to secure Him to the cross. I had to look away as they raised Jesus into the air so that all could see His shame!
And there Jesus hung – for hours! At times, I could see Jesus move his lips as if to say something, but I was too far away to hear Him. However, I did hear the last words Jesus spoke very clearly! One final time, He lifted up His head, drew a long, deep breath, and cried: “It is finished!” His head fell into His chest, and his heaving body at last was still. There was no doubt – Jesus was dead. With tears flowing down my face, I turned again and ran. I ran through the empty city streets, out of the gate, and back to Gethsemane – once a place of refuge, but now a place of regret and shame. Near the place where Jesus had prayed just hours before, I sat upon a rock under the shade of an Olive Tree. The garden was still and quiet once again. And there I wept.
After a long while, my sobs of sorrow turned into prayer! Although I could not watch and pray with Jesus for even one hour the night before, my prayer and cry to God continued into this night! I remembered when Jesus called me by simply saying: “Follow Me!” What grace and love flowed through those simple words! I pondered all the time I spent with Him, going from place to place! I thought about all that Jesus did and all that Jesus taught, until I realized that even His death was part of His plan to “minister and to give His life a ransom for many!” For Jesus to be the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world,” He had to die and be the sacrifice for my sin! And everything He went through – every excruciating detail that I saw with my own eyes – was for me!
It Was For Me
Although I knew that everything that happened on that day was no accident, and was for me, I was still afraid of what the future would hold! My master was gone! Where would I go, and what would I do? Could I return to Galilee as a Publican, after all that I had seen and heard? I knew I could not. With all these thoughts going through my mind, I slowly made it back to Bethany just in time for the Sabbath, where I found a few other disciples gathered together. We wept together, prayed together, and talked about our thoughts and fears. Mary and Martha opened their home to us once again, as we contemplated our next move. We did not dare return to Jerusalem, in case the authorities were still looking for us! But that did not discourage the courageous women with whom we stayed! Very early the next morning, before we were even awake, Mary made her way to the tomb in Jerusalem to anoint the body of Jesus!
After I awoke, Martha prepared a good breakfast for us all. I asked about Mary. “Shouldn’t she be back by now?” We were growing concerned, until the door suddenly swung open! And there was Mary! She returned as fast as she could – with unbelievable news! She told us that when she arrived at the tomb, the stone was already rolled away from the door, and Jesus’ body was not there! She described with excitement the meeting she had with what appeared to be an angel! And the message he gave her about Jesus was this: “He is not here: for He is risen, as He said!” And not only that, but Mary Magdalene even saw and spoke with Jesus Himself!
I was shocked! But I did not doubt! I recalled Jesus’ own words to us - “and the third day I shall rise again!” I asked if there was anything else? She said that Jesus wanted us to go to Galilee, where He would meet with us again! We immediately started making plans to go the next morning! But late that night, as we were trying to get some sleep, I heard someone walking in the room. As I slowly opened my tired eyes, I thought I was in a dream! For just before me stood a man who, in the dim light of a single lamp, looked like Jesus! I struggled to sit up, my body still exhausted from so much strain, until I heard His unmistakable voice say: “Peace be unto you!” It was Jesus! My mind & my body were now completely awake, and I jumped to my feet! As Jesus came closer, He showed us the wounds in His hands and His side! And all of our fears fled fast away! Jesus was alive! Jesus was risen, just as He said! And I was happy – oh so happy! We didn’t want Him to leave! However, after about an hour or so, Jesus did leave – just as quickly as He came. Yet, he reassured us that we would see Him again!
And we did! Over the next several weeks, Jesus would come and go, just as He did before! He met with us again in Jerusalem; He taught us again on a hillside in Galilee, along with nearly 500 other followers; and He even ate with us again on the shores of the Sea of Galilee! Every moment with Jesus was special! We couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next! We traveled with Jesus once again to Jerusalem. What a different trip this was! This time, we felt Jesus would silence His critics once and for all! After all, they had killed Jesus on the cross – but He had risen – just as He said! Surely they would listen to Him now!
After we arrived at Jerusalem, we went back through Gethsemane, and thought about all that had taken place there just a few weeks before. We hiked up the hill a little further, where we sang and prayed and worshiped our dear Lord Jesus! Our hearts were full of joy and peace! I then asked Jesus the question that was on all of our minds: “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” I noticed that the other disciples were nodding their heads in agreement, as we awaited His response. But his answer was not at all what we expected! He said to us: “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth!”
And as soon as Jesus said those words, He started to rise up into the sky! Slowly at first, but then quickly He ascended right into a cloud, and we could see Him no longer! It happened that suddenly – and Jesus was gone! We couldn’t believe what had just happened; and we couldn’t take our eyes off that cloud! It felt like time stood still, as we stood there in complete silence, staring up into heaven! The silence, and our gaze, was only broken when the words of two strangers came into our ears! Two men standing nearby, wearing brilliant white robes, spoke to us and said: “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven!”
And that was it! Jesus was gone – but as we would soon discover – He had not truly left us! He sent us His Holy Spirit, to comfort us, to guide us, and to be with us wherever we went! He also gave us a special mission – to be His witnesses “unto the uttermost part of the earth!” And I couldn’t wait to go and tell others about Him! After all, look at what Jesus had done for me! In His life, Jesus called me – an arrogant, cheating Tax Collector – to be His disciple! Through His death, Jesus saved me from my own sin and guilt! And through His resurrection, Jesus changed me from being a mere servant of Rome to become a servant of the true and living God! And He can do the same for you! For if you will hear these words of mine about Jesus, He is calling you – and He will save you, and can change you, if you will believe in Him and call upon Him with all of your heart! And then, we can be “laborers together with God!”
In Thy Vineyard
- Words: Dave Bolling; Music: R. France & Faye Lopez
I am Matthew. For many years, I worked in my family’s business.
Now, for most families, this would be welcome news! Fathers in Israel are always excited when their firstborn child is a son! And my own Father, Alpheaus, was no exception when I was born! He had great hopes and dreams for me, when he held me in his arms for the very first time.
From the time I could walk, he took me on as many of his business trips! We traveled all over the northern part of Israel, known as Galilee, and sometimes even ventured to the ports along the Mediterranean Sea! Those were my favorite trips, because I loved to play in the sand and swim in the warm summer waters! But these trips were not just for fun – my father made sure of that! He taught me the basics of reading and writing and of our Jewish religion. But he also taught me the essentials of our family business: mathematics, economics, and the skills of negotiation and even persuasion.
My father was a tax collector – often called a Publican. He learned this trade from my grandfather, who personally traveled to Rome, years before I was born, in order to secure this position for family. It was a profitable business, and brought with it financial security, prestige and influence. But it also brought its share of problems. You see, Publicans were considered to be servants of Rome. My father’s boss was Caesar. And the Jews in Galilee despised what we did for a living! They considered us to be traitors, and they believed that we were thieves – collecting more taxes from them than was required in order to keep the money for ourselves!
When I finally took over the business, I had already learned to walk the fine line between fulfilling my obligations to Rome and keeping the peace with my people – and to do so for my own advantage! I expanded our family’s territory, and collected more revenue than my father thought possible! We moved into a larger home, purchased more property, and had all the nicest things! We lived the best life possible! But the Jews were envious! They believed I got to this position by taking advantage of them! And they were right.
I excused my actions by looking to the other Publicans. Everyone did it. Everyone took in more taxes than was required. It was all part of the business plan. But all too often, we used our authority to threaten and abuse the people we were supposed to serve. I became rich, while they remained poor. And for many years, I did not care.
However, things started to change when I heard of a man named John, who was preaching in the wilderness of Judea! Many people from Galilee went to go see and hear him, and when they returned, they told of what a strange man they met! He was a rugged man, aged before his time, with dark and leathery skin from having lived in the desert. His message was just as strange! He preached: “Repent ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” Some who heard him thought he was a prophet, and were eager to hear from God after over 400 long, silent years! I wasn’t too sure. However, many who returned did respond to his message. They did repent of their sins, and were even baptized in the River Jordan to show the cleansing of their conscience before God!
That was the part of the message that I needed to hear most. For so long, my conscience lay dormant. I had no problem conducting my business the way I did. After all, I was taking care of my family! Isn’t that what God would want me to do? But through that one word – “Repent” – my conscience was awakened, and I thought - “What would I need to repent from?” At that moment, guilt flooded into my soul. All those years – all that greed – all those people I took advantage of – my people – no, God’s people! I needed to repent from so much in my life! I even tried to repent! But there was still no calm in my conscience or in my heart. What else could I do?
My Faith Still Clings
- Words: H. F. Colby; Music: James Koerts
After hearing the message of John, I tried everything to clear my conscience from its guilt. I traveled to Jerusalem – this time, not for business, but for sacrifice. I went to the Temple to offer what I was told was necessary to atone for my sins. But my guilt remained. I returned to Galilee to reconcile with those whom I had offended. They took what I returned to them; but they did not offer me what I was needing most – forgiveness. I sought help from my father and my Publican friends, but they reminded me: “Its just business!” My heart remained heavy with the burden of my crimes against my people and my sin against God.
As I continued my work at the port in Capernaeum, I tried to do things differently and honestly. But the people were still skeptical and resentful. However, even there in Galilee, news about John – the “Baptizer” as he became known – kept coming in. One day, one of my Publican friends ran up to me, and breathless with excitement, told me: “The Messiah has come! The Messiah has come!” I gave him a few minutes to catch his breath before asking him what he meant? He told me that while he was listening to John speak, another man came near, and John stopped right in the middle of his message. He then pointed directly at the man and said: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!” The man’s name was Jesus.
This kind of news was exactly what my heavy heart needed to hear! After my friend left, I sat alone at my desk and wondered: “Could He be the One to take away my sin and guilt?” I wondered and I hoped! “Perhaps I could meet Him someday, and find out if this Jesus really is the One promised by God – the Messiah – who could provide the forgiveness I desperately need!”
Over the next several months, my attention turned to whatever news I could get about Jesus! And I was not disappointed! I heard about him doing things that had never been done in all of Israel! Lepers were healed by Him! Many who were lame could walk again, because of Him! And His teaching and preaching were all about the forgiveness of sin! This was such great news to me, and I hoped that I could meet Him someday! On one occasion, I heard that He was even in Capernaum – my own city! But I had already traveled to another town on urgent business. I was so disappointed! But that was all about to change!
After another tiring business trip, I was finally back at the port of Capernaum. I was handling some of the issues that had come up during my absence, when I heard a commotion just down the road. I tried to get a glimpse of what was going on, but, too distracted by my own work, I kept my head down. Until I heard the words that would forever change my life: “Follow Me!” Startled, I looked up and saw the Man who spoke to me! With all the people around Him, I instinctively knew who He was! It was Jesus – It had to be Jesus! And He was looking and calling directly to me!
He Lifted Me!
- Words & Music by Charles H. Gabriel
- ©
- Hymn #, Great Hymns of the Faith (1968 Edition)
What else was I to do? It was Jesus who called out to me – to me! If He was the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” – then, surely, He could take away my sin! So, I stood up from my desk and followed Him! I didn’t know everywhere He would go; I didn’t know everything He would ask me to do; but I did know and I did believe that He was the only One who could take away my sin and my guilt! And as I left my tax office there by the Sea of Galilee, I left all of the burdens of my heart there as well! And I did not turn back!
After a few days with Jesus, my hopes were all confirmed! Everything He said and everything He did further proved that He was the Messiah – He was the way, He was the truth, and He was the life! No man could go to the Father, but by Him! This was such good news for a Publican like me, that I wanted to share His message with all of my friends! I invited as many as I could to meet Jesus at my own home in Capernaum, and I held a great feast in His honor. And to my great surprise and pleasure, many of my Publican friends and others who were known to be sinners, actually came! And Jesus did not turn them away! He ate with them – with us; He spoke with us; He loved us; and He offered His forgiveness to whoever would believe in and follow Him! And many did!
Some of the Pharisees made it into the feast as well. At first, I was fine with this, because they needed to hear Jesus as well! But instead of listening, they ignored His message and was taken back by His association with people like me! I overheard them ask James and John: “Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?” I hung my head in shame, because they were right! Who was I to have someone like Jesus in my home? Why would Jesus associate with anyone like me? Doubt entered my mind, until I heard the clear, strong voice of Jesus once again! He said to those Pharisees: “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance!” This is why Jesus was in my home! This was why Jesus came! His words were so tender and comforting to such a wounded sinner like me! He was the doctor of my soul, and I would follow Him wherever he would go!
From the time I was very young, I went on many business trips! At first with my father, and then on my own. I enjoyed these trips – I always thought of them as an adventure! Well, the greatest adventure of my life began when I believed in and followed Jesus! We traveled all throughout Israel, and sometimes went beyond her borders! We even went right through Samaria, where I would never have gone before! Wherever we went, Jesus was always so good and gracious to the people! His words were full of life! His touch was tender and kind! His love was evident! And I saw with my own eyes the things I had only heard about when I was back in Capernaum! I saw Jesus heal people completely from their diseases and disabilities! I heard Jesus offer Himself and His forgiveness to some of the worst kinds of sinners we would meet! And I even experienced Jesus’ strength and power in my own life, when He sent me and the other disciples all throughout Israel to preach: “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” What an adventure! And through it all, my faith in Jesus grew! And when anyone would ask me: “What manner of man is this?” I would answer: “He is Jesus – the King of Creation – the Lord of all Nations – and He came to save our souls!”
What Manner Of Man Is This?
- Words & Music by Benjamin J. Everson
- ©
For nearly three years this new adventure with Jesus continued, and I was a new man! I had a new heart, a new life, a new future, and even new friends – all because Jesus called me to follow Him! However, those three years also went by so quickly – too quickly! Jesus would often share with us things that were difficult to understand. On one occasion, Jesus took us aside and gave us some of that difficult news. He said: “Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: and they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.” None of us knew what to make of these words! But it didn’t take too long, before we understood completely what Jesus meant!
After spending some refreshing time with some friends in Bethany, we went to Jerusalem for the Passover. Peter and John went into the city earlier to prepare the feast. When the evening arrived, we entered into a comfortable room in another friend’s home. Peter and John had outdone themselves. The table was all prepared, and the fragrance of the roasted lamb brought childhood memories flooding into my mind. It was a very special time to be with Jesus! We ate and drank together, and sang from the great Psalms of King David! It was a warm, calm, and clear night, so when the meal was finished, we left the confining walls of the city to enjoy the beauty and solitude of Gethsemane. Jesus encouraged us all to spend time in prayer, as He went to pray alone. Full from the meal we had just eaten, and content in that peaceful and still garden, we drifted off to sleep as we prayed.
However, our dreams were abruptly ended, when we heard the voice of Jesus! “Why sleep ye? Rise and pray!” And even as He spoke, the solitude of that garden was also broken, and a large, loud crowd headed our way! I barely recognized the person in front – it was Judas – who walked directly to Jesus and greeted him with a kiss. As the rest of the crowd grew closer, we saw the glint of swords and spears! These were not people come to meet Jesus, these were soldiers come to arrest Jesus! And Judas led them right to Him – and to us! We tried to jump to our feet and usher Jesus away from the danger, but it was too late! Peter grabbed his sword, and swung it wildly to keep everyone away, but to no avail! Jesus was not trying to get away! Instead, it seemed as if He gave Himself up! More soldiers filed across the valley, and I was afraid! As the soldiers seized and bound Jesus, I turned around and ran away as quickly as my legs would carry me! I heard some shouts, and then the heavy footsteps of an armed soldier behind me. I kept running! Finally, as my lungs burned and my heart pounded within me, I had to stop. I quickly turned around and stared into the darkness of the night – once again calm and still – the only sound was my labored breath! I was safe – but Jesus was gone! What had just happened? As my mind replayed the events of the night, my heart sank and my face became warm. My fear turned to shame as I realized what I had done: I had abandoned Jesus!
For hours, I wandered around the city of Jerusalem – usually dark in the middle of the night, but now ablaze with light. I didn’t know what to do! I stayed in the shadows, trying to avoid anyone who might alert the soldiers still patrolling the paths into the city. However, as the light from the rising sun melted away my hiding places, I ventured back into the city to see what had become of my master!
The streets of the city were unusually empty, but as I drew closer to the middle of the city, I discovered where everyone was! I heard the great crowd chanting: “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” I walked faster, until I reached the edge of the crowd. Their cries were deafening, and their rage was palpable! But who were they shouting about? Could it be about Jesus? I pushed my way through the press of people, until I could see a band of soldiers – the same soldiers who were in Gethsemane the night before!
And I saw their prey. It was a figure of a man, beaten and bloodied by the most cruel devices. From head to foot, I could see very little of his flesh. His eyes, however, were unmistakable. They were the eyes of Jesus. This man was Jesus. And while I was wandering and hiding through the night, Jesus had been tried, convicted, and now sentenced by the same people whom He came to serve! A wooden beam was on the ground, and as the soldiers forced Jesus to carry it through the streets of Jerusalem, the crowd surged after Him. And I could see Him no longer.
I knew the place where they would take Jesus, so I slowly made my way around the crowd to Golgotha – the place of the skull. It seemed to take forever, but I finally saw Jesus come out of the city gate. Worn and weary, bloody and in excruciating pain, Jesus took His final steps before collapsing on the hard, rocky path. The soldiers surrounding Jesus grabbed His limp body, threw Him on the beams, and used large spikes to secure Him to the cross. I had to look away as they raised Jesus into the air so that all could see His shame!
And there Jesus hung – for hours! At times, I could see Jesus move his lips as if to say something, but I was too far away to hear Him. However, I did hear the last words Jesus spoke very clearly! One final time, He lifted up His head, drew a long, deep breath, and cried: “It is finished!” His head fell into His chest, and his heaving body at last was still. There was no doubt – Jesus was dead. With tears flowing down my face, I turned again and ran. I ran through the empty city streets, out of the gate, and back to Gethsemane – once a place of refuge, but now a place of regret and shame. Near the place where Jesus had prayed just hours before, I sat upon a rock under the shade of an Olive Tree. The garden was still and quiet once again. And there I wept.
After a long while, my sobs of sorrow turned into prayer! Although I could not watch and pray with Jesus for even one hour the night before, my prayer and cry to God continued into this night! I remembered when Jesus called me by simply saying: “Follow Me!” What grace and love flowed through those simple words! I pondered all the time I spent with Him, going from place to place! I thought about all that Jesus did and all that Jesus taught, until I realized that even His death was part of His plan to “minister and to give His life a ransom for many!” For Jesus to be the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world,” He had to die and be the sacrifice for my sin! And everything He went through – every excruciating detail that I saw with my own eyes – was for me!
It Was For Me
- Words: Dave Bolling; Music: R. France & Faye Lopez
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Although I knew that everything that happened on that day was no accident, and was for me, I was still afraid of what the future would hold! My master was gone! Where would I go, and what would I do? Could I return to Galilee as a Publican, after all that I had seen and heard? I knew I could not. With all these thoughts going through my mind, I slowly made it back to Bethany just in time for the Sabbath, where I found a few other disciples gathered together. We wept together, prayed together, and talked about our thoughts and fears. Mary and Martha opened their home to us once again, as we contemplated our next move. We did not dare return to Jerusalem, in case the authorities were still looking for us! But that did not discourage the courageous women with whom we stayed! Very early the next morning, before we were even awake, Mary made her way to the tomb in Jerusalem to anoint the body of Jesus!
After I awoke, Martha prepared a good breakfast for us all. I asked about Mary. “Shouldn’t she be back by now?” We were growing concerned, until the door suddenly swung open! And there was Mary! She returned as fast as she could – with unbelievable news! She told us that when she arrived at the tomb, the stone was already rolled away from the door, and Jesus’ body was not there! She described with excitement the meeting she had with what appeared to be an angel! And the message he gave her about Jesus was this: “He is not here: for He is risen, as He said!” And not only that, but Mary Magdalene even saw and spoke with Jesus Himself!
I was shocked! But I did not doubt! I recalled Jesus’ own words to us - “and the third day I shall rise again!” I asked if there was anything else? She said that Jesus wanted us to go to Galilee, where He would meet with us again! We immediately started making plans to go the next morning! But late that night, as we were trying to get some sleep, I heard someone walking in the room. As I slowly opened my tired eyes, I thought I was in a dream! For just before me stood a man who, in the dim light of a single lamp, looked like Jesus! I struggled to sit up, my body still exhausted from so much strain, until I heard His unmistakable voice say: “Peace be unto you!” It was Jesus! My mind & my body were now completely awake, and I jumped to my feet! As Jesus came closer, He showed us the wounds in His hands and His side! And all of our fears fled fast away! Jesus was alive! Jesus was risen, just as He said! And I was happy – oh so happy! We didn’t want Him to leave! However, after about an hour or so, Jesus did leave – just as quickly as He came. Yet, he reassured us that we would see Him again!
And we did! Over the next several weeks, Jesus would come and go, just as He did before! He met with us again in Jerusalem; He taught us again on a hillside in Galilee, along with nearly 500 other followers; and He even ate with us again on the shores of the Sea of Galilee! Every moment with Jesus was special! We couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next! We traveled with Jesus once again to Jerusalem. What a different trip this was! This time, we felt Jesus would silence His critics once and for all! After all, they had killed Jesus on the cross – but He had risen – just as He said! Surely they would listen to Him now!
After we arrived at Jerusalem, we went back through Gethsemane, and thought about all that had taken place there just a few weeks before. We hiked up the hill a little further, where we sang and prayed and worshiped our dear Lord Jesus! Our hearts were full of joy and peace! I then asked Jesus the question that was on all of our minds: “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” I noticed that the other disciples were nodding their heads in agreement, as we awaited His response. But his answer was not at all what we expected! He said to us: “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth!”
And as soon as Jesus said those words, He started to rise up into the sky! Slowly at first, but then quickly He ascended right into a cloud, and we could see Him no longer! It happened that suddenly – and Jesus was gone! We couldn’t believe what had just happened; and we couldn’t take our eyes off that cloud! It felt like time stood still, as we stood there in complete silence, staring up into heaven! The silence, and our gaze, was only broken when the words of two strangers came into our ears! Two men standing nearby, wearing brilliant white robes, spoke to us and said: “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven!”
And that was it! Jesus was gone – but as we would soon discover – He had not truly left us! He sent us His Holy Spirit, to comfort us, to guide us, and to be with us wherever we went! He also gave us a special mission – to be His witnesses “unto the uttermost part of the earth!” And I couldn’t wait to go and tell others about Him! After all, look at what Jesus had done for me! In His life, Jesus called me – an arrogant, cheating Tax Collector – to be His disciple! Through His death, Jesus saved me from my own sin and guilt! And through His resurrection, Jesus changed me from being a mere servant of Rome to become a servant of the true and living God! And He can do the same for you! For if you will hear these words of mine about Jesus, He is calling you – and He will save you, and can change you, if you will believe in Him and call upon Him with all of your heart! And then, we can be “laborers together with God!”
In Thy Vineyard
- Words by Duane Nichols; Music by James Koerts
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© 2016 by Grace Baptist Church of Greenfield, Indiana
Permission For Use: If your church would like to use this script, you may do so, but we would love to hear from you if you plan to. Please let us know by email: [email protected].
We would also encourage you to obtain and use the suggested music incorporated into the script, which has been specifically selected for its setting. All of the music is available either for free or for a very reasonable cost. Some of the music is alternatively available in a hymn format, which may be more suitable for a small choir (like ours). Links to the music and their publishers have been provided.
A special thanks to the following publishers, for their permission to record and distribute their music. For these and much more excellent, Christ-honoring music, be sure to visit them online.
Permission For Use: If your church would like to use this script, you may do so, but we would love to hear from you if you plan to. Please let us know by email: [email protected].
We would also encourage you to obtain and use the suggested music incorporated into the script, which has been specifically selected for its setting. All of the music is available either for free or for a very reasonable cost. Some of the music is alternatively available in a hymn format, which may be more suitable for a small choir (like ours). Links to the music and their publishers have been provided.
A special thanks to the following publishers, for their permission to record and distribute their music. For these and much more excellent, Christ-honoring music, be sure to visit them online.
