ZwPI8cfkJesus Tells Peter How Many Times to Forgive
About 5 minutes, from Matt 18; John 18
Participants (No need to memorize lines; the aim is to relive sacred events, not to perform)
  Peter
  Voice (of Jesus)
  King
  Rich slave
  Prompter       Shout a brief line, and Echoes repeat it.
  Echoes          Children and all adults who want to take part. Echoes need no script
Peter |
How will I ever forget that shameful night when I denied Jesus? |
Prompter & Echoes |
Peter is miserable! |
Peter |
What made me realize how despicably I had behaved? |
Prompter & Echoes |
Cock-a-doodle-doo! |
Peter |
Jesus warned me that I would deny him before the rooster crowed, |
Prompter & Echoes |
Hopeless! |
Peter |
We fish all night and catch nothing. |
Prompter & Echoes |
Three times! |
Peter |
Jesus simply asks if I love him ̶ three times! |
Prompter & Echoes |
Feed my sheep. |
Peter |
Oh, how those blessed words of assurance echo in my soul! |
Prompter & Echoes |
Wonderful forgiveness! |
Peter |
Once I asked Jesus how often shall my brother sin against me |
Voice |
Not up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. |
Prompter & Echoes |
490 times! |
Peter |
Jesus then explained this with a parable. |
Voice |
The kingdom of heaven is like a king |
King |
Slave, you have grown rich in my service. |
Rich slave |
But I do not have the money to repay you, master. |
King |
Very well. You will be sold, along with your wife, |
Rich slave |
Mercy! Have patience with me and I will repay you everything. |
Prompter & Echoes |
Have mercy! |
King |
Well, I do feel a bit of compassion. I forgive your debt. Go in peace. |
Voice |
But that slave goes out and finds a fellow slave |
Rich slave |
Pay back what you owe. |
Prompter & Echoes |
Pay me! |
Peter |
The poor debtor falls at the feet of the rich slave |
Rich slave |
Get up off the ground and pay me now! |
Voice |
The wealthy slave has the poor slave thrown into prison |
King |
Now, this makes me angry. Captain, summon that wicked slave! |
Peter |
That slave looks pleased with himself, as he comes before the king. |
King |
You wicked hypocrite! |
Voice |
The king hands him over to be tortured until he pays all that he owes. My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, |
Peter |
Oh, what an admonition to forgive! |
Prompter & Echoes |
A stern warning! |