SermonStudio

This play is written in three parts. For maximum effect, it is meant to be sprinkled about the worship service at three different times and in three different locations.

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Setting: A busy Judean street

Characters:
1ST JUDGE: A distinguished man who carries himself with authority
2ND JUDGE: Companion to the 1st Judge
WOMAN: A poor widow, persistent, desperate

Costuming: Traditional Judean dress

Props: Scrolls for judges (optional)

Scene I

(TWO JUDGES enter from left. Carrying scrolls, they are in earnest conversation. As they reach center front the WOMAN enters from left. She frantically races to catch up with them)

WOMAN: (Out of breath, grabs 1st Judge's arm from behind and does not let go, loudly pleading) Judge Matthew, Judge Matthew, have you considered my plight? Please, oh please, take my case. You must protect and defend me, or my adversaries will devour me!

1ST JUDGE: (Obviously embarrassed, takes Woman's hand from his arm) Woman, excuse me, we are in a very great hurry. I assure you, as I have done many times before, if I have any extra time, I shall consider your case. However, you must bear in mind I am a very busy man.

(TWO JUDGES continue walking, exiting far right. WOMAN, dejected, slowly walks off left)

Scene II

(TWO JUDGES enter from right. Again, they are in a hurry, in active conversation. As JUDGES reach center front, WOMAN enters from right in frantic pursuit)

WOMAN: (Calls out) Judge Matthew, Judge Matthew! (Again grabs him by the arm) It's been weeks, and my problem only becomes worse! Someone must defend me against those who would devour me. You must take my case before my family and I perish. (Falls to her knees still hanging on to him)

1ST JUDGE: (Rudely tries to shake the WOMAN off his arm, quite irritated. Raises voice) Woman, I told you weeks ago my schedule is full! You know I have no time to represent such simple cases in court. You will need to find another judge.

(Both JUDGES begin walking off left front)

WOMAN: (Still on knees, calls after them pleadingly) But you must. Where else can a poor widow go?

2ND JUDGE: Every day this widow woman accosts you! How many times, would you say, has she groveled at your feet?

1ST JUDGE: Too many, my friend, too many. And I am growing weary. Come, let us hurry or we'll be late.

(WOMAN slowly rises and, obviously distraught, exits far right)

Scene III

(TWO JUDGES enter from front left, again in urgent conversation. WOMAN runs down center aisle)

WOMAN: (Falls at 1st Judge's feet, frantically) Oh, Sir, you must help me! I am in such desperate need, I literally fear for my life! I must be protected. I must be defended ... (Begins to sob)

1ST JUDGE: (Sighs) Woman, I neither fear nor reverence God, nor do I have any respect or consideration for man. But because of your intolerable annoyance and harassment of me, I will defend, protect, and avenge you, lest you eventually assault me, or worse yet, strangle me. Consider your plight taken care of.

WOMAN: (Quietly rises to her feet, grabs Judge's arm) Thank you, thank you, thank you. At last my cause has been vindicated. (Raises hands) The God of Jehovah has heard my plight. Praise to his Holy Name.

(TWO JUDGES walk off right shaking their heads; WOMAN joyously runs off left or center aisle)