Forgiveness

Short Talk (SHT043) Forgiveness © Jane Hulme 2015 Aim of Short talk: Main themes: Biblical references: Props: Cast: Before the Service: SHORT TALK: “FORGIVENESS” (SHT043) To show people that Jesus took the punishment that we deserve when He died on the cross. Forgiveness, Cross John 3:16 Table, judge’s gown and wig, clipboard with “list of offences,” policeman’s hat. Judge, Policeman, Prisoner and Narrator (who speaks off-stage). There are very few words that actually need to be learnt by heart. Most of the words spoken by the judge can be read from the “List of offences” on his clipboard. ........................................................................................................................ Sometimes we may wonder whether God really does love us;  after all he does know what we are really like;  both the bits we allow other people to see, and the bits we like to keep hidden. Watch this: (Enter Judge who walks on with his gown and wig and sits behind the table at the front of church. Enter Policeman who stands before the congregation) Policeman: Silence in Court. Judge: Bring in the prisoner (Policeman goes to the side and “collects” the prisoner who he brings before the judge) Judge: Prisoner: Judge: Your name: Everyman Sir (speaks to prisoner – with increasing compassion as the script progresses.) Prisoner Everyman.... I have before me a list of your misdeeds, which I shall now read out to you. I will then pass sentence.  Since you were 5 years old you have regularly told lies to your mother.  When you were at school you frequently wrote swear words on desks, toilet doors and on teacher’s cars.  Your temper has caused you many problems over the years with fights at school and more recently fights with other (wo)men in local pubs.  You have enjoyed listening to gossip about other people. © Jane Hulme 2015 2 Prisoner: Judge: Prisoner: Judge:  You have squandered and wasted much of your money on lottery tickets, but were unwilling to ever give any money to help those who have very little.  You have often been selfish, only thinking about your needs and wants and failing to think about anyone else.  Your drunken behaviour has caused much pain to your family and friends.  When you worked for B and Q you regularly stole from them by making phone-calls to your friends using the office phone.  You regularly break the promises that you make.  Even when you go to church, you criticise everyone there, but have never ever been willing to play your part.  As for your thought life, well that includes adulterous thoughts, critical hateful thoughts, jealous thoughts, unkind thoughts amongst other things.  All these offences are bad.....but there is one offence that is truly terrible.....and which is greater than all of the other offences.  You have broken the royal commandment to love your Heavenly Father. You have ignored him, rejected him and rebelled against him. How do you want to plead? Guilty or not-guilty? Guilty my Lord The punishment for all these misdeeds is death (Falls to knees) Oh please have mercy on me. I am so sorry. Because I love you, I will take your place. (The judge then stands up, takes off his robes and wig and walks round to speak to the prisoner.) You are free to go. I will take the punishment that you deserve. Go in peace. (The policeman then takes the judge by the hand and walks off with him.) Prisoner: (says with disbelief) I’m free.....oh wow.....how can I ever thank you? (Freezes) Narrator: (offstage) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life - John 3:16 (Exit Prisoner) If you ever doubt that God loves you,  look at the cross where Jesus gave up his life,  so that you, beloved child of God, can be free to live life. © Jane Hulme 2015 3