The Father Returns Home

Drama Script (DRA008) The Father returns home © Jane Hulme 2015 DRAMA: “THE FATHER RETURNS HOME” (DRA008) To provoke the question within the watcher, “Am I known by Jesus?” In an All Age Worship service the script could be preceded by a short reading about Jesus’ return eg Matthew 24:42-44. The script could be followed by teaching that the most important way that we prepare for Jesus’ return is by developing our relationship with Him through prayer, Bible reading, worship, service etc. Advent, Knowing Jesus, Evangelism, Judgment Matthew 24:42-44, John 17:3 Father, three sons / daughters, (P1, P2 and P3) one person unknown to the Father, (P4) voice off stage (V). Rucksack, suitcases, coat for the Father. ........................................................................................................................ (Enter Father who is dressed as if he has been on a long journey. He is carrying a rucksack and suitcases. He slowly walks around the church making his way “home,” which is at the front of the church. Four people are looking out for him from the front of the church. Three of these people are his children (P1-3), who are standing together and one is a person he doesn’t know (P4), standing apart.) P1: I can’t wait to see dad when he returns. It has been such a long time since we last saw him. P2: I hope he likes the way I have developed his business while he has been away.....it has certainly become more profitable while he has been gone. P3: I’m sure he will be really impressed. I hope he likes what I have done with the garden while he has been away.....I had to take a few risks. P1: You have done an amazing job with the garden, working so hard each day......dad will love all the different varieties of vegetable that you have managed to grow.... P3: I hope so.....but you haven’t sat around doing nothing. You have managed to keep his football team really well coached.....they are top of the league now.....I am sure dad will be very proud of you too. P4: Ah hello.....I don’t know your dad, but I thought I’d hang around here because rumour has it that there is going to be a big party for his children when he returns. P2: But you aren’t one of his children. Why do you think you can come? Aim of Script: Use of Script: Main themes: Biblical references: Cast: Props: © Jane Hulme 2015 2 P4: I’ve heard that your Father is so kind and generous that he’ll be more than happy to welcome another person to his big party.....I can’t wait.....it looks like it is going to be amazing judging from all the food that I have seen going into your house. (Father arrives on the scene. He embraces each of his children and speaks to them by name eg.) Father: (to P1) P1 (insert name of person) my child.... it is so good to see you again. I have planned a real celebration tonight. I can’t wait to hear how you have been getting on with the football team. (to P2) P2 (insert name of person) how lovely to see you my child. I have been thinking so much about you and wondering how you have coped with the responsibility of running my business. (to P3) P3 (insert name of person) my child..... I have longed for this day. I wonder what you have managed to grow in that garden of ours......we have so much to share together tonight Come my children, come and join with me in my celebration P4: Oh hello, I’m Peter/Pamela (whichever name is appropriate), I’d like to come to the party too if that’s OK? Father: I’m very sorry Peter/Pamela but this party is for my children to celebrate my return, and I don’t know you. V: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (Father and children walk off together in a mutual embrace. P4 walks away sadly in the opposite direction.) © Jane Hulme 2015 3