The Least Of My Brothers


Characters:
Mary - Program director.
Jan - Volunteer
Jesus - See left stage below for a description
Susan - Volunteer
Andy - Volunteer

Left stage is set for a city street in winter. Jesus is sitting on a bench. He is wrapped in sheets similar to robes. His face is shadowed by the head covering so that he appears to be a homeless man. The scene should suggest that it is very cold - use something to suggest snow if possible. Jesus shivers from time to time.

Right stage is set for the inside of a church or mission. There is a table with bag lunches and foam cups of cocoa. Volunteers are filling the bags and preparing to distribute them to the hungry.

The play opens with the focus on right stage.

Mary: (fills a box with lunch bags and foam cups as she speaks) : Thank you all for volunteering. Life on the streets is never easy. But it is especially hard during the holidays. Others are enjoying warm homes, good food and family and friends. It is very sad to be cold, hungry and alone at this time.

Andy: What are we supposed to do?

Mary: You have each been assigned a section of the street. Just walk through your area looking for anyone who appears to be cold or hungry or thirsty. Smile and offer them a lunch bag and a cup of cocoa.

Susan: Be sure to say, "Jesus loves you"

Mary: Thank you, Susan. It is very important to share Jesus' love with everyone you meet.

Andy: Like this, "Merry Christmas and remember that Jesus loves you."

Mary: Yes, Andy, exactly like that. Remember to smile at everyone and treat each person with respect.

Jan: My Dad says that they are all drunks and druggies. Is that true?

Susan: You can't say that, Jan. That's unkind and untrue.

Mary: It is true that problems with drugs and alcohol are part of the problem. There are many reasons why people are on the street. We know that Jesus is the One who is the answer to all of the problems.

Jan: My Dad says it is foolish to spend Christmas day handing out food to people who could do better if they tried.

Mary: What do you think, Jan?

Jan: I really don't know.

Susan: If you think this is a waste of time, why did you come?

Jan: Jesus said we should help people. It is His birthday so here I am.

Mary: That's good enough. Now, let's all put on our jackets, take a box or bag of lunches and be on our way.

Mary and the volunteers put on their coats. Jan puts on her scarf. They pick up the lunches and cups. Jan walks toward Jesus. The others go off stage. Focus turns to left stage.

Jan (approaching Jesus): Hello, are you hungry? (holds out a lunch bag) Would you like something to eat?

Jesus: Yes. (takes the bag) Thank you.

Jan: Are you thirsty? (holds out a cup of cocoa) Would you like some hot cocoa?

Jesus: (takes the cup) Yes, thank you very much.

Jan: Well, goodbye. Oh, I almost forgot, Jesus loves you.

Jesus: Thank you for remembering. Try not to forget that.

Jan turns to leave, walks a step or two and then turns back.

Jan: Are you cold?

Jesus: Yes, a little.

Jan: (sets down the lunches and takes off her coat and scarf and drapes them around Jesus) Here you can have these. I have more.

Jesus: Thank you. I'm much warmer now.

Jan begins to leave again and then turns around.

Jan: This is not right. There should be a place where everyone is warm and has enough to eat. There should be a place where everyone is loved and welcome.

Jesus: I come from a place like that.

Jan: Why did you leave?

Jesus: My Father sent me.

Jan: Why?

Jesus: To find a place where I can live.

Jan: There's an apartment for rent just down the street. I saw the sign.

Jesus: Not that kind of a place I'm here looking for hearts which will receive Me. Hearts where I can dwell.

Jan: (falls to her knees at Jesus' feet) I know Who You are. Jesus, my Lord and my God.

Jesus: (Wraps her coat and scarf back around her and then places His hand on her head) Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me. Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethern, you did it to Me.

Jesus places a crown on her head, helps her to stand, places a ring on her finger, puts an arm around her and walks off stage with her.

Reader: The Lord tells us by the mouth of the prophet, Isaiah, The kind of fasting that I want is this: remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free. Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives. Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.'"

Based on these scriptures: Isaiah 58:6-9 and Matthew 25:34-40

Author's note: This play may be printed, copied, performed and used to the Glory of God. If you use it in any published collection, (print, on-line, etc.) please include this URL http://www.beau.org/~vickir/drama along with the information that this and other plays are available at no charge.