Temptation of Jesus

Characters: Satan, Jesus, two angels.

Properties: Rocks, or facsimile of cardboard, some high point for Scenes II and III such as platform or wooden box, food and washbowl.

Scene I

Jesus sitting among the rocks

Enter Satan

Satan: You have been out here in the wilderness for forty days and nights without eating. You must be very hungry.

Jesus: Of course, I am hungry.

Satan: If you are the son of God command these stones to be made bread.

Jesus: It is written (Deuteronomy 8:3) man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Satan: Come, let us go into the Holy City.

(They leave and enter again.)

Scene II

Satan: Sit here on the highest point of the Temple. (Jesus is seated.)

Now, if thou be the son of God, cast thyself down. For it is written (Psalms 91:11-12): He shall give His angels charge concerning thee, and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Jesus: It is written (Deuteronomy 6:16): Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Satan: Come with me. I have something to show you.

(Both Leave.)

Scene III

Mountaintop

Enter Jesus and Satan.

Satan: From here you can see all the kingdoms of the world. Look how glorious they are! All these things I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me!

Jesus: Get away from me, Satan. For it is written: Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and Him only shall you serve.

(Satan leaves.)

(Enter two angels with food and wash his feet.)

End