Jesus and John Written by: Dr. Pelham Mead III Based onthe novel Jesus and John, 2014, Xlibris publishers Dr. Pelham Mead Jesus and John By Dr. Pelham K. Mead III ©)2014 Adapted from the novel Jesus and John, Xlibris Publishers Dr. Pelham Mead ACT ONE- IN THE BEGINNING…T 1 HE BIRTH OF JOHN 1 2 SCENE 1-INT. DAY THE DAYS OF HEROD KING OF JUDEA 37- 2 4BCE ZACHARIAS, JEWISH PRIEST Elizabeth when I awoke this morning I could really feel my old age. My back was stiff and my knees were swollen. It is my turn to burn incense in the Temple of the Lord today. I am leaving to go to the Temple now and I will return later. ELIZABETH, WIFE OF ZACHARIAS THE PRIEST Go with God my husband. ZACHARIAS, JEWISH PRIEST Very crowded at the temple today. I have much incense to burn today. First I will pray. Suddenly an Angel appeared while Zacharias was praying. ANGEL OF GOD Fear not Zacharias for your prayer is heard. Your wife Elizabeth shall bear you a son and you shall call his name John. You Shall have joy and gladness and many shall rejoice at this birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mothers womb. Many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. (MORE) 2. Dr. Pelham Mead And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. ZACHARIAS, JEWISH PRIEST How shall I know what you said is the truth? For I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. ANGEL OF GOD I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto you, and to show you these glad tidings and, behold, you shall be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because you believe not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. PRAYERFUL JEWS Why has Zacharias taken so long to light the incense? When Zacharias came out of the temple he could not speak. As the Angel of God predicted he would not be able to speak. PRAYERFUL JEWS (CONT’D) Look he cannot speak. He must have had a vision? Praise be to God. Zacharias return soon thereafter to his home. ELIZABETH, WIFE OF ZACHARIAS THE PRIEST Welcome home husband. How did the incense lighting go? ZACHARIAS, JEWISH PRIEST (Pointing to his throat unable to speak) oogh, oogh ANGEL OF GOD (CONT’D) 3. Dr. Pelham Mead ELIZABETH, WIFE OF ZACHARIAS THE PRIEST What are you saying Zacharias? I cannot understand you. What happened to your voice? Write it down what you are saying? Zacharias wrote down that while he was praying in the Temple he saw an Angel of God who spoke to him and told him that you would conceive a child and that we should call him John. I told the Angel of God that you were too old and the Angel, called GABRIEL , told me that I had no faith and he took away my voice until the day my son John was to be born. ELIZABETH, WIFE OF ZACHARIAS THE PRIEST (CONT’D) This is wonderful news Zacharias. Why didn’t you believe the Angel? Never mind you cannot talk. So it came to pass that Elizabeth conceived, and hid herself five months to avoid scrutiny. Meanwhile back in Nazareth Mary Mother of Jesus had an incident with an Angel of God. THE ANGEL OF GOD Mary Mother of Jesus your cousin Elizabeth is pregnant in her old age with a child in her sixth month and she is in need of your help. MARY MOTHER OF JESUS (14) MOTHER TO BE OF JESUS Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to your Word. I will go as you requested to my cousin Elizabeth. The next day Mary Mother of Jesus spoke to Joseph. 4. Dr. Pelham Mead MARY MOTHER OF JESUS (CONT’D) Joseph, an Angel of the Lord came to me in my sleep and told me that my cousin Elizabeth, who is advanced in age, is pregnant with a child in her fifth month, and said that I should go and help her through this pregnancy. As you know I am also with child and since we are not yet married this would be a problem with your family and relatives. JOSEPH OF NAZARETH (40) I too had an Angel of God come to me in my sleep. The Angel told me not to worry about your pregnancy. We will have a son and he will be called Jeshua (Jesus), and he will be a great leader among men. It is wise for you to go and visit your cousin Elizabeth to get away from my relatives who will not look fondly upon your pregnancy out of wedlock. I cannot go because of my building business, however I will send Nathaniel, my servant, to protect you on a donkey to speed up the three day journey to Hebron. The next day it was a hot sunny day in Nazareth that day in the year 1 BC in the country of Judea during the reign of Herod the Great, a governor put in place by the Romans. JOSEPH OF NAZARETH (CONT’D) Nathaniel and I have readied your donkey and packed enough water and food for both of you for three days travel to Hebron. I will miss you greatly, but it is better this way, and hopefully some of my relatives will have forgotten about you after a few months. Go and care for your cousin and upon your return I will have already announced our wedding to my family and relatives and townsfolk. (MORE) 5. Dr. Pelham Mead Go with God and be careful to avoid the thieves that pray on the caravans on the road to Hebron. MARY MOTHER OF JESUS Good bye my love. Come on Nathaniel the sun is coming up fast and the heat of the day will be upon us. Tears came to Mary Mother of Jesus’s eyes as her donkey headed over the hill out of sight of Joseph who was standing there waving. After Nathaniel and Mary Mother of Jesus left Joseph went into his house and prayed. JOSEPH OF NAZARETH Lord God if be thy will, and Mary Mother of Jesus is to bring a child into this world, watch over her and keep her safe. For this will be my first child, and one who is blessed by the Angels. Give me strength Lord to deal with my weaknesses. God bless my family, amen. FADE OUT. SCENE 2-EXT. NIGHT-THE FIRST TWENTY 3 MILE MARK ON 3 THE WAY TO HEBRON CITY. The first day Nathaniel and Mary Mother of Jesus had reached the twentymile mark and stopped to rest for the night. They took blankets off of the donkey and bundled up for the cold desert air of the night. Mary Mother of Jesus lay on her blanket looking up at the stars when she noticed a shooting star. FADE IN: MARY MOTHER OF JESUS Look Nathaniel, a shooting Star in the night sky. I wonder if that is a sign to me from God. Nathaniel said little for he was but a servant of Joseph’s, and he did not know Mary Mother of Jesus at all. After eating some dried fruit and lamb JOSEPH OF NAZARETH (CONT’D) 6. Dr. Pelham Mead meat they retired for the evening. The next morning they set out early for Hebron to avoid the heat of the desert. Nathaniel planned to avoid going through or stopping at Jerusalem since it would slow down their trip, and it was a dangerous city to enter for just two people. Mary Mother of Jesus was a talkative young girl with a bundle of energy. She spoke to Nathaniel while riding the donkey as they journeyed south. The next night they camped by a spring where they were able to fill up their water sacks and watered the donkey and give it time to feed on grass. MARY MOTHER OF JESUS (CONT’D) How much further Nathaniel need we travel to get to Hebron? NATHANIEL Not far Mary Mother of Jesus, perhaps another days trip if we can walk more than thirty miles in one day. They passed a caravan headed north that day that were surprised to see just two people walking all the way to Hebron. A person in the caravan yelled out as they went by. CARAVAN PERSON (Yelling from a Camel) Where are you two going, Jerusalem? NATHANIEL No we are visiting relatives in Hebron south of Jerusalem. CARAVAN PERSON (Shouting back) Good luck and watch out for bandits, we killed three of them, a day ago on the caravan trail. NATHANIEL They have camels in that caravan that could walk a lot faster than a donkey. I wish we had two camels to ride on instead of a donkey. It is as the master wishes it. 7. Dr. Pelham Mead SCENE 3- EXT. DAY- THE THIRD 4 DAY ON THE ROAD TO 4 HEBRON On the third day just before dawn Nathaniel and Mary Mother of Jesus approached the hilly country where Hebron lie. NATHANIEL Mary Mother of Jesus look down there in the valley lies Hebron. MARY MOTHER OF JESUS Thank God, I am glad to get off this donkey and see my cousin Elizabeth, As darkness descended, they entered the city of Hebron and searched for the house of Zechariah of Hebron. Finally, they came across the house and entered in. ELIZABETH, WIFE OF ZACHARIAS THE PRIEST Mary Mother of Jesus it so good to see you and I guess you have heard the news? MARY MOTHER OF JESUS Yes, an Angel of God came to me and told me you were pregnant, and that I should come and help you through this pregnancy, So here I am to protect me against thieves. Joseph had to stay behind to take care of his building business. I have come to help you cousin in your time of need. Keep it a secret cousin, but I am also with child. Excuse my manners Elizabeth and Zechariah this in Nathaniel a servant of Joseph who came with me. ELIZABETH, WIFE OF ZACHARIAS THE PRIEST What did Joseph say? Did you sleep with him? 8. Dr. Pelham Mead MARY MOTHER OF JESUS (Whispering) No an Angel of the Lord came to me in a dream and told me I would be with child without lying with my finance. I was afraid that I would be stoned and fearful that Joseph would leave me if I was found to be pregnant without being married. ELIZABETH, WIFE OF ZACHARIAS THE PRIEST Do not worry Mary Mother of Jesus, you are safe here with your family and we will protect, and care for you until you return to Nazareth. The Next day Nathaniel departed for Nazareth. NATHANIEL Good bye Mary Mother of Jesus. MARY MOTHER OF JESUS Thank you Nathaniel for delivering me safely. Give my love and best wishes to Joseph. SCENE 4-INT. DAY- ELIZABETH’S 5 HOME IN HEBRON 5 ELIZABETH Mary Mother of Jesus come quick I think I just felt the baby kick. MARY MOTHER OF JESUS I am coming Elizabeth. Zacharia your son is kicking it’s mother. Oh, I forget you cannot talk. ZACHARIAS, JEWISH PRIEST Oohmag (Attempting to say something but only a grunting sound comes out of his mouth). 9. Dr. Pelham Mead ELIZABETH It is so good to have you here Mary Mother of Jesus to help me through this pregnancy. When Zacharia told me that an Angel appeared to him in the Temple, I did not believe him. Likewise, Zacharia did not believe the Angel of God when he told Zacharia that I would be with child and so the ANGEL punished him by taking away his voice. I am so exited to be having a child after so many years of trying. MARY MOTHER OF JESUS It is so good to be with you now Elizabeth. You have always been like an Aunt to me even though you are my cousin. Here I am, a teenager, helping you after so many years of not having any children. How strange and wonderful that an Angel appeared to both Zacharia, and myself. I am glad to have time to rest with you, and Zacharia, and not fear reprisal from Josephs relatives for being with child , but not lying with Joseph. Mary Mother of Jesus stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, and finally returned to her own house. She sent a message to Joseph that Elizabeth had her baby John prematurely, and she was ready to return home to Nazareth. JOSEPH OF NAZARETH Nathaniel I have just received word that Elizabeth has delivered her son and Mary Mother of Jesus is ready to come home. Prepare a donkey and leave at first light tomorrow to go to Hebron and bring Mary Mother of Jesus back safe and sound. And Mary Mother of Jesus abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house. Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son. 1:58 and her neighbors and her 10. Dr. Pelham Mead cousins heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father. and his mother answered and said. ELIZABETH OF HEBRON Not so; but he shall be called John. and they said unto her, there is none of your kindred that are called by this name. and they made signs to his father, how he would have him called and he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. Zacharias was stricken deft and dumb for not believing that his aged wife would have a child. When Zacharias was asked what to name the child, he wrote down on a tablet, John. ZECHARIAH THE PRIEST (Unable to speak, Zechariah writes on a tablet) His name is John he wrote. Immediately he regained his voice, and hearing, and he blessed the Lord. Zacharias was a priest of the Temple at Jerusalem who administered the incense on occasion. Both Elizabeth and Zacharias hailed from a long line of Priests, and this gave great credence to John’s legacy from birth. Mary Mother of Jesus and Joseph were of the house of David, and they also had a claim to a great heritage. Two male children, born but 13 months apart, with great family lines, and blessed by an Angel. Destiny was about to erupt in Judea and Galilee. FADE OUT. CHAPTER 2- THE BIRTH OF JESUS (JESHUA) OF NAZARETH SCENE 1-INT. DAY- MARY MOTHER OF JESUS RETURNS TO JOSEPH’S HOUSE IN NAZARETH. 11. Dr. Pelham Mead An angel of god came to Joseph in his sleep. ANGEL OF GOD Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary Mother of Jesus your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. WHen Joseph awoke he was afraid but he followed the instructions of the Angel of God. He sent a messenger to Hebron for Mary to return to Nazareth. FADE OUT. ACT 3-THE 13 COMING OF THE MAGI 13 14 SCENE 1- INT. DAY- HEROD’S CASTLE 14 Meanwhile in the Castle of Herod the Great. SERVANT IN THE CASTLE OF HEROD (40) Master, three Magi are here to see you. Shall I Let them have an audience? HEROD THE GREAT (60’S) Magi? From where did you say? SERVANT IN THE CASTLE OF HEROD From the East somewhere master.They Are searching for the newborn King of the Jews. HEROD THE GREAT Really? Let them in by all means. MAGI (THE THREE WISE MEN) Hail Great King Herod. We three have traveled far in following the star at night. (MORE) 12. Dr. Pelham Mead We have come to see the newborn King of the Jews and pay him homage. HEROD THE GREAT There must be some mistake for I am the King of the Jews. Where is this child to be born may I ask? In Bethlehem as it is written through the prophet. Servant call my Chief Priests and scribes immediately for me to consult regarding this matter. SERVANT IN THE CASTLE OF HEROD Yes Master. The servant of Herod goes to the Temple and asks all the Chief Priests and scribes to come to him in his castle. CHIEF PRIESTS OF THE TEMPLE. You summoned us Great King Herod? HEROD THE GREAT Yes, I have three magi from the East are here inquiring where the Messiah is to be born so that they may honor him. Can you tell me from your great knowledge of the bible where this Messiah is to be born? CHIEF PRIESTS OF THE TEMPLE. According to our records the Messiah is to be born in Bethlehem of Judea as it is written through the prophet. The prophet said, “and you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.” HEROD THE GREAT Magi I have consulted with my Chief Priests and Scribes and they tell me that a Messiah will be born in Bethlehem of Judea. Go and search diligently for search the child. MAGI (THE THREE WISE MEN) (CONT’D) (MORE) 13. Dr. Pelham Mead When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage. After meeting with Herod the Magi spoke amongst themselves and said they did not trust Herod. FADE OUT. SCENE 2- EXT. NIGHT- THE TOWN OF 15 BETHLEHEM IN 15 JUDEA FADE IN: MAGI Look there up in the sky. There is the star we have been following. It seems to be in the direction Bethlehem? Let us hurray our camels. Hours later they arrive in the little town of Bethlehem in the dark. MAGI (CONT’D) Does anyone know of a child being born in the city this very night? HOTEL KEEPER (60) I had no room in my inn so I let a young pregnant woman and her husband use the barn for the night. It is over there behind the inn. MAGI We have arrived. A candle was lit inside the barn and there stood a tall gentlemen leaning over a young women who was holding an infant in her arms. We bow to the messiah and bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. JOSEPH OF NAZARETH Who are you strangers? HEROD THE GREAT (CONT’D) 14. Dr. Pelham Mead MAGI We are magi from the east following the star to the birthplace of the new king of the Jews. JOSEPH OF NAZARETH You must be mistaken. I am only a builder and this is my wife Mary Mother of Jesus and we are poor people. MAGI Do you not see the star overhead shining on Bethlehem? JOSEPH OF NAZARETH No, I did not notice the star. Now that you mention it I can see the beautiful star overhead. How strange? MAGI It is a blessed moment in history as the prophet has foretold that a Messiah will be born out of Bethlehem of Judea. See the local shepherds have come to see the new born child. SHEPHERDS See there is the child we have heard of. Angels came to us in the fields and told us a Messiah was born this night in a manger, and yes here he is. This must be a miracle?. Hallelujah. MAGI (Having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way). Come let us return to our country and stay away from the Castle of King Herod. We must make haste. 15. Dr. Pelham Mead Mary Mother of Jesus though back to when she was in her sixth month of pregnancy when an Angel named Gabriel came to her. (FLASH BACK) GABRIEL THE ANGEL OF GOD Hail favored one! The Lord is with you. MARY MOTHER OF JESUS Who are you? You scared me. GABRIEL THE ANGEL OF GOD Do not be afraid, Mary Mother of Jesus, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. MARY MOTHER OF JESUS How can this be, since I have no relations with a man. What will Joseph’s relatives say? GABRIEL THE ANGEL OF GOD The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. FADE OUT. 16 16 SCENE 3- INT. DAY- THE CIRCUMCISION OF JESUS IN THE TEMPLE Eight days after Jesus was born Joseph and Mary Mother of Jesus took him to the temple in Nazareth for his circumcision . FADE IN: 16. Dr. Pelham Mead JOSEPH OF NAZARETH Mary Mother of Jesus we must take our son Jesus to the temple in to be circumcised on the eighth day. After that we will be required to present him to the Lord in the Temple in Jerusalem. MARY MOTHER OF JESUS We can offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons in accordance with the law of the lord. Joseph and Mary Mother of Jesus took the baby Jesus and traveled to Jerusalem. While there a man named Simeon approached them. SIMEON I am a righteous and devout name and blessed with the Holy spirit. My vision has told me that I would see the Messiah of the Lord before I die. JOSEPH OF NAZARETH We have come to present our son named Jesus in the temple of God this day. SIMEON Here let me take you son and have him blessed in the Temple. Now Master you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel. JOSEPH OF NAZARETH I thought he was going to bless our son Jesus? What is he talking about Mary Mother of Jesus? MARY MOTHER OF JESUS I am also confused. 17. Dr. Pelham Mead