PURPOSE: John 18:3–9, Hebrews 2:14–15, and John 17:3 remind us that Jesus came to free us from the fear of death and to give us the assurance of eternal life through Him.
DO NOT BE AFRAID
Notes
- Simply read the script sitting on stools OR Act out the story as seen illustrated in parentheses below. (The residents will be able to see more clearly on a stool rather than a chair.)
- Actions in parentheses are not to be read, they are stage directions only.
- Eye focus: Unless otherwise noted, readers look outward to the audience.
- Pacing: Speak slowly, loudly, and clearly. Allow intentional pauses for reflection.
- The Narrators: Read with strong dramatic expression, varying tone and volume.
Readers
- Narrator 1
- Narrator 2
- Disciple
- Option: Both Narrators can be combined into one.
Props
- Sign: AFRAID
Narrator 1 sits or stands to the right of the stage. Narrator 2 sits or stands to the left of the stage. The Disciple sits or stands in the middle.
SCRIPT
Narrator 1
Everyone feels afraid sometimes.
(Pause.)
Fear is something we all understand.
(Pause.)
And one of the greatest fears people carry…
(Pause.)
is the fear of dying.
(Pause.)
What happens?
(Pause.)
What does it mean?
(Pause.)
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if someone could show us?
Narrator 2
One evening,
Jesus was in a quiet olive grove
with His disciples.
(Pause.)
The night was peaceful.
Still.
(Long pause.)
Then—
(Pause.)
everything changed.
Narrator 1
(Voice grows tense.)
Roman soldiers and Temple guards came into the grove,
(Pause.)
carrying blazing torches, lanterns…
(Increase intensity and volume.)
and weapons.
Disciple
Oh no! Jesus…
(Pause.)
they’re coming!
Narrator 2
When the Roman soldiers came with their weapons, the disciples trembled with fear!
(Pause.)
But Jesus, calmly…
(Pause.)
stepped forward, and said:
(Calm, confident.)
Who are you looking for?
(Firm, controlled.)
Jesus the Nazarene, the Soldier demanded.
Narrator 1
(Clear, steady authority.)
I AM He.
The moment Jesus spoke those words—
(Pause.)
the soldiers fell to the ground. They heard the authority in which Jesus spoke.
Disciple
What…
(Pause.)
just happened?
Narrator 2
Once again Jesus asked: Who are you looking for?
Jesus the Nazarene, the Soldier demanded once again.
I told you that I AM He.
(Pause.)
Since I am the one you want,
(Steps in front of the disciple)
let these others go, Jesus replied.
Jesus did this so none of His disciples would be taken.
(Pause.)
He protected every one of them—
(Pause.)
just as He promised.
Narrator 1
And here is why this moment matters so much.
(Pause.)
God’s Word tells us:
(Hebrews 2.)
Because God’s children are human—
(Pause.)
made of flesh and blood—
(Pause.)
Jesus also became human.
(Pause.)
He chose to feel what we feel.
(Pause.)
He chose to face what we fear.
(Pause)
He chose to die for us.
Narrator 2
Only by dying as a human
(Pause.)
could Jesus break the power of the devil—
(Pause.)
the one who held the power of death.
(Pause.)
And only by doing this
(Pause.)
could He set free all those who lived their lives being afraid of dying.
Narrator 1
By God’s grace,
(Pause.)
Jesus tasted death
(Pause.)
for everyone.
Narrator 2
And God—who made everything and for whom everything exists—
(Pause. Spread hands out. )
chose to bring many children
(Pause.)
into His glory.
God’s Word tells us, (Look up, speaking to God) “This is the way to eternal life-to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.” John 17:3
Now we can have HOPE and COURAGE to tell others: Because of Jesus we do not have to be afraid of death or anything.
Disciple
(Removes the “AFRAID” sign from around his neck.)
All: Narrators and Disciple
(All step forward together. Fear has lifted. Voices unified.)
We do not have to be afraid.
(Pause.)
Jesus is with us.
(All bow their heads briefly.)
(Optional transition phrase: If choosing to perform the “Two Thieves”.)
Narrator 1
Jesus was not afraid to face death—
because He knew His Father was with Him.
In the garden,
He stepped forward willingly.
And on the cross,
He did the same. Between two guilty men,
we begin to understand
why His courage matters so much
to us.
Guided Prayer
(Narrator speaks slowly, pausing between phrases. Opportunity for Residents respond at conclusion.)
Lord Jesus,
Thank you for loving us so much to die and pay the price for our sins.
We receive your sacrifice, and ask for your forgiveness.
(Pause.)
You are the One who gives us peace to rest in Your presence,
and courage to follow You each day.
(Pause.)
If you agree with this prayer, and trust in Jesus with your heart say, “In Jesus name, Amen.”
(Pause for response.)
Amen.