Fear of dying is real – especially as our bodies are failing because of age. Studies show that when spiritual care is offered in nursing homes, 40–60% of residents participate — with even greater openness among those nearing the end of life. John 18:3–9, Hebrews 2:14-15, and John 17:3 helps residents see Jesus came to set free all those who live their lives being afraid of dying.
Performance Notes
- The Narrators and Actors do not interact verbally with one another; all spoken lines are directed toward the audience.
- Eye focus: Unless otherwise noted, actors look outward to the audience.
- Pacing: Speak slowly, loudly, and clearly. Allow intentional pauses for reflection.
- The Narrators should read with strong dramatic expression, varying tone and volume.
- The Disciple steps out wearing a sign “Afraid” and reacts to narration with motions and facial expressions.
- Actions in parentheses are stage directions and should not be spoken.
Cast
- Narrator 1
- Narrator 2
- Disciple
- Option: Both Narrators can be combined into one character.
Props
- Sign: AFRAID
[STAGE DIRECTION]
Narrator 1 stands to the right of the stage. Narrator 2 stands to the left of the stage. The Disciple stands in the middle.
SCRIPT
Narrator 1
(Standing center stage. A brief pause before beginning.)
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
(Reflective, steady tone.)
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
(Steps back quickly, hands to face, fear visible.)
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
(Gasps, stumbling back.)
What…
(Pause.)
just happened?
Narrator 2
(Unmoved. Steps forward again.)
Who are you looking for?
(Rising slowly.)
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
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 Truth in Motion “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.