SAD TO JOY

PURPOSE: This portrayal follows Peter’s journey from grief after the crucifixion to joy when he meets the risen Jesus on the shore. It reminds us that true joy comes from knowing Jesus and sharing His love. (John 21:1–17)

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
• Peter — “Sad” / later “Joy”

Props

• Fishing Pole (Optional)
• “Sad” Sign
• “Joy” Sign

SCRIPT

Narrator

Peter had followed Jesus for years. When Jesus was taken away to be crucified, Peter lingered behind at a distance. Three people recognized Peter as a “follower of Jesus.” However, Peter denied Jesus saying “I do not know Him.” When Peter recognized what he had done, he went out and “wept bitterly.”
(Pause.)

After Jesus was crucified he was sad, and didn’t know what to do with himself.
(Pause.)

His heart was heavy.
(Pause.)

So he went back to the only thing he knew.

Peter

(Enters slowly from behind a divider or upstage. Shoulders slumped, head down. Sign reads SAD. )

I’m going fishing.

(Pantomimes casting fishing line slowly, reels it in, repeats.)

Narrator

(Gestures toward Peter.)

But after fishing all night… he caught nothing.
(Pause.)

Not a single fish.
(Pause.)

At dawn, a man stood on the shore…
(Pause.)

But they didn’t realize it was Jesus.

Narrator (as Jesus, calling out)

“Friends! Have you caught any fish?”

Peter

(Wiping brow.)

No.

Narrator (as Jesus)

“Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you’ll get some!”

Peter

(Looks confused, shrugs. Then throws imaginary net to his right with a sweeping motion.)

Narrator

Suddenly the net was full—so full he could barely pull it in. There were 153 large fish!

Peter

(Points toward shore, excited.)

It’s the Lord!

Narrator

Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught. Come and have some breakfast!”

Peter

(Eyes widen. Quickly removes Sad sign, drops it.)

Narrator

Peter raced to Jesus!
(Pause.)

And on shore… breakfast was waiting. Fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.
(Pause.)

Bread and fish, prepared by Jesus Himself.

(Narrator gently places a JOY sign around Peter’s neck.)

Jesus asked him,
(Pause.)

“Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”

Peter

(Hand to heart, then extended as if to Jesus.)

Yes Lord… You know I love You.

Narrator

(Hand extended to residents.)

“Then feed My lambs.”

Jesus asked Peter again. “Do you love Me?”

Peter

Yes, Lord… You know I love You.

Narrator

(Hand extended to residents.)

“Then take care of My sheep.”

Jesus asked a third time. “Peter, do you love me?”

Peter

(Bit of pain, then tenderness.)

Lord… You know everything. You know that I love You.

Narrator

Jesus said, “Then feed My sheep.”

Jesus continued, “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself an went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.”

And with joy restored,
(Pause.)

Peter went out to tell the whole world about Jesus.

(Pause.)

Oh, what joy for those whose sins are forgiven! (Romans 4:7)

The End.

Guided Prayer

(Narrator speaks slowly, pausing between phrases. Opportunity for Residents respond at conclusion.)

Lord Jesus,

Lord, thank you for meeting us right here where we are. We can be sad at times, but Your truth bring us Joy. You love us. You forgive us.

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 to be the Lord of your life,
say “In Jesus name, Amen.”

(Pause for response.)