THE TWO THIEVES

LUKE 23:32-43

Performance Notes

• The Narrator and the 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 Narrator should read with strong dramatic expression, varying tone and volume.
• Actions in parentheses are stage directions and should not be spoken.

Cast

• Narrator
• Thief 1 — “Guilty” (Unrepentant Thief)
• Thief 2 — “Guilty” (Repentant Thief)

Props

• Two Signs reading “GUILTY”

SCRIPT:

Narrator:

(Standing center stage. A brief pause before beginning.)

No one likes to admit they are guilty. (Pause.)

But before a holy God— who created us and is without sin— (Pause.)

we cannot say anything except that we are guilty.

(Slowly.)

When Jesus was persecuted and led to the cross to be crucified, (Pause.)

“Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with Him. When they came to a place called The Skull, (Pause.) they nailed Him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified— one on His right and one on His left.”

Thief 1

(Steps out from behind the divider wearing a sign that reads GUILTY in bold letters. Moves deliberately. Stops to the right of the Narrator. Faces the audience. Stands rigid, defiant.)

Thief 2

(Steps out from behind the divider wearing a sign that reads GUILTY. Moves more slowly. Stops to the left of the Narrator. Head slightly lowered.)

Narrator:

(Looks right, left and then forward – voice heavy with sorrow.)

Brutally beaten and weak, (Pause.)

Jesus said:

“Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.’”

(Pause. Slight shift in tone.)

“The crowd watched. The leaders scoffed. (Pause.)

‘He saved others,’ they said. ‘Let Him save Himself if He is really God’s Messiah, (Pause.)

the Chosen One.’”

Thief 1 (angrily)

(Leans forward slightly. Voice sharp, mocking.)

“So you’re the Messiah, are you? (Pause.)

Prove it. Save yourself— (Pause.)

and us too, while you’re at it!”

(Turns slightly away, arms crossed.)

Thief 2 (humbly)

(Takes a breath. Voice quieter, sincere. Lifts head.)

“Don’t you fear God (Pause.)

even when you have been sentenced to die?

(Pause. Turns slightly toward Actor 1, then back to audience.)

We deserve to die for what we’ve done wrong. (Pause.)

But this man hasn’t done anything wrong.”

(Looks directly at the audience, then upward.)

Jesus, (Pause.)

remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.”

Narrator:

(Narrator walks slowly toward Thief 2. Gently removes Thief 2’s GUILTY sign and places it around his own neck. Holds the weight of that moment – assuming the position of Jesus. Long pause.)

(Hands open and facing upward) Jesus said,

‘I assure you, (Pause.)

today (Pause.)

you will be with Me in paradise.’”

(Both Thieves bow their heads.)

Narrator:

(Steps forward slightly. Addresses the audience directly.)

We have sinned (Pause) done wrong. (Pause) and failed to please God. (Pause.)

The Bible says sin pays us off with death. (Romans 6:23.)

But Jesus,

chose to die (Pause.)

in our place.

(Long reflective pause.)

(Optional Closing/Guided Prayer)

(Speaks slowly, leaving space between phrases.)

Let us pray together.

(Pause.)

Lord Jesus,

I come to You just as I am.

(Pause.)

I bring You my fears,
my worries,
and the things I do not understand.

(Pause.)

Thank You for loving me.

(Pause.)

Because of my sins, I was the one who deserved to die.

(Pause.)

Thank You for taking my punishment
and giving me the promise of new life.

(Pause.)

I place my trust in You today.

Please give me Your peace.

(Pause.)

Walk with me,
stay with me,
and help me.

I rest in Your care, now and always.

(Inviting but unhurried.)

If this prayer is yours,
and you agree in your heart,
would you softly say, Amen.

(Pause long enough for response.)

People:

Amen.

(Concludes)

Amen.