Mary's Story
To consider the story of Jesus' resurrection from the perspective of Mary Magdalene; to reflect on her joy and amazement that Jesus was alive again!
by Gill Hartley
Suitable for Whole School (Pri)
Aims
To consider the story of Jesus' resurrection from the perspective of Mary Magdalene. To reflect on her joy and amazement that Jesus was alive again!
Preparation and materials
- A copy of the script for each performer.
- A Bible in a modern translation or a children's version.
- Prepare the play in advance with six (or seven) older children - you can either read the part of the Narrator yourself, or give it to a strong reader.
Assembly
- Start with the song: 'From the darkness came light' (Come and Praise 1, 29).
- Read the story of Mary's visit to Jesus' tomb (John 20.1-18) in a modern translation or from a children's version of the Bible.
- Perform the dramatized reading.
Mary's Story
by Gill Hartley
Based on Luke 24.1-3, John 20.1-18
Cast:
Mary Magdalene
Two Angels
Peter
John
Jesus
Narrator
Narrator: Jesus is dead. Mary and some of her friends get up early on the Sunday morning to go to his tomb with the spices and perfumes they have prepared for his body. When they get there they discover that the stone which had covered the way in has been rolled to one side and the body is gone. Mary runs back to tell Peter and John what has happened.
Mary (out of breath): They've taken Jesus out of his tomb and we don't know where they've put him!
Peter (to John, surprised): We'd better go and have a look!
Narrator: Peter and John arrive at the tomb with Mary following behind.
Peter (amazed): The body's gone!
John (even more amazed): You're right! I don't understand.
Narrator: Later, Mary stands by herself by the tomb, crying. Then she looks in and sees two angels.
Angels: Why are you crying?
Mary: They've taken Jesus away and I don't know where they've put him!
Narrator: Mary turns round and sees Jesus but does not recognize him. She thinks he is the gardener.
Mary: If you've moved him, Sir, tell me where you've put him and I'll take him away.
Jesus: Mary!
Mary (amazed): Jesus?
Jesus: Don't touch me yet, but go back to my brothers and tell them I am not dead.
Narrator: Mary runs back to tell Peter and John what has happened.
Mary (overjoyed): I've seen the Lord! He's told me to tell you that he's not dead! - Thank the performers and ask them to return to their places.
- Ask the children how they think the people in the story felt, e.g.
Mary: sad at first, then puzzled, then amazed, then overjoyed.
Peter and John: surprised, amazed, sure Jesus was God's Special One. - Ask the children, why was everyone amazed? Try to bring out the wonder of the fact that someone they had seen die had now been seen alive!
Time for reflection
Dear God,
Thank you for all that amazes us and gives us joy:
that from the darkness comes light,
that after the dead of winter comes the new life of spring,
that out of the egg comes a baby bird,
from a tiny seed comes a tall tree or beautiful flower
and from a dry chrysalis comes a brilliant butterfly.
As Jesus' first followers were amazed and happy at his resurrection,
help us never to lose our amazement at the wonder of new life all around us.
Amen.
Song/music
'From the darkness came light' (Come and Praise 1, 29).
