Peter-his name means "rock," yet when Jesus needed him most, he let Him down. He denied Him, eventually three times. Peter yearns for forgiveness. But wait-that look in Jesus' eyes. It's not condemnation. It's pity, yes, but moreover, it's love. Peter realizes Jesus will always forgive us.
A reflective Miriam believes she was truly God's humble prophetess . at first. But she allowed seeds of rebellion and jealousy to slowly grow in her heart. When pride enters in, the door is wide open for other inner sins to follow. She wants to be God's humble servant again.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, feels the pain only a mother can feel when she sees Jesus carrying his own cross. Blood from His torture, blood dripping into His eyes from a crown of thorns. She recalls his birth, his special childhood, and the miracles he's accomplished in his adulthood. Suddenly the noise of the crowds, soldiers and other prisoners fades as she looks into His eyes one last time and knows. He is the one. He is the Messiah. And though He belongs to another world, He yet suffers and bleeds in this one in order to fulfill a thousand-year prophesy. And she, the mother of the So...
Mary says Jesus talked to her many times about his death, trying to prepare her for it. But she always pushed the thoughts away. It would happen later, some time in the distance. And she admits she even started to believe that He wouldn't have to die, that the prophecies were wrong. But now He is on the cross, dying, and she can do nothing about it, except be there for Him.
Mary Magdalene is frantic. How could they kill this man who has only shown love to everyone? Jesus cured her of her demons without asking questions. Now, she must follow His example helping others, not by asking who they are, but what they need. That is the only way she can go on. That's the only way -- of hope.
Judas is consumed with guilt and remorse. He can't believe that his actions have lead to Jesus' torture and crucifixion. If only Judas could take it back --can't he give back the 30 pieces of silver and make everything right again? All Jesus preached was forgiveness, but Judas will never be able to forgive himself.
Easter comes alive with this dramatic reading, a monologue portraying John at midnight after the Last Supper. He relates how the Master invited him to sit next to Him for the meal, how he wanted to remember seeing Jesus pray in the moonlight, and finally how He stopped the bleeding from the guard's severed ear. But now the soldiers have taken Him, and in his heart John is afraid. He is a weak man, and he fears for Jesus.