By Matt Tullos


Simon: How could one man endure such pain and agony. He carried the cross down the path of murderers and thieves. But He didn't curse his tormentors as others did. He carried the cross through the crowd of gawkers and hypocrites. The men whom, I suppose, He came to save. And as He walked down the way of sorrows, I heard him whisper something. I didn't understand. I couldn't make out His words. So I followed and listened more intently. Over and over He said the same words, glancing towards Heaven as He spoke. As he fell on the cobbled road to the place of the skull, I finally understood his words. His words were not pleas for mercy.He passionately whispered over and over again- "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." I carried His cross for a few short moments. He carried the weight of the world through the halls of eternity that day.

Congregational Singing: Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
O! Sometimes It causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?


Soldier: (Holding a hammer) I placed the nail squarely between his wrist and palm. And waited for the terrible scream of pain. (He swings the hammer down onto an anvil.) I gritted my teeth and tried to block out the reality of my duties. The hammer fell and, yes, he screamed in pain. I still hear His painful outburst. His pain was real, but His crime? What had this man done? Why did the people who just days ago cheered Him, want so desperately to see Him die?

What had this man done. He hadn't done anything wrong. He was a Man of righteousness. I had killed many a man in my time but this was no ordinary man. This Man was indeed the Son of God.


Congregational singing: Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
O! Sometimes It causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?

Mary, Mother of Jesus: I saw Him die tonight. He died stripped of everything and mostly alone-Mocked. Rejected. Alone. Thorns pieced His swollen forehead. And as the blood fell on the ground my life seemed to be over. What is my life after Jesus? (broken and angry) God why? Why did you do this? Why did He have to suffer? I can't think of it. I carried him in my womb. I was one of the first to see Him, that morning in Bethlehem when He came into our lives. He was to be King. Why?! God I have so much pain. Why not me? Why did He have to die! Why have you ended the story this way. No angels, no songs, no light. No hope.

Congregational singing: Were you there when they laid him in the tomb
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb
O! Sometimes It causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord.

Peter: It's true! I saw it myself! He is alive. He reigns! Despite my denials, my shortcomings, my shame, He came to me! I will praise His name forever. He is Lord of the universe. He is King of Kings. Not even death could hold Him. Where are the others? They've got to know. (To himself) What am I saying? The whole world needs to know! HE IS ALIVE!

Congregational singing: Were you there when He rose up from the grave.
Were you there when He rose up from the grave.
Sometimes I have to shout glory, glory, glory!
Were you there when He rose up from the grave.