Scripts

Matthew I


[JESUS sits among a group of disciples, MATTHEW, JOHN, PETER, SIMON, JAMES, ANDREW and JUDAS. They are eating and drinking, talking and philosophizing, but JESUS turns to JUDAS, leaning into him.]


Jesus: I have a brother named Judas. Though my mother calls him Jude.


Judas: it's not an unpopular name. We have at least two other disciples among us called Judas.


Jesus: Perhaps, but you're the only Judas here. 


[JUDAS smiles and nods, taking a drink and looking around them, at the disciples engrossed in their own discussions, seeming to ignore the two of them. Somewhere, SIMON is singing.]


Judas: Is that why I'm getting so much attention tonight? Because I'm the one here?


Jesus: of course not. You get my attention because you deserve it. Because I hope you enjoy speaking to me, as I do you.


Judas: we are both mere men, rabbi, young men at that. Surely you have better things to focus on. 


Jesus [smiling, lifting his own cup to his lips]: surely, you're mistaken. 


Jesus: There exists no such thing as a mere man. All men are made of simple and beautiful things, all by the lord. 


Judas: Then surely, if all men are made of beautiful and simple things, you were crafted from the finest the lord had to offer. There’s a reason you’re the one we follow. 


Judas: you were simply made for bigger, better things. 


[JESUS moves closer to Judas, so their thighs are touching, breaking his bread to share with the other. Nearby, MATTHEW and ANDREW are squabbling over the prices of fish.]


Jesus: We are made of the same material, crafted by the same hands. If I am destined to greater things, perhaps we both are. 


[JUDAS takes the bread, eating it slowly before answering.]


Judas: I think it’s time I went to bed. Thank you for your time.


Jesus: You won’t stay a while longer? Until the others grow tired?


Judas: I’m afraid I'm already tired. Thank you for the bread and wine.   


Judas: for what it’s worth, though; I hope if I have some great destiny, it is beside yours. 


[Judas stands to leave, but leans down to kiss Jesus’ cheek. He smiles as he walks away.]


Judas: goodnight, Rabbi. 


[the party continues, but Jesus sits alone.]

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