1

THE POWERS AND THE GLORY

A play for Easter
By Andy Nunez
This play is written to accommodate a medium stage broken into three sections by
diagram. Its aim is to show the contrast between the Powers of Jesus time, that is Pilate,
Herod, and Caiaphas, and the Glory, that is, Jesus.
Scene One: The audience chamber of Pontius Pilate, governor of Palestine
Note: This uses the left third of the stage, dressed as a chamber containing Pilates
throne, and an assortment of statues and wall decorations depicting a military theme.
Present are: Pontius Pilate, Roman Governor, and Herod, king of Judea, and Claudius
Longinius, a centurion. Pilate is seated, with Longinius at his shoulder. Herod enters,
clearly unhappy.
PILATE
Ah! King Herod! So good of you to answer my invitation. After all, I only sent it twice.
HEROD
You seem to forget that I am a ruler of this land. I do not come at your command. I have
business of my own with you.
PILATE
(Sneering) Your Majesty seems to forget that you rule at the pleasure of Rome. My
legions are the real power here, and they prop your corrupt kingdom up on the points of
their spears. However, since you are here, let us discuss matters. What, then, brings you
to me if not my invitation?
HEROD
Your summons, you mean. (Pilate waves a hand at him in a bored manner). Very well,
Governor, I have come here to discuss this prophet, the one called Jesus of Nazareth.
PILATE
Jesus of Nazareth, what a coincidence. I have been getting reports about him from the
outlying areas, Capernaum, Bethany, et cetera. Hes making quite a name for himself
amongst the country bumpkins. Miracle cures, isnt it?
HEROD
More than that, I am afraid. Let me tell you what has been gossiped about him. He
travels about, claiming to be the Messiah, the Anointed One. Reports are that he has
healed the sick, raised the dead, walked on water, and fed five thousand with a single
basket of fish and bread.

2
PILATE
This troubles you? You have these prophets going back and forth all the time. Your
administrators are constantly complaining we take too much of your food. Feeding five
thousand with a single basket sounds like the answer to your prayers.
HEROD
People think that he is the Messiah, the one prophesied to become the king and restore
this land to its glory.
PILATE
Now I get it. The people crown him king and you are out of a job. Well, if this fellow
threatens you, why not get rid of him like you did the last prophet. You delivered his
head on a silver platter, didnt you? A very nice gesture.
HEROD
I cant do that. The people love him more than the last one. Besides, execution is your
privilege, not mine.
PILATE
You broke that law when you killed that Baptist fellow. All because of a dancing girl, I
believe.
HEROD
That is the past. Now, this Jesus has come to Jerusalem. The people turned out in
droves. They threw down their cloaks before his donkey and waved palm branches!
(Here, Herod gestures toward the right third of the stage. Ideally, Jesus triumphal entry
will appear and orbit the audience going out a different door than they came in, dropping
off Jesus and his disciples to ascend to Stage Right. His followers will shout: Hosanna!
Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord! Alternatively, appropriate music or
song could be played.)
PILATE
So, the man had a parade. Its not like he and his men stormed the palace.
HEROD
I should have known better than to come to you for help. You think all of us are nothing
but slaves that Rome can squeeze for riches. For the last time, this Jesus is a threat. My
own Sanhedrin is in an uproar. Have you anything further for me?
PILATE
Not when you are in this mood. I have ordered no legionary flags to be flown during
your Passover. We will keep our distance, but I warn you, the least bit of trouble, and my
legion will enter the city, and they will be carrying spears, not palm leaves.

3
HEROD
(bows mockingly) I hear and obey, oh Praetor. Do not be surprised if you sit in
judgement of this Jesus. (He departs)
PILATE
(to Longinius) Herod is a fat fool, but there is talk of unrest because of this Jesus. See
what you can find out and report to me.
LONGINIUS
Yes, my lord. I had a fellow centurion who reported to me that this Jesus healed his
servant. The man has stopped worshipping Jupiter and the rest of the gods!
PILATE
Since when did soldiers get religious? This sounds worse all the time. Go now, and tell
me what you learn!
(The soldier salutes and departs) (Fade to black)
Scene Two: Christ Clears the Temple
(Christ and his followers are on the right. In the center are the moneychangers and
sellers. To the left, where the palace is set up are priests and soldiers. Longinius enters
from the palace entrance, a cloak over his armor and helmet-less. Between the money
changers and Jesus disciples, he spots Sarah, a lovely young lady who seems to be
observing Jesus discussing matters with his disciples. He approaches her, smiling)
LONGINIUS
Hello, I was looking for a fellow named Jesus.
SARAH
Thats Him, over there. Hes the one with the eyes that can look at your soul.
LONGINIUS
Your pardon, but my eyes were locked on something else. Are there any more at home
like you?
SARAH
I have four sisters. All of them are prettier than me.
LONGINIUS
Now that would truly be a miracle. Ive been in this city for three years now, and Ive
never seen anybody as pretty as you.
SARAH
Arent you fresh? You know nothing of me, nor I of you. My father is Joseph of
Arimathea, one of the wealthiest merchants in the city. Hell have you thrashed for your
rashness!

4
LONGINIUS
Forgive me, your worship! I had no idea you were royalty! May this lowly worm beg
your name, so that I may know over who I am being thrashed?
SARAH
My name is Sarah. It means princess.
LONGINIUS
Well, I can believe that.
SARAH
Fresh!
LONGINIUS
Just kidding! My name is Claudius. It means fellow trying hard to get to know Sarah.
(She smiles, just a little)
SARAH
You sound like a Roman heathen.
LONGINIUS
Guilty! But, say, cant we be friends? I already know your name, who your father is, and
that hes loaded.
SARAH
My father would have a fit if he knew I was talking to a godless Roman. Very well, stick
around. You might learn something. Watch out! Whats going on now?
(They step back to the left a little, exposing the moneychangers. Jesus, followed by his
disciples, charges forward) Everybody looks scared except him.
JESUS
What are you doing! It is written that my fathers house is one of prayer. You have made
it a den of thieves! Get out!
(He leaps among them, overturning tables and scattering wares. The sellers flee past the
guards and out the door. The priests motion for the guards to grab Jesus, but Longinius
trips the first one before he can do so. When the angry guard rises, Longinius throws
back his cloak to reveal his armor and puts and hand on his sword.)
LONGINIUS
Dont you have some widows and orphans to scare?
(The soldiers back down and return to the priests, who abuse them verbally)

5
SARAH
That was very brave. You dont even know Jesus.
LONGINIUS
And I wouldnt get to know him if they had arrested him. (He turns to see Jesus looking
at him with a smile). Youre right. He does have piercing eyes.
SARAH
To get to know him, you must hear what he says. I warn you though, he preaches one
god, not the army of them that you worship. Do you dare follow me?
LONGINIUS
I would dare ten thrashings from your father as long as you were there. Lead on, and Ill
keep an open mind.
(They turn to follow right. The lights black out Jesus and his followers)
Scene Three: The Temple Plot
(Lights up on the left, where the priests huddle)
PRIEST ONE
We are getting nowhere here. Look what he did today! Nobody can stop this man. If we
let him go one, everyone will believe in him. There will be a revolt and the Romans will
come in destroy the temple and carve our nation up. Thousands will die.
CAIAPHAS
You know nothing at all! Do you think I am going to stand by and let him do this? Dont
you think it would be better that one man should die rather than a whole nation?
PRIEST ONE
What are you saying?
CAIAPHAS
I am saying that for the sake of Israel, this Jesus must die! Put out the word! I want his
movements, so that we can arrest him and give him up to the Romans as a plotter.
PRIEST ONE
He is nearby. Let us go and discredit him. We know the Law.
CAIAPHAS
Very well, go and try. I will not be surprised if you all come back with your tails between
your legs, that is, if the mob doesnt deal with your first.
(The lights go down)

6
Scene Four: Jesus and the Pharisees
(Lights up on the right. Jesus heals many as Sarah and Longinius watch in amazement.
The Priests approach from the left, carelessly elbowing their way past Sarah and
Longinius, who has returned to his disguise)
PRIEST ONE
Master, we have seen and heard you perform many wonders. I ask you, though, by what
authority do you do these things?
JESUS
First, I will ask you a question. Tell me, the baptism of John, was it from heaven or did
he make it up?
PRIEST ONE (to the others)
If we say that it was from heaven, he will ask us why we didnt believe. If we say John
made it up, the people will stone us because they believe John was a prophet.
PRIEST TWO
Plead ignorance. Let him answer. His words will help condemn him.
PRIEST ONE
We dont know where the idea came from.
JESUS
If you cant answer this, then neither will I answer you, for if you werent blind you
would know the answer to both. (The people snicker. Even Longinius smiles)
PRIEST TWO (to the others)
Lets try this. (To Jesus) Teacher, we know that you are only supposed to teach what is
right. Answer this, then, is it right to pay taxes to the pagan Romans?
JESUS (to the crowd)
Show me a coin. (Longinius hands him one) Whose face is that, and whose name is on
it?
PRIEST TWO
Its Caesars, of course.
JESUS
Then give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give God what belongs to God. (The
people laugh)
PRIEST ONE
Come one, this is getting us nowhere. The whole world has gone over to him. (they
leave)

7
JESUS
Be careful of such teachers of the law. They like walking around in fancy robes and
acting like they know more than you do. They love the greetings in the market and the
good seats and the dinner tables. They love for you to see them on their high benches in
the synagogue, but beware! They devour widows houses and for a show make long,
pretty prayers. Their punishment will be harsh.
LONGINIUS
Please, sir, what do you mean?
JESUS
(Looks toward the palace) See the temple, how beautiful it is, covered with fine stone
and gifts for God? The time will come when not one stone will be left on another. They
will all be thrown down.
LONGINIUS
When we these things happen?
JESUS
Nation will rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes,
famine and disease all over the world. Dont be afraid. Men will arrest you and deliver
you to synagogues or prisons. Even your own family will betray you. All men will hate
you because of me. You will be put to death, even. Stand firm, and you will gain eternal
life.
LONGINIUS
Life forever, for believing in you? What are you that I should believe?
JESUS
There will be signs. The nations will be in turmoil, not knowing what will happen. The
stars and the moon will be shaken. Then, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud
with power and great glory.
LONGINIUS
Signs, what signs?
JESUS
Look at the fig tree and all the trees. Whey they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves
and know that summer is near. When you see these things happening, you will know that
the kingdom of God is near. (He places his hand on Longinius shoulder and beckons to
his disciples).
(Sarah drags an older man toward Longinius.)
SARAH
This is my father, Joseph. He is highly placed on the Sanhedrin and a merchant as well

8
LONGINIUS
(Bows) I am honored, noble sir. Your daughter is a treasure and speaks highly of you.
JOSEPH
Youre Roman! What kind of pagan nonsense have you been telling my daughter?
SARAH
Father! Hes interested in Jesus. Now, didnt you listen to the Master? He came to save
all peoples, the Romans, too.
JOSEPH
You are right. I suppose even Romans can find salvation.
LONGINIUS
What is this salvation? I just have to believe that this Jesus is the Son of God? I can do
that easier than believing that Caesar is God.
JOSEPH
Its more than that. You have to give up all the rotten, sinful things in your life and
follow the path that Jesus has set forth, wherever it leads.
LONGINIUS
Right now, my path leads back to the governor. Ill be sure to tell him that Jesus is no
threat to Rome. Will I see you again Sarah?
SARAH
Where Jesus is, I will be close by.
JOSEPH
And so will I!
(Longinius turns and leaves toward the left)
JOSEPH
If he only knew that the teachings of Jesus threaten not only Rome, but also all those who
seek a path other than the true light of God. (He shakes his head, puts his arm around
Sarah, and they walk off to the right)
Scene Five: Pilates audience chamber
(Pilate is seated when Longinius appears)
PILATE
Ah, here is my absent centurion. Well, what have you learned of these plots?

9
LONGINIUS
(Saluting) My Lord, Herod has reason to fear, but not for the ones he states. I have
witnessed this Jesus, and he preaches goodness, love, and fairness. He spoke out against
the corruption around him, not against the rulers themselves. He even told his followers
to pay their taxes! I saw him heal people and confound those snooty priests.
PILATE
Well done, Centurion. This Jesus sounds like an ideal person to keep Herod honest. You
say he did not speak out against Rome?
LONGINIUS
He spoke only of religious matters, except in the case of paying taxes.
PILATE
Excellent. He is no threat to us, then. Their festival of Passover is upon us. Why dont
you take off the rest of the week until it is over? Enjoy yourself as a reward for good
service.
LONGINIUS
My thanks, noble Pilate. (He bows and the scene ends)
Scene Six: The Betrayal
(Lights up on the left, where the priests confer)
CAIAPHAS
You fools! You are the smartest men on the Sanhedrin. You let a ragamuffin traveling
huckster out talk you.
PRIEST ONE
Dont sell him short, sir. He was creepy. Its like he really is what he says he is.
(Spotlight on the center, as Judas appears, and it follows him leftward)
CAIAPHAS
What shall we do now? Well never get close enough to learn his movements. I hope
you all like working in the Roman salt mines.
JUDAS
How much will you pay me to deliver Jesus of Nazareth into your hands?
PRIEST ONE
Its one of his disciples. Their treasurer. The greedy one.
CAIAPHAS
How can we trust you?

10
JUDAS
No more than I can trust you. I know that Jesus is going to supper this very night. When
the time is right and the others sleepy, I will sneak out and bring your men to him. For
the agreed price, I will kiss his cheek, and you will have him.
CAIAPHAS
I have little choice. You are the perfect one to perform this. Very well. 30 pieces of
silver and we had better see results or you will hang on a Roman crucifix, I promise you!
JUDAS
Done. (He is paid. Lights out left and up on the right. Peter, John and James are talking
as Jesus is at the extreme right, praying)
PETER
I still dont understand what happened.
JOHN
What, the part where he said you would deny him or when he said one of us would betray
him?
PETER
The whole thing. He washed our feet, and then made it sound like he was going to die.
To honor his body with bread and blood with wine, its hard to take in all at one time. He
meant it, though. Deny him, never. I will die first.
JOHN
I cant keep my eyes open. This whole ordeal is too exhausting. Things will be better in
the morning. (The others nod and fall asleep. The light fades to just a spotlight on Jesus)
JESUS
Father, if you are willing, take his cup from me, yet not my will, but yours, be done. I
pray not for the world, but for those you have given me. I will no longer be in this world,
but they will. When I was with them, I protected them. None has been lost except the
one doomed to destruction. I want them to be with me and see my glory and want to
continually be known to them so that your love may be in them and I may be in them.
(He looks to see the disciples asleep)
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Arise! Can you not stay awake even one
hour? The son of man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.
(Judas and guards appear from the left. Judas rushes forward to kiss Jesus)
JUDAS
Master!
GUARD
Are you Jesus?

11
JESUS
I am.
(As he speaks, all his captors fall backward in a daze. They hurriedly pick themselves up
as Peter and the rest awaken. Peter draws his sword on the unfortunate Malchus)
Put away your sword before it becomes your death. I must drink this cup. (To the guard)
Let the rest go. Why have you come with swords and clubs like I am some rebel? When
I was daily with you in the temple courts you did not lay a hand on me, but this is your
hour, the hour when darkness is supreme.
(They take him to the left.)
Scene Seven: Pilate meets Jesus
(The audience chamber. A crowd is forming. Longinius, still cloak struggles at the edge
of it. He spies Peter.)
LONGINIUS
Arent you one of Jesus men? Tell me what has happened.
PETER
No! Not me! I dont know what you are talking about! (He flees. Longinius spies
Sarah.)
SARAH
Claudius! They have arrested Jesus! The priests questioned him and now Pilate is
coming. Do something!
LONGINIUS
Pilate will be fair. Watch and see.
(Pilate emerges and takes his seat. Guards bring forth Jesus, followed by the smug
Sanhedrin members)
PILATE
This had better be urgent. Even Romans enjoy a good nights sleep.
CAIAPHAS
Noble arm of Caesar! We have found his man subverting our nation. He opposes the
paying of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Christ, a king.
PILATE
Thats not what I am hearing. So this is the famous Jesus! You dont look much like a
king? Is that what you claim to be?
JESUS
Yes, it is as you say

12

PILATE
He king of madmen, thats what he is. Hes a harmless fool. I find no basis to charge this
man under Roman law.
CAIAPHAS
Hes been stirring up trouble all the way from Galilee by his teaching.
PILATE
Oh, hes a Galilean? Then, send him to Herod! Perhaps Herod will give you what you
want. Get him out of here and dont you come back unless you have something worth
waking up the governor of Rome, or Caesars arm may well strangle you. Begone!
(As they leave, Pilates wife appears and falls to his side)
PILATES WIFE
Have nothing to do with that man, husband! I just had a horrible dream about him
PILATE
(Pats her arm) Dont worry, my dear. Thats probably the last Ill see of this Jesus
(The lights go out left and a spot follows Jesus to the right)
Scene Eight: Herods court
(A small courtyard scene can be simply put up on the right, with Herod being entertained
as he lounges on an ottoman or something similar. He sits up as Jesus approaches)
HEROD
Who troubles me at this hour? I should have you all flogged!
CAIAPHAS
We have orders from Pilate to hand over Jesus of Nazareth to you for trial.
HEROD
(Brightens) Jesus! I am so happy to meet you at last. Why is he here?
CAIAPHAS
Treason. He claims to be king
HEROD
Jesus? This cant be true? You are a holy man, another John the Baptist, from what I
hear. Give him some room. (The mob backs away and Herod circles Jesus, looking at
him like a specimen.) Jesus, Jesus, I am shocked. Well, Pilate has given you to me, so if
you do as I say, I can protect you. You understand that I can save you, yes?
(Jesus is silent)

13
What happened to your eloquent tongue? All this about the kingdom of God, and
salvation, and repentance, and now, nothing? I am one of your own, and your rightful
ruler as well. I command you show me one of your miracles.
(Jesus is silent)
Please! Your life is at stake. I have water, change it to wine! Multiply the loaves of
bread in my pantry til they bury the palace.
(Jesus is silent)
CAIAPHAS
Your majesty, this is getting us nowhere. Order him executed and be done with it.
HEROD
Who is king here? Listen, Jesus, they want your blood. Please, answer one question. A
word from you is all I ask.
(Jesus is silent)
Very well then! I have no choice but to find you guilty. Listen to me, then, priest. I
cannot execute him. Only the Romans are allowed to execute criminals. However, I will
go with you to lend my weight. Pilate fears the mob. Let us give him one to fear. Too
bad, Jesus, you had your chance, and you blew it. Get him out of here!
Scene Nine: Christ Before Pilate
(The mob returns to Pilate. Sarah and Longinius stand horrified as they watch the
soldiers push Jesus around. Pilate enters)
PILATE
What, again you bring me this man? Have you not tormented him enough? I told you
there was no evidence that he is leading a rebellion. Ill ask you again. Are you king of
the Jews?
JESUS
Have you figured this out by yourself or did others tell you?
PILATE
Am I a Jew? Your own people have brought you to me. They are your followers.
JESUS
My kingdom is not of this world, or my servants would fight for me.
PILATE
Ah, you are a king, then?

14
JESUS
You say that I am a king. For this I was born into this world, that the truth may be known
and so that all who believe in truth will listen to me.
PILATE
What is truth? (To the priests) Hes innocent. Take him to be flogged and well call it a
night (He motions and Jesus is led away).
HEROD
Thank you, Pilate. The man would tell me nothing. I am in your debt.
PILATE
Friendship, from you? I extend my hand in the hope a scorpion does not bite me.
(There is the sound of a whip and screams, then Jesus returns, cloaked in a robe and
wearing a crown of thorns)
Behold the man!
CAIAPHAS
Crucify him! (He turns to the crown and incites them. They take up the call)
PILATE
You crucify him! I find no law that he is broken.
CAIAPHAS
(Enraged) We have a law, and by that law he must die because he claims to be the Son of
God!
PILATE
(To Jesus) Where are you from, Jesus? (Jesus says nothing.) Speak to me! Dont you
know I have your life in my hands?
JESUS
You have nothing in your hands. The power you have is tolerated from above. It is those
who gave you to me that are guilty of the greater sin.
PILATE
(To the crowd) Behold your King!
THE MOB
We have no king but Caesar! Take him away! Crucify him!
CAIAPHAS
If you let this man escape, you are no friend to Caesar. You could easily hang beside this
man.

15
(Pilate goes to a basin and washes his hands)
PILATE
I am innocent of this mans blood. It is on your heads. Take him away.
Scene Ten: Crucifixion and Resurrection
(Jesus is crucified. Longinius and Sarah stare in disbelief among the jeering mob. Pilate
approaches with a sign: JESUS OF NAZARETH KING OF THE JEWS)
CAIAPHAS
Youve got it wrong. Write that he claimed to be king of the Jews.
PILATE
I have written what I have written. (To Longinius). Your leave is over. Stay here and
make sure there is no trouble. If these priests touch this sign or that man, string them up
beside him. (He leaves)
SARAH
You said Pilate was fair
LONGINIUS
He was too afraid of a revolt.
JESUS
Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.
SARAH
How can we let him die? He is the light of the world.
LONGINIUS
He asked for no help. He knows that too much innocent blood would have been shed.
What kind of man is he? He could have run away, bargained for his life, but he went as
meekly as a sheep to the slaughter.
SARAH
Arent you ready to believe he is what he says he is? The Savior?
LONGINIUS
Yes. Truly, this man was the Son of God.
JESUS
Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit (he dies.)
(Jesus is taken down as the crowd flees amid a chaos of lightning and thunder and is
placed in the tomb. Pilate sets the guard and seals the tomb. Lights flash behind the
tomb, and an angel appears. The guards fall down and the tomb is opened. Women
appear and Jesus comes forth. They run away overjoyed.)

16
Scene Eleven: The great commission
(The disciples, including Sarah, Joseph of Arimathea, and Longinius are huddled together
in a room. Jesus appears to them)
JESUS
Peace be with you!
(They crowd around him, tugging at his clothes and weeping).
Thomas, you said you would not believe unless you touched me. Here, put your finger in
the nail print.
THOMAS
(Does so, and then falls to his knees)
My Lord and My God!
JESUS
You believe because you see me. Blessed are those who have not seen me, but will
believe. I give to you the power of the Holy Spirit, so that your eyes may be opened and
you will understand everything. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to
me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you. I will be with you always, even to the very end of the age.
(They all hug and babble. Joseph pulls Longinius aside and whispers to him. Longinius
smiles and rushes to Sarah)
LONGINIUS
Your father is planning a trip to Britain to trade and spread the word of Jesus. He has
asked me to go along. I told him that I would on one condition.
SARAH
Whats that?
LONGINIUS
That you go with me as my wife.
SARAH
Somebody has to keep you straight, you ex-heathen.
(They embrace as the lights go out.
The end