The Luke Drama: My Journey

“In his ‘orderly account’ to his friend Theophilus, Dr Luke gives us many details of the life of Jesus not recorded in the other three Gospels.

Only Luke introduces us to Zechariah and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist; only Luke tells us of the visitation of Gabriel to Mary in Nazareth; only Luke tells us of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, and of Mary’s glorious song of praise; of the birth of John the Baptist and Zechariah’s prophesy; of the army of angels who descended in the fields near Bethlehem to announce the Messiah’s birth; of Jesus’ circumcision and dedication at the temple; of Simeon and Anna; of the events surrounding Jesus’ Bar Mitzvah at the age of twelve; and many other historical touches.

The Gospel of Luke also includes many teachings of Jesus and parables not recorded by other Gospel writers.

The Luke Drama – by Wycliffe Bible Translators – is the story of Jesus told by Luke, acted out over 90 minutes by a cast of 15 ordinary Christians as theatre-in-the-round.”

Just recently, I had the privilege of being in the cast for a couple of performances of the Luke drama.

My experience had me playing 12 parts. Some a few words, some more significant. But all contributing to a process of discovery.

Portraying the character of Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, had me beginning with great excitement and hope. As Anna, the old lady who had been diligently awaiting the coming of the Messiah, I was celebrating the birth of Jesus and prompting others to do the same.

Then, as the sinful woman anointing Jesus’ feet and the woman that had been crippled for 20 years, I experienced first-hand the compassion and power of Jesus.

The transition to playing Pilate was stark. Whilst I defended Him vigorously, knowing Him to be innocent, I bowed to fear and public pressure. I sentenced Him to death. I tried to redeem myself by encouraging Joseph to give Him a decent burial, but this really didn’t help – He was already dead!

The journey I went on reminded me of my life.

When I committed my life to Jesus at a young age, I was full of anticipation of what could be. Just as with the women, He has intervened in my life in profound ways – both gently and powerfully.

Unfortunately, just like Pilate, I have also let Him down.

No matter how much I try to undo it, I can’t.

Imagine if Pilate had seen the risen Jesus. If he had heard Jesus say to him, “Pilate, it’s OK. I’m alive, I forgive you, I love you.”

I’m grateful that my story has not finished with condemning Jesus to death. That I know that Jesus is alive. That no matter how much I have failed, whilst I can’t fix it, Jesus forgives me and loves me.

Are you able to relate to any or all of the characters I’ve described?