(A room in Jerusalem. The light rises on CLEOPAS, a middle-age disciple, who packs a cloth bag. From offstage we hear the voice of DISCIPLE, his somewhat younger friend.)

DISCIPLE: Cleopas! Cleopas!

(Disciple enters, a packed bag slung over his shoulder.)

CLEOPAS: In here!

DISCIPLE: Cleopas! Jesus’s body is gone!

CLEOPAS: What?

DISCIPLE: Yes, the women went this morning to anoint Him, and the stone was rolled away. They said angels came and said He’s alive and gone into Galilee.⁴⁶

CLEOPAS: Angels?

DISCIPLE: Yes!

CLEOPAS: And Peter?

DISCIPLE: He and John went back to see the tomb for themselves.⁴⁷

CLEOPAS: Well, let’s leave this in their hands.

DISCIPLE: Mary Magdalene went back as well. She’s hopeful she can find His body.

CLEOPAS: Well, if she doesn’t, the Saducees will say we took it, so we could claim He’s risen from the dead.

DISCIPLE: Why?

CLEOPAS: Because they’re the ones, they’re the ones—our own people—who delivered Him to the Romans! That’s why the sooner we get on the road to Emmaus, the better. (handing Disciple a robe) Here, put this in your bag.

DISCIPLE: What if Jesus does come to Galilee?

CLEOPAS: Peter would send for us.

DISCIPLE: But Galilee? That’s where we started! Do you realize a week ago the Messiah was riding into Jerusalem—here where everything happens? He came as the king—thousands waving palms and crying hosannas—a prophet, mighty in deed and word before God and all the people.⁴⁸ People were finally listening and believing. The Kingdom of Heaven was right here, at hand.

[Music Cue: “Where Is He This Morn?” , ]

DISCIPLE (cont’d): It’s over now, isn’t it?

CLEOPAS: We all trusted He was the one who would redeem Israel.⁴⁹ But without Him . . . (overcome) Come, let’s go home.

(As Cleopas and the disciple exit, fade to black.)

NOTES
46. See Matthew 28:1-7.
47. See John 20:3-4.
48. See John 12:12-13.
49. See Luke 24:21.

• Continue on to Act Two, Scene 1, Segment 1.3