Thursday, October 30, 2008

Unforgivin'
(The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant)

Scripture Reference: Matthew 18:21-35
Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.' - Matthew 18:22
A western showing we are forgiven and need to be forgiving.

Cast:
SAM – a blustery cowboy
OWNER – a cowgirl ranch owner (this could be made into a cowboy)
COWPOKE – a fellow worker

Costume:
I have done this as both a puppet skit and a skit with actors.
If done with actors, they should wear traditional western outfits. This could be as simple as cowboys hats or as elaborate as full cowboy attire.

Props:
none

(The OWNER starts on stage and is joined by SAM.)

SAM: Howdy, ma’am. I was wondering if I could get an advance on my wages?

OWNER: Well, Sam, I was just looking over the books, and I notice you have been taking out quite a few advances lately. In fact, you owe me a million dollars!

SAM: Tarnation! How’d I do that?!?

OWNER: Well, I don’t rightly know, but it’s time to pay up, pardner.

SAM: I-I-I don’t reckon I got a million dollars!

OWNER: Then I’m gonna need to sell your horse. I need to try to get back some of this money.

SAM: (sobs) My horse!! Please, don’t sell my horse! He’s my best friend in the whole world! I’d be lost without Old Pete! (sobs louder)

OWNER: If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s to see a grown cowboy blubber. Tell you what, I’m in a good mood. Forget the whole thing. Your debt’s forgiven. You don’t owe me one red cent. Now get outta here and blow your nose.

SAM: Golly, ma’am. (sniff) I don’t know what to say. I’m as happy as a tick on a bloodhound. Thank you so much!

(OWNER exits the stage. The COWPOKE enters.)

COWPOKE: Howdy, Sam. How’s it goin’?

SAM: Hey, you varmint! I was lookin’ fer you! Where’s that 10 bucks you owe me?!? (starts hitting the COWPOKE)

COWPOKE: Ow! I don’t have the money right now. Ouch! If you’ll just give me a little longer, I swear I’ll pay you back. Ow!

SAM: You lazy, good-for-nothin’ galoot! Give me my money NOW! (keeps hitting the COWPOKE)

COWPOKE: Yow! I don’t have the money. Ouch!

SAM: Then I am going to the sheriff and have you thrown in jail. (whacks him one last time, and the COWPOKE disappears; SAM walks off)

(After a brief pause, the OWNER enters, obviously agitated)

OWNER: I cain’t believe what I just heard. Some of the hands saw Sam beating up a cowpoke, ‘cause he owed him 10 dollars. And he’s going to have him thrown in jail? Why, that makes me madder than a bee in a bucket. SAM!!!

(SAM enters)

SAM: Yes, ma’am?

OWNER: I just heard what you’ve been up to. You ornery, no-account polecat!! I forgave your debt 'cause you was blubbering, then you go and tangle with that poor cowpoke.

SAM: But that ain't the same thing…

OWNER: Yes, it is. I’ve called the sheriff to come arrest you. You’ll stay in jail ‘til you can pay me back every last dime.

SAM: How can I pay you back if I’m in jail?

OWNER: You shoulda thought of that before you called the sheriff on that poor cowpoke. (leaves)

SAM: (running after her) But, but, but….

(The COWPOKE enters limping and bandaged.)

COWPOKE: Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

(The COWPOKE exits.)

1 comment:

Melissa Renee said...

I remember this one.
*POKE*