A Place at the Table
Act 1: Broken Hope

Song / Music: Honest conversation Katie Nicole (This is where the Dancers shine!)
(Lights dim. Soft music plays as the Narrator steps to center stage.)
Narrator:
"Everybody is different. Some people like to read. Others are really good at sports. Some are loud; others are quiet. This is our story, told through the journeys of four very different people. Though they are different they had one thing in common; all were looking for a place.
Today, we meet the four, each struggling with their own pain, feeling unseen, unknown, and unwanted. But through their journeys, they will find that Jesus is the answer to their deepest needs. This is their story. And it starts... here, in Capernaum."
Song: What an Awesome God, Phil Wickham
(Lights rise to reveal a market square. Vendors and townspeople are frozen in place during the monologue)
 (When done, people walk by haggling and laughing. Meagan enters stage left, looking downcast. She approaches a vendor, hesitant.)
Scene 1: Meagan at the Marketplace
(The stage is dim. Meagan enters slowly, her steps hesitant. A spotlight focuses on her as she stands center stage.)
Meagan: (Speaking softly to the audience, with a tinge of sadness in her voice.)
"When I was young, I lived in Samaria.  Abba was a carpenter, and we had a simple life. It wasn’t much, but it was home. I loved it there, the town, the familiar faces, the scent of cedar wood. But life wasn’t always easy for a Samaritan girl."
(She pauses, looking down at her hands, as if remembering her childhood.)

"When I turned ten, my father’s business wasn’t doing very well but Abba, he had heard of a carpenter in Capernaum, a man named Jesus, who had an incredible reputation. So we left our home and moved to Capernaum, a place where I knew no one. I missed Samaria. I missed my friends. But my father believed this was the right path.."
(She starts to mime packing up, the movement slow and heavy, as though reluctantly leaving behind her childhood.)

"Over the years, I tried to make my way in this town; but it’s never been easy. As a Samaritan, I was always treated as less than. I was an outsider. People looked at me differently. And as I grew older, the loneliness only deepened. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve hurt people. And I’ve been hurt. But deep down, I’ve always felt like there’s something missing."
(Meagan’s expression becomes more serious, her voice lower, reflecting her inner turmoil.)

I’ve heard more about Jesus. It turns out, He is more than a carpenter.  Jesus, this man who heals the sick, who speaks with authority, who loves the unlovable. I’ve heard the stories, but I doubt someone like me could be seen by someone like Him. After all, I’m a Samaritan. I’m a woman. Who would care? I want to meet Jesus for myself. So that’s what I’m going to do!”
(Marketplace comes to life, bustling with commerce. Vendors and townspeople walk by haggling and laughing. Meagan joins the scene)
Vendor 1:
"Fresh figs! Olives! Get them while they last!"
Meagan:
(Approaching Vendor 1, voice low) "Excuse me, do you have any nuts? Just a small amount... please?"
Vendor 1:
(Sneering) "A Samaritan? In a Jewish marketplace? Go home, girl. You're not welcome here."
(Meagan scurries to the other vendor, all attempts failing)
Meagan:
(Desperately) "Please, just a little food... I’ll pay you."
Vendor 2:
(Turning away) "Your money means nothing to me. Your presence defiles this place. Go before I call the guards."
(Townspeople notice her, whisper, and turn away. Meagan looks to the heavens.)
Meagan:
(Voice breaking, quietly to God) "Why, Lord? I thought I was following Your plan. I’m  here, but no one sees me. I don’t belong here. I need You. I need You now. I’ve never                                                                                                                                      been seen. Never been heard. Why? I love you just as much as any Jew! So what now? Do I give up? Or do I keep going?
Song: The Truth, Megan Woods Megan Woods - The Truth (Official Lyric Video)
Narrator:
Far from the market, another young heart is burning with a different fire. A fire for justice — a passion that can lead to great things, but also destruction if left unchecked. Meet Eli.
Scene 2: Eli's Rebellion
(Stage left. Naomi, Noah, and Taliah stand in a huddle frozen as Eli begins his monologue)
Eli: (Angrily at first, then softer as he speaks to the audience.)
I was always the one to speak up. I was born a rebel. In rabbi school, I never let anyone get away with injustice. I would fight for what was right, no matter the cost.
(Eli starts miming the act of standing up for others, even when it meant getting punished.)

When I became of age, I saw an opportunity. I wanted to make a difference, to be someone who could change the world. I became a zealot, a warrior. But I failed. My first mission... it was a disaster.
(He slams his fist into his hand in frustration, then mimes quietly stepping back as if acknowledging his failure.)

But after that, I was good. I learned to be a spy. And this next mission... this time, I was going to do it right. I was going to make a real difference.
(Eli pauses and looks down at the ground, guilt and self-doubt in his eyes, then the scene comes to life)
Eli:
(Shouting, clenching his fists) We can’t keep living like this! Every day the Romans walk all over us. We have to act. It’s the only way to bring freedom!
Naomi:
(Shaking her head) Eli, violence isn’t the answer. We can’t just fight fire with fire. What will that do but destroy us all?
Noah:
(Stepping forward, voice calm but firm) We prayed for freedom, Eli, but we didn’t pray for bloodshed. I’m with Naomi. People could get hurt. And that isn’t our mission.
Taliah:
(Grabbing his arm gently) Please, Eli, don’t do this. You could get hurt!
Eli:
(Shrugging them off, stepping back) If none of you will fight with me, I’ll do it myself!
(Eli storms off stage left, furious. Naomi, Noah, and Taliah exchange worried glances.)
Taliah:
(Rushing forward) We have to stop him! He’s going to get himself killed!
(They all run after Eli, calling his name.)
Narrator:
Eli is driven by his sense of injustice. But sometimes, we act out of pain rather than purpose. Eli had good friends, but our decisions are our own and Eli’s wasn’t going to end well.
(The scene transitions, the marketplace bustling and then freezes as. Hannah enters from stage right, breathless, glowing with joy.)
Scene 3: Hannah’s Miracle
Hannah: (Speaking softly but with an edge of intensity, her voice filled with pain.)


When I was seventeen, I was given the worst news. I was sick. Leprosy. It wasn’t just a disease... it was a curse. My family turned their backs on me. I had to leave. They said I wasn’t welcome. They said I was unclean."
(Hannah starts to mime putting on a cloak, drawing it close around her body as if trying to shield herself from the world. She walks slowly, as if struggling to move forward.)

For years, I lived alone, forgotten. It was like I didn’t even exist. I wandered the streets, outcast. And then, a month ago, a group of men arrived in the town. Most of the men, they kept their distance from me. Who could blame them? But then, there was this man... this Jesus."
(She mimics stepping back, recoiling, as though afraid of something, then dramatically steps forward, as if something is drawing her in.)

He came closer, and I pulled away, not wanting to give Him my disease. But He... He reached out. He took my hand. He pulled me close. And in that moment, I felt life surge through me. All the uncleanliness left my body. I was healed. But when I looked up, He was gone.
(She mimics a moment of realization, touching her heart.)
And even if it’s my dying wish, it’s to meet that man again, and to thank him for what He has done for me.
 
(Shouting with joy as she enters the market, the market comes to life)
Hannah:  "I’m healed! I’m truly healed! Look at me — I’m clean!"
(Townspeople freeze, staring in disbelief. A murmuring crowd gathers.)
Townsperson 1:
(Whispering) "That’s Hannah... the leper."
Townsperson 2:
(Shrinking back) "Keep away! She’s unclean!"
Hannah:
(Stepping forward boldly) "No! Don’t be afraid! A man — a man touched me! He wasn’t afraid of my sickness. He healed me — made me whole!"
(A sense of wonder spreads through the crowd as Hannah lifts her hands, beaming interacting with the Townspeople.)
Song: Changed, Hannah Kerr Hannah Kerr - Changed (Official Music Video)
(After the song, Naomi, Noah, and Taliah burst onto the stage, frantic.)
Noah:
(Hurriedly) "Have you seen a boy with dark hair, fiery eyes? Eli — he’s gone off on his own!"
Taliah:
(Frantically) "He’s headed toward the Roman barracks. We have to stop him before he does something foolish!"
Hannah:
(Nodding) "I saw him near the olive press. He looked angry, but he’s not alone. Let’s hurry!"
(They all rush off together, the stage growing dimmer.)
Narrator:
"In a world filled with rejection and pain, there is still healing — if we are willing to receive it. But we can’t be healed alone. We must bring others with us on the journey."
*(Lights fade to black as the scene transitions.)

Act 2: The Encounter

(The lights dim. Josiah is sitting alone in the corner of the stage on the edge. The marketplace freezes as he begins his monologue.)
Josiah: (Speaking to the audience, his voice heavy with sadness.)


I’ve always been different. My father never really understood me. When I was thirteen, he told me it was time for me to go out into the world. But I knew. He didn’t want me there. He didn’t want me at home. So, I left. I went out into the world, but it wasn’t the adventure I’d dreamed of. It was hard. I was young, with no money, no family. I was just... a boy."
(He begins to mime the motions of wandering, walking alone in the streets, searching for something.)

Since then, I’ve been sleeping on the cold ground. I don’t know, I guess I’m too ashamed to ask for help. People pass by, but they don’t see me. They don’t care. I’m invisible. Just another lost boy…
(The marketplace comes to life)



Kid 1:
(Laughing) "Look at him. A street rat!"
Kid 2:
"Why don’t you just go away, Josiah? You’ve got no family. No place here."
(Josiah curls up, trying to block out the hurtful words. Meagan enters from stage right, noticing him.)
Meagan:
(Sees Josiah then slowly, cautiously) "Hey... are you okay?"
Josiah:
(Muttering, not looking up) "Go away. I don’t want your pity."
Meagan:
(Sitting down next to him, offering a piece of bread) "I know what it feels like to be invisible. Like no one sees you... like you're unwanted.
Josiah:
(Taking the bread slowly) "Why would you help me? No one does."
Meagan:
(Smiling softly) "Because someone once helped me. I’m looking for Him now, His name is Jesus... Maybe we can look for Him together?"
(Meagan’s words hang in the air. Josiah looks at her, slowly nodding. They sit together in silence)
Narrator:
"Josiah felt forgotten. Invisible. Like there was no hope for him. But sometimes, it’s in the darkest moments that we find the light we’ve been searching for."
(Lights begin to shift, signaling a new scene. The mood darkens as Eli appears alone in the distance.)
Scene 2: Eli’s Turning Point
(Dim lighting. Eli paces restlessly on stage, gripped by his emotions. His hands tremble as he holds a weapon — a symbol of his rage and rebellion.)
Voice 1:
(Whispering from the shadows) "You’re a failure, Eli. You’ll never succeed."
Voice 2:
"You’re all alone. No one will ever understand."
(Eli clutches his head, overwhelmed by the voices in his mind. The weight of his anger consumes him.)
Eli:
(Talking to himself, frantic) "Why does it feel like I’m fighting everyone? I can’t do this. But I have to! If I don’t fight, I’m nothing."
(A bright light shines suddenly. Naomi, Noah, Taliah, and Hannah appear from the shadows, moving towards him.)
Naomi:
(Breathing heavily) "Eli! We’re here. Don’t ask us to go because we won’t leave you."
Taliah:
(Softly) "Eli, you don’t have to fight alone. You don’t have to fight at all."
Noah:
(Stepping closer)  “Let us help.”
Hannah:
(With quiet tears) I used to be angry. Lost. Alone. But this man, He healed me. He can heal you too, Eli. You don’t have to carry this anymore.
(Eli drops the weapon in shock, trembling. He falls to his knees as tears fill his eyes.)
Eli:
(Voice cracking) "I... I’m so tired. I don’t know how to stop fighting. I don’t know what to do anymore."
(Noah kneels beside him, pulling him into an embrace.)
Noah:
(Whispering) "You don’t have to. This man that Hannah met, He’s not like anyone we’ve ever met before. He…He..doesn’t fight — and yet, He changes things.
Song: Don’t fight alone, John Reddick
(The music fades as Eli, overcome with emotion, rests his head on Noah’s shoulder)
INTERMISSION - 15 minutes
Scene 3: The Decision
(The group moves together toward the center of the stage. The lights grow brighter, signaling a shift in the atmosphere.)
Narrator:
Meagan, Josiah, Eli, and the rest of the group... they all faced moments of loneliness. Moments when they felt unseen, forgotten, and even unloved. But something happened as they came together — something powerful. They began to see that, even in their pain, they were never truly alone. The four began to help one another heal through the sharing of their stories of the moment that they met Jesus:
Meagan’s encounter took place at the well in the heat of midday. She was alone, avoiding the gossip and judgment of the other women. As she drew water, a man sitting at the well spoke to her, asking for a drink. Shocked by his request — as Jews typically do not associate with Samaritans — Meagan was initially hesitant. But the man,  Jesus,  told her of living water, water that quenches thirst eternally, He told her all about her past. He spoke to her with compassion, And in that moment she realized: He wasn’t just offering her water. He was offering her forgiveness. A fresh start. A new life. She left that well with her heart full knowing that she had been seen, heard, loved.
Hannah had lived in isolation for years due to her leprosy, shunned by her family and the community until Jesus touched her. Healed her and made her clean.  
Josiah, rejected by his father and abandoned at a young age, was living on the streets, struggling to survive. Then it happened. He met  Jesus, who called him a friend. Jesus, seeing Josiah’s deep hurt and rejection, spoke words of grace, telling him that his past does not define his future. At that moment, Josiah felt seen for the first time in years. Jesus offered him forgiveness and hope, calling him to follow Him and find his true identity in Him. In light of God’s love for Him, Josiah felt the weight of his past lift, replaced by the peace of knowing someone truly cares for him.
Eli, passionate and rebellious, spent his life fighting against injustice, wanting to make a difference by any means necessary, hoping to change the world through force. Jesus spoke to Him words of peace, forgiveness, and love. He invited Eli to lay down his weapons and follow Him, showing him that real change comes from transformation within, not through violence. Eli realized that his desire to fight had been rooted in fear and hurt. With Jesus, he finds a new path — one of peace, healing, and true purpose.
(The group reaches a single point in the center of the stage. A warm light bathes them in its glow.)
Eli:
(Looking around, voice shaky) "I’ve been so angry, and it felt like I was carrying the weight of the world alone. But now, I see that I don’t have to carry it. I see you, all of you, and you see me."
Meagan:
(Smiling softly) "And that’s the gift — to be seen, to be known, and to know that we belong."
Josiah:
(Quietly, with a glimmer of hope) "I thought I was forgotten... but I’m not."
Hannah:
(Stepping forward, her voice filled with peace) "Jesus sees us all. He doesn’t look at our mistakes or our past. He just invites us to come to the table."
Narrator:
And so, they began to walk together toward the only place where they could truly be healed — toward Jesus. And in that journey, they found something they had never expected: they found a family."
(A table is set at center stage, simple yet inviting. The characters look at it, hesitant but drawn to it.)
Song: Then Christ Came, MercyMe (https://youtu.be/euUYX-jss5Y?feature=shared)
Narrator:
Sometimes, we look for solutions in the wrong places. We try to fill the emptiness with anger, rejection, or isolation. But Jesus offers something different. He offers a place at the table, a place of belonging, of grace, and of love."
(Lights dim as the scene shifts, moving toward the final Act. The table is set as the central focus. The characters stand around it, each of them in a moment of transformation.)

Scene 4: The Invitation
(The stage is bathed in a warm, golden light. A long, simple table is set at the center, filled with bread, fruits, and lighted candles. The mood is peaceful, but there is an air of anticipation.)
(Meagan, Josiah, Eli, and the others approach the table hesitantly, each carrying the weight of their past struggles. The townspeople and market crowd, now softened and curious, watch from the sidelines. The group looks at the table, unsure.)
Meagan:
(Sitting down slowly) "I never thought I’d be welcomed here. I thought I was always going to be an outsider."
Hannah:
(Smiling, sitting beside her) "I never thought I’d be healed... but I am. Jesus has made me clean."
Josiah:
(Choking up, as he sits at the table) "I never thought I’d have a place to sit... a place where I belong."
Eli:
(With quiet sincerity) "I never thought I’d find peace... but I’ve found it. Right here. With you all."
(The group sits around the table, looking at one another, a moment of silence before they begin to talk.)
Naomi:
(Looking at the group, with a deep sense of understanding) "We all came from different places. But here, at this table... we all belong."
Narrator:
(Voice soft, but powerful) "At the table, they found more than just a meal. They found acceptance, healing, and peace. They found that, in Jesus, there was room for them. No one was too broken, too lost, or too far gone.
Narrator:
There’s a place at the table for all of us. No matter what we’ve done, no matter where we’ve been. Jesus invites us to come as we are — broken, weary, lonely, or lost — and be made whole. No matter where you’ve been, no matter what you’ve done, you are welcome here. You are seen. You are loved. You are never alone. And once you’ve experienced this grace, He calls you to share it. To invite others to the table. There’s room for everyone."
 He doesn’t ask for us to be perfect. He simply asks that we come."
(Soloists will be at the top of the middle aisle, and  while the narrator is talking, everybody will sit in the front pews. When the song starts, one by one, the choir will get up from their seats and slowly walk onto the stage.)
Song: Walk with Jesus, Consumed by Fire
https://youtu.be/6GPzrNxlyYo