PROSECUTOR
The prosecution calls Jesus Christ to the stand.
BAILIFF
Jesus … (Stubs his toe and blasphemes) … Christ!
(JESUS enters, bedecked in his robes. He’s wearing a crown of thorns and holes are evident in his hands and feet. Blood stains appear on his robes where he had, at one time been speared.)
BAILIFF
State your name and occupation for the record.
JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ. Messiah.
BAILIFF
Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
JESUS CHRIST
Anything for my dad.
BAILIFF
Be seated.
PROSECUTOR
How are you today, Jesus?
JESUS CHRIST
I am well.
PROSECUTOR
That’s a first.
JESUS CHRIST
What is?
PROSECUTOR
I’ve never had somebody in your condition tell me that he was “well”.
JESUS CHRIST
In my condition?
PROSECUTOR
Well, yes. Have a look at yourself. Have you not been seriously injured, sir?
JESUS CHRIST
It may be true that I have received injuries, Ms. Mann, however, when I say that I am fine, I speak truly. For these injuries, I bear with great divine purpose, and this is more than enough to sustain my spirit.
PROSECUTOR
We’ll come back to that momentarily, Mr. Christ…
JESUS CHRIST
…Please … Jesus.
PROSECUTOR
Of course. (pause) So what happened to you, Jesus? How did you come by these “purposeful” injuries?
JESUS CHRIST
I was crucified by a group of angry Roman soldiers.
PROSECUTOR
Well, what’d they go and do that for?
JESUS CHRIST
There are many reasons, Ms. Mann.
PROSECUTOR
Were you a criminal?
JESUS CHRIST
I was not.
PROSECUTOR
Were you falsely accused of a crime?
JESUS CHRIST
In a manner of speaking, yes.
PROSECUTOR
Of what were you falsely accused?
JESUS CHRIST
Of claiming to be the messiah.
PROSECUTOR
Really. Well, aren’t you? I mean, that’s what you just told the bailiff when he asked you to state your occupation.
JESUS CHRIST
And such I am, Ms. Mann, but I made no such claim at that time and was, therefore, innocent of the charges.
PROSECUTOR
So, now I am truly puzzled, Jesus.
JESUS CHRIST
I am sorry.
PROSECUTOR
As I read this (he holds up The Bible), it seems like you could very easily have gotten off. Would you please read the highlighted portions of the text here?
JESUS CHRIST
“They bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’ asked Pilate. ‘So you say,’ Jesus replied. The chief priests accused him of many things. So again Pilate asked him, ‘Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.’ But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.
PROSECUTOR
Did you ever give Pilate an answer, in your defense?
JESUS CHRIST
No, I did not.
PROSECUTOR
Please continue.
JESUS CHRIST
“‘Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?’ asked Pilate, knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead. ‘What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?’ Pilate asked them. ‘Crucify him!’ they shouted. ‘Why? What crime has he committed?’ asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!’ Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.”
PROSECUTOR
Is this an accurate depiction of events as they transpired with Pontius Pilate?
JESUS CHRIST
Yes it is.
PROSECUTOR
So here’s how it looks to me, Jesus. Correct me if I’m wrong. You could have escaped crucifixion in two ways. Option A: don’t equivocate. A simple, “No, I’m not the King of the Jews” would have been satisfactory for Pilate, who incidentally seemed extremely reluctant to put you to death in the first place. Option B: Why hide it? You could perform an uncontestable miracle for everybody and prove, beyond a doubt, that indeed you were the King of the Jews, the Messiah, prophesied to exist. Am I wrong, sir?
JESUS CHRIST
No. You are correct. I could have done those things.
PROSECUTOR
Hence my natural bewilderment, Jesus. Why didn’t you?
JESUS CHRIST
There was a greater reason for my death than equivocation about my identity.
PROSECUTOR
Ah, we’ve come to the great purpose now, that which you consider to be divine salve for what appear to be some very abominable wounds.
JESUS CHRIST
Yes.
PROSECUTOR
And what exactly is this purpose?
JESUS CHRIST
I was a sacrifice.
PROSECUTOR
Come again.
JESUS CHRIST
A sacrifice, bearing the sins of humanity upon my shoulders. Dying for your sins.
PROSECUTOR
Forgive me, Jesus, but…
JESUS CHRIST
…You are forgiven.
PROSECUTOR
Uh, thanks. Could you explain how you were made a sacrifice?
JESUS CHRIST
My father…
PROSECUTOR
…God (pointing to GOD)…?
JESUS CHRIST
…Yes.
PROSECUTOR
Let the record show that he’s identified God.
JUDGE
So recorded.
PROSECUTOR
(To JESUS CHRIST) Please continue.
JESUS CHRIST
My father sent me to earth in order that I might, as a man, offer up my life in atonement for the sins of mankind.
PROSECUTOR
All sin?
JESUS CHRIST
Yes.
PROSECUTOR
Everybody’s sins?
JESUS CHRIST
Yes.
PROSECUTOR
For all time?
JESUS CHRIST
Yes.
PROSECUTOR
I see. Now, there’s been some disagreement between the prosecution in this case and the defense as to whether or not your Dad flooded the world to eliminate sin and evil, but, in your case … if I gather what you’re telling me correctly … through your death and resurrection on the cross, it was intended that your sacrifice would be successful in this regard, was it not?
JESUS CHRIST
Yes, it was.
PROSECUTOR
Change of subject. If a thing exists, then your father created it, yes?
JESUS CHRIST
Yes.
PROSECUTOR
Does evil exist?
JESUS CHRIST
I’m afraid so.
PROSECUTOR
Ergo, God created it. Is this so?
(Pause)
JESUS CHRIST
So you say.
PROSECUTOR
What do you say?
JESUS CHRIST
I say that your line of questioning is very circumscribed. Yours is a finite mind.
PROSECUTOR
Jesus, would you please just answer my question?
JESUS CHRIST
Would you please repeat it?
PROSECUTOR
Did God create sin and evil?
JESUS CHRIST
Yes.
PROSECUTOR
To what end, in your opinion?
JESUS CHRIST
To test the spirit of man, so that the goodness of a soul may shine against a backdrop of transgression.
PROSECUTOR
So, I guess we no longer need to be tested now that, through you, God has freed us all from sin. We’ve graduated and are perfect souls. Is that correct?
JESUS CHRIST
No. It’s not as simple as all of that.
PROSECUTOR
And how is that, sir?
JESUS CHRIST
To be freed from sin, one must acknowledge that my father is the ultimate truth in the universe and that I am their savior.
PROSECUTOR
And what is the consequence of failing to acknowledge you as a savior, Jesus?
JESUS CHRIST
Individuals who fail to acknowledge me are sent to Hell.
PROSECUTOR
Would you please tell the court what Hell is.
JESUS CHRIST
It is the realm of Lucifer, first to reject God.
PROSECUTOR
And what happens to people who God sends there?
JESUS CHRIST
They are doomed to eternal life without the succor of God.
PROSECUTOR
What of the suffering? Is there a Lake of Fire? Are people physically and spiritually tormented by demons?
JESUS CHRIST
Yes. There is that too.
PROSECUTOR
Is it a place for sinners?
JESUS CHRIST
Yes. For those who have rejected my father and his laws.
PROSECUTOR
On this particular day, has anyone’s soul gone to Hell?
JESUS CHRIST
I weep when I think of it, but, yes. In fact, many have lost their souls today…
PROSECUTOR
…And many tomorrow?
JESUS CHRIST
Yes.
PROSECUTOR
So, if human souls are still being consigned to Hell, a place for sinners, sin must still exist.
JESUS CHRIST
No, Ms. Mann. I died for all sins.
PROSECUTOR
Yes, so you’ve said. Now let me clarify this. Your father sent you to earth so that sin and evil might be eliminated. Is this so, Jesus?
JESUS CHRIST
(JESUS’ coolness and collectedness are beginning to wane) I don’t know.
PROSECUTOR
Your honor, may I have the court reporter read back some of Jesus’ testimony?
JUDGE
Yes.
COURT REPORTER
Where from?
PROSECUTOR
(Pointing it out) Right here. I’ll tell you when to stop.
COURT REPORTER
Jesus: “My father sent me to earth in order that I might, as a man, offer up my life in atonement for the sins of mankind.”
Ms. Mann: “All sin?”
Jesus: “Yes.”
Ms. Mann: “Everybody’s sins?”
Jesus: “Yes.”
Ms. Mann: “For all time?”
Jesus: “Yes.”
PROSECUTOR
Stop there, please. Your words, Jesus. Are you saying that you no longer know what you knew a few minutes ago?
JESUS CHRIST
No, I’m not. Your questions have limited scope.
(JESUS is beginning to become slightly unglued.)
PROSECUTOR
So, please answer my question. To your understanding, were you sent to eliminate all sin from humanity?
JESUS CHRIST
Yes.
PROSECUTOR
Did your father tell you that this was his intention as well?
JESUS CHRIST
Why are you doing this? My father is just. He loves humanity.
PROSECUTOR
Your honor, may I have permission to treat Jesus Christ as a hostile witness?
JUDGE
Granted.
PROSECUTOR
Answer my question, please. Did God tell you that it was your task to become the sacrifice that would eliminate all sin and evil from the world?
JESUS CHRIST
Yes.
PROSECUTOR
And yet, at least two sins still exist … two sins punishable by en eternity of torment in Hell. Disregard for your father and his laws and the failure to accept you as a personal savior. Is this what you mean when you say “all” sins … everything, but whatever convenient exceptions you might later designate.
JESUS CHRIST
Please stop it.
PROSECUTOR
Was it God’s intent, by having you die for our sins, to save us from eternal damnation?
JESUS CHRIST
Yes.
PROSECUTOR
Then why are people still going to Hell?
JESUS CHRIST
I cannot offer you an answer that will satisfy you.
PROSECUTOR
In other words, you’re saying you don’t know.
JESUS CHRIST
(To GOD) Father, is all of this really necessary?
GOD
Were the Three Stooges necessary?
JESUS CHRIST
What?
GOD
Go with the flow, Son. I haven’t had this much fun since they tried building the Tower of Babel.
JUDGE
That will do. Jesus, please direct your comments to the court only.
(Pause)
PROSECUTOR
I asked Noah this question earlier. Now I’ll ask you. If God intended to truly rid the earth of its sin and inequity, does it not follow that, all-powerful as he is, he would accomplish exactly this without error of any kind?
JESUS CHRIST
Yes.
PROSECUTOR
Well, can we assume then, Jesus, that if people are still perishing in Hell, that sin still exists?
JESUS CHRIST
I imagine so.
PROSECUTOR
So, if sin still exists, then God did not actually eliminate it through your great sacrifice as you have suggested. Did he?
JESUS CHRIST
There must be a reason…
PROSECUTOR
And all of this unconditional love you spoke of to people on your father’s behalf has now been shown to have at least two conditions. Am I right?
JESUS CHRIST
I meant everything I said!
PROSECUTOR
Of course you did. You believed it because it was what your father told you. He told you that your sacrifice was going to be His act of love. He told you that it would eliminate sin and evil. Did he tell you the truth?
JESUS CHRIST
My father is good. How dare you question him in this manner?
PROSECUTOR
You died a horrible death, Jesus. And you knew it beforehand. You prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane for an alternative … any alternative to being crucified, didn’t you? Didn’t you?
JESUS CHRIST
Yes.
PROSECUTOR
You knew how horrible a death it would be, and you didn’t want any part of it. But he commanded it, and you went faithfully to it, didn’t you? Jesus…?
DEFENSE
Your honor, the prosecution is being a bit relentless here.
PROSECUTOR
All the witness has to do is answer my questions, your honor. He’s upsetting himself by not doing so.
JUDGE
Mr. Klein, we all knew that this trial was going to take us down some uncomfortable roads. Everyone here, including Jesus and myself, may be forgiven…
JESUS CHRIST
…You are forgiven…
JUDGE
…For being a bit on edge about all of this, but this doesn’t mean that we interfere with the prosecution when a legitimate line of questioning is being pursued. However, Ms. Mann, given the circumstances, I hope you understand that the court will be grateful to you if you do your utmost to keep emotions from becoming too negatively charged.
PROSECUTOR
Of course, your honor.
JUDGE
Please continue.
PROSECUTOR
Jesus, why did God suffer you, his only son, to endure such a bloody fate, knowing full well that you would not accomplish the things he promised you would?
JESUS CHRIST
I don’t know. He must have a reason. He must.
PROSECUTOR
Okay. Hmmm. I have to wonder at that. (Pause) Now, Jesus, a significant amount of testimony in this case has brought us to the conclusion that God, your father, is all-powerful … omnipotent. Do you support this testimony?
JESUS CHRIST
I am certain of His divinity.
PROSECUTOR
So now, under the guise of abolishing sin, God has flooded the earth, killing millions, and he sent you to the Romans, killing you. It’s unusual. For all of that death, sin itself seems not to have died at all. One wonders, Jesus … and perhaps you too now wonder … why did your father kill you?
JESUS CHRIST
(With reservations) I’m sure he had his reasons.
PROSECUTOR
I am sorry for this discomfort this has caused you. I’m convinced that your intentions were pure. If only your father’s weren’t so thickly obfuscated.
DEFENSE
Objection!
PROSECUTOR
Withdrawn. No further questions.
JUDGE
Your witness, Mr. Klein.
DEFENSE
Your honor. As you, yourself, have stated, this case is taking everyone here to very challenging places. The mood’s a bit sour right at this moment. In order to properly cross-examine this witness and to rest the heads and hearts of all present, I’d like a short recess before I continue.
JUDGE
Court will adjourn for ten minutes.
(JUDGE strikes his gavel, rises and enters his chambers. Lights rise, indicating intermission for the audience. The actors and actresses on stage remain, improving conversations and actions consistent with their characters and being in a courtroom.)