Tableau of the Last Supper

From the Open Files of: East Central Synod of WI Resource Center 920-734-3797 Contributed by: First English Lutheran, Oshkosh, WI This file is available in: Rich Text Format version for editing

Tableau of the Last Supper (Includes Passover Meal)   IN THE CHURCH Welcome Announcements regarding the Passover Supper  THE MEAL IN THE UPPER ROOM The Passover Supper  The Preparation Eating the meal in silence and meditation Organist Tableau of the Passion History Accompanied by narration and song Benediction The meal is to be eaten in silence. Serve yourself generously and pass to others. There is plenty of food for a satisfying meal, although the food is secondary to the implications of the Supper. Leave in silence and meditation --------------------------------------------------------- MENU Matzah, Zero'a, Haroseth Moror, Cheese, Karpas Salt water Fruit: Oranges, Dates, Pecans, Grapes Olives: Green and Ripe Grape Juice ------------------------------------------------------------- SYMBOLIC FOODS Matzah - Unleavened Bread …. Reminds the Hebrew people of the bread made in haste by Israelite women on their hurried departure from Egypt. Zero'a - Roasted bone (Lamb) … Remembrance of the sacrificial lamb offered by the Israelites and eaten on the eve of their departure from Egypt. Moror - Bitter herbs … Horseradish is usually used as a reminder of the bitterness of the bondage of Egypt. Karpas - Green vegetable … Parsley, suggesting the first green of spring. Salt Water - Into which the greens are dipped, described as the tears shed for suffering and persecution. Haroseth - A mixture of apples and nuts suggesting the bricks that the Israelites made for Pharaoh. Additional Foods - Cheese curds, oranges, dates, pecans, grapes and olives. All are typical foods of the region of Palestine. You will want to use a printed resource to help you actually do the seder meal.    TABLEAU OF THE LAST SUPPER We welcome you this evening to our presentation of Leonard da Vinci's "Last Supper" in tableau. We hope our portrayal of this famous painting, along with our presentation of the events of Holy Week, will inspire you during this Lenten season. Our cast presents this to you as a witness of faith in the Living Lord. (Interlude of Music) Throughout the years, the picture of the "Last Supper" has been reproduced many times using various media. This evening we would like to reproduce it as a tableau using human still poses. We have tried, as nearly as possible, to capture the original painting as done by da Vinci. During this Renaissance Period, previous artists had chosen to also paint a scene of the famous supper. They, however, chose the moment when Christ broke the bread and offered wine to His disciples. In this scene, all the figures appear calm and peaceful. Leonardo, with his characteristic independence, decided to make a radical change in this accepted form of the famous scene. He chose the dramatic moment when Christ says, "One of you shall betray me!" Each disciple would show by his actions and facial expressions how these words affected him. Let us imagine then, that Christ has just said the words, "One of you shall betray me!" (Interlude of Music) (Curtain opens and Music continues as background) We see the horror and concern on the faces of the disciples. We will begin at your left explaining the reaction of each disciple as Leonardo might interpret his painting. NATHANIEL BARTHOLOMEW, in his astonishment, has risen so quickly that his feet are still crossed as they were when he was seated. JAMES THE LESS, reaches behind Andrew to touch the arm of Peter, as if to ask an explanation. ANDREW'S uplifted hands express horror, while his face is turned anxiously toward the master. JUDAS, is between Peter and John. We see the traitor Judas Iscariot vainly attempting to appear unconcerned and innocent. It is said that after the face of the Christ, the artist found that of Judas the most difficult to paint. PETER, is greatly excited, but feels that John is the one to ask the question, "Who is the betrayer, Lord?" In Peter's right hand he flashes a knife, ready to defend his Lord. At the time of the question Peter was about to take some bread and cut it. JOHN, with gentle sorrowful face, is in strong contrast with the guilty Judas. THOMAS, is just behind James. He is the honest Doubter, with one finger lifted threateningly toward the yet unknown traitor. JAMES the Great is to the right of Christ, whose arms are outstretched as he looks at the Master and eagerly asks "Lord, is it I?" PHILIP, standing beside James, places his hands on his heart as he says "Thou knowest, Lord, that it is not I." MATTHEW, points with his arms to the Savior as if explaining to the elder disciple Simon what has just been said. THADDEUS, worried and troubled, is also looking at Simon. SIMON, holds his hands out and looks appealingly at Christ for an explanation. Who are these followers of Jesus? Where did they come from? Not much is known about many of them but let us try to acquaint you with them to some measure. (DISCIPLES RELAX) Nathaniel Nathaniel is the first disciple on your left. He is also know as Bartholomew. He was brought to Jesus by Philip. Jesus greeted Nathaniel with these words, "Behold, an Israelite in whom there is no guile!" Nathaniel responded with the confession, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are King of Israel." Nathaniel was a man of integrity. He was one of the first to whom Jesus chose to reveal Himself. Nathaniel came form Cana, a town about three miles from Nazareth. It is said that he may have been the one who invited Jesus to the wedding feast where Jesus performed His first miracle. Nathaniel is supposed to have died by being flayed. James the Less James was the son of Alphaeus. Tradition says he was a tax-gatherer. "The Less" following his name means "the little." James was short of stature. Some sources regard him as a relative of the Holy Family, possibly a cousin of Jesus. His mother's name was Mary. She was one of the women who stood by the cross of Jesus and also visited the empty tomb.  Andrew We first meet Andrew in the Jordan Valley with John the Baptist. John the Baptist directed Andrew to Jesus with the glowing words, "Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." Andrew has a reputation for bringing others to Jesus. He brought his brother Peter, a boy with some fish and loaves, and certain Greeks. Andrew was nailed to a cross in the form of an X - hence the name St. Andrew's cross. (DISCIPLES TAKE POSE) MUSICAL SELECTION - "St. Andrew" DISCIPLES RELAX Peter As mentioned, Peter was introduced to Christ by his brother Andrew. Peter was considered to be the leader and spokesman of the Twelve. He is placed first on all the Gospel lists. He was impulsive, yet tenderhearted and affectionate. He was gifted with spiritual insight and then at times slow to grasp deeper truths. It is he who gave the great confession, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God." It was also he who denied Christ and said, "I know not the man." After Christ's resurrection, Peter became a great preacher and leader in the early church.  Judas Judas is remembered because of his betrayal of Jesus. He was the only disciple that was not a Galilean. Because of his business instinct, Jesus chose him to be the treasurer of the group. For thirty pieces of silver, Judas turned Jesus over to the high priest. Because of this, Judas has been referred to as the devil incarnate and "a son of perdition." In later despair, Judas committed suicide. Forgiveness could have been found at the cross.  John John was one of the sons of Zebedee who left the fishing trade in order to follow Jesus. He was a native of Bethsaida in Galilee. He is regarded as the youngest of the disciples and possibly a cousin of Jesus. He was one of the inner circle of disciples and was very close to Jesus. It was to John that Jesus entrusted the care of his mother when he was crucified. It was John who was the first of the disciples to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. John lived to be 100 years old and wrote a Gospel, three letters and the book of Revelation. DISCIPLES TAKE POSE MUSICAL SELECTION - "O, Master, Let Me Walk With You" DISCIPLES RELAX  James the Elder James was the brother of John and also a son of Zebedee. He was called to follow Jesus at the same time as John. He and John were both hot-tempered and were called the "Sons of Thunder" by Jesus. James wrote no words nor ever sought fame or power. He was content to be a disciple, strong and silent. James was the first disciple to die for Christ after 17 years of discipleship.  Thomas Thomas was also called Didymus or the twin. Jesus saw the strength of Thomas though we may tend to see his weakness which was to doubt. Before he would believe that Jesus had risen, Thomas wanted to see and to touch. Thomas was a good stabilizer of reason as opposed to the emotions of Peter. It is interesting to note that the group closest to Jesus was composed of many personalities each serving a purpose. This should be an encouragement to us today. Philip The conversion and call of Philip is simply stated, "Jesus found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Philip followed. Philip was slow to catch on and missed much. When the hungry crowd needed bread, Philip dismissed it as an impossibility to provide bread for so many. When some Greeks came seeking Jesus, Philip turned them over to Andrew as if he were unsure of what to do. It is said that to know Philip was to know how patient Jesus was. Philip suffered a matyr's death. DISCIPLES TAKE POSE MUSICAL SELECTION - "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say" DISCIPLES RELAX  Matthew Matthew was also known as Levi. He was the son of Alphaeus. He was a tax collector for Rome and was hated by his countrymen. Matthew's call came while he was sitting at the custom stand in Capernaum. Christ called him to a better occupation and without hesitation Matthew left all and followed him. Matthew wrote the gospel bearing his name. It was written especially for the Jews commending Christ to them as the new Moses and far greater than Moses.  Thaddeus Thaddeus is the least know of the disciples. He is also known as Labbaeus and Jude. It was he who asked the question of Jesus, "Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?" He was wondering if the Kingdom was to be exclusive. Jesus says, "If a man loves me, my Father will love him and we will come to him." This answer makes it clear to us that any man, if he obeys love's discipline, may enter the Kingdom.  Simon the Zealot Simon the Zealot which was a revolutionary party. Before becoming a apostle, Simon advocated revolt against Rome. It may seem strange that Jesus should choose such a one. It is not so strange because every crusade needs "Flaming ones" who never count the cost. However, under Jesus, Simon changed from a man of violence to a man of peace.  DISCIPLES TAKE POSE MUSICAL SELECTION - "Just As I Am"  CLOSE CURTAIN  (MUSICAL INTERLUDE) PART II  Narrator: What events led up to this scene in the Upper Room? What happened following this scene? Now we would like to take you through a brief summary of the highlights of Holy Week leading to the crucifixion of our Lord. This will also be done in tableau form. Scene 1 - (Chief priest, scribes and Judas ) Luke 22:1-6  "Now the feat of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death; for they feared the people. Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and captains how he might betray him to them. And they were glad, and engaged to give him money. So he agreed, and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of the multitude." (Music Background)  Scene 2 - (Jesus and disciples at the table) Luke 22:7-12 and John 13:5-9 and 12-16  "Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it." And during supper Jesus rose from the table, laid aside His garments and girded Himself with a towel. Then He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples feet. He came to Simon Peter and Peter aside to him, "You shall never wash my feet." MUSICAL SELECTION - "Washing The Feet" Jesus answered him "if I do not wash you, you have no part of me." Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!" Later Jesus said, "Do you know what I have done to you? If I your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. A servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him."  MUSICAL SELECTION - "Cleansing" Scene 3 - (Jesus and His disciples at the table in the upper room) Matthew 26:20-25 "When it was evening, he sat at the table with the twelve disciples; and as they were eating, he said, 'Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.' And they were very sorrowful, and began to say to him one after another, 'Is is I, Lord?' He answered, 'He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me, will betray me.' Judas, who betrayed him said, 'Is it I, Master?' He said to him, 'You have said so.' 'What you are going to do, do quickly.' And Judas left." Scene 4 - (Later: Jesus and disciples at the table in Upper Room) Matthew 26:26-29 "Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body.' And he took a cup and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. MUSICAL SELECTION - "For The Bread Which" Scene 5 - (Jesus and disciples on way to the Garden) Matthew 26:30-35 "And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, 'You will all fall away because of me this night;' Peter declared to him, 'Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.' Jesus said to him, 'Truly, I say to you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.' Peter said to him, 'Even if I must die with You, I will not deny you.' And so said all the disciples." VOICES (CHOIR) - "I Will Not Deny You" Scene 6 - (Jesus, Peter, James and John in Garden) Matthew 26:37-39 "Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, 'Sit her, while I go yonder and pray.' And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.' And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not a I will, but as thou wilt.'" MUSICAL SELECTION - "Go to Dark Gethsemane" Scene 7 - (Judas with soldier and light approaches Jesus, Peter, James and John) Matthew 26:47-49 "While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying 'The one I shall kiss is the man; seize him.' And he came up to Jesus at once and said, 'Hail, Master!' And he kissed Him." Scene 8 - (Peter in courtyard with maiden and two men - Jesus at one side) Luke 22:54-62 "Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, Peter followed at a distance; and when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. Then a maid, seeing him as he sat in the light and gazing at him, said, 'This man also was with him.' But he denied it, saying 'Woman, I do no know him.' Later he denied knowing Jesus two more times and while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, 'Before the cock crows today you will deny me three times.' And he went out and wept bitterly." MUSICAL SELECTION - "Do I Know Him" Scene 9 - (Jesus before Pilate washing his hands in basin) Matthew 26:17,21b,22,24-26 "So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, 'Whom do you want me to release for you, Barabbas or Jesus who is called Christ!' And they said: (Choir Speaks) 'Barabbas.' Pilate said to them, 'Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?' They all said, (Choir speaks) 'Let him be crucified.' And he said, 'Why, what evil has he done?' But they shouted all the more, (Choir speaks) 'Let him be crucified.' So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, 'I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.'"  MUSICAL SELECTION - "Judgment" Scene 10 - (Jesus carrying the cross toward Golgatha) Matthew 27:31 "And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe, and put his own clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him." HYMN - "Must Jesus Bear The Cross Alone?" Drum beat MUSICAL SELECTION - "Via Dolorosa" (Spot lights go off and scene goes off in the middle of selection) Bell rings - Voices in the distance Pounding of nails into cross - voices in distance VOICE - "Behold the Lamb of God."  CURTAIN OPENS- Jesus is standing and disciples raise one arm as they present Jesus as the Lamb of God. MUSICAL SELECTION - "Behold, The Lamb of God" CURTAIN CLOSES COMMUNION CURTAIN OPENS MUSICAL SELECTION - "The Benediction" Scene opens: stance as though Jesus is giving benediction

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