 A Very Special Last Supper
But playing the role of Jesus taught me some important lessons I'd like to pass on. The first eye opener for me was how Jewish Jesus was. In my leading the disciples (and the whole audience) through the celebration of The Passover, I was able to feel some of the passion associated with celebrating that event. That excitement was infectious. The story of Moses came alive in a way different than I had experienced it before. For a few moments, this story wasn't about some people. It was about my people. I could underst of Judas Iscariot who expected someone so different than a Saviour of sacrifice. The second eye opener was the celebration of communion itself. When I realized the significance of using unleavened bread due to the panic of the Israelites, who had no time for anything else because they had to run and run now, the idea of Jesus being the sustaining Bread of Life was powerful. Jesus brought the peaceful sense of "no more rush"-- "no more panic." The symbolic breaking of the bread hit home, too. I realized that my character was soon to be broken, but because of that breaking, others would no longer have to be fractured--apart from the Father who loves them. The cup of Elijah was a new concept to me. I had never sensed the audacity of Christ who proclaimed that the shedding of his blood would bring the long awaited Kingdom into existence in a way no one had dreamed of. No wonder they didn't understand until the promised Holy Spirit brought them enough wisdom to fully comprehend the meaning of His mysterious words. The last eye opener was most precious of all to me personally. As I worked with twelve other men of my own church, all very different in personality, appearance, and spirit, I realized how personally attached Jesus was to the disparate group of men he assembled. I felt much more compassion than judgement. It was easy to laugh at them and with them. Their foibles meant little. Their devotion, however imperfect, meant much. I could identify with them much more than Jesus himself. I saw myself as one of them, and I felt comforted by the thought that Jesus could love me that same way. I'm thankful to Pastor Huse for finding this drama and challenging us to do it. It was a unique way to learn some lessons I don't think I could learn any other way. I am glad it's over, however. Being "Jesus" is not for me. Being a disciple of Him--is. About the Author:
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