The Promise (Passion Play) - Synopsis

Synopsis

(Based on the 2008 Glen Rose production)

Act I

A grandfather and his grandchildren, Billy and Lisa, explore the banks of the Paluxy River in Glen Rose, Texas, looking for dinosaur tracks. When the topic of conversation turns to the upcoming birth of the grandchildren's youngest sibling, they are reminded that every life is special to God. The grandfather begins to relate the story of one baby who was so special that God gave Him as a promise.

The characters soon find themselves among the prophets of the Old Testament, who are foretelling the coming of Christ ("A Promise Is a Promise"). As Grandfather begins to tell the story of Jesus' birth, the family meets Mary and Joseph as they journey to Bethlehem ("Magnify"). The Archangel Gabriel announces the birth of baby Jesus, and shepherds and three Magi travel to Bethleham to worship Him ("Glory to God"). Grandpa explains to the children that Herod decreed that all male babies in Bethlehem under the age of two must be massacred,but just in time, an angel warned Joseph to flee to Egypt with baby Jesus. After Herod dies, the angel directs them back to Nazareth, where Jesus grows up in Joseph's carpenter shop. Jesus learns His earthly father Joseph's business, but Joseph reminds Him that he is God's son ("Little Yeshua").

Jesus grows up, and his cousin, John the Baptist, calls for sinners to repent and be baptized in the Jordan River ("The Kingdom of Heaven/One Voice"§). Jesus comes to John to be baptized, and though John bows before Jesus and insists that it is not right for him to baptize Jesus, Jesus asks him to permit it so they may do what is right in God's eyes. John baptizes Jesus, and the Spirit of God descends on him. Satan leads Jesus out into the wilderness and tempts him, but Jesus does not succomb to his temptation ("It is Written"§). Back in Galilee, Jesus calls four fishermen – Peter, James, John, and Andrew – to be his first disciples. Amazed by a miraculous catch of fish, they declare that he must be the coming king ("I See the Kingdom Coming").

Jesus calls twelve disciples and begins teaching the common people the Beatitudes, explaining his love for them ("Closer Than a Heartbeat"§). The apostles sing and dance, telling the crowds "He Is Jehovah". Jesus heals the blind, lame, sick, and leperous, and a woman in the marketplace declares that he comes "In the Name of the Lord". The disciples wonder amongst themselves how Jesus will become king, especially since He says He will die by crucifixion. Jesus even raises his friend Lazarus, who had been dead four days, back to life ("In the Name of the Lord" (reprise)).

Act II

Jesus and his disciples make his Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem as the crowds celebrate and lay palm branches before him ("We Cry Hosanna, Lord"). When Jesus arrives at the Temple, he finds money changers selling animals for temple sacrifices, turning the Temple into a place of business. He angrily overturns their tables and confronts Caiaphas, the High priest ("My Father's Temple"§).

Jesus and His disciples meet in an upper room to celebrate the Passover, and he gives them some of his final teachings, assuring them that His spirit and His peace will always be with them ("Shalom"). Judas leaves the table to betray Jesus to the priests and Pharisees. Jesus predicts that all his disciples will fall away, but Peter insists that he will never leave Jesus. Jesus warns him that before the rooster crows, he will deny Jesus three times. Jesus and the rest of His disciples go into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray ("He Is Jehovah" (reprise)). The disciples fall asleep. Jesus begs God to take away the suffering he will endure, but then asks that God's will be done so that God may be glorified ("Glorify Your Son"§). The disciples awaken as Judas returns with some Roman soldiers. Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss, and the soldiers arrest him and lead him away.

As Jesus is awaiting His trial, three people recognize Peter as one of Jesus' followers. Peter repeatedly denies even knowing Jesus, and a rooster crows. Peter is overcome by his guilt and asks God for forgiveness, dedicating his life to God ("Peter's Song"§). Jesus is put on trial before Herod and then Pontius Pilate, who initially refuses to condemn Him, since He had committed no crime. During these trials, Jesus is whipped, and a crown of thorns is placed on his head. An angry mob insists that Pilate "Let Him Be Crucified", and Pilate turns him over to the rioters and the Roman soldiers. The soldiers lead him along the "Via Dolorosa" to Calvary, a hill outside the city, to be crucified. The soldiers beat and mock Jesus as he carries his cross, while his followers mourn. Jesus is nailed to the cross, and the soldiers cast lots for his robe ("Cross of Calvary"). Jesus tells his mother, Mary, that the apostle John is now her son. He cries out to God, "Abba, Father, why have you forsaken me?" and then gasps, "it is finished."

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, religious leaders and secret followers of Jesus, take his body down from the cross and bury it in the tomb that Joseph had purchased for himself. Pilate posts Roman guards at the tomb so Jesus' apostles will not be able to steal Jesus' body and claim that He rose from the dead. On Sunday, the Angel Gabriel appears at the tomb, singing God's command for Jesus to "Arise". Three women arrive at the tomb to mourn and find Jesus there, risen from the dead! They bring the apostles to Him, and all the people come to worship Jesus.

Grandfather explains to Billy and Lisa that Jesus is still alive today and urges them to go forth to fulfill His Great Commission. Everyone joins in singing "Glory to God" and "Magnify".

Note: Songs labelled with § have been added to the Glen Rose production since the original production.