1. 11 ”Take a Load Off" Based on Matthew 11:25-30 ©2013 Allee Wengert (www.alcames.org). Conditions for use: (1) If you use all or parts of this script in any form, please consider sending a suggested $25 donation check made out to " The ROCK " to the following address: Ascension Lutheran Church, 2400 Bloomington Road, Ames, IA 50010. Reference the script title in the memo on the check. (2) Do not sell any part of this script, even if you rewrite it. (3) You may reproduce this script for internal use, but all copies must contain this copyright statement.

2. 2 2 Cast: Cast: JohnSawyer/Johannes JamesJoe AndrewSam MaryAnnee LukeChandler JesusZach

3. John: Hey Dad? James: Yeah, what’s up? John: I, um, well I quit the team. James: What? Why?

4. 4 John: I have so much going on with graduation coming up. Homework, tests and work. I’m worn out. James: I’m worn out too John but you don’t see me quitting my job to hang out with my friends. John: Dad! That’s not why I quit! I’m-

5. 5 James: I don’t want to hear your excuses. Your life is not that hard. Your mother and I have taken good care of you so stop complaining and get back on the team. I’m late for work, we’ll talk tonight. (Takes three steps and freezes.)

6. 6 John: Why does he have to be that way? If he would just listen he would understand! It might not seem like a lot to him but if he were in my shoes he would be tired too.

7. 7 Jesus: John, let me help you with that. John: Huh? Oh no, I don’t want to burden you with all this. Jesus: Come on. (John hands him a weight.) There we go. See? Isn’t that much better? (They hug.) Go on now, have a good day at school.

8. 8 (John exits) James: That kid. I guess we shouldn’t have spoiled him so much. (Shakes head.) He has a lot of growing up to do. He’s so tired. He’s seventeen! I don’t get it. Luke: Hey James. Running a little late this morning?

9. 9 James: You’ve got kids. How do you keep yourself from knocking their heads together? Luke: Ha! Chocolate. James: Chocolate?

10. 10 Luke: Not for the kids, for us parents. Especially for women. They aren’t as complicated as men think. All they really want is chocolate. James: I’ll remember that. Luke: Hey, can you pray for Martha and I?

11. 11 James: Things still rocky on the homefront? Luke: They’re getting better. I suppose some problems are more complex than chocolate. James: I’ll keep praying Luke. Luke: Thanks James.

12. 12 (James takes three steps and freezes. Luke sighs and bows his head.) Jesus: Oh Luke. Let me take that from you. Come on now, give it up. See? I’ve got plenty of room. (Luke gives Jesus weight and they hug.) That’s better. Now, go enjoy your coffee!

13. 13 James: People have real problems in their lives and my son is sitting at home mad because he doesn’t have enough free time. I can’t wait to tell my dad about this one. Luke, I’ll be back. I’m going to run to the hospital to take my dad breakfast. Luke: See you in a bit.

14. 14 James: Morning Dad! I brought doughnuts. Andrew: Don’t let your mother know. She’ll have a fit. (Coughs.) James: I won’t. How are you today?

15. 15 Andrew: Better than yesterday. I can’t shake this cough though. I’m telling you son, this getting old business isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. James: Be happy you’re getting better. Andrew: What are you talking about?

16. 16 James: You said you’re feeling better than you were yesterday. Andrew: No I didn’t. Will you tell your sister to bring me a blanket? James: Dad, Rachel lives in California, remember? She got a new job there.

17. 17 Andrew: Oh that’s right. I knew that. I don’t know about you but I am more than ready for dinner. You sticking around? James: I wish I could Dad, but I have to get back to the office. I’ll call you tonight okay? Andrew: I look forward to it son.

18. 18 (James walks away and freezes.) Andrew: This old mind of mine doesn’t work quite right any more. (Shakes his head then sees Jesus.) Hello there old friend!

19. 19 Jesus: Hello Andrew. I know things have been harder for you lately, but I have a few more jobs for you. So in the meantime, let me take this. (Takes weight.) Hang in there friend, I’m right here. James: (Answers cell phone.) Hi Mary.

20. 20 Mary: James! What did you say to John? James: I told him not to quit the team. He’s feeling sorry for himself over nothing. If he takes a look around he can see that people are dealing with real problems. Mary: John is seventeen. This is his life. And what’s going on in his life is significant to him.

21. 21 James: I remember what its like to be seventeen. But I’m way passed that now. My company is struggling to survive in this economy, our best friends’ marriage is rocky, my father is sick, my tie is too tight and my son is upset he’s busy.

22. 22 Mary: James, you need to take a load off. You can’t carry this alone. I can’t carry it for you. Give it to Jesus. He wants it. You just have to give it up. Now I have to get back to work. I love you James: Love you too. (Hangs up.) She makes it sound so easy. I would love to not have to carry all this weight!

23. 23 Jesus: Then give it up James! Don’t you think it’s about time to take a break? Come to me, you are weary and burdened. I will give you rest for my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (James slowly hands Jesus many weights. He takes a deep breathe and hugs Jesus.) James: Much better.