15. The Passion According to St Mark

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VERSION: 9 April 2002

THE PASSION ACCORDING TO ST MARK

Dramatised reading of the gospel for use on Passion Sunday, year B

with verses of ATO 335 'And we stood right there' by Leigh Newton*

(Mark 14:1 - 15:47)

The passion narrative may be read by three or more readers. Three readers could take the parts of Narrator, Jesus, and others. It is probably preferable if the whole narrative is not printed out for the congregation. The relevant pages of whatever Bible version is chosen (or copies of them) could be marked for the readers beforehand, and their parts rehearsed. The following headings and verses of the song* could be reproduced for the congregation, perhaps as part of the service order.

*Note: Leigh Newton has given his permission for the words of his song 'And we stood right there' (All Together OK 335) to be reprinted for this use. Please mark all reproductions as '(c) Leigh Newton 1993. Used with permission.' The second verse of this song is not reflected in this gospel for Passion Sunday.

Passion narrative 1: Jesus is anointed for burial (Mark 14:1-11)

Verse 1 of 'And we stood right there'

You rode into Jerus'lem

like a king who came in peace.

As word went on before you

there were thousands in the street.

And we crowded there

in the festive air

and we thought our king was here.

We all waved our arms

and we laid down palms,

as a crowd we yelled and cheered.

Passion narrative 2: The Passover (Mark 14:12-31)

Verse 3 of 'And we stood right there'

You sat there at the table

and you passed yourself around.

You spoke of what was coming -

they just shook their heads and frowned.

Then as Judas rose,

and about to go

to achieve his fateful deed,

we all made him wait

as we cleaned our plate,

and we joined him in his greed.

Passion narrative 3: The garden (Mark 14:32-52)

Verse 4 of 'And we stood right there'

You faced them in the garden

when they came with arms and might.

You took your friend's betrayal -

you were waiting there that night.

And we stood right there

with a soldier's flair

and we proudly bound your arms;

or as Jesus' mates

we made our escape

and in fear we fled from harm.

Passion narrative 4: Peter's denial (Mark 14:53-72)

Verse 5 of 'And we stood right there'

You stood in the Sanhedrin

and were soon condemned to death

by priests and scribes and elders -

we were right there in their midst.

In the palace grounds

Peter heard the sounds

of accusers closing in.

But the strength wears thin

and we fail like him

while the cock crows once again.

Passion narrative 5: Jesus before Pilate (Mark 15:1-15)

Verse 6 of 'And we stood right there'

They handed you to Pilate,

for they had no pow'r to kill.

But Pilate, being wary,

wanted no part in this deal.

'Who can I now free,

giving liberty

to a pris'ner on this day?'

And we all replied,

'Jesus crucify;

send Barabbas on his way.'

Passion narrative 6: Jesus is crucified (Mark 15:16-47)

A time of silence may be observed after v 37 before continuing.

Verse 7 of 'And we stood right there'

O Jesus, we are frightened,

and we know not where to stand.

One moment we have freedom,

then we run from love's own hand.

Take our fear away

for the risks each day

in the place where we must stand.

Give us hearts at play,

set us free your way,

hold us ever in your hand.

Narr.       This is the gospel of the Lord.

Cong.        Praise to you, O Christ.