5:

(Turning suddenly and falling at 1’s feet) Lord! Lord! My name is Jairus. I’m  one of the synagogue rulers. I’m in desperate trouble!

1:

What is it, Jairus?

5:

It’s my daughter, she’s dying. You must come quickly. If you could just put your hands on her, she will be healed and live.

1:

I’m on my way. (5 returns to line facing 1. 1 turns to right too and the other four squash up behind him. There is some pushing and shoving, becoming comical. Then 1 turns quickly and steps back to face the others) Who touched me? (Others all take one large step backwards)

4:

Touched you, Lord? (Turns away to face back)

2:

(Turns to face front) It wasn’t me!

3:

(Turns to face front) Nor me!

5:

(Turns to face front) It’s a bit crowded to worry about who touched you.

2:

Way too crowded.

3:

Way, way too crowded.

5:

Yes, we were all touching you!

1:

I asked who touched me. Don’t be afraid, whoever it is.

2:

Well, I might have touched you accidentally.

3:

Definitely accidentally.

5:

I certainly didn’t mean to.

1:

Someone touched me on purpose.

2:

I think you’re being a bit sensitive, Lord.

3:

Maybe you’re imagining things?

5:

Maybe in my haste to get back to my daughter I...

1:

(To 4) I ask again, who touched me?

4:

(Turning and throwing herself at 1’s feet) Oh Lord, I’m so sorry. It was me.

2:

Ah ha!

3:

Ah ha!

5:

(Pointing at 4) It was her!

4:

I’m sorry, I just thought that you could heal me. I didn’t want to make a fuss. You see, I have this terrible bleeding disease...

2:

(Steps away from 4) How repulsive!

3:

(Steps away from 4) How revolting!

5:

(Steps away from 4) How disgusting!

4:

I thought if I could just touch your clothing, I wouldn’t need to bother you. You seem so busy and all...

2:

Yes, very busy.

3:

Extremely busy.

5:

(Impatiently) What about my daughter?

1:

Have you been healed?

4:

Yes! Yes, that’s just it, you see, I have! Immediately I could feel the healing. But I’m sorry to have bothered you. Just give me back my sickness and I’ll leave and...

1:

Your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be free from your suffering.

2:

(Steps forward) It’s incredible!

3:

(Steps forward) It’s a miracle!

5:

(Steps forward) Er...Can we get going to my house now, please? (All turn to face right in a line behind 1)

3:

(Suddenly turning to face front) It’s too late!

5:

(Facing front) What do you mean, it’s too late?

3:

I’m sorry, Jairus, but your daughter is dead.

5:

Dead!

2:

(Facing front) Let’s not bother Jesus any more.

4:

(Facing front) He’s probably had enough for one day.

5:

Dead!

1:

(Facing front) She’s not dead, Jairus, she’s sleeping.

2,3,4:

(Surprised) Sleeping?

5:

(Indicating 3) Then why did he/she say she was dead?

1:

Don’t be afraid, just believe. Come, let’s go to your house. (All turn to face        right)

2:

(Over left shoulder) I still think this is a waste of time.

3:

(Over left shoulder) Some people just can’t accept death.

4:

(Over left shoulder) But he healed me, maybe he can do more.

5:

(Over left shoulder) I hope Jesus is right. (They all turn to face the front, looking down)

1:

Little girl, I say to you, get up!

5:

(Looking up) Oh, she’s alive!

2:

(Looking up) Alive!

3:

(Looking up) Alive!

4:

(Looking up) I knew it!

5:

(Turns and throws himself at Jesus’ feet) My master and my Lord! Thank you so much!

1:

Don’t make a big fuss about this. In fact, don’t tell anyone.

2:

Another miracle!

3:

It’s amazing!

4:

I’m never doubting again!

5:

(Standing up) I’m going to throw a big party.

1:

Jairus, just give your daughter something to eat first!

5:

Oh yes, of course. Almost forgot in my excitement.

2:

Understandable mistake.

3:

Anyone could make it.

4:

It’s all so exciting! Let’s tell everyone!

1:

Shhhhh!

2,3,4,5:

Oh, right. (1 exits quietly, but as soon as he is gone they exit down aisles ‘telling’ everyone about the two miracles. They repeat the words ‘Don’t tell anyone, but...’)