The Upper Room to Gethsemane - Easter Plays For Black Churches

On the night of Passover, Jesus gathers His disciples in an upstairs room in Jerusalem. While they expect answers, safety, and maybe even victory, Jesus surprises them with a lesson no one planned for: true greatness looks like serving. As He washes their feet, shares the bread and cup, and speaks about love, peace, and forgiveness, the disciples wrestle with fear, pride, and confusion. One painful warning shakes the room: betrayal is coming from within.

After the meal, they walk into the night toward the Garden of Gethsemane. There, Jesus faces the heaviest pressure of His earthly life. The disciples want to be brave, but their bodies are tired and their hearts are overwhelmed. As Jesus prays and surrenders to the Father’s will, the shadows move closer. Torches appear, footsteps grow louder, and the cost of obedience stands at the garden gate.

This story invites kids (and adults) to see that faith is not just believing when life is easy. Faith is tested when obedience becomes costly, when choices are hard, and when love requires courage.

Theme

Obedience And Faith Under Pressure

Characters

(12-18 actors)

• Jesus – gentle and courageous Savior, teaching love, service, and surrender

• Peter – bold disciple who promises loyalty, but struggles with fear

• John – tender, observant disciple who listens closely to Jesus

• James – earnest disciple who wants to do what’s right

• Andrew – thoughtful disciple, steady but concerned

• Philip – practical disciple who asks honest questions

• Thomas – sincere disciple who struggles to understand

• Matthew – reflective disciple who notices details and meaning

• Bartholomew – calm disciple who tries to keep peace

• Thaddeus (Jude) – curious disciple who asks big questions

• Simon the Zealot – intense disciple learning a different kind of strength

• Judas Iscariot – conflicted disciple pulled by darkness and bad choices

• Mary (Jesus’ Mother) – quiet, faithful presence, strong and tender

• Mary Magdalene – grateful follower of Jesus, attentive and compassionate

• Martha – practical helper, warm and direct with light humor

When

Biblical times, Passover night leading into late evening

Props & Costumes

• Low table with cushions (or chairs)

• Bread (or flatbread) and cups (no real wine needed)

• Basin/bowl, towel, small pitcher of water

• Simple robes/shawls (or neutral costumes)

• Small lantern/flashlight for “lamplight”

• Optional: a small bag for Judas (money bag)

• Optional: a few safe “torch” props (paper flames on sticks)

Why

“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

This verse shows the heart of the story: obedience is real when it’s hard. Jesus chooses the Father’s will even under intense pressure, teaching us that true faith trusts God even when the path is costly.

How

A simple stage can become two main locations:

1. The Upper Room (table, basin, towel)

2. The Garden (olive trees suggested with a few branches or chairs, dim lighting)

Time

45 minutes