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HE'S GONNA BE MAD
MAIN POINT
The resurrection of Jesus was the central and distinctive witness of the early church and
is the cornerstone of Christianity today. As Paul said, "If Christ is not raised,
then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain" (1 Corinthians 15:14). Indeed,
the entire 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians provides an eloquent and persuasive explanation
of the key role of Jesus' resurrection in the lives of those who acclaimed him their Lord.
But what was the effect of this miraculous event on the powers of darkness when it was
discovered that death could not retain Jesus? This sketch celebrates the wonder of the
Resurrection by showing its impact on the demons assigned to engineer Jesus' death.
CHARACTERIZATION
The three demons in this piece are a high-strung, depraved version of the "Three
Stooges." Each can be played by either a man or a woman.
Anxiety is the "Curly" type. He's the fall guy and also the most likable of the
trio. Anxiety lives up to his name, for he worries throughout the sketch. He comes across
as naïve and not very bright.
Death is the "Moe" type. He's the obvious leader of the pack and is quick-minded
and calculating. Coldly shrewd and conniving, he has little patience with the other two,
especially Anxiety.
Hate is the "Larry" type, the mortar holding together yet separating the bricks
of Anxiety and Death. He's irritated and accusatory throughout the sketch. Satan should be
a booming, angry and ominous offstage voice.
DIRECTOR'S NOTES
1) This sketch needs to open with high, nervous energy, with Death and Hate pacing in
front of a fretting Anxiety. Death hitting Anxiety with his cap should be played like
slapstick shtick.
2) Don't be afraid to play the piece with a comic tone, but given the serious
nature of the content, don't allow the sketch to become silly.
3) All three characters are working toward the same goal: avoiding having to answer
for failing at their mission.
4) Have all three rivet on the same offstage focal point when Satan speaks his
line.
RELATED SCRIPTURES
Because this is an obvious Easter sketch, any of the gospel accounts of the resurrection
work well - Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20. Consider also Peter's sermon in Acts 2,
Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 15, or Peter's in 1 Peter 1:1-9.
RELATED THEMES
While resurrection is the primary theme, the sketch could also be used to introduce the
themes of avoiding responsibility, blame shifting or as a discussion starter about the
primacy of the Resurrection in the Christian faith.
