Two Bad Lads

Introduction

This short dialogue is about two brothers, the two thieves crucified with Jesus. One repented for what he did while the other couldn’t see that by doing nothing he too was also doing something wrong. Maybe he was ignorant of the effect that it had on others.

Recently, there have been several cases brought to court where men and women have been violently attacked, physically and sexually. The attacks were recorded on camera and uploaded onto the internet. In court the judge when sentencing the attacker and the person videoing the event severely criticised the bystanders for taking no action to prevent either the attack or the recording of it.

Like those bystanders, if we do nothing, have we condoned evil? By our lack of action said that it’s ok to bully, to steal, lie, cheat, murder, the list is endless. May be they are conscious that it is wrong but just do it anyway. The fact remains shouldn’t we say, or do something about their intentions and actions. They may change their mind and that’s one less person who has been bullied, robbed or even murdered.

Two Bad Lads

Sam: Don’t know why I ‘m here, sentenced to death on this cross. I don’t deserve it. I didn’t do anything it was my brother who pinched everything. He was good, very good. Light fingered. Our mum was always mystified when the left over food or that little bit of her change in her pocket just…. disappeared. She always thought she was getting absentminded. Mrs Bruce couldn’t work out where her chickens went. She and Grandma Fred were always at each other s throat so when the hens were found in Grandma Fred’s yard there was a proper good row, there was. It was a real good laugh to see them having a go at each other.

David: No it wasn’t. I see that now. We shouldn’t have done it.

Sam: Watch yer mean ‘We shouldn’t have done it’. You did the stealing; you were good at it too. All I did was to keep a look out, make sure the coast was clear for you, that no one was coming. So you didn’t get caught.

David: That’s just as bad as what I did.

Sam: What’s got into you? You’ve always been up for it before, even leading me on.

David Well I’ve been thinking about things differently; the things I’ve done all those people I’ve hurt. It’s wrong.

Sam: Oh I know it’s that Jesus bloke, him next to us. You’ve been listening to all those things he’s said. But we’re here, on this cross, because we stole from the Romans, our enemies, our so called ‘Lord and Masters!’ They steal from us with all their taxes, so why shouldn't we steal from them?

David: That still doesn’t make it right. What I did was wrong. I see that now. It doesn’t matter who I did it to either, it’s still wrong. (Pause) Jesus was right. We should respect everyone no matter what they do to us. The Romans are real people with feelings, just like us. We shouldn’t steal from them or people we know like our mum or Mrs Bruce, anyone.

Sam: OK, so you’re sorry. So why am I here? I didn’t do anything wrong.
All I did was keep watch, made sure the coast was clear, so you didn’t cop it. I don’t deserve this. I haven’t hurt anyone or robbed anyone. It’s not fair.

David: Jesus. I’ve listened to what you’ve said. Your words have made me change how I think. I am very sorry for what I have done. I deserve to die this way. You don’t. You listened to people’s troubles and worries and made the sick better, showed people how they could live their lives properly. You don’t deserve this. I do. I see that now. You are the Son of God. When you are in heaven will you remember me …….please.

Jesus: Yes I will. For saying sorry for what you have done your sins are forgiven. Today we will be in heaven together.

Sam But, but what about me? I haven’t done anything wrong!