FINDING THE WAY 2 By Rod This sketch seeks to illustrate how people, when presented with the claims of Christianity (“The Way) in the Bible (e.g. “The Map”), the Prophets (e.g. “The Signpost”) and by Jesus (e.g.“The Local”) ignore what might be thought of as blindingly obvious and, instead, try to make their own way – with disastrous consequences. Based on John 14 v 6. CAST Rachel A pregnant mum in imminent danger of giving birth! John Her husband Local A pedestrian John is driving Rachel to the hospital. Rachel I’m sure we came down this road just a few minutes ago, John. John Are you certain, darling? Rachel Yes, I remember noticing that pub – The Dog and Stirrup Pump. There can’t be too many others by that name. John Oh dear, I think you’re right. Rachel Does that mean what I think it means? John Yes, I’m afraid so. We’re lost. Rachel I thought you said you knew the way to the hospital. John I thought I did. But – don’t worry. I’ll get you there. Keep calm. Deep breathing. [They both do slow deep breathing] The baby’s not due just yet. You haven’t had a contraction for fully fifteen minutes. Rachel [Clutching his arm. He struggles to control the car] But I’m having one now. Help, John, get me to the hospital quick. [Rachel makes loud noises as if in the midst of contractions. John stops the car] John Don’t worry. We can’t be far away from the hospital. [Peering out] I’m sure it’ll be just up that road to the left Rachel [Struggling in pain] Why don’t you look at the map? John The map? Rachel [As if talking to a child] Yes, the map. The map the doctor gave us with directions to the hospital.
John Oh, that map. Rachel Yes, why don’t you get it out and look at it? John Well, er er um….. Rachel You haven’t brought it have you? John Well, no. I didn’t think we’d really need it. Rachel John – have you ever looked at that map? John Of course I have. Rachel When I say “looked at” – I mean in the sense of studying it to find the way. John Ah, that sort of looked at. Well, no. Not exactly. Although I do remember clearly filing it. I think I put it under “UI” for “Useful Information”. Rachel [Sarcastic] Are you sure it wasn’t under “UI” for “Useless Idiot”? John Now don’t get worked up, darling. Keep the deep breathing going. [They breathe together] I’ll tell you what. There’s a signpost over there. I can’t quite make it out in the dark. I’ll pop out and have a deco. I’ll be right back. Just you keep that deep breathing going. [They breathe together. John then gets out and looks at the sign. Then returns to the car and gets in.] Rachel Well, what does the signpost say? John It’s rather odd, actually . Rachel How do you mean odd? John Well, it says that the way to the hospital is to the right. Rachel Why is that odd? John It’s odd – because I’m sure it’s to the left. Rachel [Resignedly] You’re sure it’s to the left? John Yes. Rachel [Slowly and patiently, through clenched teeth as she is still in pain] Let me get this right. We’ve been driving around aimlessly for half an hour under your direction. We’re now completely lost – under your
John But it’s rather odd. Rachel [Exasperated] How do you mean “odd”? John Well, he said there’s only one way. Rachel Why is that odd? John There’s got to be more than just one way. Rachel Does it really matter if there’s only one way – as long as we’ve found it? John No, I suppose not … but I’m sure we’ll get there if we go to the left…. Rachel [Loudly] AAGGHH! John Now don’t get angry with me again dear. Rachel [Clenched teeth. Desperate] I’m not. John Well, what is it then? Rachel I’m having our baby – right here, right now! John [Panic] AAGGHH! THE END