Adulterous Woman/Soldier at the Cross

These are two monologues, either of which could stand alone. The first story is told by the woman caught in adultery (John 8), though it is some time after the fact. She has just witnessed Jesus' crucifixion, especially ironic because there was nothing she could do to help him even though his encounter with her spared her life. She recounts the shame of that day, the travesty of justice, and the tenderness of Jesus who forgave her sin. She knows even though he's now dead, she'll see him again, and until that day will always hold in her heart the freedom and new start he gave her. The second monologue recounts the experience of one of the soldiers at the cross. He has mixed feelings about the whole ordeal, wondering why Rome has taken to killing off such apparently harmless victims. When he wrestles with what he's done, especially in light of Jesus' readiness to forgive all who hurt him, he blurts out to the heavens that he had to do it-he had orders. Maybe this guy was the Messiah, maybe not. But God should have made it more obvious. He should have sent someone who, at least, looked more impressive so everybody would know.Willow Creek Association is the author of 'Adulterous Woman/Soldier at the Cross', published 1995 under ISBN 9780310672111 and ISBN 0310672112.