Over The Top Publishing - Innovative Church Drama Resources

Drama Devotional - The Thief's Family

Have actors split into groups of three. Tell them they are going to improvise a scene between three Biblical characters: Isaac, his wife, Rebecca, and their son Esau. Have the actors first select which character they will play. Then read them the following.

Situation

You know the story. Isaac, the son of Abraham, is growing old. He sends his favored son Esau off to hunt game and prepare it for him so Isaac can then pass on to him the blessing Isaac received from Abraham. Isaac's wife Rebecca hears of the plan and schemes with her favored son Jacob to impersonate Esau and claim the blessing for himself. The plan works and gains for Jacob a blessing of God's favor and earth's riches. But when the real Esau shows up the scheme is revealed, and Jacob is forced to flee for his life lest Esau murder him in revenge.

That leaves Isaac, Rebecca, and Esau together in Canaan. How did this event affect their relationships? Suppose that Isaac, Rebecca, and Esau are having a meal together. The conversation initially centers on food. But just below the surface is the event of the stolen blessing. It may enter into the conversation or just color the conversation, but it is there.

Character Considerations

Esau

How has this event changed your relationship with your mother? Your father?
How do you feel about God? Has this event changed your feelings about God?
Do you think God made this happen?
What are your unanswered questions?
Now that you have lost the blessing, what do you think your life will be like?

Isaac

Do you know or suspect that Rebecca was part of the plan to trick you?
Do you think God was in this?
How have your experiences with God throughout your life shaped your understanding of what God is like?
How has this event changed your feelings toward Rebecca, Esau, and Jacob?

Rebecca

How has this event changed your relationship with Esau and Isaac?
What do you feel toward Jacob?
Do you still think your plan was a good idea? Do you feel any guilt?

Assignment

Each acting team can choose whether they want to discuss these considerations and plan their scene or to simply think about the considerations individually and then improvise the scene. Then play the scene. This will be rough, but that's okay. The point is to enter into this scriptural event and explore the moment.