John 18.28-40 ~ Rap version

(This is a bible reading set to “rap” music.  It can be done solo or with a small group, and accompanied by a keyboard’s special effects.  The Narrator’s lines are not underlined.  The lines which are underlined are parts spoken by Pilate, Jesus and the crowd.  Their lines could be emphasised with different colour pens so that the children can understand which person is speaking).

Narrator:

So Pilate went back to the Praetorium,

And he said to his men, “Tell Jesus to come”!

And he asked him straight was he King of the Jews,

And Jesus replied, “Do you have any clues?

Do you ask me this of your own accord?

Have others spoken to you?

Do they call me Lord”?

****

Pilate was shocked, and said, “Am I a Jew?

This is MY question and I’m talking to you!

Your people disown you now, what’ve you done”?

“My kingdom’s not here, it’s a kingdom to come”!

“Ah! So you are a King”! said Pilate to him.

“Yes, yes Jesus said Yes I am a King

I came into the world the truth to bring,

And I’ve spoken the truth in my witnessing”

****

Pilate turned to the crowd and said “Here is your King,

And I’d like to say, I find no case against him,

Now it is the custom and it’s yours, not mine,

To release one prisoner at the Passover time”!

Which one of these men should I give to you,

Barabbas the brigand…. Or the King of the Jews”?

****

CRUCIFY HIM! CRUCIFY HIM!

LET THE KING OF THE JEWS BE SENT TO THE TREE

BARABBAS THE BRIGAND IS THE ONE TO FREE!

GIVE US BARABBAS, AND WE WON’T MAKE A FUSS

BARABBAS THE BRIGAND IS THE ONE FOR US!

BARABBAS THE BRIGAND IS THE ONE FOR US!

BARABBAS!