The third time I went to the production of Godspell some of the mastery came together. Call me slow. It took me that long to notice that the background, which consisted of a graffiti splattered fence, was carried away a board at a time during the first act. Gradually the peacock feathers underneath had a chance to be illuminated. It reminded me of an analogy I heard long ago, that as God walked the earth the threads of His flawed humanity were tugged out and replaced by golden ones.

I found myself thinking about the young man who portrayed Jesus. What was it like to memorize a hundred straight minutes of scripture? Slide into the part of the Savior of heaven and earth? What will he tell his children?

"Yes, back in college I had the part of Jesus."

He brought calmness to the stage, a steadying force as the disciples vacillated widely with emotion: fear, uncertainty, devotion, empathy, annoyance, boredom. In his bio he thanked the directors for taking a chance on him. A chance? He was absolutely fabulous. His chocolate skin and honeyed voice made it easy to believe he loved each of his followers. 

One of the stories depicted in the script was from Matthew. 

"I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me."

But the disciples were confused. When had they served Jesus this way? 

"Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."

It turns out I am part of the story too. I have been invited to serve those who are in the place of Jesus. Plus the Director is taking a chance on me too.