| Spiritual Fiction posted March 22, 2024 |
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Mark 2:1-12 Dialogue Only
Mephibosheth's Miracle
by Lyle Nußbaum
H: Are you ready to go home, Mephibosheth?
M: We're waiting on you, Hezekiah. A few minutes longer and the others may have managed without you.
H: There are only two types of people who get carried everywhere: princes and lame beggars. While princes can command timeliness, you, my friend, must wait on your tardy friends.
M: That, unfortunately, is my lot in life.
H: Well, I'm here now so which corner do I get this evening?
A: You and Uriah get the head and Caleb and I will take the foot.
H: Alright, let's get moving. How was begging today, Mephibosheth?
M: Pretty slim, a couple mites from the faithful few. Traffic was lower than usual at my gate today. I wonder where everyone was.
U: Sometimes you have to seek out the positives in life. For example, although it was slow, it was a beautiful day today. The sun was shining and there was no rain.
M: Rain is miserable, especially when I'm left exposed to the elements, unable to drag myself to shelter.
C: Not only is it uncomfortable for you. Those days you smell like a wet dog and it adds weight for us to carry when you and your bed are soaked through.
H: You know, Mephibosheth, for a scrawny sack of bones, you sure are heavy.
M: I definitely feel the love today. You all know how appreciative I am of all that you do for me, transporting me to and from the gate each day. I couldn't ask for better friends. I know that it can be cumbersome and inconvenient.
A: Not another word about it. That's what friends are for. Our burden, compared with yours, is light.
U: And together we share the load.
M: Hold up a moment, friends. Why is there a large crowd up ahead? That's more people than I have seen all day. I wonder where they all came from.
B: Haven't you heard? There's an itinerant rabbi and healer who is currently speaking in that Levite's house. These people are gathered around in hopes of catching some of his words.
U: If he's a healer, do you think he can help Mephibosheth?
M: Let's not open old wounds. You know I gave up hope of that possibility long ago.
U: But what if there's a chance? Do you really want to pass it up?
C: We'll have to make it through that crowd. Look how tightly packed it is. I don't think Moses himself could part those people.
M: I suppose we could wait for the healer here and catch him when he leaves the house.
H: But we don't know how long that will take.
M: Heaven knows, I have lain for long periods of time for little to no reward in the past.
H: It's settled then. We'll wait. Let's set him down and give our arms a break.
A: Guys, we're not too far from my house and I have an idea. I'll be back in a few minutes; don't go anywhere.
M: As if we have a choice.
C: I wonder what's gotten into him?
U: I don't know but we'll soon find out.
B: Keep it down! We're trying to listen.
H: I don't see how anyone can hear anything at this distance, especially since the rabbi is inside.
::::::::::
M: Here comes Aaron. It looks like he's carrying several lengths of rope.
A: Mephibosheth, hold this.
M: What do we need this rope for?
A: Never mind that, just trust me. Everyone take a corner of the bed and follow my lead.
U: Where are we going? Aren't we going to wait for the healer?
A: Not exactly. We're going to bypass the crowd by going around the back of the house where some stairs lead up to the roof. Once we get there, I'll explain the rest. Now, let's get moving again.
C: Have you ever been on a rooftop before, Mephibosheth?
M: Not since my accident. There really hasn't been a need.
H: Well there's a first time for everything. Personally, I think Aaron may have lost his mind but I'll go along with it just to see how this ends.
U: Less talking while we ascend these stairs. Make sure each of your steps is taken with caution and try to keep the bed as level as possible. We don't need to be dumping him onto the ground.
C: Alright, we've made it. Now what?
A: Set him down over there and then come help me start removing these roof tiles.
H: Remove the roof tiles! Now I know that you are certifiably mad. This is a holy man's house; we can't destroy it.
M: I agree with Hezekiah. I appreciate your concern, Aaron, but it isn't worth upsetting our community. If we proceed with this, I may never get any alms again.
A: Look, if we take up the tiles first, no one will realize what is going on until we begin to take up the next layer of thatching. That way no one can come up here and stop us until it's too late. Before they have time to react, we'll be lowering Mephibosheth's bed with these ropes down into the interior, laying him at the healer's feet. Once this is done, regardless of the end result, we will repair the roof. After all, we are skilled craftsmen, aren't we?
M: Lowering the bed by ropes doesn't sound safe.
A: Since when has accomplishing something difficult ever been done by playing it safe?
M: But it's me that is being placed in a position of possible bodily harm.
A: Okay, it's your call. If you decide we shouldn't do this, I'll call it off.
M: Thank you. Now that I don't feel like I'm being forced into this situation, I think I'm okay with it. I'm completely at your mercy but I trust you. Just in case though, I'm praying to God that you don't end up making things worse for me.
C/H/U: Let's get to it, then.
::::::::::
B: Hey, what are you doing to my roof?
H: The hole's going to have to be big enough. Quick, rig the ropes on the corners of the bed. They're sending someone up but it's going to take a little while for him to push through that crowd and come around back. It should give us just enough time to lower Mephibosheth before we have to face the consequences.
M: Steady! Don't drop me! Level it out and please go slower!
J: Son, be still, you're safe. I've got you.
M: I'm sorry, Rabbi, we heard you were a healer and my friends were overzealous.
J: Your sins are forgiven, my son.
S: Can't you see that he needs more than that? Obviously, this man has a physical need that he came to have cured and you only offer him pithy sayings.
J: The paralysis, indeed, is a dire disadvantage in this world but what good is a fully functioning body if, when he dies, this man's soul is cast into eternal hellfire? His deepest need is spiritual and, thus, I have forgiven his sins.
P: How can you forgive sins, Rabbi? God alone can forgive. Are you claiming equality with God?
J: You doubt my authority and the truth of what I have said. You do not believe because there is no tangible proof of what has been done. In one way, it is easier to say to someone, 'Your sins are forgiven' since no one can determine one way or the other in this life; yet, if I say to this paralyzed man, 'Stand up and walk', you would immediately know whether I truly have that power or am simply a fraud.
B: Master, we've brought the men who were on the roof. What should be done with them?
J: Let them go. They have done no one any harm and I want them to witness what their faith has accomplished.
M: I'm sorry, Rabbi, I never meant to cause such a stir.
J: My son, you have not yet caused a stir. I will show these people something that they would not believe if they had not seen it with their own eyes. In order that you all may know that I am able to forgive sins, I will pass the more difficult test. Take up your bed and go home, Mephibosheth.
M: I would like to comply, sir, but I have been unable to use my legs for more than fifteen years.
J: And yet, do you not feel a change?
M: I do, a tingling and a warmth, but I am afraid. Afraid to fail. Afraid to have my hopes raised simply to be dashed.
J: Be not afraid, my son. Only trust me and believe.
M: I believe.
C: Let me help you to your knees.
H: Together, we'll stand you on your feet. And now we'll step away. You're standing on your own!
A: Take a step, Mephibosheth.
U: He's been healed!
M: I feel like leaping and dancing. Glory to God! Thank you, Rabbi. Now, all of you, let me through; I must go home.
Dialogue Only Writing Contest contest entry
H: Are you ready to go home, Mephibosheth?
M: We're waiting on you, Hezekiah. A few minutes longer and the others may have managed without you.
H: There are only two types of people who get carried everywhere: princes and lame beggars. While princes can command timeliness, you, my friend, must wait on your tardy friends.
M: That, unfortunately, is my lot in life.
H: Well, I'm here now so which corner do I get this evening?
A: You and Uriah get the head and Caleb and I will take the foot.
H: Alright, let's get moving. How was begging today, Mephibosheth?
M: Pretty slim, a couple mites from the faithful few. Traffic was lower than usual at my gate today. I wonder where everyone was.
U: Sometimes you have to seek out the positives in life. For example, although it was slow, it was a beautiful day today. The sun was shining and there was no rain.
M: Rain is miserable, especially when I'm left exposed to the elements, unable to drag myself to shelter.
C: Not only is it uncomfortable for you. Those days you smell like a wet dog and it adds weight for us to carry when you and your bed are soaked through.
H: You know, Mephibosheth, for a scrawny sack of bones, you sure are heavy.
M: I definitely feel the love today. You all know how appreciative I am of all that you do for me, transporting me to and from the gate each day. I couldn't ask for better friends. I know that it can be cumbersome and inconvenient.
A: Not another word about it. That's what friends are for. Our burden, compared with yours, is light.
U: And together we share the load.
M: Hold up a moment, friends. Why is there a large crowd up ahead? That's more people than I have seen all day. I wonder where they all came from.
B: Haven't you heard? There's an itinerant rabbi and healer who is currently speaking in that Levite's house. These people are gathered around in hopes of catching some of his words.
U: If he's a healer, do you think he can help Mephibosheth?
M: Let's not open old wounds. You know I gave up hope of that possibility long ago.
U: But what if there's a chance? Do you really want to pass it up?
C: We'll have to make it through that crowd. Look how tightly packed it is. I don't think Moses himself could part those people.
M: I suppose we could wait for the healer here and catch him when he leaves the house.
H: But we don't know how long that will take.
M: Heaven knows, I have lain for long periods of time for little to no reward in the past.
H: It's settled then. We'll wait. Let's set him down and give our arms a break.
A: Guys, we're not too far from my house and I have an idea. I'll be back in a few minutes; don't go anywhere.
M: As if we have a choice.
C: I wonder what's gotten into him?
U: I don't know but we'll soon find out.
B: Keep it down! We're trying to listen.
H: I don't see how anyone can hear anything at this distance, especially since the rabbi is inside.
::::::::::
M: Here comes Aaron. It looks like he's carrying several lengths of rope.
A: Mephibosheth, hold this.
M: What do we need this rope for?
A: Never mind that, just trust me. Everyone take a corner of the bed and follow my lead.
U: Where are we going? Aren't we going to wait for the healer?
A: Not exactly. We're going to bypass the crowd by going around the back of the house where some stairs lead up to the roof. Once we get there, I'll explain the rest. Now, let's get moving again.
C: Have you ever been on a rooftop before, Mephibosheth?
M: Not since my accident. There really hasn't been a need.
H: Well there's a first time for everything. Personally, I think Aaron may have lost his mind but I'll go along with it just to see how this ends.
U: Less talking while we ascend these stairs. Make sure each of your steps is taken with caution and try to keep the bed as level as possible. We don't need to be dumping him onto the ground.
C: Alright, we've made it. Now what?
A: Set him down over there and then come help me start removing these roof tiles.
H: Remove the roof tiles! Now I know that you are certifiably mad. This is a holy man's house; we can't destroy it.
M: I agree with Hezekiah. I appreciate your concern, Aaron, but it isn't worth upsetting our community. If we proceed with this, I may never get any alms again.
A: Look, if we take up the tiles first, no one will realize what is going on until we begin to take up the next layer of thatching. That way no one can come up here and stop us until it's too late. Before they have time to react, we'll be lowering Mephibosheth's bed with these ropes down into the interior, laying him at the healer's feet. Once this is done, regardless of the end result, we will repair the roof. After all, we are skilled craftsmen, aren't we?
M: Lowering the bed by ropes doesn't sound safe.
A: Since when has accomplishing something difficult ever been done by playing it safe?
M: But it's me that is being placed in a position of possible bodily harm.
A: Okay, it's your call. If you decide we shouldn't do this, I'll call it off.
M: Thank you. Now that I don't feel like I'm being forced into this situation, I think I'm okay with it. I'm completely at your mercy but I trust you. Just in case though, I'm praying to God that you don't end up making things worse for me.
C/H/U: Let's get to it, then.
::::::::::
B: Hey, what are you doing to my roof?
H: The hole's going to have to be big enough. Quick, rig the ropes on the corners of the bed. They're sending someone up but it's going to take a little while for him to push through that crowd and come around back. It should give us just enough time to lower Mephibosheth before we have to face the consequences.
M: Steady! Don't drop me! Level it out and please go slower!
J: Son, be still, you're safe. I've got you.
M: I'm sorry, Rabbi, we heard you were a healer and my friends were overzealous.
J: Your sins are forgiven, my son.
S: Can't you see that he needs more than that? Obviously, this man has a physical need that he came to have cured and you only offer him pithy sayings.
J: The paralysis, indeed, is a dire disadvantage in this world but what good is a fully functioning body if, when he dies, this man's soul is cast into eternal hellfire? His deepest need is spiritual and, thus, I have forgiven his sins.
P: How can you forgive sins, Rabbi? God alone can forgive. Are you claiming equality with God?
J: You doubt my authority and the truth of what I have said. You do not believe because there is no tangible proof of what has been done. In one way, it is easier to say to someone, 'Your sins are forgiven' since no one can determine one way or the other in this life; yet, if I say to this paralyzed man, 'Stand up and walk', you would immediately know whether I truly have that power or am simply a fraud.
B: Master, we've brought the men who were on the roof. What should be done with them?
J: Let them go. They have done no one any harm and I want them to witness what their faith has accomplished.
M: I'm sorry, Rabbi, I never meant to cause such a stir.
J: My son, you have not yet caused a stir. I will show these people something that they would not believe if they had not seen it with their own eyes. In order that you all may know that I am able to forgive sins, I will pass the more difficult test. Take up your bed and go home, Mephibosheth.
M: I would like to comply, sir, but I have been unable to use my legs for more than fifteen years.
J: And yet, do you not feel a change?
M: I do, a tingling and a warmth, but I am afraid. Afraid to fail. Afraid to have my hopes raised simply to be dashed.
J: Be not afraid, my son. Only trust me and believe.
M: I believe.
C: Let me help you to your knees.
H: Together, we'll stand you on your feet. And now we'll step away. You're standing on your own!
A: Take a step, Mephibosheth.
U: He's been healed!
M: I feel like leaping and dancing. Glory to God! Thank you, Rabbi. Now, all of you, let me through; I must go home.
A: Aaron
B: Bystanders (Not always the same person: unnamed characters)
C: Caleb
H: Hezekiah
J: Jesus
M: Mephibosheth
P: Pharisee
S: Scoffer
U: Uriah
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. B: Bystanders (Not always the same person: unnamed characters)
C: Caleb
H: Hezekiah
J: Jesus
M: Mephibosheth
P: Pharisee
S: Scoffer
U: Uriah
Artwork by VMarguarite at FanArtReview.com
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© Copyright 2024. Lyle Nußbaum All rights reserved.
Lyle Nußbaum has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
