The Soldier Who Killed a King

When I was 21 years old, one of my theatre teachers asked me to play a Roman soldier in an Easter play called Man Born To Be King at Vancouver's Ryerson United Church. I wasn't a member of that church. I was just one of a number of my teacher's students who had been asked to help fill out the extensive cast they needed for such a large play at the church he attended. As I look back, it may have been a minor part, but it had a major effect on me.

Part of the effect occurred because my director—like most I've worked with—wanted every actor to have a back story: Who are you? What is your specific background? Why do you do what you do in each scene? Your personal answers to those questions inform your performance of your character. Now, forty-five years later, I can still vividly recall the crucifixion scene I was part of in rehearsals and performances. I felt I really was a soldier at the foot of the cross, hammering in the nails, watching the spectacle of Jesus' undeserved death. I believe the other reason the effect was so strong was my personal realization of my complicity in Jesus' death. I may not have been the actual "soldier" on Golgotha, but it was my sins, as well, that Jesus went to the cross to defeat. As an actor, such a personal experience can help you empathize with those who were there, but it can also connect you in a new way with the true and compassionate story of Jesus' sacrifice and ultimate resurrection. We will live eternally because of His willingness.

Can we all connect our own "back story" to the cross and its significance? One way is through a live theatre experience that you and your family and friends can experience here at SDBC. Another is delving into a book prior to that performance. Does the following description whet your appetite? It's from the book description of The Soldier Who Killed a King:

"A stunning story of Holy Week through the eyes of a Roman centurion. Watch the triumphal entry of the donkey-riding king through the eyes of Marcus Longinus, the centurion charged with keeping the streets from erupting into open rebellion. Look behind the scenes at the political plotting of King Herod, known as the scheming Fox for his ruthless shrewdness. Get a front-row seat to the confrontation between the Jewish high priest Caiaphas and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. Understand as never before the horror of the decision to save a brutal terrorist in order to condemn the peaceful Jew to death. If you've heard the story of Passion Week so often it's become stale, now is the time to rediscover the terrible events leading from Jesus's humble ride into the city to his crucifixion. The Soldier Who Killed a King will stun you afresh with how completely Christ's resurrection changed history, one life at a time."

Starting Sunday, February 24th and finishing six weeks later on April 7th, the Connections Class will be working through a book study titled, The Soldier Who Killed a King. My friend, and fellow Canadian Word Guild member, David Kitz, has written this book. David lives in Ottawa and is a pastor and educator. His book was inspired by years of the author performing his one-man play, The Centurion's Report. This book study, which I will host, will lead up to Easter weekend, which will include the author being here at SDBC on Easter Sunday (April 21st). If you would like to join the Connections Class and read through The Soldier Who Killed a King leading up to Easter, please email the church and a copy will be ordered for you. Books cost $12, which can be paid when you pick up your copy at the Connections Class. I will be at the Spotlight table on Sunday, February 17th to answer any questions.