A Play about the
Baptism of Jesus |
Here's a very old play about the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, a feast we celebrate in January each year. One of these characters doesn't appear in the Gospels. Do you know which one?
THE BAPTISM OF JESUS
adapted from the York Cycle of Mystery Plays
Play 21 – (1376-1569) performed by the Barbers
CHARACTERS in the PLAY:
|
|
|
|
![]() |
John the Baptist Almighty God, true Lord, I preach to men day by day And tell them, Lord, of thy coming (Who all hast wrought), But men are so dull that my preaching Serves for nought. They asked if I a prophet were, And I said nay: I said I was a voice that cried Here in the desert. |
|
![]() |
Angel John, take heed of what I say: I bring thee tidings wondrous good: My Lord Jesus shall come this day From Galilee unto this flood You Jordan call, Baptism to take. Therefore, John be glad, And thank him heartily, both loud and long. |
|
![]() |
John the Baptist I thank him ever, but sorry I am The deed he asks I cannot fulfill. |
|
![]() |
Angel John, thou ought with heart and will To do his bidding, bidden as you are. |
|
![]() |
John the Baptist I will be subject night and day, As well I should, To serve my Lord Jesus In deed and word. But well I know, baptism is given To wash and cleanse man of sin. And well I know that sin is none In him, neither without nor within. What needs him, then, For to be baptized like sinful man? |
|
![]() |
Jesus John, thou shalt know by kindly wit The causes why I have ordained it so, And one is this: Mankind may not unbaptised go To endless bliss. And since myself have taken man’s flesh, Men shall me their mirror make And have my doings in their mind; I will therefore Myself be baptized for their sake, Full openly. My will is this, that from this day The virtue of my baptism dwell In baptism-water, ever and aye, Through my grace thereto take always The holy ghost. |
|
![]() |
John the Baptist Almighty Lord, great is this grace! |
|
![]() |
Jesus Come, baptize me John, in this place. |
|
![]() |
John the Baptist Lord, save thy grace that I forbid That it so be, For, Lord, methinketh it were more need Thou baptized me. What rich man goes from door to door To beg from him that has right nought? Lord, thou art rich and I am full poor, Thou may bless all, since thou all wrought. |
|
![]() |
Jesus Thou sayest full well, John, certainly, But now let righteousness be not only Fulfilled in word but also in deed, Through baptism clear. Come, baptize me in my manhood Openly here. First shall I take, since I shall preach, For so behooves mankind fulfill All righteousness. |