Background notes:

Psalm 14:3 and Romans 3:12 – There is none who does good, no, not one.

ACT John: Scene 16

Col. Jessus began to show to His men that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer many things, be killed, and be raised the third day.

Lt. Peters: This won’t happen to You! I don’t think that’s true!

Col. Jessus: You can’t handle the truth!

Lt. Peters: Colonel Jessus, will a cross be Your “Code Blood Red”?

Col. Jessus: Son, we live in a world that has walls. And those walls have to be guarded by men with the armor of God. Who’s gonna do it? You? You? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for the nations. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: That My death, while tragic, will save lives. And My existence, while incomprehensible to you, saves lives.

You don’t want the truth. Because deep down, in places you don’t talk about at parties, you want Me on that cross. You need Me on that cross.

I use words like love, grace, mercy… I use these words as the backbone to abundant life. You use WWJD as a punchline.

I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it. I’d prefer you just said, “Thank you,” and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up the sword of the Word and stand a post. Either way, I don’t care what you think.

Lt. Peters: Will you order a “Code Blood Red?”

Col. Jessus: I’ll do the job the Father sent me to do.

Lt. Peters: Did you order a “Code Blood Red?”

Col. Jessus: You’re absolutely right I did!

(A role only one person could play.)

(Thanks to Aaron Sorkin for the inspiration and the adaptability of his script.)