The Lost Treasure of Jerusalem

In 2017, I was asked to write a play for our Vacation Bible School (Breakaway). I was tasked with tying together the following threads: the theme of 'Walk this Way,' following in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul and somehow tying this all in with a 'National Treasure' type of multi-city Treasure hunt. (Of course, I also threw in a little Indiana Jones and a smattering of some real Biblical history for good measure...) There were also plenty of tie-ins to our Bible Study curriculum for 'Breakaway: Walk this Way' which included the epistles of Paul.

The Lost Treasure of Jerusalem: Vacation Bible School Play

The Lost Treasure is a vacation bible school play that has eleven different segments. Vacation Bible School typically runs Monday-Friday and on Sunday. This play was written to have two segments per weekday and one final segment on Sunday.

This vacation bible school was called ‘Breakaway: Walk This Way’ and was about the Apostle Paul. The play was written to follow the footsteps of the Apostle Paul as he traveled all over the Mediterranean region. Some segments of the play were written to coincide with the teachings the children would be learning that day about the Apostle Paul and his teachings.

The play also focuses on the ‘Lost Treasure of Jerusalem.’ The aspects of both earthly and heavenly treasure are examined as the play progresses. There is a literal ‘golden treasure’ of Jerusalem that the main characters find. But they do learn that earthly treasures are not what you should seek; instead you should seek ‘heavenly treasures’ or things that God would deem as ‘treasure.’ Our main characters quickly find these are two entirely different things. The main character, Alex, finds that the ‘earthly treasure’ of gold has only caused him problems and he no longer wants the earthly treasure. But he figures out, with the help of a local policeman how he can turn his earthly treasure into heavenly treasure by helping the less fortunate.

This play was written in 2017 and was performed at University Covenant Church during the week of July 17-23, 2017. The writer, director, actors and camerapersons are all volunteers at University Covenant Church, which is located in Davis, CA.

Anyone can use this play for non-profit purposes, as long as you give credit University Covenant Church. However, if you have funds, please donate any amount to https://www.ucov.com/give.

Play Summary

Dr. Alex Evans (protagonist) has always had a rivalry with Dr. Sam Carter (antagonist). In the past Sam Carter was always the one to find the treasure first and gain fame and fortune, while Dr. Evans has always been trying to grasp that self-same fame and fortune.

While on a dig, two members of Dr. Evans’ team (Lydia and Tina) discover a treasure map and a compass. The treasure map will supposedly help them find the ‘Lost Treasure of Jerusalem.’ Dr. Evan’s team is excited until a fight breaks out between Dr. Evans and Dr. Carter. The map is split in half!

Soon there are two separate groups start searching for the illusive ‘Lost Treasure of Jerusalem.’ In their searches Dr. Carter resorts to cheating, lies and trickery. Dr. Evans’ team on the other hand tries to do things the right way and also on more than one occasion, try to pray and seek God’s guidance.

Eventually, Alex Evans finally finds the ‘Lost Treasure of Jerusalem,’ but also finds that having is not always a good thing. When Dr. Evans finally has fame, fortune and his ‘earthly treasure’ he finds that he is unhappy. Finally, due to some intervention from a policeman, Dr. Evans finally realizes how he can obtain ‘heavenly treasure.’ Once Dr. Evans starts to donate the ‘Lost Treasure’ to charity, he finally finds a sense of peace and a calling that he believes is ‘heavenly treasure.’

Verses

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart also be.

When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" "Who are You, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, who you are persecuting," he replied. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."

Cast

The play was directed by David Cripe. Screenwriter: Sherry O'Neal-Hancock. Actors: Travis Cosgrave, Theron Cosgrave, Ainsley Huff, Laurana Hancock, Jemimiah Aldus, David Cross, Davis Cripe, John Fanous, Lindsay Whiteford, Simone Gamble, Micaiah Clarke, Annie Whiteford, Breakaway Dance Team. Film Crew: Nathan Fanous, Steve Streeter and Steven Nielsen. Costumes: Ellen Contini. Filmed from July 17, 2017 to July 23, 2017 at University Covenant Church in Davis, CA.