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Reply to "VIDEO, A-V Workshop Lessons and Ideas for Jesus in Gethsemane"

Video: Jesus Christ Superstar

The Gethsemane scenes

Gethsemane, Jesus praying, Betrayal, Arrest, Pilate.

If there's a better video than Jesus Christ Superstar that covers Gethsemane, Jesus' anguish, and the character of Judas, I haven't seen it.  Universal has posted several clips from the movie, including the Gethsemane song. https://youtu.be/ndZ6B1EaJEs   (It's dark/night in the video, which makes the small screen YouTube version appear even darker.)

Screenshot:

JCS-Gethsemane-I-only-want-to-say

I've taught with parts or the entire Jesus Christ Superstar movie at least 20 times over the last 30 years with various children, youth, and adult groups. Always well received. Ted Neeley's 1973 depiction of Jesus is considered one of the best ever captured on film.

The centerpiece of the Gethsemane scene from the JCS movie is Jesus' song, "I Only Want to Say" which he sings to God while the disciples sleep. Its powerful, raw, and honest emotion creates a lot of opportunity for discussion. Its inspiring music, lyrics, and scenery help us remember that Jesus was human too, in real anguish, had a real choice, and chose God's way. Jesus cries out his prayer to God in the Garden and gives God his faithful answer.

The montage of famous crucifixion art to the lyrics "see how I die" remind us of the ugly truth that's also found in Holy Week, we killed God's Messiah, but God forgave us.


UPDATE: Member JanMarshall has posted a more complete lesson using Neil's recommendation. Look for it below in this forum.

UPDATE: I've donated my complete outline and discussion guide to Jesus Christ Superstar to rotation.org supporting members, you can find it here.

I hope this post helps you teach with one of the best Jesus movies for young people ever made. It definitely leaves an impression.

<>< Neil

Here are the powerful lyrics to the song "I Only Want to Say" by Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice:

Use them with your older students after viewing the video. Several lines beg for discussion, such as, "Why do you think Jesus may have been "sad and tired"?  and "What does 'see the saga through' mean?"  "Do you think Jesus could have changed his mind as he says at the end of the song?"

I've also bolded a key verse where Jesus questions whether his death is needed. How did his death on a cross change things for his message?  How does his death change how we feel about Jesus and his teachings?   

Will no-one stay awake with me?
Peter? John? James?
Will none of you wait with me?
Peter? John? James?
I only want to say
If there is a way
Take this cup away from me
For I don't want to taste its poison
Feel it burn me,
I have changed I'm not as sure
As when we started
Then I was inspired
Now I'm sad and tired
Listen surely I've exceeded
Expectations
Tried for three years
Seems like thirty
Could you ask as much
From any other man?
But if I die
See the saga through
And do the things you ask of me
Let them hate me, hit me, hurt me
Nail me to their tree
I'd want to know
I'd want to know my God
I'd want to know
I'd want to know my God
I'd want to see
I'd want to see my God
I'd want to see
I'd want to see my God
Why I should die
Would I be more noticed
Than I ever was before?
Would the things I've said and done
Matter any more?
I'd have to know
I'd have to know my Lord
I'd have to know
I'd have to know my Lord
I'd have to see
I'd have to see my Lord
I'd have to see
I'd have to see my Lord
If I die what will be my reward?
If I die what will be my reward?
I'd have to know
I'd have to know my Lord
I'd have to know
I'd have to know my Lord
Why, why should I die?
Oh, why should I die?
Can you show me now
That I would not be killed in vain?
Show me just a little
Of your omnipresent brain
Show me there's a reason
For your wanting me to die
You're far too keen on where and how
But not so hot on why
Alright I'll die!
Just watch me die!
See how, see how I die!
Oh, just watch me die!
Then I was inspired
Now I'm sad and tired
After all I've tried for three years
Seems like ninety
Why then am I scared
To finish what I started
What you started
I didn't start it
God thy will is hard
But you hold every card
I will drink your cup of poison
Nail me to your cross and break me
Bleed me, beat me
Kill me, take me now
Before I change my mind

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Tim Rice / Andrew Lloyd Webber
Gethsemane (I Only Want To Say) lyrics © Mca Music Ltd.

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Last edited by Neil MacQueen
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