script excerpt

EXT - A COUNTRY ROAD ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF JERUSALEM - DAY

Jesus and his entourage are traveling along the road. Among them are several donkeys packed with supplies. Murray is walking with Jesus.

JESUS

Now, promise me you won’t do anything extravagant. It’s an important moment. But keep it humble.

MURRAY

The people know who you are. I’m sure there’ll be many to greet you. We just can’t ignore them.

JESUS

All right. Just don’t overdo it.

THE MAIN GATE OF JERUSALEM

A crowd lines both sides of the street. The expectant crowd waits for Jesus to pass. Murray is the first to be seen in the oncoming procession.

MURRAY

Come on, folks. Let’s make this look good. Some of you can lay your cloaks on the ground. Let’s put some palm branches along the road too. That’ll look nice.

Members of the crowd follow Murray’s instructions. As the street becomes decorated, Jesus and the Apostles enter.

Jesus is on a donkey covered in colorful blankets. The Apostles follow on foot.

The crowd reacts enthusiastically. Murray continues to run ahead of the procession, urging on the crowd with grand gestures.

MURRAY

Let’s hear it for Jesus. Hosanna, hosanna!

The crowd picks up the chant, and “hosanna” can be heard all along the procession. Jesus acknowledges the response of the crowd.

JESUS

I knew he would overdo it.