FRANKLIN FURNACE —Area residents will have the opportunity to travel through time this weekend as a church shares the story of Jesus’ death through the eyes of a Roman soldier.

Plymouth Heights Church of the Nazarene will host its annual production of “Bend the Knee” Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at 7 p.m.

The Rev. Andy Ramey said the event draws quite the crowd, and he expects about 1,200 people to attend over the three-day span.

“Our church seats about 450 and we expect it to be near full each night,” Ramey said. “We have never had to turn anyone away and never will. We will pull out chairs if we need to.”

The play and choir combination tell the basic Easter story through the eyes of a Roman soldier named Anthony. He said the point of the story is to bring everyone to the point where they are forced to deal with their relationship with Jesus.

“Anthony begins to grow soft in his heart when he sees all the things Jesus does,” Ramey said. “He becomes quite compassionate, but eventually is the one ordered to crucify Jesus, which he does since he is a soldier. Afterward he repents, realizing his horrible mistake.”

Ramey said the show has grown over the years, and there are many people who return not only every year, but multiple nights each year. He said there is a fresh twist added this year he hopes will keep the returning viewers entertained.

Seating is first-come first-serve and anyone seeking more information, or wishing to reserve an area for a large group, can contact the church at (740) 935-1484.