The Betrayal
by Michael Dominic Doherty, Macedon, 1952
(With apologies to Banjo Patterson)
“Thirty silver pieces, yes, ’tis worth the thought, M’ lord,
So easy, too; I know the garden well.
Jesus goes there often, and tonight too, I’m assured,
‘He said he’d be there after night befell.”
“A quiet little olive grove; a wine press on the hill;
I’ve been there with Him often of a night;
He loves the quiet solitude when all is deathly still,
And prays to seek His guidance and His light.”
“Thirty silver drachmas for a swift and silent kiss!
Traitorous, yes, but who can tell the reason?
Your price is high, Lord Annas, so I’ll take it given this –
My name is always kept from this foul treason!”
“Never fear, Iscariot, for His blood shall be on me,
He must be taken e’er the night has passed.
So I’ll prepare the Temple guards, while you collect your fee.
‘tis good, for we have trapped the fool at last!”
So Judas led his motley crew with torches blazing high,
To light their way through lane and field and square.
Until they reached the lonely hill where Jesus was to die,
And passed it to the garden of despair.
Then as they neared the olive grove, there came the warning hiss –
“Now silence there, and keep those torches low,
First I’ll go in to meet Him and I’ll hail Him with a kiss,
Then you close in to take Him as your foe.”
Then Judas passed between the trees, and slow was his advance,
Until he met his Master face to face.
He faulted in his purpose, as he saw that wistful glance,
He felt the loving patience of His grace.
He lowered his head in utter shame, and turned as if to part,
But saw the mob and heard their angry breath.
So drowning out his conscience, he then steeled his wretched heart.
He turned, then smiled, and gave the kiss of death.
___
Image courtesy of Adobe.
Recent Articles:
14 September 2026
4.5 MINS
Moira Deeming says the public hasn't heard the full story of what happened to her inside the Victorian Liberal Party — and now, after joining Family First, she's ready to tell it.
14 September 2026
9.7 MINS
The word of God is living and active, and Christians across history have taken that seriously. A new Melbourne Bible Reading initiative is joining a global movement to read Scripture publicly — and you can be part of it.
14 September 2026
4.9 MINS
The Albanese Government Digital Duty of Care Bill could give an unelected commissioner the power to suppress free speech online — and Senator Alex Antic is leading the fight to stop it.
14 September 2026
6 MINS
The UK Parliament has delivered a major victory for the sanctity of life, voting down an assisted suicide bill that opponents warned would have opened the door to the legalised killing of vulnerable people.
11 September 2026
3.3 MINS
Moira Deeming has joined Family First as its lead Victorian candidate, pledging to contest the 28 November state election and continue her fight for child safeguards, faith, and sex-based rights.
11 September 2026
7.9 MINS
10 September marks the one-year anniversary of Charlie Kirk's assassination. Reflecting on his legacy, let's pray for his family and that we continue the mission God has called us to.
11 September 2026
3.7 MINS
Irish boxing icon Katie Taylor retired in style at Dublin's Croke Park, walking out before 80,000 fans singing "All Hail King Jesus" and wearing Psalm 18 in gold — a testament to the faith she calls the foundation of her life.
