The Decision of Judas Iscariot.

I am frightened !

They say we are all in danger.

The Master has enemies and I fear they are closing in.

I feel betrayed.

He promised us fame and glory,

A mansion to live in just like a nobleman.

Did he not tell us

That in his fathers own house there were many mansions ?

Would someone so wealthy disown their own son ?

Then he lied.

He must have done

So I owe him no loyalty.

I will go to the priests and strike a bargain

I want no more to do with this.

It is not worth losing my life for.

It has been arranged.

I am to be given thirty pieces of silver for my troubles.

We will meet in the Gardens and I will acknowledge him with a kiss.

There is my Master now.

The soldiers are watching and waiting for my signal.

Jesus of Nazareth looks straight at me and smiles.

I falter, and turmoil fills my heart.

That smile. So full of love and compassion.

He knows !  My Master knows what is to happen.

I cannot do it.

I have changed my mind.

I cannot betray a man who “knows” and yet still loves me.

I meet the Master`s eyes and sorrow and shame fill my heart.

I fling the curs`ed silver to the ground      

And walk away.

I want no part of this.                  

My Lord, my Master, truly is the Son of God.

I will not deliver him to his tormentors.

I shout my glad news to the heavens.

Jesus lives!

HALLELUIAH! Praise his name!

Jan Wharton  (June 2012)