“Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?’ And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver.” – Matthew 26:14-15, NASB
Wednesday of Holy Week is often called “Spy Wednesday”—a day marked by betrayal in secret.
We know little of what Jesus did publicly that day, but Judas was meeting with the chief priests behind the scenes. For thirty silver coins—the price of a slave (cf. Exodus 21:32)—he agreed to hand over the Son of God.
This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. Judas had walked with Jesus, listened to His teaching, and seen His miracles. Yet, the love of money, resentment, or disillusionment had somehow opened the door to darkness.
And Jesus knew it.
Betrayal Begins in the Heart
Judas didn’t become a traitor overnight. The seeds were sown long before—when his heart grew cold, even while his lips called Jesus “Rabbi.” In John 12:6, we learn he was a thief. In Matthew 26:25, he calls Jesus “Rabbi” instead of “Lord.” Ultimately, he is willing to trade eternal life for a bag of coins.
We’re meant to feel the weight of that. Because betrayal doesn’t always come with a kiss in a garden, sometimes it comes in moments of compromise, coldness, or silence.
Are there areas in our hearts where Jesus is being pushed aside for something we want more?
Still Seated at the Table
What’s remarkable is this:
Jesus still washed Judas’ feet (John 13:5).
He still shared bread with him (John 13:26).
He still called him “friend” in the garden (Matthew 26:50).
Jesus didn’t stop Judas, but He did give him every opportunity to repent. And He still extends that grace to us.
Have you grown cold toward Christ?
Are you going through the motions while your heart drifts from Him?
Is your faith genuine—or just a mask?
The Call of Wednesday
Wednesday invites us to ask the hard questions. It’s not for finger-pointing at Judas. It’s for self-examination.
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith.” – 2 Corinthians 13:5
This Holy Week, don’t rush past this moment. Confess what needs confessing. Let the Spirit search your heart. And remember: even Judas could have repented. He chose remorse without returning to Christ (Matthew 27:35), but you don’t have to.
Reflection Questions:
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Is there any area of my life where I am betraying Jesus with compromise or silence?
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Am I honoring Him with my heart—or just with my words?
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What would it look like to walk in honest, humble repentance today?
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