Traditionally this day is called “Spy Wednesday” because on this Wednesday before the crucifixion Judas conspired to give Jesus to the soldiers. Judas became a spy, an agent for those wanting to hurt and kill Jesus. He made a deal to betray Jesus. Judas was paid, given silver, to hand over Jesus. Hard to believe but true.
Scripture doesn’t say what Jesus did on that Wednesday. Scholars speculate He probably spent the day in Bethany resting up from the busyness of the past few days. Most likely they were exhausted and Passover was soon. He might have spent it with His friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Earlier Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead and the people of Bethany believed He was the Son of God. Then Mary of Bethany went to Jesus and anointed Him with costly perfumed oil. Judas, the treasurer of the group, objects to the extravagance saying that the money could be used to help so many poor people, hungry people. Jesus rebukes Judas and says Mary has anointed Him for His burial.
The disciples are saddened to think about Jesus dying and leaving them. They believe He is God’s Son, but they love Him. They don’t want anything bad to happen to Him. Scholars believe Judas was trying to force Jesus into claiming His kingdom now. That Judas didn’t believe anything bad would actually happen to God’s Son. I don’t know. It is sad to see a follower betray his leader, especially when that leader is Christ.
Have you sold Him for something? Do you take payment in exchange for Him? Is there something you believe in instead of Him? Something that has taken His place? Maybe you treat Him like royalty and the Son of God that He is. Sometimes it is easy to let things get in the way of worshipping Him. It is easy to put our own wants before what we really need to do. Me? I need to worship our Savior. The One that suffered, was beaten, crucified, died, and rose from the dead so that I might claim eternal life with Him is the One I long to worship. My soul needs to sing His praises more than my body needs an extra hour of sleep. I need Him to know He is my priority since I was His. His love is priceless. It is worth more than I could ever say – much more than thirty silver coins.
“Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him over to you?” So they counted out for Him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand Him over.” Matt. 26:14-16
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 