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The Betrayal Before the Cross: What Holy Wednesday Reveals About the Human Heart



The week began with celebration. Crowds shouting “Hosanna.” Jesus riding in on a donkey. Hope in the air.


But by Holy Wednesday, something sinister was already at work.


This day in Holy Week is often referred to as “Spy Wednesday.” Because somewhere in the shadows, Judas Iscariot was making a deal that would change eternity.


“Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests and asked, ‘How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?’ And they gave him thirty pieces of silver.” - Matthew 26:14–15

While Jesus taught in the temple… While others anointed Him in worship… Judas was plotting betrayal.


But this isn’t just about Judas. Holy Wednesday is a mirror to the soul. Because the truth is—every one of us is capable of betrayal.


The Danger of Hidden Sin


Judas walked with Jesus. He heard every sermon. He saw every miracle. He was part of the inner circle.


And yet—he sold the Savior for a price.


“From that time on, Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.” - Matthew 26:16 (NLT)

This wasn’t sudden. It was simmering. It started with greed. It grew with bitterness. It ended in betrayal.


Sin doesn’t show up fully formed. It grows in the dark.


And Judas let it grow.


He masked it with proximity to holiness. He blended in with the disciples. He played the part, but his heart was never surrendered.


How often do we do the same?


The Fragrance of Worship vs. The Stench of Betrayal


One of the most striking contrasts of Holy Wednesday is found in the anointing of Jesus by a woman with expensive perfume (John 12:1–8, Matthew 26:6–13).


“She came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.” - Matthew 26:7 (NLT)

While this woman was pouring out her most costly treasure, Judas was preparing to profit off the Savior’s death.


One gave all in worship. One took everything in betrayal.


“Why waste such expensive perfume?” Judas protested. - John 12:5 (NLT)

Judas called worship a waste.


And some still do today.


When you give up a relationship to honor Christ… When you tithe when things are tight... When you choose purity in a world selling compromise…


People will say, “Why waste that?”


But Jesus says:


“I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached… this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” - Matthew 26:13 (NLT)

What Judas called waste, Jesus called worship.


A Warning and an Invitation


Holy Wednesday is a warning to those who are near Jesus in proximity but far from Him in heart.


It’s a reminder that:


  • You can sit at His table… and still not love Him.

  • You can hear His words… and still harden your heart.

  • You can go through the motions… while making deals with the enemy in secret.


But it’s also an invitation.


Because the One Judas betrayed…

Still chose to wash his feet the next day (John 13:2–5).

Still shared a meal with him.

Still called him “friend” (Matthew 26:50).


That’s the kind of Savior Jesus is. He loves even the one who plots against Him. He offers mercy even in the midst of betrayal.


Where Do You Stand?


Let this Holy Wednesday search your soul.


  • Are you worshiping… or withholding?

  • Are you pouring out your heart… or protecting your pride?

  • Are you playing the part… or pursuing the Person?


Judas wasn’t just a villain in the story. He’s a reflection of the human condition.


But there’s a way back.


Fall at Jesus’ feet like the woman with the perfume. Break the jar of pride, fear, and control. Pour it all out. Hold nothing back.


Because He’s worth it all.


 
 
 

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