Total Reading: Matthew 26:1-5, 14-16; Mark 14:1-2, 10-11; Luke 22:1-6
Readings Explained:
Matthew 26:1-5; Mark 14:1-2; Luke 22:1-2 = The Plot to Kill Jesus
Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:3-6 = Judas and Betrayal Agreement
Some extra explanations:
Passover was a huge celebration commemorating the “passing over” of the death angel over the homes of the Hebrew people in Egypt. It was an 8-day observance. Some scholars estimate there were over 250,000 pilgrims in Jerusalem when Jesus was crucified.
Some Thoughts:
Wednesday has been called “Spy Wednesday” because Judas spies on his intimate friend and sells information for 30 pieces of silver. This was the same amount of coins it would take to buy one slave during that time. This day has also been called “Holy Wednesday”, “Good Wednesday”, and “Silent Wednesday.” It is a day where we can quiet our hearts and think of the silence of Jesus as He went willingly to the cross as a sacrificial lamb.
The reading today focuses on Judas. It’s hard to grasp the enormity of Judas’ betrayal. I have to believe that this was a result of many small things that happened in Judas’ heart, rather than a sudden, impulsive decision. Dr. Janet Dean shares that in her work in prison ministries and behavioral studies, that many prisoners guilty of heinous crimes didn’t get to the place they are quickly, but through a series of deviant choices, to the point that the crime which landed them in prison was just a “natural” behavior. It’s as if they’ve become immune.
This is how sin is, living apart from Jesus. We make a wrong choice, which leads to another, which leads to another – and we can become “immune” to the point we don’t see anything wrong with the way we’re living.
Iscariot was not Judas’ last name. Iscariot comes from a Hebrew word that means “lock.” His name may have been “Judas the locksmith.” He most likely was the one who locked the collection bag and because he had the key, could pilfer from it. We read in John 12, that when Mary anointed Jesus, Judas was the one who spoke up, “What a waste!” (verse 4). John goes on to state that Judas was a “thief “and in charge of the money and that he would steal money whenever he wanted. (verse 6) I believe that Judas didn’t choose to be a traitor, but that his heart became jaded and immune over the course of making poor choices. He may have even believed he was doing the “right thing” by handing Jesus over to the authorities. “Silent Wednesday” is a good day to ask the Lord to search our hearts and point out any areas where we have made a series of choices which may be causing us to become oblivious, complacent, jaded, or even hard-hearted. When He reveals these things, may we be quick to repent and ask forgiveness.
Prayer:
“God, I invite your searching gaze into my heart. Examine me through and through; find out everything that may be hidden within me. Put me to the test and sift through all my anxious cares. See if there is any path of pain I’m walking on, and lead me back to your glorious, everlasting way – the path that brings me back to You.” – Psalm 139:23-24 TPT
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