Kevin Siddle
There are many debates about what did and did not occur on the Wednesday of Holy Week. Most scholars agree that Holy Wednesday, also called Spy Wednesday was the day that Judas decided to betray Jesus. Luke 22:3-4 Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples, and he went over to the leading priests and captains of the Temple guard to discuss the best way to betray Jesus to them. We don’t know why Judas decided to betray Jesus. Maybe he was disillusioned with the messages he brought. Maybe he was frustrated that Jesus kept speaking about his death and not establishing a new kingdom. Maybe Judas was trying to force Jesus’ hand into utilizing his power. We don’t know many things, but one of the things we do know, is that the leading priests were pleased. (22:5-6) They had been searching for a way to kill Jesus for quite some time. Jesus had insulted them, questioned their authority, and sought to ruin their livelihood. And then Judas entered. Judas offered the priests an opportunity they could not pass up. Betrayal from one of Jesus’ own disciples. Judas alone could provide them with the information they needed. However, Judas wasn’t working alone. No, he had an accomplice. Satan. The betrayal and eventually the crucifixion death of Jesus was not just because of the jealousy of the established religious leaders, nor was it the uncontrolled anger of one of his disciples. This battle occurs in the kingdoms and authorities of the heavenly realms. This is a battle between God and Satan, with Jesus right in the middle. Satan assumed that killing Jesus would end Jesus’ mission and thwart the eternal plans of God. Like Judas, Satan did not know that Jesus’ death and resurrection were the most important part of God’s plan all along. The painting pictured is by János Pentelei Molnár titled The Thirty Pieces of Silver.
*Adapted from the Life Application Bible Commentary of Luke