Moments with the Gospel Series: Wednesday of Holy Week.

 MOMENTS WITH THE GOSPEL

Moments with the Gospel Series Icon

WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK.

Spy Wednesday – The Price of Betrayal & the Love of Christ

 

Section 1: Symbols of Spy Wednesday

Spy Wednesday is laden with symbolism, much of it subtle yet deeply significant. In Matthew 26:14-25, we witness the moment when Judas finalizes his betrayal, accepting thirty pieces of silver in exchange for handing Jesus over to the authorities. Every element in this passage—the silver, the dipping of the hand, and the choice of words—carries meaning that extends beyond the immediate narrative.

The Thirty Pieces of Silver – A Price of Rejection

"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." (Matthew 26:14-15)

• This was the price of a slave who had been gored by an ox in Exodus 21:32—a devalued life, a mere compensation.
• Zechariah 11:12-13 prophesied this amount, calling it a "noble price" in sarcasm, highlighting how little the Messiah was valued.
• After realizing his guilt, Judas returns the money, fulfilling Zechariah’s words that the silver would be thrown into the temple and used for the potter’s field.

What does this teach us?

• Judas did not bargain for more—he accepted the first offer. Did he truly understand what he was doing?
• The silver reflects how the world often undervalues Christ—do we, too, sometimes take our faith for granted?

“Not I, Lord?” vs. “Not I, Rabbi?” – A Subtle but Profound Difference

"Surely it is not I, Lord?"  The disciples said this after Jesus had told them that someone was to betray Him.

"Surely it is not I, Rabbi?"  Judas response is subtle but profoundly different (Matthew 26:22, 25)

The Key difference which we need to recognise for ourselves as well is that

• The disciples call Jesus "Lord" (Kyrios), recognizing His authority.
• Judas calls Him "Rabbi" (Teacher), showing that he saw Jesus as a teacher, not the Messiah.
• Judas never refers to Jesus as "Lord" in any Gospel account.

This will further explored later in the chapter.

What does this teach us?

• Do we see Jesus as just a moral teacher, or as Lord of our lives?
• Faith is more than knowledge—it requires surrender.

 

Understanding the Depth of the Betrayal of Judas.

Judas Putting His Hand in the Dish – A Moment of Ultimate Betrayal

 The difference between Jesus dipping the bread in the Gospel from Tuesday of Holy Week and Judas putting his hand in the dish in the Gospel of Wednesday of Holy Week is significant.

Tuesday of Holy Week: (John 13:21-26) – Jesus Dipping the Bread

“So when He had dipped the morsel, He gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot.” (John 13:26)

In Jewish culture, dipping a morsel and offering it was a sign of honour, friendship, and respect at the table. Jesus was the host of the dinner. Jesus offered Judas one last invitation to accept His love. This gesture was an appeal given out of love not an accusation—Jesus was giving Judas an opportunity to turn back.

This is contrasted with Wednesday’s Gospel in Holy Week (Matthew 26:23) – Judas Putting His Hand in the Dish

 “The one who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me.” (Matthew 26:23)

Unlike Tuesday’s Gospel in Holy Week, Jesus is not the one dipping—Judas is.

• The phrase “put his hand in the dish” echoes Psalm 41:9:
   “Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me.”

Unlike the action of Jesus as host of the dinner, Judas’ action was not an action of honour. It was in fact a violation of trust.  In this Gospel, Jesus is really saying “The very one who has shared my table, who has eaten with me as a friend, will now betray me.”  Judas’ action accentuates the horror of his betrayal. He is not acting as a guest who honours his host but rather as a traitor.

 Key Difference in the two actions is that Jesus’ action of dipping the bread was an invitation to love and to continue in the mission of discipleship. Judas rejects outright this invitation, so by putting his hand in the dish, he says by his action to Jesus that he was rejecting the call to discipleship and mission.

Judas putting his hand in the dish is not just an act of betrayal—it is an act of control.

Judas’ Action: An Attempt to Seize Power Over Jesus.

“The one who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me.” (Matthew 26:23)

In Jewish hospitality, the host controlled the meal—Jesus, as the master of the table, would have been the one to serve and distribute food. Judas inserting his hand into the dish—especially after Jesus’ statement about betrayal—was an assertion of dominance. Judas is no longer acting as a guest under Jesus’ authority, but rather his motivation was to place himself as an equal—or even as the one in control.

This is the turning point—Judas no longer sees Jesus as Lord or Rabbi but as someone he can manipulate, hand over, and from whom he can profit. Scripture tells us that he used to help himself to the common fund. Now he takes this dishonesty further in his relationship with Jesus.

The action of Judas must be seen as deliberate. The other disciples were distressed saying ‘“Not I Lord surely?” Judas, does not comment but rather chooses that moment to physically reaches into the dish with Jesus. It is as if he is doubling down on his choice—symbolically saying, “I am part of this, I am choosing this path.”

The contrast between the 2 actions is vivid. Jesus dips the morsel and gives it to Judas as an invitation of love and friendship. Judas dips his own hand into the dish with Jeus as a statement of control and betrayal. It tells us that Judas has made his final decision. This moment reveals his heart—he no longer follows Jesus but believes he has the upper hand. His betrayal is no longer passive—it is active.

Is This About Power or Delusion?

Did Judas actually believe he had control over Jesus?

Perhaps he thought he could force Jesus’ hand—that by betraying Him, he could push Jesus into revealing His power and overthrowing the Romans. Perhaps he believed he could outmanoeuvre the chief priests, get paid, and still come out as part of Jesus’ inner circle. Perhaps he was fully deceived by Satan (John 13:27), completely lost to the darkness. Whatever the case, Judas reaching into the dish is not a random movement. Sadly, it is his final declaration o where he stands and where his heart truly lies.

 

Spiritual Meaning for Us

As we reflect on love of Jesus inviting us as host we need to ponder:

·         Are we simply sharing the table with Jesus?

·         Are we truly committed to Him? Are we trying to take control in our own way?

·         Do we ever receive the Eucharist or partake in prayer while our hearts remain divided?

·         Are we extending our hand to Christ in love, or holding back with our own agendas or ‘putting our hand’ in the dish instead?

·         Do we truly surrender to Christ, or do we—like Judas—try to fit Him into our own plans?

·         Do we accept Jesus’ gifts of love, or do we reject them and take matters into our own hands?

 

 

Section 2: Gospel Reflection – The Love of Jesus in Betrayal

"One of you will betray me." (Matthew 26:21)

The atmosphere at the Last Supper shifts dramatically when Jesus reveals that one of them will betray Him. Imagine the weight of that moment. The disciples are greatly distressed, each wondering if he is capable of such an act. Jesus does not accuse anyone outright; instead, He listens to them in their distress.

As each disciple asks, “Not I Lord surely?” we see their own uncertainty. They do not immediately accuse another. Instead, they are forced to examine their own hearts, realizing that within them, there is the capacity to fall.

Jesus’ Love in the Face of Betrayal:

Jesus does not shame Judas in front of everyone. He provides this opportunity for each of the disciples to reflect on their own hearts. When Judas finally speaks, Jesus does not rebuke him harshly. Jesus speaks the truth but does not humiliate Judas, offering him another chance.

"Better for that man if he had never been born." (Matthew 26:24)

This statement is not a curse, but a sorrowful truth. Judas had the greatest opportunity for redemption, yet he chose despair over mercy.

The Placement of Judas’ Response – A Sign of Separation?

The way Matthew structures this passage shows a clear distinction between Judas and the other disciples.

First, the other disciples respond:
"Not I Lord surely?" (Matthew 26:22)

Then, Jesus speaks about the betrayer:
"The Son of Man is going to his fate, as the scriptures say he will, but alas for that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! Better for that man if he had never been born!" (Matthew 26:24)

Finally, Judas speaks—alone:
"Not I, Rabbi, surely?" (Matthew 26:25)

Judas' response is deliberately delayed.
 It isolates him from the group—showing that he has already distanced himself from them.
This mirrors his spiritual separation—he no longer sees Jesus as "Lord" (Kyrios), only as "Rabbi."

 Matthew is carefully showing that Judas was already turning away—he was no longer part of the community of faith.

 What does this teach us?

• Jesus does not force salvation upon us—He invites.
• Are we responding to His love, or turning away?

Jesus’ Final Words to Judas: “They Are Your Own Words”

·         "You have said it yourself." (Matthew 26:25)

 

·         Jesus does not outright accuse Judas. Instead, He lets Judas' own words confirm his guilt. This is similar to how Jesus responds to Pilate in Matthew 27:11:

·          "Are you the King of the Jews?"  Jesus replied, 'You say so.

 
Jesus does not force anyone to admit guilt—Judas must take responsibility for his own choices. Jesus does not force us to admit our guilt either. However, when we do, He is willing to forgive us with a look of love. Lent and Holy Week gives us that opportunity again to desire that change of heart, to take responsibility for our choices and to look to Jesus for His forgiveness.

The words of Jesus is distinct as it separates His words from Judas' decision. Jesus does not "condemn" Judas—He lets Judas condemn himself.
 It could also imply that Judas’ actions are no longer just his own. As John’s Gospel says, “Satan entered into him” (John 13:27)—so in a way, Judas' words now reflect Satan’s influence over him.

Jesus’ words therefore are words of truth and light   while Judas’ words are now shaped by deception.

Section 3:  Significance Of Spy Wednesday In Holy Week.

Spy Wednesday is a term used in Catholic tradition to refer to the Wednesday of Holy Week.  It observes  the day when Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus to the authorities. The term "Spy" refers to Judas acting as a spy or informer, and Wednesday is the day on which the betrayal is said to have occurred. It is traditionally observed as the day when Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, agreed to betray him to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver.  In other words, the name "Spy Wednesday" comes from the idea that Judas acted as a spy or informant, betraying Jesus' location and allowing the Roman authorities to arrest him. The events of this day are recounted in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and are often depicted in religious art and drama.

According to the Gospel accounts, after Jesus and his disciples had finished their last supper together, Judas went to the chief priests and offered to betray Jesus in exchange for thirty pieces of silver. He then led the authorities to the garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus was praying, and identified him with a kiss, signalling to the soldiers which man to arrest.

In Catholic tradition, Spy Wednesday is a solemn day of reflection and penance, as it marks the beginning of the end of Jesus' life on Earth and his journey towards crucifixion and resurrection. It is also a day to remember the danger of greed and the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in our relationships with others.

 

Spy Wednesday is also a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and loyalty, and of the dangers of greed and betrayal. Christians are encouraged to examine their own hearts and relationships, and to pray for the strength to remain faithful to their beliefs and to those they love.

 

What Spy Wednesday Means for Us

 "How do I respond to Jesus' love?"

·         Do we sometimes betray Christ in small ways—through selfishness, fear, or neglect?

·         Are we similar to the disciples, who doubted themselves, or like John, who remained close?

·         Are we willing to accept mercy, or do we let despair take hold?

·         Do we allow ourselves to be vulnerable before Christ, knowing that even in our weaknesses, He loves us?

·         How do we prepare our hearts for the Triduum?

·         Are we fully open to walking with Christ, or are there areas we are still holding back?

 

Although Judas is known through Scripture to have unsavoury characteristics in his behaviour, we can take heart that he was a failed disciple.  We too can be like Judas- at least some part of us- we can fail and betray Jesus by our behaviour and choose not to be a worthy disciple.

 

On this Spy Wednesday, we may wish to consider which areas of our lives that could be aligned or similar to Judas' behaviour in being a failed disciple.  We may wish to consider what are the 30 pieces of silver that we use to betray Christ? For example, do we set up our work colleagues, family members, parishioners and watch them take the fall in the trap we set? Do we, when we are down, see no hope in Jesus as our Saviour?

 

Thankfully, through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, we have been redeemed and we can turn to Him.  We admit our faults/sins and through the grace and the mercy of God in the sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance hear the beautiful words of absolution that Christ offers us.

 

Section 4: The Theme of Love in Jesus’ Actions

Spy Wednesday is not just about betrayal—it is about Jesus’ unwavering love.

How does Jesus show His love?

·         Even as Judas prepares to betray Him, Jesus treats him with love.

·          Jesus does not publicly shame him—He allows room for repentance.

·         Jesus listens to His disciples without accusing or condemning.

·         Jesus is showing them that love is greater than betrayal.
✔ Even when faced with betrayal, Jesus does not stop loving.

"Love one another as I have loved you." (John 13:34)

💡 Final Reflection:

• Do we believe that Jesus’ love is greater than our failures?
• Are we willing to trust in His mercy, no matter how far we feel we have fallen?
• How does knowing Jesus loved Judas until the end change our own view of mercy?

 

In the light of this Gospel and all that it has to offer us, may our Spy Wednesday be an opportunity to receive the love of  Jesus in the way we most need in our lives.