The one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests, and said, “What are you willing to give me to deliver Him up to you?” And they weighed out to him thirty pieces of silver. And from then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Him. Matthew 26:14-16
The gospels are not entirely clear on when some events occurred between Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week, but two events could have easily taken place late Tuesday or on Wednesday: preparation for the Passover and Judas’ conversation with the chief priests. The latter has been historically accepted as having occurred on Wednesday. Our focus is on the actions of Judas which give the day the name “Spy Wednesday.”
You might assume the word spy is derived from a Greek or Latin word that has a deep, insightful, theological meaning for the events of Wednesday, however, the word spy is simply the word spy. On this day and the next, Judas was involved in intrigue, betrayal and spying, or acting as a “mole” among the disciples, hence the name “Spy Wednesday.”
Why? It is the constant question for Judas. Why did you betray this Man you followed for three years? How could you do such a thing to someone so close to you, who had shown you such love? The easy answer is found in Luke’s account: And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve. (Luke 22:3) John also tells us that Satan entered Judas (John 13:27). Satan unsuccessfully tempted Jesus and we know he was waiting to renew his attack at an opportune time (Luke 4:13). He apparently used Peter when Jesus confronted Peter with the words, “Get behind me, Satan.” So does this absolve Judas of moral responsibility for his actions? Is this the old Flip Wilson line “the devil made me do it?”
Yes and no. Satan is active and at work in this world and he can use men and women to accomplish his ends, just as he used Judas. I have heard excuses for Judas over the years: he was trying to force Jesus’ hand into declaring Himself the Messiah; he thought he had a better understanding of the political scene than Jesus did and this would prompt Jesus to act because things just weren’t moving fast enough for Judas’ liking. The musical Jesus Christ Superstar reinforced these ideas.
It is possible that Judas had good intentions in pursuing the betrayal of Jesus. However, there is an old saying that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. There is another old saying that applies here, “Actions speak louder than words.” Fact: Judas betrayed Jesus. Whether prompted by Satan or not, Judas committed an act of betrayal and his intentions are overwhelmed by his actions.
I have also read about “poor Judas.” Someone had to betray Jesus, so Judas was the one – it is unfair. Matthew 27:3-4 is cited – Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” But they said, “What is that to us? See to that yourself!” And, of course, Judas committed suicide after throwing the money on the ground. Judas was sorry.
Two Greek words are in play here: metamelomai and metanoia. The first is typically translated “regret” or “remorse” and is the word used to describe Judas in Matthew 27:3. The second is typically translated “repentance.” (Verses that contain metanoia include Matthew 9:13, Mark 2:17, Luke 15:7, Luke 24:47 and 2 Corinthians 7:9, among others). Metanoia begins with sorrow which leads to repentance, or a change of mind and life. Judas simply expressed regret that things didn’t work out; he did not express repentance.
I ask the question “why” of Judas, too. I cannot fathom that I would do such a thing to Jesus. We deem betrayal to be one of the lowest forms of human interaction. Trust, typically built up over time and through shared experience, is thrown out the window. Betrayal hurts and hurts badly. Yet I read verses like Psalm 51:3-4: For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge. Sin is action taken against God. We don’t like to think that way, but it’s the truth. I betray Jesus every time I sin, and I reinforce the need for Him to die on the cross every time I sin. Yes, Judas committed a despicable act. So do I. So do we all. My good intentions are irrelevant. My actions are not.
Would Jesus have forgiven Judas? He forgave Peter who denied Him. He forgives me every day for the sinful things I do. But Judas did not repent. He allowed Satan to enter his heart, not Jesus, despite being so close to Him. If nothing else, that should be a sobering thought for us. Who among us pays lip service to following Jesus, shows up for church every Sunday, perhaps even tithes, goes on mission trips, and serves on committees, but has never committed to a relationship with Jesus?
I do feel sorrow for Judas as I do for anyone who turns his or her back on Jesus. He forfeited eternity for thirty pieces of silver and, more significantly, to do things his way.