Continuing my discovery of the additional themes of Holy Week, today is known, in some traditions, as Spy Wednesday – the day we remember Judas Iscariot making the choice to betray Jesus. A far cry from the glory of James Bond or Jason Bourne, here the term spy means to ambush or snare. It’s an uneasy name for an uneasy story. A man who walked with Jesus, heard his teaching, saw the miracles, shared meals and laughter, choosing to sell him out for silver.
Even before the events of Holy Week, Judas used to steal from the common purse. He’s not exactly your poster boy for Christianity! It’s easy to keep Judas at arm’s length. To cast him as the villain. To say, “I would never.”
But would I?
I don’t have a situation as a direct comparison, but what about the times I don’t choose Jesus? When I choose comfort over compassion. When I stay silent rather than speak truth. When I grasp for control instead of trusting God. When I walk my own path and pretend it’s the faithful one.
None of these look like thirty pieces of silver. But they are still small betrayals – of trust, of love, of who I am called to be.
And yet, here’s the mystery: tomorrow at Maundy Thursday, Jesus still washes Judas’ feet. He still calls him friend. Grace doesn’t flinch, even at betrayal.
Spy Wednesday is an invitation to us – not to wallow in guilt – but to look honestly at our own hearts. To ask, where am I turning away from Jesus, even quietly, even in the shadows? And then to turn back to remember that grace is still extended, even here.
Even to me.
Even to you.
A Prayer for Spy Wednesday
Lord Jesus,
You knew betrayal, and still chose love.
You saw the shadows in Judas—and in me—
and knelt to wash feet anyway.
Search my heart,
and where you find fear, pride, or turning away,
draw me back with grace.
Teach me to walk your path, even in the dark.
Amen.
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