Selling Out The Savior
“Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.” (Matthew 26:14-16)
Spy Wednesday is named for Judas Iscariot and the actions he took to betray Jesus. There are several details captured leading up to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Today we are going to look at three different perspectives referenced in scripture as the crucifixion grew near.
The Deceptive Actor (Matthew 26:14-16, Mark 14:10-11)
Judas Iscariot spent concentrated time with Christ and the other eleven disciples. He saw the miracles. He heard the truth of the gospel. He was involved in the work of the Lord. But he was also putting on an act. Everyone around him believed he was a fully committed Christ-follower. However, at his core, Judas was simply looking to profit. He was willing to align himself with whomever would help him get ahead in life.
As the time of the crucifixion grew near, Judas knew the opposition would only increase. He met with the chief priests to betray Jesus. He was willing to sell out the Savior for a small profit. He did not fully understand the depth of the gospel message. He could not get his eyes off of self long enough to realize that he was witnessing the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. The Messiah had come to change everything.
Are you busy putting on a show? As we near Easter Sunday and prepare to celebrate the ultimate sacrifice, we encourage you to examine your heart. Are you truly committed to following Christ despite difficulties? Or are you simply putting on a show and looking for an opportunity to profit from the sacrifice of Christ?
The Determined Attention (Luke 21:5-36)
As Christ prepared to offer himself a sacrifice for the sin of all mankind he took the opportunity to answer questions and point their attention to the signs of the last days. He warned of false teachers, trials, and wickedness. He challenged believers to watch and pray against these things in their own lives.
As we approach Easter Sunday, we encourage you to stop and consider the way you are living. Are you actively watching and guarding against the temptation of sin? Have you allowed a stronghold to be set up in your life that is drawing your attention away from a God who loves you?
Keep your eyes focused on the one who gave all for you. Do not allow the cares of the world or the trials of life to pull your attention away from the beauty of the gospel.
The Deferential Anointing (Mark 14:1-9, Matt. 26:6-13)
This beautiful narrative speaks of the anointing of Christ. Mary anointed and prepared the Savior for the impending sacrifice. We see her criticized by men but praised by the Messiah. She was not focused on herself and how challenging the days ahead might be for her. She was focused on Christ and all He would suffer.
She wanted to give all she could to prepare his body for the burial. She was living with a future perspective.
As we continue to prepare our hearts throughout Holy Week, may we take time to examine our lives for sin. Let there be no stronghold of sin in your life as you worship Jesus Christ this Easter. Let our hearts be turned to the Savior. May we consider Him and His sacrifice. Christ’s death on the cross provided reconciliation for the entire world. Praise Him for His sacrifice.
Today’s Easter Bible Reading Plan: Matthew 26:1-16 | Luke 21 | Mark 14:1-11