04/01/2026
Good afternoon SPBC Family. I hope you have been blessed this beautiful Wednesday as we have experienced a cool down, we definitely need some moisture.
As we have been going through this Holy Week, we have past Palm Sunday, Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, and now we have come to this day that I believe many of us forget or even overlook. That is Spy Wednesday. You may ask, what? Spy Wednesday? What's that about? Well many believe that during this Passion Week, that this is the day that Judas Iscariot plotted and conspired with the religious leaders to betray Jesus. It says in Matthew 26:14-16, "Then one of the twelve named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What are you willing to give me to deliver Him to you?" And they weighed out thirty pieces of silver to him. And from then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus."
Judas was what you could call a spy amongst the twelve. His desire was not to follow Jesus, live for Him, repent of sin and walk in a new life. He was bitter. Why did Judas betray Jesus, many ask? Was it anger? Yes, among a few other things he was angry. Angry at Mary's desire, worship and devotion to Jesus with expensive perfume. Angry because he believed it could be sold and used for other ministry purposes...giving to the poor, not because he cared for the poor but because he was a thief. He was bitter and he was greedy. He was willing to betray Jesus for a price. In the Old Testament this was the price of a slave in Exodus, not only that but this betrayal was prophesied in Psalms and even Zecheriah 11:12. Judas cared more about his sin, his life, things of the world, the lust of the eyes, loved money and material things, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. Betrayal implies trust, and care. You don't betray someone you never liked. Jesus called him, taught him, walked with him, discipled him and Judas saw all the things that Jesus did, but he was still willing to turn away from him.
What's it worth? What's the going price? Ask yourself, what's the going price if I can walk away from Jesus because I love my sin and don't want Him to be The Lord of my life. What's the going price to opt out of my marriage, family, friends, or even church. Let this be a reminder of the consequence of falling away. For those of you who have been betrayed by a friend, a close family member, an ex-wife or an ex-husband. It hurts, it's painful, it aches and trust, care, and love is gone.
This Spy Wednesday, please let us remember how God sees betrayal, how He feels about it, and how He even experienced it. And I charge you, and please listen. If you are one stuck in sin, and by that are angry, bitter and greedy, and you also are tempted to leave, leave your church, leave your small group, leave your friends, your spouse, your family and even Jesus Himself, I encourage you to please stay strong, seek biblical counseling, don't walk away. The pleasures of this world are not worth it, the price is too costly, and the consequences are too much to bear. I share this in Christ's love and for you.
If you or someone you know have been pulled by this and it has met you where you are. We at Sherwood Park Baptist Church are here for you and want to help you.
Have a blessed rest of your Wednesday.
Pastor Zach
