Wednesday of Holy Week Sermon: The Cost of Betrayal

Scripture: Matthew 26:14–16; Matthew 26:20–25 Matthew 26:14-16,20-25 WEB
Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests [15] and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him to you?” So they weighed out for him thirty pieces of silver. [16] From that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

[20] Now when evening had come, he was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples. [21] As they were eating, he said, “Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me.” [22] They were exceedingly sorrowful, and each began to ask him, “It isn’t me, is it, Lord?” [23] He answered, “He who dipped his hand with me in the dish will betray me. [24] The Son of Man goes even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born.” [25] Judas, who betrayed him, answered, “It isn’t me, is it, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You said it.”

Holy Wednesday often passes quietly in our remembrance of Holy Week, yet it carries with it a solemn and powerful truth—the beginning of betrayal. In Matthew 26, we read how Judas Iscariot goes to the chief priests and agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Later, during the Last Supper, Jesus announces that one of the disciples will betray Him. The room falls into stunned sorrow as each man asks, “Surely not I, Lord?”

Judas’ betrayal is shocking not only because of what he does, but because of how close he was to Jesus. He walked with the Savior. He heard His teaching, saw His miracles, broke bread with Him, and was even entrusted with the group’s resources. And yet, his heart had been turned elsewhere—toward greed, disappointment, and perhaps disillusionment. The cost of betrayal? Thirty pieces of silver—and a soul burdened by regret.

Holy Wednesday is a mirror for us. It asks us to examine our own loyalties and intentions. While we may not hand Jesus over to His enemies, we too can betray Him in more subtle ways—through compromise, neglect, or turning from His way when it conflicts with our desires.

And yet, even in this darkest moment, Jesus remains composed. He doesn’t cast Judas out. He shares the Passover meal with him. He offers the bread. It is a haunting and profound image of grace. Jesus extends love even to the one who will betray Him.

This sermon is not meant to cast stones at Judas, but to search our own hearts. Where in my life have I exchanged faithfulness for something lesser? What have I “sold” Jesus for—security, approval, comfort, control?

But here is the good news: Holy Wednesday is not the end of the story. Even betrayal can be met with redemption. Jesus did not come only for the loyal, but for the broken. His love extends even into the places where we fail.

Application: Take a moment today to reflect on your relationship with Jesus. Is there an area where you have been unfaithful, where you have pushed Him aside for the sake of something else? Bring it to Him honestly. His grace is sufficient.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am capable of turning from You, just as Judas did. But I don’t want silver—I want You. Forgive me for the times I have failed You. Draw me back to Your heart. Keep me close to You, even when the way is hard. Thank You for loving me, even in my weakness. Amen.

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