Wednesday

Wednesday

Teaching Cookie: Silver Coin

READ Matthew 26:1-16

PRESCHOOL MODIFICATION - READ Matthew 26:14-16

SHARE

Some people call this day “Spy Wednesday.” This was the day that Judas plotted with the religious leaders to Jesus arrested. By plotting with the religious leaders on when and how they could have Jesus arrested, Judas was paid thirty pieces of silver. While Judas was with the religious leaders, Jesus spent the day in Bethany. That evening a woman, one of Jesus’ followers, pours out expensive perfume on Jesus’ head. This was known as “anointing”. Judas objects to her doing this but Jesus rebukes (gets on to him) and says Mary has anointed him to prepare for his burial. Of course no one knew at the time that Jesus was about to be betrayed and crucified.

It is mind blowing to think that Judas would betray Jesus after following Him for three years. Think of all the miracles Judas watched Jesus perform. When Jesus fed the 5,000, Judas was there. He took the bread and distributed it along with the other disciples. When Jesus calmed the storm, Judas was there. And he was there when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. And yet, Judas still turned his back on Jesus.

It doesn’t make sense. People have debated for years exactly why Judas decided to turn against Jesus. Was it about the money he would get for turning Jesus in? Was he angry with Jesus because he finally realized Jesus was never going to be an “earthly” king like other kings who ruled empires? We will never know.

Judas’ real problem was that he was only interested in himself, and what he could gain by following Jesus. Instead of following Jesus no matter what, he allowed greed and envy to rule his heart and mind. When the religious leaders offered thirty pieces of silver to anyone who would show them where Jesus was staying so they could arrest Him secretly, Judas was ready and willing. In the end, Judas was only loyal to himself and the things he THOUGHT would make him happy.

ASK

• Have you ever had a friend betray you? - (Preschool modification: Have you ever had a friend do something wrong to you?)

• How did it make you feel?

• Have you ever betrayed a friend? - (Preschool modification: Have you ever done something wrong to a friend?)

• We may not sell Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver, but do you think there are times when you turn your back on Jesus?

• How do you think that makes Him feel?

• What do you think we should do when we realize we’ve turned our back on Jesus?

PRAY

Lord, you are so good and so faithful and you never give up on us. Thank you for Your forgiveness, Your grace and Your mercy. We know that we all make mistakes. Give us strength and courage Lord. Help us see the areas of our lives that are causing us to sin against You and to turn from them. Help us live a life that is pleasing to You. We want to love You and serve You and worship You, not because we have to, but because we are so consumed with our love and devotion for you that we cannot help ourselves and because it’s what You deserve. We love You Jesus. Amen.