Holy Week is a journey—and by Wednesday, the path starts to feel a little heavier. Jesus knew what was coming. The cross was drawing near, and the hearts of those around Him were stirring. Some were full of love and devotion. Others were growing restless and ready to betray Him.
On Spy or Holy Wednesday, we pause and remember both the beauty and the brokenness of this week. It’s a day to reflect on loyalty and love… and also on how easily hearts can turn. It invites us to draw near to Jesus and prepare our own hearts for the powerful days ahead.
Whether you’re reading scripture, talking as a family, or creating something meaningful together, today is a special opportunity to focus on Jesus—who never stopped loving, even as darkness closed in.
Bible Story & Reflection
Scripture: Matthew 26:14-16
“Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, 15and 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. 16And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.”
What Happened on Spy Wednesday?
Spy Wednesday is an important but sad day in Holy Week. This is the day that Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, made a deal to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
But why did Judas betray Jesus?
- Some think he was greedy for money.
- Others believe he was disappointed that Jesus wasn’t leading a rebellion against the Romans.
- The Bible also tells us that Satan influenced his heart (Luke 22:3).
Even though Judas followed Jesus for years, he still chose silver over the Savior. This shows us that our choices matter, and we must keep our hearts focused on Jesus.
But here’s something amazing: God used even Judas’ betrayal for His greater plan. Jesus’ arrest, death, and resurrection would soon bring forgiveness and salvation to the world!
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think Judas betrayed Jesus? Judas might have been greedy, disappointed, or influenced by Satan. But ultimately, he chose silver over his Savior.
- What can we learn from Judas’ choice? We should always choose Jesus over anything the world offers, even if it looks tempting.
- How do we sometimes betray Jesus in small ways? Whenever we choose greed over faith, chase after things instead of following Jesus, or do what we want instead of what is right, we act like Judas. Even small choices that let sin take control can turn our hearts away from Him. But the good news is—Jesus always offers forgiveness when we come back to Him with a humble heart.
Closing Prayer
“Dear Jesus, help us to always choose You over anything else. Let our hearts be faithful, and help us stay strong even when we face temptation. Amen.”
Craft Activities
1. The Hidden Betrayal: Apple & Lemon Juice Experiment
Supplies:
- 12 apple slices (representing the 12 disciples)
- Lemon juice
- A small brush or cotton swab
- A plate or tray
Instructions:
- Lay out 12 apple slices. They represent Jesus’ 12 disciples.
- Brush 11 apple slices with lemon juice to represent the 11 disciples who trusted and remained faithful to Jesus. The lemon juice will help preserve them.
- Leave one apple slice untreated. This represents Judas, who turned away from Jesus. Without protection, this apple will begin to brown.
- As you continue the lesson, check back on the apples. The untreated apple will start to turn brown, revealing the one that “betrayed” Jesus.
Note: This is a great activity to start your lesson with. While the apples are changing, move on to reading the scripture and discussing the story. By the time you’re finished (around 15 minutes), the “Judas” apple will be revealed!
The Big Lesson: Just like the untreated apple shows signs of rot, sin separates us from Jesus. Judas looked like one of the faithful disciples, but his heart had turned away. Jesus sees what’s inside our hearts—and He wants us to stay close and faithful to Him.
2. Secret Message Spy Eggs
Supplies:
- Hard-boiled eggs
- White crayons
- Egg dye
- Cups
Instructions:
- Become a Secret Agent! Grab a white crayon and carefully write or draw a hidden message on your egg. You could write “Jesus Saves,” “God Loves You,” or even a small cross!
- Time to Reveal the Truth! Place the egg into a cup of dye and watch what happens—the secret message magically appears as the color spreads!
The Big Lesson: Just like our secret messages were hidden, Judas tried to hide his betrayal of Jesus. But no secret is hidden from God—He sees everything and knows our hearts.
3. Color-Changing Repentance Experiment
Supplies:
- 2 clear cups or bowls
- Water
- Red cabbage juice (represents a heart open to change)
- Baking soda (represents a hardened heart)
- Vinegar (represents Jesus’ forgiveness)
- (Optional: red food coloring, if cabbage juice isn’t available)
Instructions:
- Pour water into a pot and boil a handful of chopped red cabbage to create cabbage juice. Let it cool and strain it into your clear cups. This purple liquid represents a heart ready to be changed.
- In one cup, add a spoonful of baking soda. Watch the juice turn blue-green, showing how sin can harden our hearts and change us in the wrong direction.
- In the second cup, slowly pour in vinegar. The juice will turn bright pink, showing how Jesus’ forgiveness washes away sin and softens hearts, making us new.
- Watch closely! The fizzing and color change make this moment exciting and powerful.
Optional Version (if no cabbage juice): Use plain water and add a few drops of red food coloring to represent sin. Mix in baking soda (a hardened heart). Then, pour in vinegar (Jesus’ forgiveness) and watch it bubble and foam—a symbol of sin being washed away. Though less colorful, it still shows how Jesus changes us from the inside out.
The Big Lesson: Sin hardens our hearts, but Jesus’ forgiveness softens and transforms us. Just like the dramatic color change, His love makes us new from the inside out when we turn back to Him.
4. The Floating Secret Message
Supplies:
- A white plate or shallow bowl
- Dry-erase markers (must be EXPO or whiteboard markers)
- Water
Instructions:
- Use a dry-erase marker to draw a simple shape like a heart, a cross, or a smiley face. (Small, connected shapes float best!)
- Slowly pour water onto the plate so it flows gently around your drawing.
- Watch as it lifts off the plate and floats—like a secret message rising to the surface!
Tips for Success:
- Practice first. This activity can be a little tricky—don’t worry if it doesn’t work right away. It gets easier with a few tries!
- Draw and pour quickly. Pour the water soon after drawing so the marker doesn’t dry out.
- Keep shapes connected. If you decide to write a word, try cursive or connect the letters so they float as one piece.
- Use a shiny, smooth plate. Glossy surfaces work best to help the ink release
- Pour slowly and gently. A soft stream from the edge of the plate helps keep your drawing intact.
Bonus Challenge for Groups: If you’re doing this in a small group, turn it into a fun (and possibly wet!) challenge. Who can get their complete shape to float? It’s tricky! It’s a lighthearted way to explore the science—and it might get a little splashy!
The Big Lesson: This reminds us that God sees our hearts, even when we try to hide things. Judas may have thought he was being sneaky, but Jesus knew all along what Judas planned to do. At the very moment of betrayal, Jesus said, “Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” (Luke 22:48, KJV). What we think is hidden is always known to God—nothing escapes His sight.
What’s Next?
Tomorrow is Maundy Thursday! Jesus shares a special Last Supper with His disciples before facing the cross.
Want more free & faith-filled activities like this one?
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Have a beautiful and meaningful Holy Week.
💛 Amy
