Spy Wednesday

 

Credit: Millars 

In case you wondered... 

Why is the betrayal of Judas commemorated before the Last Supper during Easter week? The betrayal is commemorated on Spy Wednesday, the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday. But in the Bible, the Last Supper obviously preceded the betrayal.

Great question—this can definitely seem a little confusing at first glance! Here's what’s going on:

Chronologically in the Gospels:

You're right that the Last Supper happens before Judas' active betrayal (i.e., when he leads the authorities to Jesus in Gethsemane). Here's a quick rundown:

• At the Last Supper (Maundy Thursday), Judas agrees to betray Jesus and leaves the meal early (John 13:27–30).

• That night, he returns with the soldiers to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane—this is the actual act of betrayal.

Liturgical reason for Spy Wednesday:

Spy Wednesday is when the Church commemorates Judas making the decision to betray Jesus—that is, the moment he goes to the chief priests and agrees to hand Jesus over for money (see Matthew 26:14–16, Mark 14:10–11, and Luke 22:3–6). This “spying” and secret plotting is what gives the day its name.

So, the betrayal is marked as beginning on Wednesday because that’s when Judas conspired with the authorities. The Last Supper on Thursday includes the moment when Jesus reveals that a betrayal is coming—but by then, the deal had already been made.

In short:

• Spy Wednesday = Judas makes the deal with the priests.

• Maundy Thursday = Jesus shares the Last Supper, washes the disciples' feet, institutes the Eucharist, and Judas leaves to carry out his plan.

• Thursday night into Good Friday = Judas completes the betrayal with the kiss in the garden.

Let me know if you want a visual timeline—I can sketch that out too!