On Wednesday of Holy Week, we see Judas arranging the betrayal of his God. We see the chief priests plotting some way to put him to death. Horribly sinful actions. Yet, try as they might to thwart Jesus, they are simply accelerating his saving work. God is still in control. Even when it appears Satan has won by enabling God's Son to be betrayed and handed over to murderous thugs, the salvation of the world is being accomplished. 

Matthew 26:3-5, 14-16: "Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him. 'But not during the Feast,' they said, 'or there may be a riot among the people.'
"Then one of the Twelve--the one called Judas Iscariot--went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?' So they counted out for him thirty silver coins. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over."

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you allowed your Son to be handed over and betrayed by his friends. You did this because you loved us and wanted to save us from our sins. We thank you for your amazing grace in saving us and buying us back from the devil's grasp. Continue to bless our meditation on Jesus' sacrifice, that we may be built up in his saving love. Amen.