Matthew 26:24

The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.

Matthew 26:24 (KJV)

Context

Matthew 26:24 is part of the narrative leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. In this verse, Jesus predicts His betrayal by one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot. Jesus acknowledges that His betrayal and subsequent crucifixion were prophesied and fulfill God’s plan. However, He also expresses a strong condemnation for the one who betrays Him, indicating that it would have been better for that person not to have been born.

Meaning

The verse contains two intertwined truths: the divine necessity of Christ’s suffering and the moral accountability of the betrayer. The phrase “as it is written of him” points to the Old Testament prophecies that foretold the suffering of the Messiah, indicating that Jesus’ death was not an accident but the fulfillment of God’s predetermined plan. Yet this divine plan does not diminish human responsibility. The “woe” pronounced upon the betrayer reveals the severity of sin against the Son of Man and the reality of divine judgment. The hyperbole “it had been good for that man if he had not been born” underscores the eternal consequences of betraying the Lord.

Biblical connections

Jesus refers to Himself as the “Son of man,” a title rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of man comes with the clouds and receives an everlasting dominion. This connection shows that Jesus’ suffering and betrayal are part of the divine plan for the Son of Man to be glorified. The verse also echoes the suffering servant passages in Isaiah 53, where the servant is “wounded for our transgressions” and “bruised for our iniquities,” fulfilling what was written.

Application

Trusting God’s Word – This verse encourages us to trust in the fulfillment of God’s promises and prophecies, knowing that His Word is reliable and true. It strengthens our confidence in His sovereign plan throughout history.

Guarding against Betrayal – We should be vigilant and guard against betraying others, especially those close to us. Betrayal fractures relationships and causes immense pain; instead, we should strive to be faithful, trustworthy, and loyal to our friends, family, and God.

Recognizing the Seriousness of Sin – The verse calls us to examine our hearts, confess our sins to God, seek forgiveness, and live in obedience. Understanding the destructive nature of sin helps us avoid harming ourselves and others.

Seeking God’s Compassion – Even when we stumble and fail, we can find hope in Jesus’ compassion and His willingness to forgive and restore. No matter how grave our sins may be, we can turn to God in repentance and receive His mercy and grace.

Reflection

Matthew 26:24 reveals the fulfillment of prophecy, the seriousness of betrayal and sin, and the compassion of Jesus. It calls us to trust in God’s Word, guard against betrayal, recognize the consequences of sin, and seek God’s compassion and forgiveness. The verse warns against presumption and hypocrisy, urging self-examination and faithful allegiance to Jesus.