Matthew 26:24

Understanding Matthew 26:24

In that passage, Jesus said of Judas, “woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born” (Matthew 26:24). How can that be when God puts babies in the womb and develops them (Psalm 139:13-18). Thus, allowing the birth of someone who would be better off not born seems senseless. But our God is omniscient (all-knowing) and “omni-Sophia” (all-wise). As such, He allowed Judas to be born and also allowed Judas to make choices during his lifetime, as He does for all human beings.

But Judas’ act of betraying Jesus was a high-handed sin which is unforgivable (Num. 15:30-31). It’s equivalent to blaspheming the Holy Spirit (Mark 3:29).

Judas served three years under Jesus’ leadership as treasurer and was even empowered with “authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness” (Matthew 10:1-4). He saw Jesus’ miracles and heard His teachings. Yet, in the end he allowed Satan to fully control him (John 13:2, 27). With that, betraying Jesus was inevitable. Judas himself, by his choice, made it unfortunate that he had been born, not God. Judas was not divinely programmed to submit to Satan. Like all humans, he had the capacity to choose what to believe and how to live. That’s called human responsibility. Why God chose not to draw Judas to Himself is a perpetual mystery (John 6:44). Yet, God is still loving, gracious, and merciful. As believers, we can live through this life with mysteries about our God and still rejoice with “unspeakable joy” because He drew us to Himself through Jesus Christ. We should eagerly and gladly share our faith with others and not be concerned about a “Judas.” God knows and will one day separate the righteous from the ungodly (Psalm 1:6).

Blessings!