What does "woe to that man" reveal about divine justice and human responsibility? Reading the Verse “Woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” (Matthew 26:24) Divine Justice Highlighted • God’s judgment is personal—“that man.” Justice is not an impersonal force; it singles out the responsible individual. • The severity (“better if he had not been born”) underscores the absolute righteousness of God; no betrayal or sin slips through unpunished (Romans 2:5-6). • Justice is certain. Jesus states it as fact, not threat. What God decrees will happen (Hebrews 9:27). Human Responsibility Emphasized • Judas acts by his own will. Prophecy (Psalm 41:9) foretold betrayal, yet the betrayer is fully accountable. • Moral freedom never cancels consequence. Foreknowledge does not equal compulsion (James 1:13-15). • “Woe” signals both warning and verdict. The opportunity to repent existed, yet Judas chose otherwise (John 13:26-27). The Interplay of Sovereignty and Choice • “The Son of Man will go as it is written” affirms God’s sovereign plan of redemption. • “but woe to that man” affirms human choice within that plan. Divine sovereignty and human responsibility run on parallel tracks (Acts 2:23). • Scripture consistently holds both truths without contradiction, calling believers to trust God’s control while owning their actions (Philippians 2:12-13). Practical Applications for Today • Take personal sin seriously; divine justice is real and exact. • Never presume that God’s sovereignty excuses wrongdoing. Choices matter eternally. • View warnings in Scripture as gifts—opportunities to repent before judgment falls (2 Peter 3:9). • Guard against causing others to stumble (Matthew 18:7; Luke 17:1). Influence carries accountability. Related Scriptures • Matthew 18:7 — “Woe to the world for the causes of sin… but woe to the man through whom they come!” • Hebrews 10:31 — “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” • Galatians 6:7 — “Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.” |
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