April 16, 2025: A Reflection on Betrayal and Mercy

“The Son of Man will go as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” (Matthew 26:24)

These words were spoken by Jesus, just moments before He was betrayed by Judas Iscariot—one of His own disciples. For many of us, the figure of Judas evokes strong emotions. After all, he walked with Jesus, witnessed miracles, heard teachings that stirred hearts, and yet… he sold the Lord for thirty silver coins. A price tag on love. A handshake with darkness.

But what makes these words so powerful is not only the judgment they carry, but also the sorrow they reveal. They are not words of anger—they are words of a heartbroken Savior.

A Modern-Day Judas: The Story of Arjun

Let me share a story—one that mirrors the tragedy of betrayal, but also points us back to mercy.

Arjun was a quiet, intelligent boy from a small town. He grew up in a good family, went to church every Sunday, and was known for being helpful and polite. When he moved to the city for work, he was drawn into a circle of friends who mocked faith and chased quick pleasures. Slowly, his values shifted.

One day, Arjun’s company offered him a deal: pass on confidential information to a rival firm in exchange for a large sum of money. He hesitated. His conscience screamed, but the lure of success was louder. He justified his actions—"It’s just business"—and took the money.

Months passed. His betrayal was discovered. He lost his job, his reputation, and most painfully, the trust of those who believed in him. He went into hiding, filled with shame. In a dark moment, he whispered to himself, “It would’ve been better if I hadn’t been born.”

But unlike Judas, Arjun chose not to end his story in despair.

An old priest from his childhood church reached out to him. Through tears, Arjun confessed everything. The priest simply said, “Son, your betrayal may be great, but God’s mercy is greater. Judas gave up on Jesus… but more painfully, he gave up on himself. You still have a choice.”

That day, Arjun wept—not because he was caught, but because he was forgiven.

Betrayal is Not the End

Judas’s tragedy wasn’t just that he betrayed Jesus. Peter too denied Jesus three times. The difference was this: Peter ran toward the Lord in repentance; Judas ran away in guilt.

Judas let guilt consume him, instead of turning to the One who would have forgiven him even then.

Jesus didn’t say, “Woe to that man” to condemn, but to warn us: when we betray the truth, ignore our conscience, or sell out for silver, we damage not just others, but our own soul. Yet, even then, grace stands waiting.

Lessons for Us Today

• Have we ever sold out our faith for approval, comfort, or gain?
• Have we carried guilt for too long, thinking it’s too late?
• Have we looked at someone else and thought they’re beyond hope?

Let Judas remind us that choices have consequences, but let Peter remind us that grace has no limit.

Don’t let your worst day define you. Don’t let one mistake write the final chapter. Come back. There’s still time. Jesus hasn’t turned His face away.

Closing Thought

When we hear the words, “It would have been better if he had not been born,” let us not only think of Judas—but also ask: how are we living the life we’ve been given? Are we walking in truth, or are we drifting toward betrayal in small compromises?

May we choose light. May we choose repentance.
And may we never forget: no matter how far we've fallen, there's always a way back to the Father.