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.
Ver. 24. The Son of man goeth] That is, dieth, suffereth. Death was to him but an εξοδος, exodus as it is called, Luke 9:31; that is, an out going, or a departure. It was no more between God and Moses, but "Go up and die," as it was said to another prophet, "Up and eat." He that hath conversed with God here, cannot fear to go to him; cannot hold death either uncouth or unwelcome.
But woe unto that man by whom, &c.] He bewails not himself, but Judas. So should we do those by whom we are traduced and injured. They, poor wretches, have the worst of it. Let us pity them, and pray for them, as the holy martyrs dealt by their persecutors. Ah! I lament the infidelity of England, said Mr Philpot. Ah! great be the plagues that hang over England, yea, though the gospel should be restored again. Happy shall that person be whom the Lord shall take out of the world not to see them.