"Chapter 76—Judas The history of Judas presents the sad ending of a life that might have been honored of God. Had Judas died before his last journey to Jerusalem he would have been regarded as a man worthy of a place among the twelve, and one who would be greatly missed. The abhorrence which has followed him through the centuries would not have existed but for the attributes revealed at the close of his history. But it was for a purpose that his character was laid open to the world. It was to be a warning to all who, like him, should betray sacred trusts. DA 716"
"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."
Both passages discuss the tragic fate of Judas and the idea that it would have been better if he had not betrayed Jesus. EGW expands on the implications of Judas's actions and their purpose as a warning, while Matthew 26:24 is the direct statement of Jesus about Judas's betrayal.
"A little before the Passover, Judas had renewed his contract with the priests to deliver Jesus into their hands. Then it was arranged that the Saviour should be taken at one of His resorts for meditation and prayer. Since the feast at the house of Simon, Judas had had opportunity to reflect upon the deed which he had covenanted to perform, but his purpose was unchanged. For thirty pieces of silver—the price of a slave—he sold the Lord of glory to ignominy and death. DA 716.2"
"And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver."
Both passages explicitly mention Judas's agreement to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
"And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver."
The EGW passage directly references the price paid for Jesus' betrayal, explicitly connecting it to the 'thirty pieces of silver' mentioned in Zechariah, which is understood to be a prophecy fulfilled in Judas' actions. The price is also called 'the price of a slave' which is a direct allusion.
"Judas had naturally a strong love for money; but he had not always been corrupt enough to do such a deed as this. He had fostered the evil spirit of avarice until it had become the ruling motive of his life. The love of mammon overbalanced his love for Christ. Through becoming the slave of one vice he gave himself to Satan, to be driven to any lengths in sin. DA 716.3"
"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
The EGW passage directly illustrates the principle stated in 1 Timothy 6:10, showing how the love of money led Judas to betray Jesus. The passage in DA is an example of the principle in 1 Timothy.
"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
Both passages highlight the impossibility of serving both God and wealth ('mammon'). The EGW passage illustrates this principle through Judas's choice, where his love of money outweighed his loyalty to Christ.
Judas had joined the disciples when multitudes were following Christ. The Saviour's teaching moved their hearts as they hung entranced upon His words, spoken in the synagogue, by the seaside, upon the mount. Judas saw the sick, the lame, the blind, flock to Jesus from the towns and cities. He saw the dying laid at His feet. He witnessed the Saviour's mighty works in healing the sick, casting out devils, and raising the dead. He felt in his own person the evidence of Christ's power. He recognized the teaching of Christ as superior to all that he had ever heard. He loved the Great Teacher, and desired to be with Him. He felt a desire to be changed in character and life, and he hoped to experience this through connecting himself with Jesus. The Saviour did not repulse Judas. He gave him a place among the twelve. He trusted him to do the work of an evangelist. He endowed him with power to heal the sick and to cast out devils. But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself full…
"And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them."
Both passages describe Jesus' ministry of healing and casting out demons, and the impact it had on those who witnessed it. The EGW passage specifically mentions Judas's experience of these events, while Matthew 4:24 provides a general description of Jesus' healing ministry.