Jesus Going to the Cross

“For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” (John 10:17-18) 

“And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done.’” (Luke 22:41-42)

These verses give us some insight into Christ’s journey to the cross. Before arriving at his final hours Jesus makes it abundantly clear that what is coming is not something that is being forced upon him but that he has the authority to lay down his life and to take it up again. Some people question how God could possibly send his own Son to suffer the death he had to face and still be called a good Father, but Jesus makes it clear that he is obeying his Father not out 
of force but out of willing submission.

On the other hand, we see the agony and dread of what was soon to come.

It makes sense that Jesus was in great agony at this time. As the second member of the Trinity, Jesus had never been separated from the Father or the Spirit. But in a few hours, he would experience separation from the loving presence of God and receive the wrath of God which he did not deserve. And yet, even in this pain and agony, Jesus submitted himself to the will of God instead of walking away from this task. In this, he glorified God and he saved us. And, just as he said he would, after laying down his life, he took it up again! 

We are saved by Christ’s faithful obedience in going to the cross. Praise the Lord!