"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." --Jesus (John 10:17-18)
This quote is at the end of a story in which Jesus calls himself the "Good Shepherd" saying, "the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." In contrast to a hired hand, or worse yet, a thief, Jesus demonstrates how He feels about us, that we belong to Him, that He loves us.
But, what is even more staggering to me about this verse is the declaration of His sovereignty (His total control) in His own suffering. He not only died to make us, those who believe in Him, "not guilty," but He did it willingly, on-purpose, and joyfully as He looked to the joy of honoring the Father through His obedience to the Father.
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