Then they nailed him to the cross. Mark 15:24

          Jesus died that dark day in history just outside the gates of Jerusalem.  But he was not killed by any human plan or act.

The crucifixion death of Jesus was not in the hands of Judas who betrayed him or the religious leaders who framed and tried him or Pilate who sentenced him or the Roman soldiers who executed him.  It was a voluntary act of love under the control of Jesus alone.  He chose the cross.

            He knew of the betrayal plans perpetrated by Judas and yet, he did not stop him.  Instead he extended a final opportunity for Judas to turn from his sinister path.  During the Passover meal with his disciples Jesus took a piece of bread, dipped it in the sauce, and handed it to Judas in an act of fellowship. When he had dipped it, he gave it to Judas. (John 13:26)  He chose the cross

            Jesus agonized in the Garden of Gethsemane, perfectly free to say no to the path of suffering the Father had asked him to walk.  But instead he said, I want your will, not mine. (Matthew 26:39)  He chose the cross.

            When the mob came armed to facilitate his arrest he willingly submitted.  Jesus did so, even though as he described it, I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly. (Matthew 26:53)  He chose the cross.

            Jesus refused to defend his innocence against the accusations of his enemies, nor persuade the Roman governor Pilate to set him free.  When Pilate declared his own power to release or crucify him Jesus said, You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. (John 19:11)  He chose the cross.

            As he hung on the cross, sentenced and executed as a common criminal, he was mocked by his enemies with the words, So he is the king of Israel, is he?  Let him come down from the cross, and we will believe in him! (Matthew 27:42)  Jesus could have.  He didn't.  He chose the cross.

            Jesus even determined the moment of his death.  When he had completed the work of redemption on that brutal instrument of execution, he cried the words, "It is finished!"  Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30)  He chose the cross.

            There is much to ponder and explore about the work of grace and forgiveness performed by Jesus that day he died.  But the first thing to know is that all that happened to him did so because he willfully yielded to it.  At any time he could have said "Enough!" and foiled the betrayal, thwarted the arrest, ended the trial, and left the cross.  Thankfully, he did not.  He chose the cross.

            I'm so glad he did.