The words of Jesus
What Did Jesus Say About His Death?
Jesus spoke of His own death as no accident and no defeat, but a gift He freely chose. He came, He said, to lay down His life so that many could be forgiven and set free.
“the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Jesus, in Matthew 20:28, King James Version
His death was the price He gladly paid to buy our freedom.
“No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.”
Jesus, in John 10:18, King James Version
No one took His life; He gave it.
“Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.”
Jesus, in John 12:24, King James Version
His death was a planting that would raise a great harvest of life.
“as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.”
Jesus, in John 3:14, King James Version
He was lifted on the cross so all who look to Him would live.
“this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
Jesus, in Matthew 26:28, King James Version
His blood was poured out so sins could be forgiven.
What Jesus is really saying
Jesus never speaks of the cross as something happening to a victim. He speaks as the giver, the one in control, laying down His life on purpose and for us. The cross is not the moment God's love failed; it is the moment God's love was proven, once and for all.
Who these words reveal Him to be
No mere man speaks of his own death like this: I lay it down of myself, a ransom for many, my blood shed for the remission of sins. Jesus goes to the cross as God's own sacrifice for us, the Savior giving Himself in our place. His death is not a tragedy that overtook Him but the love of God laid bare. This is who He is: the Lamb of God, and the Lord who loved you to the end.
Come to Him
He died in your place so you would never have to carry your own guilt again. This is how much you are loved. You can receive that gift right now and be free.
His words were always meant to lead you to Himself. You can begin with Jesus here, ask someone to pray with you, or read His words in the Bible.