John 10:17-18
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.”
That free and evil men sought and secured his death cannot alter the fact that he knew what they were doing – and let them do it. You cannot murder God. Hold in mind who it was who hung and suffered there, and you will not think of it as martyrdom.
If He was a man, it was murder; if He was God, it was an offering.
If He was man, it was martyrdom; if He was God, it was sacrifice.
If He was man, they took his life from Him; if He was God, He laid it down Himself.
If He was man, we are called to admiration; if He was God, we are called to adoration.
If He was man, we must stand up and take our hats off; if He was God, we must fall down and give Him our hearts.
– W.E. Sangster, They Met at Calvary
