Again and again Jesus states His mission – to die! (Matthew 12:40; 16:21; 17:12,22-23; 20:18-19; 26:32). Just before meeting Nicodemus, Jesus has challenged temple leaders:
“Destroy this temple [my body], and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19).
He soon upsets followers, claiming that His blood and flesh are food, which He will give for the life of the world (John 6:32-51). He must die to protect His sheep:
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:10-11).
No one forces this death on Him. He freely chooses to give up life, and to regain it later (John 10:14-18). He foresees that enemies will lift Him up (John 8:28).
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die (John 12:32-33).
All flesh dies, but Jesus’ death is unique. It is the “ransom” [payment] paid to set us free (Matthew 20:28; 1 Timothy 2:6). Free from what? Jesus eats His last Passover with His followers. He gives them the bread made without yeast, saying,
“This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).
Then all share the grape drink.
“This cup,” He says, “is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:20).
It is “poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:26-28). Here is the answer: His ransom frees us from sins! God promised this long ago.
“I will make a New Covenant…. For I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sins no more” (Jeremiah 31:31,34).
But why must God do it this way? Why “must” the Son of Man be lifted up like that bronze statue? Could there be any other way to free me from my sin?