Yet Jesus was soon taken and killed by the Jewish and Roman leaders. For thirty pieces of silver, Judas, an apostle, led soldiers to the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus often visited it. They arrested Jesus and took Him away to be tried and executed (Matthew 26-27). How could this happen? The passage about the Good Shepherd gives the answer. Jesus said,
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11).
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 (John 10:17-18).
Jesus often said that He would be killed by the Jewish and Roman rulers (John 2:19; Matthew 16:21; 17:9,23; 20:18-19). He told His followers that His death would not be a failure. It would serve the greatest purpose of all.
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh (John 6:51).
… even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).