So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” —John 18:11 ESV
He did not die because He could not help it; He did not suffer because He could not escape. All the soldiers of Pilate’s army could not have taken Him, if He had not been willing to be taken. They could not have hurt a hair of His head, if He had not given them permission. But here, as in all His earthly ministry, Jesus was a willing sufferer. He had set His heart on accomplishing our redemption. He loved us, and gave Himself for us, cheerfully, willingly, gladly, in order to make atonement for our sins. It was “the joy set before Him” which made Him endure the cross, and despise the shame, and yield Himself up without reluctance into the bands of His enemies. Let this thought abide in our hearts, and refresh our souls. We have a Savior who was far more willing to save us than we are willing to be saved.
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 
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I like this, especially the last sentence, but I’m not sure He gave Himself cheerfully – considering the blood, sweat and tears He shed in the garden. And there may have been a wee bit of reluctance – as in, “Father if there is any other way…”
I am grateful that He was willing to look ahead to our redemption and shed those tears and provide that only way…
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