No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own

“This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again.” (JN 10: 17-18) 

It wasn’t an “accident” or “misunderstanding”—it was His decision—“no one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own.” He did it for us and for our salvation “in order” to fulfill God’s love for us. 

“I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.” (Gospel Acclamation)