Text: Matthew 27:45-56

    It is important to note that Jesus willingly gave up His spirit.  He willingly gave up the life that was impossible for man to take away.  Many believe Jesus hung on the cross until He died which is contrary to the truth.  The truth of the crucifixion is that He himself dismissed the soul, that He might become not a forced sacrifice, but a free-will offering for sin (John 10:17-18).

17 "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. ¹⁸ "No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father."

    Jesus gave up His spirit, that He might die for the sin of the world.  He died of His own free act.  So must we!  We must present ourselves to God as a living sacrifice.  When we do this we will die to the sinful nature.  Everyday we must put on Christ and take up our cross if we are to participate in the death and resurrection of Christ.