Did Jesus want to die? — Tamara of Lubbock, TX

Dear Tamara,

That is an interesting and very important question. In one way Jesus did not want to die because He did not want to go through the suffering involved (read Matthew 26:36-44). But, He always wanted to do what His heavenly Father wanted Him to do. That is why He prayed: "...not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39). We know that Jesus did die for the forgiveness of our sins.

This shows us just how much Jesus loves you and me. We should love Him too. We show Him that we love Him, by doing what He says (read John 14:15).