Connectors

I read verses in my Bible and connect them with other verses. Something in Sunday’s sermon sparked my interest — that Satan sent Jesus to the cross. Yes, but there are connectors. John 13:2 & 27 confirm that “the devil had already prompted Judas… to betray Jesus” and “Satan entered into Judas.” But coupled with that is Jesus willingly giving Himself to the cross: “I lay down my life…I lay it down on My own” (John 10:15, 18). Jesus made His own decision to go to the cross. Satan could not make Jesus go to the cross without His permission. We know that Jesus holds all authority. It was proven during the temptation in the wilderness and in the Garden of Gethsemane. “Not My will, but Thine” was His prayer to the Father (Mark 14:36). Jesus allowed Satan to have his/His way. These ways are connected in the Father’s divine plan.