Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 10:18

"No one taketh it away 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 commandment received I from my Father." — John 10:18 (ASV)

Two important aspects of Jesus’ death are clarified by his authority.

(1) His death was wholly voluntary. His power was such that no human hand could have touched him had he not permitted it. The gospel has already made clear that Jesus avoided capture or execution (5:18; 7:44–45; 8:20, 59; cf. 10:39; 11:53– 54). Only when he declared that “the hour has come” (12:23) was it possible for his enemies to arrest him.

(2) Jesus had authority both to lay down his life and to take it up again. The death of Jesus was part of a plan to submit to death and then emerge from it victoriously alive. Anyone can lay down one’s life, if that means simply the termination of physical existence; but only the Son of God could at will resume his existence. This entire plan was motivated by his love for the Father and his readiness to carry out his Father’s purpose.