Betrayal and denial

Today, we follow Jesus as events unfold just hours before he is crucified. Let me reiterate what I’ve said before: Jesus was not a victim of circumstances. His death was not caused by religious leaders feeling threatened or because the crowds turned against him. Jesus was on a mission to become the sin-bearer and pay the penalty in full for our sins. John reminds us, in the account of the crucifixion, that Jesus knew “all that would happen to him” (John 18:4).