Did Jesus choose to die?

[Pendrench]

45. Hi Voltaire2 - thank you again for your response.

Last edited Thu Jul 19, 2018, 01:27 PM - Edit history (1)

I don't know if this will clarify my thoughts or not, but I see suicide as the taking of one's life, and a sacrifice as the giving of one's life.

Perhaps that is just a distinction without a difference, but maybe I can do a better job of explaining than I previously did.

For example, I imagine that there are numerous reasons why individuals commit suicide, but at the core I would think that this is a means to escape pain (either mental or physical) - so the action is self-focused/motivated. In other words, I choose to end my life (take my life) in order to end my pain.

On the other hand, when one sacrifices their life (gives their life) the action is other-focused/motivated. In other words, even though I will (more than likely) die by jumping on a grenade, I will do so that others will not die.

I'm not sure if that is a good answer or not, I definitely plan on giving this topic much more thought.

As to the other point that you (and others) mentioned - does the fact that Jesus knew he would die and rise again negate (or at least diminish) his sacrifice/suicide?

As a Catholic, we believe that Jesus was "true God and true man", which means that in his physical form he was like us in all things except sin. So not only would that mean that Jesus felt the physical pain of his torture and crucifixion, he also felt the mental anguish, including doubt.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

So I believe that since the suffering was real, so was his sacrifice.

But even more important than his sacrifice (according to my faith) is the fulfillment of his promise, that even though he would suffer and die (even if it was just for a few days), he would rise again. That to us is the hope - that new life can spring from suffering.

So for those of us who say that we are believers, we need to provide that "new life" for those who are suffering.

We need to feed the hungry.
We need to give drink to those who thirst.
We need to visit those who are sick and in jail.
We need to clothe the naked.
We need to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Naturally, these are just my thoughts and opinions, I imagine that we will not agree on this topic, but I do appreciate the opportunity to discuss this with you.

Wishing you well and peace -

Tim