From the chosen companions of His ministry the scenes that lay before Him were as yet hidden; but the time was near when they must 411 behold His agony. They must see Him whom they had loved and trusted, delivered into the hands of His enemies, and hung upon the cross of Calvary. Soon He must leave them to face the world without the comfort of His visible presence. He knew how bitter hate and unbelief would persecute them, and He desired to prepare them for their trials.

Han så altid udfaldet af sin sendelse for sig. Hans liv på jorden, som var så opfyldt af slid og opofrelse, blev gjort lysere ved tanken om, at al hans møje ikke ville være forgæves. Ved at give sit liv for menneskenes liv ville han vinde verden tilbage til lydighed mod Gud. Skønt han først måtte gennemgå bloddåben, skønt verdens synd måtte tynge hans uskyldige sjæl, skønt skyggen af en usigelig kval hvilede over ham, så valgte han at tåle korsets smerte og ringeagtede skændselen.