Not by force, but by love

But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him. Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all and ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope.” (Matthew 12: 14-21)

Before He died on the cross, Jesus escaped from those who persecute Him. In the Garden of Olives He voluntarily gives Himself up for arrest: He did not run away nor miraculously free Himself from the soldiers even though He certainly could have. So Jesus did not suffer the Cross but accepted it out of love for us, that is, to free us from the sin that makes us slaves and miserable. Let us sincerely meditate on this great love of Jesus has for us and let our lives be transformed by our Lord!