1. He was born as a baby
Before Mary gave birth to baby Jesus, He already existed in the spirit. God saw the need for His Son to be on the earth, in the flesh, so He ensured that Jesus came through human means, with the exception of fertilisation. Therefore, God chose Mary to carry the child that would change believers’ walk with the Lord.
Whatever the Father promises, He will cause it to happen. Due to the first sin, God automatically arranged to send His Son to earth in human form to save everyone. Jesus came to earth as a baby and not as an adult, so He experienced all the things humans must endure. The one difference is that Mary’s fertilisation did not occur through the biological process of sperm and egg; instead, God caused her to become pregnant before Joseph knew her.
God selected two competent persons to be considered the earthly parents of Jesus. While these two individuals were not initially aware that they would be chosen to parent Jesus, they both provided whatever support they could. Mary doubted her ability to be the chosen vessel to carry Jesus for nine months in the womb. Joseph was considering whether he should still proceed with the marriage, but the angel spoke to him, and he decided to accept Mary as his wife.

2. Herod could not stop Jesus’ birth
During Mary’s pregnancy, Herod was king. There were signs that Jesus was going to be born, and this troubled King Herod because Jesus would have significant authority over humanity, according to Isaiah 9:6–7. Therefore, King Herod tried many things to prevent God’s plan from happening. However, no one can stop God’s plan.
King Herod did not want another king to be born. Jesus came with authority to reign on earth and in heaven. He was never obsessed with power but executed His assignment on earth with simplicity and excellence. Herod was deceptive in his plans to end Jesus’ life. But while Herod was planning his next move, God was already ahead of him.

3. Jesus’ death was predicted
Many wished that Jesus would live on the earth forever. However, His earthly ministry was short. He fulfilled His assignment, and then it was time for Him to depart from the earth. The actions of Judas were not a surprise to Jesus. In fact, Judas was only fulfilling God’s plans. No one can put a believer to death unless God gives permission. On many occasions, Jesus told people that His death was coming.

4. Jesus predicted His death for the first time
After Peter provided the correct answer about who Jesus is, He explained to them that He must go to Jerusalem (Matthew 16:21). This was a clear indication that He knew His time on earth was about to end. He also knew the community where His death would take place. Jesus voluntarily surrendered to death because He had fulfilled His earthly assignments. He told the disciples not to tell others who He was (Matthew 16:20).

5. Events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion
As the time of Jesus’ death drew closer, He spent more time with His disciples. He knew Judas would betray Him, yet He did not dispose of Judas (John 13:2). Jesus knew Judas was part of the equation that would result in His death.
The disciples’ feet were washed by their leader. He remained humble and washed the feet of the adult men who followed Him throughout His earthly ministry.

6. The betrayal plot was known
Jesus would be betrayed by one of His own. However, that did not surprise Him because He knew about the plan to betray Him (John 13:21). Jesus’ statement about His betrayal troubled the disciples since they had just had supper. Peter asked Jesus to name the disciples who would betray Him (John 13:24–25). Without hesitation, Jesus provided direct evidence of the disciple who would betray Him (John 13:26–27).
After Judas took a break from Jesus, Satan entered him (John 13:27). Jesus was quick to inform Judas that whatever he had to do, he must do quickly. As the Saviour of the world, He knew He had come to die for the sins of people. His time was up, and He was not extending His stay on earth. The Saviour made no effort to prevent Judas from betraying Him since He was ready to die for all humanity.
It was night-time when Jesus had supper with His disciples and washed their feet. The disciples were probably expecting a joyful conversation with their Saviour, but He only told them of the events leading up to His death. Their hearts were sorrowful, and to make things worse, Jesus informed them that one of His disciples would betray Him.

7. Up from the grave He arose
Those who crucified Jesus felt they had defeated Him. They were satisfied that He was dead. He was placed in the tomb, so this was expected to be the end of His life. Before He was placed in the tomb, His side was pierced, and blood came out of His body (John 19:34). They were convinced He was dead, so there was no need to break His legs (John 19:33).
The religious leaders sought permission to have soldiers guard the tomb. The soldiers changed shifts regularly so that tired soldiers would be replaced. The Romans were anxious about Jesus’ death and resurrection. If He was not a man of importance, why did they place so many guards to watch over His tomb (Matthew 27:62–66)? It is only when you are important that you will gain such attention. Not everyone celebrated Jesus’ importance, but they knew that greatness was inside the tomb.

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