17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
Jesus was sent by the Father and obediently fulfilled the work of salvation for us. That is only part of the story. The other part is explained here by Jesus. The Father has loved his Son from all eternity. An aspect of this love is that the Son very willingly gives his life for his people. As Jesus explains here, no one takes it from him, he gave his life so that we might be forgiven. Further to that he is also authorised to take up his life again. He is referring to his resurrection from the dead.
In simple terms Jesus is telling each Christian, that he loves us and willingly gave himself to die in our place so we can be forgiven. This gloriously coincides with the Father’s love for us. He also tells us he rose from the dead under his own authority in perfect harmony with the Father who raised him up. All of this means that we weak and sinful people are loved by Jesus. Our sins are forgiven through him and through his resurrection we have victory over death, we have eternal life.
Consider that as a Christian you are perfectly loved, completely forgiven and you will live forever with the Lord. What more could you want!