Dear Jan,
First of all, Jesus was not a child when He chose to die. Besides, it was His choice just as much as it was the Father’s:
“Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father–and I lay down my life for the sheep. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life–only to take it up again. 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.” ( John 10:17)
As man, He is subject to the Father, but as God He is equal to the Father. We have to keep this in mind when reading the Gospels. The will of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is always the same because their love for each other is perfect.
Secondly, we have to remember that God is not merely a bigger version of us. He is infinitely greater that we are and is not subject to the requirements He has established for us. For God to require the death of Abraham’s son is not evil in the least. God is the Author of life and He alone has the right to take it whenever and however He chooses.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
Thanks be to God that He is God and not us. His mercy and love are infinite—without any limit whatsoever! We alas, are small potatoes!
Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.
