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.”
“power” (KJV) = “authority” (NIV) = exousia = power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases; the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege).
“I lay down” = Barclay tells the story of a young French soldier in World War I who had to have his arm amputated. The surgeon waited by his bedside for the lad to awaken so that he could tell him the terrible news. When the boy’s eyes opened, the surgeon softly said to him, “I am sorry to tell you that you have lost your arm.” The boy looked into his eyes and replied, “Sir, I did not lose it; I gave it – for France.” Jesus did not have His life taken from Him; He willingly gave it – for us.