So the crucifixion of Jesus—the death of the Son—was part of God’s plan?

The evil plot to kill an innocent man would ultimately succeed, but only in accord with God’s plan and only according to His divine timetable. In fact, had the murder of Jesus not been part of the eternal plan of God, it would never have happened. Jesus said of His life, “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father” (John 10:18). Pilate would attempt to force Jesus to answer the accusations against Him by citing his own authority as governor—“Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” (John 19:10). But Jesus replied, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above” (v. 11). Clearly, God was utterly sovereign in every aspect of what was occurring. The plot devised against Jesus by His enemies was in perfect accord with the plan of God from eternity past.