Deliverance from the Cross — Page 43
He had full confidence that his prayer would be accepted, as he had himself told his disciples: And all things, whatsoever, ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall eceive'. (Matt. 21:22) 'And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me'. (John 11 :42) Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared'. (Heb. 5:7) Indeed his prayer was accepted: 'and there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him'. (Luke 22:43) Thus, Jesus knew that he would be delivered from death upon the cross, though he did not know how it would come about. His enemies had devised a plan for his ruin and God devised His plan for his deliverance, as is said in the Quran: The enemies of Jesus devised their plans and God devised His plan; God is the Best of planners. God reassured Jesus: I shall cause thee to die a natural death, and shall exalt thee to Myself, and shall clear thee from the calumnies of those who disbelieve, 43