Did the Lord Jesus Commit Suicide?

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Usually when anyone thinks of suicide, they almost always include in their thinking some horrid circumstance of someone's life such that it has become for that person literally unbearable and the option of ending life is seen as a favorable choice. Also, contained in the same reasoning is the notion that the decision to follow through with self-destruction is done without consideration of anyone in this wretched person's life; it is done selfishly. It is a selfish act that serves to increase the pain in the lives of those who know and love him. These associations in thinking are natural although presumptive. The definition of the word suicide, in consultation with numerous, recently published, dictionaries is that it is the deliberate act of ending one's own life, killing yourself on purpose. Suicide is the act itself without regard for its means nor motivation nor attitude or predisposition of the doer. We may naturally feel that suicide is a selfish act, but it is not necessarily so. Consider the idea of warriors in deadly combat. A hand grenade is hurled by the enemy into the midst of several soldiers. One of them throws his body onto the grenade, an action of certain death, to smother the blast and save his comrades. A clear act of suicide for reasons that were heroic not selfish. Can this be related to the death of the Lord Jesus?

Throughout the New Testament, in various ways, the Bible speaks of how the Lord Jesus "gave Himself" (Titus 2: 14, Ephesians 5: 2, Galatians 2: 20, 1 Timothy 2: 6, Mark 10: 45, Ephesians 5: 25). Especially in Mark 10: 45 does Scripture say "...the Son of Man came ... to give His life ..." repeating the idea that God, the Lord Jesus, offered Himself as a sacrifice for the sake of those who receive Him, the church. This is the essential gospel message that is so familiar. But this is God, who is all powerful, all knowing, and in all places. There is nothing that escapes His awareness down to each quark and gluon that hold together the protons and neutrons of every atom and molecule in the universe. He is aware of every passing thought and dream each of us has ever had. And by "upholding all things by the word of His power" (Heb 1: 3) He demonstrates His omnipotence. He reigns supreme as absolute sovereign. There is nothing outside of His power. Before the foundation of the world, He knew that He would go to the cross and there give Himself; "the works were finished before the foundation of the world" (Hebrews 4: 3). All things are under His power; therefore, He contrived His own death. 

One last detail requires attention and that is the word commit. The meaning of the word commit carries a connotation of illegality or illegitimacy. Suicide is usually illegal so most commonly this word is associated with the commission of a crime. So, to be appropriate, it could be said that the Lord Jesus did suicide or accomplished suicide. In the most strict sense then the Lord Jesus did not commit suicide, but He did perform suicide.