The Son of man came to seek and to save what was lost.​—Luke 19:10.

Jesus provided a perfect, living picture of his Father’s mercy. (John 14:9) By word and deed, he showed that his compassionate, merciful Father loves people and wants to help each of them to win the fight against sin. Jesus helped sinful people to want to change their ways and to follow him. (Luke 5:27, 28) Jesus knew what lay ahead of him. More than once, he told his followers that he would be betrayed and executed on a stake. (Matt. 17:22; 20:18, 19) He knew that his sacrifice would take away the sin of the world. Jesus also taught that after offering his life, he would “draw all sorts of men” to himself. (John 12:32) Sinful humans could please Jehovah by accepting Jesus as their Lord and by following in his steps. If they did so, they would finally be “set free from sin.” (Rom. 6:14, 18, 22; John 8:32) So Jesus willingly and courageously faced his terrible death.​—John 10:17, 18. w24.08 5 ¶11-12