While Jesus doesn't say the *exact* phrase "I will go down and die in your place" in any single verse, the concept of him willingly sacrificing himself as a substitute for humanity's sins is a central theme woven throughout the Gospels and explained explicitly in other parts of the New Testament.
Here's why it's a bit nuanced and where to find the relevant scriptures:
* Indirect statements throughout the Gospels: Jesus frequently speaks about his impending suffering, death, and resurrection in ways that imply his sacrifice is for others. For example:
* Mark 10:45: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
* John 10:11: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
* John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
* Matthew 20:28: "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
* Matthew 26:28: "for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
* Luke 22:19-20: "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'"
* Theological explanation in the Epistles (letters): The apostles, particularly Paul, explain the *meaning* of Jesus's death as a substitutionary atonement:
* Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
* 2 Corinthians 5:21: "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
* Galatians 3:13: "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.'"
* 1 Peter 2:24: "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed."
* 1 John 2:2: "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."
* Isaiah 53:5 (Old Testament prophecy): "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." (Cited frequently as a prophecy fulfilled by Jesus's death).
In summary:
While Jesus doesn't use the *exact* words "I will go down and die in your place," the idea is strongly implied and taught in different ways in the gospels. The epistles clarify the theological significance of his death as a substitution for our sins, taking the punishment we deserved. Therefore, it is a truth that is well founded in scripture, and a key part of the gospel message.