What does 'it must be' signify in the context of Jesus' mission?

'It must be' signifies the divine necessity driving Christ’s mission from eternity. Jesus repeatedly mentions this phrase to indicate that His arrest, trial, and crucifixion were not random acts but rather fulfillment of prophesied events (Matthew 26:54). Every detail— from His betrayal by Judas to His sacrificial death—was purposed in God's plan for the redemption of His people. This highlights the importance of Jesus willingly laying down His life as the Lamb of God. The belief in Christ as the appointed Redeemer who 'must' suffer lays the foundation for a deeper understanding of grace and the assurance of salvation in believers’ lives.