Could Jesus have refused to go to the cross?
Yes, Christ could have rejected going to the cross. He could have said no, but He did not. Out of motivating love for mankind, He chose to go to the cross and purchase our salvation, thereby settling the sin problem.
Les explains that Christ is the primary example of not pleasing Himself. The context says He had to die to settle the sin problem, yet He could have rejected it and said no. He did not. Instead, out of motivating love for mankind, He chose the cross to purchase salvation. This illustrates the believer's call to bear the infirmities of the weak and please neighbors for their edification.
Romans 15:3
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.