It is generally accepted that Jesus was nailed to the cross with three nails–one in each outstretched hand and a third through both feet. Most certainly the angels were straining in anticipation to hear Him call. They would have arrived in an instant to rescue Him and pour out judgment on His abusers.

Even without the aid of legions of angels, Jesus could have removed Himself from the cross just as easily as He stepped out of the tomb three days later. But there were three nails that restrained Him. Not the nails made of iron, fashioned by the crude hands of men. The three nails that held Christ to the cross were of His own design–love, mercy, and grace.