'Laying' in the Bible

even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father—and I lay down My [very own] life [sacrificing it] for the benefit of the sheep.

This is why the Father loves Me, because I am laying down My life so I may take it up again.

No one is taking it away from me, but I myself am laying it down. I am authorized to lay it down, and I am authorized to receive it back again. This is the command I received from my Father."

No one has greater love than this--a man laying down his life for his friends.