What did Jesus say about his own death?

Did you hold the doctrine of the Atonement, that is, that Jesus by his death on the cross atoned for the sins of (hu)mankind?

It is not alone by the death of Jesus, but by his whole life on earth, that (wo)men can be benefitted—and by taking him as their great exemplar.

If (wo)men would but follow him, that is, love their fellows, and love their God, for he did all that, then most assuredly, when they pass away from the mortal body, they will be admitted to the blessed mansions of the just.

I believe were Paul here, he would tell you the same thing. He, too, gave up his life like his Lord—he died rejoicing in his name while I was doomed to fight to the death with savage beasts. Poor things, I really thought more of those dumb animals than of the embruted men who looked on, seeking for pleasure in the spectacle of an old, old man, contending with wild beasts. I knew that if I prayed for it, even those hungry animals would be rendered powerless to harm me. But I was old and frail, I had nearly run my course—I had suffered much and laboured long in the cause of my Lord and Master, and why should I not there and then die for his name? My tottering limbs, if freed from violent death, might enable me to reach some quiet spot, but it would be but to die! Better to go at once. I believe I got easier away from the body by this means than by a natural decease.

In reply to another question, he said—

My young friend, while with me did not speak of an atonement. He may have spoken afterwards of his death, as a sacrifice of himself, for the truths he taught. I know that he sometimes alluded when with me to the sufferings that he would endure in the course of his mission.

—Hafed, Prince of Persia