Jesus talks about how he is like a shepherd who leads, serves, and unifies. Then Jesus emphasizes how he serves the sheep.
Jesus declared that the Father loves Jesus because Jesus "lay[s] down [His] life that [He] may take it again" (10:17). The phrasing is a reference on how Jesus would later face a really bad crucifixion for our behalf but would later get resurrected a few days later (hence why Jesus is of great importance).
But take note that rather than having others take His life, Jesus has the power to lay down and take His life and decides to lay down His life himself (10:18). Jesus's act to lay down his life was Jesus's own intentional act by His will. It's less about "he has to" but more about "he wants to". The desire to lay down his life for our behalf demonstrates Jesus's great love for us.
Additionally, Jesus mentioned how laying down the life is a command from the Father (10:18). Jesus was intentional on following the command of the Father, too.