BIG IDEA
The crucifixion reveals Jesus’ sacrificial love and submission to God’s will, as He endured unimaginable suffering and separation from God to pay the price for our sins, offering us the free gift of salvation and reconciliation with God.
KEY VERSES
Matt 27, Romans 5:8
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Jesus prayed in the garden, asking God to take away the suffering if possible, yet He still submitted to God’s will. When have you faced a situation where you wanted to avoid something hard, but felt it might be the right thing to do? How can Jesus’ example help you navigate those moments when God’s plan feels overwhelming or unclear?
The crowd chose to free Barabbas, a guilty criminal, over Jesus, who was innocent. Why do you think people sometimes choose what’s wrong or harmful over what’s good, even when the truth is clear? How can we guard against making similar choices in our own lives when we’re pressured by others or our own desires?
Jesus endured mockery, pain, and humiliation on the cross, yet He didn’t fight back or defend Himself. What does His silence and endurance teach us about handling situations where we feel unfairly treated or misunderstood? How can we balance standing up for ourselves with showing Christ-like humility?
On the cross, Jesus cried out, ‘My God, why have you abandoned me?’ showing He felt separated from God. Have you ever felt distant from God or alone in a tough moment? How does knowing Jesus experienced this separation to save us change the way you think about those feelings of loneliness or doubt?
The sermon says Jesus could have saved Himself but chose not to because He wanted to save us. What does this choice reveal about the kind of love God has for us? How can this understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice influence the way you make decisions about loving or serving others, even when it’s costly?