The Death of Jesus!
LifeGroup Notes
Michael Buffaloe
Part of CRUCIFIED! - LifeGroup Notes—The Love of Christ on Display
March 23, 2025

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LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
Love is a complex word in today’s world. People often use, abuse, and even desert those who love them, even after having professed their “love” for them. It is often viewed as conditional, expecting to receive something in return. For many, their love for someone can change over time, often due to a change of circumstances, the consequences of their actions, or from developing interest in another person. This conditional love can cause hurt and heartbreak for so many people. In the 90’s, Tina Turner released a hit song “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” in which love was viewed as just a “second-hand emotion” and a “sweet old-fashioned notion”. But in God’s view, love has everything to do with it! God’s love is so different from the love people can give. God’s love is unconditional. He loves us in spite of our sin and even gave His Son as a sacrifice on our behalf, all so that we could be reconciled to Him. This week, we will take a closer look at Christ’s mission here on earth - to be the perfect sacrifice on our behalf - restoring us to our relationship with God!

Passages we’ll review:
Romans 5:8-9; Joshua 2:1, 8-13; Joshua 6:22-23

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you?

Can you think of a time growing up when you did something wrong, but did not receive the punishment you knew you deserved? How did it make you feel?

READ
*Read Romans 5:8-9*

How did God remove the barrier that separated all people from Him? What was so amazing about what Christ did for us (verse 8)?

Knowing that God’s love was demonstrated for us while we were still far from Him and living in sin, how does it shape your view of your own self-worth?

What are some ways that people try to find value, worth, and acceptance apart from Jesus? Why do you think it is so hard for people to grasp the concept of unconditional love?

What “blessing” do we receive as a result of being justified, or declared righteous, through Christ? How does this give you confidence in your faith?

Are there times when you feel like you are “missing out” by choosing to follow Christ? What causes you to lose focus and forget what God has actually given you?

What are some practical ways that you can demonstrate God’s love and grace to others, even when they haven’t earned it?

DIGGING DEEPER

In Joshua, we see how God began to deliver the Promised Land to the people of Israel. As they prepared to take possession of the city of Jericho, Joshua sent two spies into the land, in order to prepare for the battle they would face. —Editor’s Note

Read Joshua 2:1

What kind of person was Rahab? What would be your first impression of her if you were to meet her on the street? Have you ever allowed your past to keep you from being used by God? Why?

Rahab welcomed the spies in and even risked her own life as she hid them from the king’s men who had come to find them. —Editor’s Note

Read Joshua 2:8-13

How does Rahab’s understanding of the God of Israel influence her decisions?

Why is Rahab’s occupation so important as to be written in the Bible? What encouragement can we find from Rahab’s story?

Read Joshua 6:22-23

How was Rahab’s salvation similar to our own? From what were we saved, and what sets us apart as belonging to God?

We can find our true identity and purpose in Christ when we truly understand God’s love for us and the significance of Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf. It is more than just head-knowledge; it is something that we can live out as we allow it to shape the way we view others and make decisions. —Editor’s Note

LET’S PRAY

Consider the following as you pray together:

  1. Do you truly believe that Christ’s work on the cross is enough for your salvation, or are you still trying to earn God’s favor through your own efforts?

  2. Like Rahab, we all have a past. But because of Christ, we now have a new identity (2 Corinthians 5:17)! What do you sense God is calling you to do, despite your past? What is holding you back? Pray that God would give you the strength to step out in faith and act on that calling. Ask your LifeGroup to pray with you as well!

  3. Since you are saved from God’s wrath, how should this impact the way you live each day?