Romans 5:6-11
INTRODUCTION
BEGIN IN PRAYER
OPENING DISCUSSION
Describe the best gift you have ever received. What made the gift so special?
CONTEXT
Holy Week is the week leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus and, three days later, to his resurrection from the dead. On Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, while large crowds laid down palm branches and hailed him as the Messiah (Mark 11:1-11). On Monday, Jesus cursed a fruitless fig tree (a symbol of fruitless Israel), and then he entered the Jerusalem temple and drove out the money changers, who perverted the worship of God (11:12-19). On Tuesday, Jesus entered the temple again and began to expose that Israel, like the fig tree he cursed the day before, had become barren and dead. Ultimately, Jesus’ day in the temple ended with a prediction of the temple’s destruction (11:27-13-37). On Thursday, Jesus and his disciples celebrated the Passover, and Jesus transformed the meaning of the meal as pointing ultimately to his upcoming sacrificial death (14:12-25). And on Friday, Jesus was crucified and killed (Mark 15:1-47).
BIG IDEA
Today, to enter more fully into Holy Week, we will reflect on the death of Jesus as the gift of God’s love.
OPENING DISCUSSION
Describe the best gift you have ever received. What made the gift so special?
CONTEXT
Holy Week is the week leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus and, three days later, to his resurrection from the dead. On Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, while large crowds laid down palm branches and hailed him as the Messiah (Mark 11:1-11). On Monday, Jesus cursed a fruitless fig tree (a symbol of fruitless Israel), and then he entered the Jerusalem temple and drove out the money changers, who perverted the worship of God (11:12-19). On Tuesday, Jesus entered the temple again and began to expose that Israel, like the fig tree he cursed the day before, had become barren and dead. Ultimately, Jesus’ day in the temple ended with a prediction of the temple’s destruction (11:27-13-37). On Thursday, Jesus and his disciples celebrated the Passover, and Jesus transformed the meaning of the meal as pointing ultimately to his upcoming sacrificial death (14:12-25). And on Friday, Jesus was crucified and killed (Mark 15:1-47).
BIG IDEA
Today, to enter more fully into Holy Week, we will reflect on the death of Jesus as the gift of God’s love.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Romans 5:6-11
6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Observe the Text
Christ’s love is displayed in four ways. In this text, Paul shows the depth of Christ’s love for us in four ways. First, Christ’s love was costly (he died for us!). Second, Christ’s love was undeserved (he died for his enemies). Third, Christ’s love gave us the most significant benefits (justification, reconciliation with God, and the hope of eternal life). And finally, Christ’s love was completely free and uncoerced (he didn’t have to save us; he freely laid down his life). As Paul said in Galatians 2:20, “He loved me and gave himself for me.”
Read the lyrics to “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us.” Which of these lyrics affect you most deeply as you think about the love of Christ displayed at the cross? Why?
6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Observe the Text
- In this passage, Paul describes us in our pre-conversion state as “weak,” “ungodly,” and “sinners.” How do each of these three adjectives paint a picture of our condition before Christ?
- In verses 7-8, Paul contrasts human love with God’s love. What makes God’s love so much different than human love?
- Verses 9 and 10 are parallel to one another. How are they similar, and how are they different?
- Paul doesn’t see any contradiction between a God who expresses judgment and wrath and a God whose love is infinitely higher and better than human love. How do you reconcile God’s wrath and God’s love?
Christ’s love is displayed in four ways. In this text, Paul shows the depth of Christ’s love for us in four ways. First, Christ’s love was costly (he died for us!). Second, Christ’s love was undeserved (he died for his enemies). Third, Christ’s love gave us the most significant benefits (justification, reconciliation with God, and the hope of eternal life). And finally, Christ’s love was completely free and uncoerced (he didn’t have to save us; he freely laid down his life). As Paul said in Galatians 2:20, “He loved me and gave himself for me.”
- Which of these four aspects of Christ’s love stands out to you most and why?
Read the lyrics to “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us.” Which of these lyrics affect you most deeply as you think about the love of Christ displayed at the cross? Why?
How deep the Father’s love for us, How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son, To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss – The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One, Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice, Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there, Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life – I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything, No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart – His wounds have paid my ransom.
That He should give His only Son, To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss – The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One, Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice, Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there, Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life – I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything, No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart – His wounds have paid my ransom.
PRAY
Close in prayer by “rejoicing in God through Christ, through whom we have received reconciliation.”