1. Discuss the statement: Without Jesus’ Spirit-conceived virgin birth and obedient life, Christ on the cross becomes nothing more than a cruel, unjustified homicide.

2. Why do you think that Jesus was so passive during His trials? Read John 18:36-37.

3. By choosing Barabbas, the people made it very clear that Jesus did not meet their expectations. In what ways and why do we tend to choose Barabbas over Jesus? What has been your greatest disappointment with Jesus?

4. Why did the soldiers mock Jesus? Why does the name of Jesus evoke such an emotional response today?

5. Why is it that almost everyone loves the crib, but so many hate the cross and the Christ of the cross?

6. Read and discuss Col 2:13

7. Mark 12:34 - When Jesus saw that he had answered intelligently, He said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." How close are you to the cross?