Jesus’ death on the cross opened salvation to everyone, uniting Jews and Gentiles into one family of God. While the Jews were God’s chosen people in the Old Testament, tasked with carrying His promises and the Law, Christ’s sacrifice fulfilled God’s plan to extend grace to all, as promised through Abraham’s seed (Acts 3:25). Now, all who believe—regardless of background—are part of God’s family, heirs of His promises, and one in Christ, with no distinction between Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female (Galatians 3:28).

Christ died to show His own love for His people, the church. This lesson highlights three important truths: 1) Christ loved a definite group—His church—praying specifically for His disciples and all future believers; 2) Christ willingly gave up His life, laying it down of His own accord; and 3) Christ’s love is ongoing, as He continues to care for, nourish, and pray for His people.