I actually wrote a whole book about lemons and their uses, connecting them to the Bible and the horrid life experiences we all face.  WinePress published it. (Yes, shameless self promotion)  However the point is that we humans manage to use almost everything in the world that God provided for us for a measure of good.
Even hard times result  in positive outcomes.  People grow, relationships strengthen, and for the rest, read the book. : )
But seriously, lemons have several uses.  Their peel helps the meringue of pies stay stiff.  The oil of the tree gives the lovely scent for furnisher polish. I always knew when company was coming because the house smelled of lemon.
When the Jews sacrificed animals in the Temple, then burnt them, the Lord always said that a sincere sacrifice was a pleasing aroma to Him. Sacrifices were offered for numerous reasons, thanks, sin offerings, and more.  But what the Lord wanted more than sacrifices was obedience.  Obeying some one is more loving than doing what you want, than making a sin offering to cover it, don't you think?
It appeared that the Jews, even though they had made the Law impossible to follow; walking more that x amount of steps broke the Sabbath or lighting a lamp broke the Sabbath (for example); did not understand the concept of a sacrifice.  It was rote for them.
Christ took them aback.  He personalized everything.  Imagine someone marching around claiming His Father would be angry. Jesus made everything real, not just a meaningless ritual. Jesus literally made these religious leaders wrinkle their collective noses, stiffen their backs and cling to their pride. They refused to acknowledge any of the prophecies. But to His Father, and to the people, He was a pleasing aroma.
This analogy goes further when you realize Jesus' death occurred over Passover weekend. The commemoration  of God saving them from Egyptian slavery. The night before the slaves left, they drained the blood from a lamb, marked their door posts with the blood to protect them from the angel of death, and made ready to leave. Pharaoh released them in the morning. It is celebrated every year.
Jesus died just before Sabbath on Passover, the New Lamb. He is the perfect lamb. He can approach the Father directly on our behalf. He was the perfect sacrifice, human and divine.
1.  Lemon Peel stiffens egg whites for meringues, Jesus helps us through hard times. How does this comparison apply to you?

2.  Are you guilty of just going through the motions? Or is your faith living and active? How?

3.  Do you agree with the idea that obedience is more loving than doing what you want, than making it up somehow?  Explain your answer?

4.  Do you understand why Jesus' death and resurrection occurred on Passover "weekend". Explain