The Gospels Set 16 Study Resources
Companion study notes, commentary, and next-step resources for this set of readings from The Gospels Discipleship Journal.
This Set’s Big Idea
Jesus seeks the lost, welcomes repentant sinners, warns against hardened hearts, teaches faithful obedience, and calls His disciples to trust Him even in suffering and delay.
As you read, watch how Jesus celebrates the recovery of the lost, reveals the Father’s compassion, warns about the eternal consequences of unbelief, teaches forgiveness and humble service, and prepares His disciples to trust Him as He moves toward Lazarus and Bethany.
These notes correspond with Set 16 readings in The Gospels Discipleship Journal. First, use MTSM’s Pray, Read, Ask, and Pray method to study the passage devotionally. After you finish, use these notes to deepen your understanding if you’d like.
This set reveals the heart of God toward those who are lost. In Luke 15, Jesus tells of a lost sheep, a lost coin, and two lost sons. Each story exposes the emptiness of sin, the joy of repentance, and the Father’s readiness to welcome sinners home. At the same time, Jesus confronts the self-righteous heart that resents grace when it is extended to others.
As you read Luke 16–17 and John 11, pay attention to the seriousness of unbelief and the demands of discipleship. The rich man and Lazarus remind us that earthly comfort cannot protect anyone from eternal judgment. Jesus teaches His disciples to avoid causing others to stumble, forgive repeatedly, trust God with even small faith, and serve without seeking praise. Then, as news of Lazarus’ sickness reaches Jesus, the disciples are called to trust Him even when His timing and purposes are difficult to understand.
👉 Continue where you are in this set’s reading journey.
📖 Don’t rush—take time to reflect, write, and pray through God’s seeking grace, the seriousness of eternity, the call to faithful obedience, and the invitation to trust Jesus in seasons of waiting.
Start with 🟦 Foundations Commentary.
If a passage raises questions or you want to go deeper, move to 🟩 Leader or 🟪 Deep Roots.
You do not need to read every (or any) commentary level to benefit from The Gospels.
Luke 15:1-10
Luke 15:11-32
Luke 16:19-31
Luke 17:1-10
John 11:1-16
Your Next Step
Using The Gospels Journal in a Group Setting?
Continue the conversation with The Gospels Set 16 Discussion & Heart Check Questions. Explore Jesus’ pursuit of the lost, the Father’s joy over repentant sinners, His warnings about eternity and hardened hearts, His call to forgiveness and faithful service, and the invitation to trust Him even when His timing is difficult to understand.
Together, consider what it means to reflect the Father’s heart for those who are far from Him. Discuss repentance, grace, forgiveness, faithful obedience, eternal priorities, and how trusting Jesus through seasons of waiting strengthens our faith and hope.
If you are not using The Gospels Journal in a group setting, you can still use the Discussion and Heart Check Questions for personal reflection, accountability, and application.
Perfect for: small groups, discipleship groups, families, Sunday School classes, one-on-one discipleship relationships, and personal reflection.
Keep Walking with Jesus
Remember, you’re not just reading Scripture—you’re learning to walk with Jesus. Stay consistent this week. Read slowly, reflect honestly, pray intentionally, and come back for the next step in the journey.
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