The Gospels Set 18 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 gives grace generously, redefines greatness through service, seeks and saves the lost, receives wholehearted worship, and enters Jerusalem as the humble and rightful King.
As you read, watch how Jesus confronts comparison, teaches His disciples to serve rather than seek status, transforms Zacchaeus, receives costly devotion, rides into Jerusalem as King, and cleanses the temple in righteous authority.
These notes correspond with Set 18 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 highlights the upside-down values of Jesus’ kingdom. In Matthew 20, Jesus teaches that grace is His to give and that greatness is not found in status, recognition, or control. The disciples compete for position, but Jesus points them toward the cross and reminds them that the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.
As you read Luke 19 and Matthew 26, pay attention to the different ways people respond to Jesus. Zacchaeus welcomes Him with repentance and restored generosity. A woman pours out costly worship without holding back. Crowds celebrate His arrival in Jerusalem, while religious leaders resist His authority. Jesus enters as the promised King, weeps over the city, and cleanses the temple. These passages invite us to receive grace humbly, serve others sacrificially, worship Jesus wholeheartedly, and submit to Him as King.
👉 Continue where you are in this set’s reading journey.
📖 Don’t rush—take time to reflect, write, and pray through Jesus’ generous grace, servant-hearted leadership, saving mission, worthiness of worship, and rightful authority as King.
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.
Matthew 20:1-19
Matthew 20:20-34
Luke 19:1-10
Matthew 26:6-13
Luke 19:28-48
Your Next Step
Using The Gospels Journal in a Group Setting?
Continue the conversation with The Gospels Set 18 Discussion & Heart Check Questions. Explore Jesus’ generous grace, His call to servant-hearted greatness, His pursuit of the lost through Zacchaeus, the beauty of wholehearted worship, and His triumphal entry into Jerusalem as the humble and rightful King.
Together, consider what it means to receive God’s grace without comparison, serve others instead of pursuing status, respond to Jesus with genuine repentance, worship Him sacrificially, and joyfully submit every area of life to His authority as King.
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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