The Gospels • Set 11
Discussion & Heart Check Questions
Small group discussion questions and accountability tools designed to help disciples grow in their love for God, connect with others, serve others, and share the gospel.
These questions were created to accompany The Gospels Discipleship Journal, but they can also be used by any small group, discipleship group, family, or individual studying these passages.
This Set’s Big Idea
Jesus is the Bread of Life who calls people beyond shallow religion, outward appearances, and temporary satisfaction into true faith, heart-level transformation, and persistent trust.
As you read, watch how Jesus confronts crowd-level faith, teaches that He alone gives eternal life, exposes the condition of the heart, honors the persistent faith of a Gentile woman, and shows compassion to needy people.
How to Use These Questions
These questions are a guide, not a script. You do not need to answer every question. The goal is to help your group engage Scripture, encourage one another, and take a clear next step of obedience.
Before meeting, encourage everyone to complete the set’s readings and record at least one observation and one application from the passage using PETS or another preferred Bible study method.
Suggested Small Group Meeting Flow
Use this as a flexible guide for a 1–1.5 hour weekly gathering. Adjust as needed for your group.
Meet up, catch up, and reconnect from the week.
Open in prayer and ask God to use His Word.
Share PETS insights from the week’s readings. Let everyone share briefly.
Discuss selected passage questions. The facilitator should choose a few, not all.
Use a few Heart Check questions for honest accountability and encouragement.
Share prayer requests, praises, and close in prayer.
Leader Tips
- You do not need to answer every question.
- Choose the questions most relevant to your group.
- Focus on application, not just information.
- Encourage everyone to participate, but do not force anyone to share.
- Leave enough time for prayer and honest encouragement.
This Set’s Readings
- John 6:22–40 — Jesus as the Bread of Life
- John 6:41–71 — Many Disciples Turn Away
- Mark 7:1–23 — Jesus Confronts Empty Religion
- Matthew 15:21–28; Mark 7:24–30 — The Faith of the Gentile Woman
- Matthew 15:29–39 — Jesus Heals and Feeds People in Gentile Territory
The Gospels • Set 11
Small Group Discussion Questions
Icebreaker
- Have you ever changed your mind about someone after getting to know them better? What caused the change?
Digging Into the Text
- In John 6, many people followed Jesus because of the miracles and free food. What reasons do people commonly follow Jesus today? Which reasons are good, and which can become shallow?
- Jesus asked the Twelve, “Are you also going to leave?” Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life” (John 6:68). What makes Peter’s response so powerful?
- In Mark 7, Jesus teaches that our biggest problem is not what comes from outside us but what comes from within our hearts. Why is that truth difficult for people to accept?
- Follow-up: Jesus says our greatest problem comes from within. Does that mean what we watch, listen to, or consume doesn’t matter? Why or why not?
- What are some modern-day examples of focusing on outward religion while neglecting the condition of the heart?
Leader Note
Jesus is addressing the source of defilement, not denying the influence of what we take in. Sin comes from the heart, but what we continually feed our hearts can shape our desires, thoughts, and actions. What goes into us does not make us sinners; our sinful hearts do. But what we watch, hear, and consume can either feed the flesh or help us grow in Christ.
Faith and Trust
- The Canaanite woman in Matthew 15 refused to give up even when Jesus’ response seemed discouraging. What can we learn from her persistence and faith?
- Why do you think Jesus highlighted the faith of a Gentile woman while many religious leaders rejected Him?
- Across these readings, we see people responding very differently to Jesus—some leave, some argue, some trust Him deeply. Which response do you most identify with right now, and why?
Personal Application
- Is there any teaching of Jesus that you find difficult, confusing, or challenging to obey? How can the group encourage one another in that area?
- If Jesus asked you today, “Are you also going to leave?” how would you answer? What evidence in your life supports that answer?
Closing Challenge
Which character in this week’s readings best describes your current walk with Christ?
- The crowd seeking benefits?
- The religious leaders focused on externals?
- The disciples struggling but staying?
- The persistent woman who refuses to let go of Jesus?
Why?
Small Group Accountability
Weekly Heart Check
How to Use These Questions
These questions are meant to help the group move beyond information and into honest discipleship. Use them with grace, humility, and confidentiality. The goal is not shame, but spiritual growth as we help one another follow Jesus.
Love God
- How has your time in God’s Word been this week?
- What did these readings teach you about Jesus?
- Have you been seeking satisfaction from something other than Christ?
- Is there any teaching of Jesus you are resisting, avoiding, or struggling to obey?
Connect with Others
- Have your relationships reflected humility, honesty, mercy, and faith this week?
- Is there anyone you need to encourage, forgive, confess to, pray for, or reconcile with?
- Have you allowed others to help you examine your heart honestly?
Serve Others
- How have you used your time, gifts, or resources to serve others this week?
- Is pride, fear, selfishness, comfort, or spiritual hardness keeping you from serving faithfully?
Share the Gospel
- Did your words, attitude, love, or actions point anyone toward Jesus this week?
- If so, what happened?
- If not, who is one person you can intentionally pray for and move toward this week?
Honest Accountability
- What sin, struggle, temptation, habit, or misplaced desire has been gaining influence in your heart?
- Is there anything hidden that needs to be brought into the light?
- What is one thing you need prayer for today?
Leader Reminder: The goal is not simply to discuss difficult teachings, but to help one another keep following Jesus with honest hearts, persistent faith, and deep trust in the One who alone has the words of eternal life.
Continue studying: Return to The Gospels Set 11 Study Resources
Small Group Accountability
Weekly Heart Check
How to Use These Questions
These questions are meant to help the group move beyond information and into honest discipleship. Use them with grace, humility, and confidentiality. The goal is not shame, but spiritual growth as we help one another follow Jesus.
Love God
- How has your time with God been this week?
- What passage challenged or encouraged you most?
- Have you knowingly ignored something God has been prompting you to do?
- What temptation have you faced most this week, and how did you respond?
Connect
- Have your relationships reflected Christ this week?
- Is there anyone you need to forgive, encourage, or reconcile with?
- Is there anything happening in your life that you are trying to carry alone?
Serve
- How have you used your time, gifts, or resources to serve others this week?
- What is one area where selfishness may have been competing with service?
Share
- Did you have any opportunities to talk about Christ this week?
- If so, what happened?
- If not, why do you think that is?
Honest Accountability
- Is there any sin, struggle, or habit that is gaining influence in your life right now?
- What is one thing you need prayer for that you haven’t shared before?
Leader Reminder: Accountability works best when leaders model honesty first. Create a culture where confession is met with grace, prayer, and loving encouragement toward obedience.
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