Small Group Discussion Questions for The Gospels Set 11

The Gospels Journal • Set 11

Small Group Discussion Questions

Central Theme

Will we trust Jesus enough to follow Him, even when His teaching challenges us?

This Week’s Readings

• John 6:22–40 — Jesus as the Bread of Life
• John 6:41–71 — Many disciples turn away because of Jesus’ hard teaching
• Mark 7:1–23 — Jesus confronts empty religion and teaches that the heart matters most
• 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

Icebreaker

1. Have you ever changed your mind about someone after getting to know them better? What caused the change?

Digging Into the Text

2. 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?
3. 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?
4. 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?
5. 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?
6. 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

7. 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?
8. Why do you think Jesus highlighted the faith of a Gentile woman while many religious leaders rejected Him?
9. 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

10. 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?
11. 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

1. How has your time with God been this week?
2. What passage challenged or encouraged you most?
3. Have you knowingly ignored something God has been prompting you to do?
4. What temptation have you faced most this week, and how did you respond?

Connect

5. Have your relationships reflected Christ this week?
6. Is there anyone you need to forgive, encourage, or reconcile with?
7. Is there anything happening in your life that you are trying to carry alone?

Serve

8. How have you used your time, gifts, or resources to serve others this week?
9. What is one area where selfishness may have been competing with service?

Share

10. Did you have any opportunities to talk about Christ this week?
11. If so, what happened?
12. If not, why do you think that is?

Honest Accountability

13. Is there any sin, struggle, or habit that is gaining influence in your life right now?
14. 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.