NT260 • Set 4
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 NT260 New Testament reading plan, but they can also be used by any small group, discipleship group, family, or individual studying these passages.
This Week’s Big Idea
Jesus is revealing who He is and calling people to follow Him. As you read, watch for moments where people encounter Jesus and must decide how they will respond.
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 week’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 Week’s Readings
- Matthew 16:1–28 — The King Turns Toward the Cross
- Matthew 17:1–27 — The King Reveals His Glory
- Matthew 18:1–35 — The King’s Instructions for Kingdom Relationships
- Matthew 19:1–30 — The King’s Lessons
- Matthew 20:1–34 — The King’s Lessons
NT260 • Set 4
Small Group Discussion Questions
Icebreaker
- Have you ever misunderstood someone’s mission or purpose at first, but later realized what they were really trying to do?
Digging Into the Text
- In Matthew 16, Peter confesses that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Why is this confession so important?
- Right after Peter’s confession, Jesus begins speaking about the cross. Why do you think Peter struggled to accept that Jesus must suffer?
- In Matthew 17, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John. What does this moment reveal about Jesus?
- Across these readings, what do you notice about the kind of kingdom Jesus is building?
Leader Note
These chapters show both the glory of Jesus and the path of the cross. Jesus is not only revealing that He is the King; He is also teaching His disciples that following Him means humility, surrender, forgiveness, service, and trust.
Love God
- Which passage most challenged your view of Jesus this week?
- Where do you find it hardest to trust Jesus when His way includes sacrifice, waiting, or surrender?
Connect with Others
- Matthew 18 gives instructions for humility, forgiveness, and restoring relationships. Which relationship lesson do you most need right now?
- Is there anyone you need to forgive, pursue, encourage, or reconcile with because of what Jesus teaches in these chapters?
Serve Others
- In Matthew 20, Jesus teaches that greatness in His kingdom looks like serving. Where is Jesus calling you to serve instead of seeking recognition?
- What is one practical way you can put someone else’s needs ahead of your own this week?
Share the Gospel
- These chapters reveal Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, the suffering Savior, and the servant King. Which of those truths would be most helpful to share with someone in your life?
- Who is one person you could encourage this week with something you learned about Jesus?
Closing Challenge
Which response to Jesus best describes you right now?
- Confessing who He is but struggling with His way?
- Wanting glory without the cross?
- Needing to forgive or restore a relationship?
- Learning to serve instead of seeking status?
- Crying out to Jesus for mercy like the blind men?
What step of obedience do you need to take this week?
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 did these readings show you about Jesus?
- Is there any area where Jesus is calling you to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him?
- Have you knowingly resisted something God has been prompting you to obey?
Connect with Others
- Have your relationships reflected humility, forgiveness, and grace this week?
- Is there anyone you need to forgive, encourage, confront gently, or reconcile with?
- Is there anything happening in your life that you are trying to carry alone?
Serve Others
- Where did you serve someone this week without needing recognition?
- What is one area where pride, selfishness, or comfort may be competing with service?
Share the Gospel
- Did you have any opportunities to talk about Christ this week?
- If so, what happened?
- If not, who could you intentionally pray for or move toward this week?
Honest Accountability
- Is there any sin, struggle, fear, resentment, or habit gaining influence in your life right now?
- What is one thing you need prayer for that you have not 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.
Using NT260?
Keep Growing Through the NT260 Discipleship Journal
These discussion questions were designed to accompany NT260 Set 4 readings and help groups move from reading Scripture to discussing, applying, and living it.
If you’re looking for a structured New Testament reading plan that includes Scripture memory, PETS Bible study pages, reflection prompts, and companion study resources, explore the NT260 Discipleship Journal.
Explore NT260 →
Leave a Reply