NT260 • Set 6
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 gives His life, rises from the dead, and continues His mission through the good news.
As you read, watch how Matthew brings the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection to its climax, and how Mark begins again with the announcement that the good news of Jesus Christ has come.
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 26 — Jesus Is Betrayed, Arrested, and Denied
- Matthew 27 — Jesus Is Crucified and Buried
- Matthew 28 — Jesus Rises and Sends His Disciples
- Mark 1 — The Good News Begins
- Mark 2 — Jesus Forgives, Calls, and Confronts Religion
NT260 • Set 6
Small Group Discussion Questions
Icebreaker
- What is the best news you have ever received, and why was it so significant?
Digging Into the Text
- What stood out to you most about Jesus’ final hours, death, or resurrection in Matthew 26–28?
- Why do you think the resurrection is central to the Christian faith?
- In Matthew 28, Jesus gives the Great Commission. What responsibilities does Jesus give His followers?
- Mark begins with the announcement of the “good news” of Jesus Christ. How would you explain that good news to someone unfamiliar with Christianity?
- What do Jesus’ actions in Mark 1–2 reveal about His authority, compassion, and mission?
- Which person in these chapters do you most identify with right now: Peter, the women at the tomb, the first disciples, the paralytic, Levi, or someone else?
Leader Note
The central question of this week’s readings is not simply whether Jesus died and rose again, but how we will respond to those truths. The resurrection demands a response. Mark immediately shows that response through repentance, faith, discipleship, obedience, and bringing others to Jesus.
Love God
- What aspect of Jesus’ sacrifice or resurrection deepened your worship this week?
- How does the resurrection strengthen your confidence in God’s promises?
- What is one area where Jesus is calling you to trust or obey Him more fully?
Connect with Others
- How has your relationship with other believers helped strengthen your faith recently?
- Who helped bring you closer to Jesus, similar to how the friends brought the paralytic to Christ?
- How can this group help you take your next step in following Jesus?
Serve Others
- Jesus continually made time for people who were hurting, overlooked, or spiritually needy. How can you reflect that same heart this week?
- Who around you may need practical help, encouragement, or support right now?
Share the Gospel
- The risen Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples. What fears or obstacles make sharing your faith difficult?
- Who is one person you can intentionally pray for and move toward with the gospel this week?
Closing Challenge
Jesus died for your sins, rose from the grave, and calls you to follow Him.
The first disciples responded by leaving everything to follow Christ. Levi left his tax booth. The friends carried the paralytic to Jesus. The women became witnesses of the resurrection.
What is one step of faith, obedience, or witness Jesus is calling you 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 in God’s Word been this week?
- How has the death and resurrection of Jesus shaped your worship this week?
- Is there any area where Jesus is calling for repentance, faith, or obedience?
- Have you spent intentional time praying, worshiping, and seeking God this week?
Connecting with Others
- Have your relationships reflected Christ this week?
- Is there anyone you need to forgive, encourage, reconcile with, or pray for?
- Have you been honest with someone about your spiritual struggles, temptations, or burdens?
Serve Others
- How have you used your time, gifts, or resources to serve others this week?
- Is selfishness, comfort, busyness, or pride keeping you from serving where God is leading?
Share the Gospel
- Did you have an opportunity to share what Jesus has done for you this week?
- If so, what happened?
- If not, who is one person you can intentionally pray for and engage this week?
Honest Accountability
- What temptation, fear, habit, or sin has been most difficult this week?
- 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 talk about the death and resurrection of Jesus but to respond to Him with faith, obedience, worship, witness, and love.
Using NT260?
Keep Growing Through the NT260 Discipleship Journal
These discussion questions were designed to accompany NT260 Set 6 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.
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