NT260 • Set 7
Discussion & Heart Check Questions
Small group discussion questions and accountability tools designed to help disciples grow in their love for God, grow in community, 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 reveals His authority and calls people to respond with faith, obedience, and a changed heart.
As you read, watch how different people respond to Jesus—some follow Him, some oppose Him, some misunderstand Him, and some come to Him in desperate faith.
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
- Mark 3 — Jesus Calls, Heals, and Faces Opposition
- Mark 4 — Jesus Teaches in Parables and Calms the Storm
- Mark 5 — Jesus Has Authority Over Demons, Disease, and Death
- Mark 6 — Jesus Sends, Provides, and Walks on Water
- Mark 7 — Jesus Exposes the Heart and Extends Mercy
NT260 • Set 7
Small Group Discussion Questions
Icebreaker
- Have you ever met someone who completely changed the way you saw a situation, opportunity, or even your life? What happened?
Digging Into the Text
- Throughout Mark 3–7, people respond to Jesus in very different ways. Which response stood out to you most this week and why?
- The religious leaders repeatedly opposed Jesus even after seeing His power and authority. Why do you think people sometimes resist truths they do not want to accept?
- Jesus calmed a storm, cast out demons, healed the sick, fed thousands, and walked on water. What do these miracles reveal about who Jesus is?
- In Mark 4, Jesus teaches using parables. Why do you think Jesus wanted people to do more than simply hear His words?
- Mark 7 contrasts outward religious behavior with a transformed heart. Why is it easier to focus on appearances than genuine heart change?
Leader Note
These chapters show that everyone encounters Jesus, but not everyone responds the same way. The religious leaders oppose Him. His family misunderstands Him. The crowds are amazed by Him. The disciples are learning to trust Him. The desperate come to Him in faith. Help your group see that the question is not only, “Who is Jesus?” but also, “How am I responding to Him?”
Love God
- Which passage helped you see Jesus more clearly this week?
- What area of your life requires greater trust in Jesus’ authority right now?
- Is there anything God has been showing you that requires obedience rather than simply more information?
Grow in Community
- Which response to Jesus do you identify with most right now: following, questioning, struggling, misunderstanding, or trusting Him in desperation?
- How can this group help you take a next step in following Jesus this week?
- Is there a relationship where Jesus is calling you to show greater grace, humility, or forgiveness?
Serve Others
- Jesus continually made time for people who were hurting, overlooked, or desperate. Who around you may need your attention, encouragement, or help this week?
- What practical act of service can you intentionally pursue this week?
Share the Gospel
- Many people in these chapters could not stop talking about what Jesus had done for them. What has Jesus done in your life that you could share with someone else?
- Who is one person you can intentionally pray for and move toward with the gospel this week?
Closing Challenge
As you look at Mark 3–7, which response to Jesus best describes your current season?
- Opposing His leadership in some area of life?
- Trying to understand what He is teaching?
- Following Him but struggling with fear?
- Trusting Him in desperate faith?
- Growing in obedience and surrender?
What is one specific step of faith 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?
- What did Jesus teach you about Himself through Mark 3–7?
- Is there any area where you know Jesus is calling for obedience but you have been hesitant to respond?
- Have you spent intentional time praying, worshiping, and seeking God this week?
Grow in Community
- 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 talk about Jesus 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 learn about Jesus but to respond to Him. Create an environment where honesty is welcomed, grace is extended, and obedience is encouraged.
Using NT260?
Keep Growing Through the NT260 Discipleship Journal
These discussion questions were designed to accompany NT260 Set 7 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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