The Gospels • Set 1
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 reading plan, 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 eternal Son of God who entered the world to bring light, salvation, and joy.
As you read, watch how God prepares the way for Jesus through His promises, His messengers, and ordinary people who respond with faith, worship, and obedience.
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 1:1–18 — The Word Became Flesh
- Luke 1:1–25 — God Prepares the Way Through Zechariah and Elizabeth
- Luke 1:26–38 — Gabriel Announces the Birth of Jesus to Mary
- Luke 1:39–56 — Mary Visits Elizabeth and Magnifies the Lord
- Luke 1:57–80 — John Is Born and Zechariah Praises God
The Gospels • Set 1
Small Group Discussion Questions
Icebreaker
- Have you ever waited a long time for something important? What made the waiting difficult or meaningful?
Digging Into the Text
- John 1 describes Jesus as the Word who was with God, was God, and became flesh. What does this teach us about who Jesus is?
- John says Jesus came as light into darkness. Where do you see people needing the light of Christ today?
- In Luke 1, Zechariah struggled to believe God’s promise, while Mary responded with humble faith. What can we learn from their different responses?
- What stands out to you about Mary’s song of praise in Luke 1:46–55?
- How do these passages show that God keeps His promises even when His people have been waiting for a long time?
- What do these readings teach us about joy, worship, and obedience?
Leader Note
This first set introduces Jesus as the eternal Son of God and the promised Savior. Help your group see that the Gospels begin not merely with a birth story, but with the arrival of the One who brings light, grace, truth, salvation, and joy.
Love God
- What truth about Jesus led you to worship Him this week?
- How does knowing Jesus is fully God and fully man strengthen your faith?
- Where do you need to respond to God with Mary’s words: “I am the Lord’s servant”?
Connect with Others
- Elizabeth encouraged Mary in her faith. Who has encouraged your walk with Christ recently?
- Who in your life needs encouragement, prayer, or spiritual support this week?
- How can this group help you trust God while you wait, obey, or step forward in faith?
Serve Others
- Mary and Zechariah both saw their lives as part of God’s larger plan. How can you use your life, home, time, or gifts to serve God’s purposes this week?
- What is one practical way you can bless or serve someone who may feel overlooked, discouraged, or waiting on God?
Share the Gospel
- John 1 says Jesus came full of grace and truth. How would you explain that good news to someone who does not yet know Him?
- Who is one person you can pray for and intentionally point toward the light of Christ this week?
Closing Challenge
The eternal Son of God came near, entered our world, and brought light into the darkness.
Zechariah struggled to believe. Mary surrendered in faith. Elizabeth rejoiced. John’s birth pointed forward to the Savior. Each person was invited to respond to what God was doing.
What is one step of worship, trust, obedience, or witness God 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 these readings show you about Jesus?
- Has God been calling you to trust Him in an area where you have been hesitant or afraid?
- Have you spent intentional time praying, worshiping, and seeking God this week?
Connect with Others
- Have your relationships reflected humility, grace, and encouragement this week?
- Is there anyone you need to encourage, forgive, reconcile with, or pray for?
- Have you been honest with someone about your spiritual struggles, questions, or burdens?
Serve Others
- How have you used your time, gifts, or resources to serve others this week?
- Is selfishness, busyness, fear, or comfort 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 move toward this week?
Honest Accountability
- What temptation, fear, doubt, 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 the opening stories of the Gospels but to respond to Jesus with worship, faith, obedience, encouragement, and witness.
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