The Gospels • Set 12
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 reveals that He is the Christ, the glorious Son of God, and the suffering Savior who calls His followers to humble faith, forgiveness, and cross-shaped discipleship.
As you read, watch how Jesus moves from Peter’s confession to the cross, from the mountain of glory to lessons on humility, faith, mercy, restoration, and forgiveness.
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
- Matthew 16:13–28 — Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ and Jesus Calls His Disciples to Take Up Their Cross
- Matthew 17:1–13 — Jesus Reveals His Glory on the Mountain
- Mark 9:14–32 — Jesus Calls for Faith and Again Teaches About His Death and Resurrection
- Matthew 17:24–18:10 — Jesus Teaches Humility, Care for Others, and Kingdom Greatness
- Matthew 18:12–35 — Jesus Teaches Restoration, Mercy, and Forgiveness
The Gospels • Set 12
Small Group Discussion Questions
Icebreaker
- Have you ever had a moment where you realized following the right path would be harder than you expected? What made it difficult?
Digging Into the Text
- In Matthew 16, Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Why is this confession so important?
- Right after Peter’s confession, Jesus begins teaching about His suffering, death, and resurrection. Why do you think this was hard for the disciples to understand?
- In the transfiguration, Peter, James, and John see Jesus’ glory. What does this moment reveal about who Jesus is?
- In Mark 9, the father says, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” How does that prayer speak to real-life faith?
- Matthew 18 teaches humility, care for “little ones,” restoration, and forgiveness. Which of these themes stood out to you most?
- How does the parable of the unforgiving servant challenge the way we think about mercy and forgiveness?
Leader Note
This set moves from rightly confessing who Jesus is to rightly following Him as Lord. Help your group see that Jesus is both glorious and suffering, both King and Savior. He calls His disciples not merely to admire Him, but to deny themselves, walk humbly, care for others, pursue restoration, and forgive as those who have been forgiven.
Love God
- What truth about Jesus led you to worship Him this week?
- Where do you need to trust Jesus as the Christ, even when His way includes sacrifice or surrender?
- Is there an area where Jesus is calling you to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him more faithfully?
Connect with Others
- Matthew 18 gives guidance for humility, care, restoration, and forgiveness. Which relationship lesson do you most need right now?
- Is there someone you need to pursue, encourage, forgive, or seek reconciliation with?
- How can this group help you grow in humility, honesty, and obedience this week?
Serve Others
- Jesus values the vulnerable and warns His disciples not to despise “little ones.” Who around you may need your attention, protection, encouragement, or care?
- What is one quiet, humble act of service you can practice this week?
Share the Gospel
- How would you explain to someone that Jesus is both the glorious Son of God and the suffering Savior?
- Who is one person you can pray for and intentionally point toward Jesus this week?
Closing Challenge
Jesus is the Christ, the glorious Son of God, and the suffering Savior.
He calls His followers to deny themselves, trust Him in weakness, walk humbly, care for others, pursue restoration, and forgive as those who have been forgiven.
What is one step of humble faith, forgiveness, or cross-shaped obedience 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 these readings show you about Jesus?
- Is there an area where Jesus is calling you to surrender, obey, or trust Him more deeply?
- Have you spent intentional time praying, worshiping, and seeking God this week?
Connect with Others
- Have your relationships reflected humility, grace, and forgiveness 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 pride, busyness, comfort, or selfishness 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, resentment, pride, 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 confess Jesus rightly with our words, but to follow Him faithfully with our lives through humility, faith, forgiveness, and obedience.
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