The Gospels • Set 2
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 Discipleship Journal, 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 promised King and Savior who came humbly, was worshiped by outsiders, protected by God, and grew in wisdom according to His Father’s plan.
As you read, watch how God directs every detail of Jesus’ early life through promises, angels, worshipers, warnings, faithful obedience, and ordinary family moments.
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 1:18–25 — The Birth of Jesus Announced to Joseph
- Luke 2:1–20 — Jesus Is Born in Bethlehem
- Luke 2:21–40 — Jesus Is Presented at the Temple
- Matthew 2:1–23 — The Magi, Herod, and God’s Protection of Jesus
- Luke 2:41–52 — Jesus Grows in Wisdom and Obedience
The Gospels • Set 2
Small Group Discussion Questions
Icebreaker
- Have you ever seen God work through ordinary circumstances in a way you did not recognize until later?
Digging Into the Text
- Matthew 1:18–25 shows Joseph obeying God even when the situation was confusing and costly. What stands out to you about Joseph’s response?
- Luke 2:1–20 shows Jesus being born in humility and announced first to shepherds. What does this reveal about God’s heart and the kind of Savior Jesus is?
- Simeon and Anna waited faithfully for God’s promise. What can we learn from their faithfulness, worship, and hope?
- Matthew 2 shows very different responses to Jesus: the Magi worship Him, Herod opposes Him, and Joseph obeys God’s warnings. Which response stands out to you most?
- How do these passages show that God is directing the details of Jesus’ early life?
- In Luke 2:41–52, Jesus is already aware of His relationship with His Father. What does this passage teach us about His identity, wisdom, and obedience?
Leader Note
This set shows that Jesus is the promised King and Savior, but His arrival is marked by humility, obedience, worship, opposition, and God’s faithful protection. Help your group see that God is not only fulfilling prophecy but also inviting people to respond to Jesus with trust, worship, surrender, and obedience.
Love God
- What truth about Jesus led you to worship Him this week?
- How does Jesus’ humble birth challenge the way you think about greatness, power, or importance?
- Where is God calling you to trust and obey Him, even if you do not understand every detail?
Connect with Others
- Who has encouraged you to keep trusting God during a season of waiting or uncertainty?
- Is there someone in your life who needs encouragement, prayer, or steady presence this week?
- How can this group help you worship, obey, and follow Jesus more faithfully?
Serve Others
- Joseph served God’s purposes through quiet obedience and protection of his family. What quiet act of faithfulness might God be asking of you?
- Who around you may need practical care, protection, encouragement, or support this week?
Share the Gospel
- The shepherds shared what they had seen and heard about Jesus. What has God shown you about Jesus that you could share with someone else?
- Who is one person you can pray for and intentionally point toward Jesus this week?
Closing Challenge
Jesus came humbly as the promised King and Savior, and every person in these passages had to respond to Him.
Joseph obeyed. The shepherds rejoiced and shared. Simeon and Anna worshiped. The Magi bowed down. Herod resisted. Mary treasured what God was doing. These responses invite us to examine our own hearts.
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?
- Is God calling you to trust Him in an area where you feel confused, uncertain, 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 early stories of Jesus’ life but to respond to Him with worship, trust, obedience, encouragement, service, and witness.
Continue studying: Return to The Gospels Set 2 Study Resources
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