NT260 • 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 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 is the promised King who enters the world, identifies with His people, defeats temptation, and begins teaching what life in His kingdom looks like.
As you read, watch how Matthew introduces Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises, the Son who obeys where others failed, and the King who calls people to repent, follow Him, and live under His rule.
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 1 — The Promised King Is Born
- Matthew 2 — The King Is Worshiped, Opposed, and Protected
- Matthew 3 — The King Is Baptized and Identified as God’s Son
- Matthew 4 — The King Defeats Temptation and Calls Disciples
- Matthew 5 — The King Teaches Kingdom Character
NT260 • Set 1
Small Group Discussion Questions
Icebreaker
- When you start something new, what helps you stay focused and committed?
Digging Into the Text
- Matthew begins with Jesus’ genealogy and birth. What does this teach us about God’s faithfulness to keep His promises?
- In Matthew 2, different people respond to Jesus in different ways: worship, fear, hostility, and obedience. Which response stood out to you most?
- At Jesus’ baptism, the Father identifies Jesus as His beloved Son. Why is this moment important before Jesus begins His public ministry?
- In Matthew 4, Jesus resists temptation by trusting and obeying God’s Word. What does His victory teach us about facing temptation?
- Jesus begins His ministry by calling people to repent and follow Him. What does repentance look like in everyday life?
- Matthew 5 begins the Sermon on the Mount. What surprised, challenged, or encouraged you most about Jesus’ description of kingdom life?
Leader Note
This opening set introduces Jesus as the promised King, the obedient Son, and the teacher of kingdom life. Help your group see that Matthew is not merely giving background information. He is showing us who Jesus is and inviting us to respond with worship, repentance, obedience, and faith.
Love God
- What truth about Jesus led you to worship Him this week?
- How does seeing Jesus as the promised King strengthen your trust in God’s faithfulness?
- Where is Jesus calling you to live more fully under His rule?
Connect with Others
- Who has helped you follow Jesus more faithfully, and how did they encourage you?
- How can this group help you resist temptation and obey God’s Word?
- Is there a relationship where Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 calls you to greater humility, forgiveness, purity, honesty, or love?
Serve Others
- Jesus calls His disciples to be salt and light. What is one practical way you can serve as a faithful witness in your home, workplace, school, or community?
- Who around you needs encouragement, mercy, or practical help this week?
Share the Gospel
- How would you explain to someone that Jesus is the promised King and Savior?
- Who is one person you can intentionally pray for and move toward with the gospel this week?
Closing Challenge
Jesus is the promised King who calls people to repent, follow Him, and live under His rule.
He fulfills God’s promises, identifies with His people, defeats temptation, calls disciples, and teaches what kingdom life looks like.
What is one specific step of repentance, trust, 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?
- What did Jesus teach you about Himself through Matthew 1–5?
- Is there any area where Jesus is calling you to repent, trust, or obey?
- Have you spent intentional time praying, worshiping, and seeking God this week?
Connect with Others
- Have your relationships reflected humility, grace, honesty, and love 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, pride, or fear 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 begin reading the New Testament but to respond to Jesus as King with repentance, faith, obedience, and love.
Using NT260?
Keep Growing Through the NT260 Discipleship Journal
These discussion questions were designed to accompany NT260 Set 1 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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