The Gospels • Set 13
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 Himself as the One sent from the Father, the light of the world, the great “I AM,” and the merciful Savior who calls people to truth, freedom, and neighbor-love.
As you read, watch how people debate, misunderstand, reject, or believe Jesus, and how He exposes false judgment, offers living water and light, speaks the truth that sets people free, and shows that true love moves toward the hurting.
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 set’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 7:1–24 — Jesus Teaches at the Feast
- John 7:25–53 — Division Over Jesus
- John 8:1–20 — Jesus Offers Mercy and Declares Himself the Light of the World
- John 8:21–59 — Jesus Speaks Truth and Reveals His Eternal Identity
- Luke 10:25–37 — The Parable of the Good Samaritan
The Gospels • Set 13
Small Group Discussion Questions
Icebreaker
- Have you ever misunderstood someone at first and later realized who they truly were?
Digging Into the Text
- In John 7, people have many different opinions about Jesus. Why do you think Jesus caused such division and strong reactions?
- Jesus tells people not to judge by appearances but to judge rightly. What does righteous judgment look like?
- In John 8, Jesus responds to the woman caught in sin with both mercy and truth. Why is it important to hold both together?
- Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world.” What does that statement reveal about who He is and what He came to do?
- In John 8:31–36, Jesus says the truth will set people free. What kind of freedom is He talking about?
- In Luke 10, why do you think Jesus used a Samaritan as the example of true neighbor-love?
- What connections do you see between Jesus’ mercy in John 8 and the compassion shown in the Good Samaritan parable?
Leader Note
This set centers on Jesus’ identity and how people respond to Him. Some reject Him, some misunderstand Him, and some believe Him. Jesus exposes darkness while offering mercy, truth, freedom, and life. Help your group see that following Jesus means walking in His truth and extending His mercy to others.
Love God
- What truth about Jesus challenged or encouraged you most this week?
- Where do you need Jesus’ light to expose darkness, confusion, fear, or sin in your life?
- How does knowing Jesus offers both truth and mercy deepen your love for Him?
Connect with Others
- How can you show mercy and compassion to someone who is hurting, struggling, or overlooked?
- Are there any relationships where pride, judgment, bitterness, or self-righteousness need to be replaced with grace and truth?
- Who around you needs encouragement to walk in the truth of Jesus?
Serve Others
- The Good Samaritan moved toward someone in need instead of avoiding them. Who might God be calling you to notice and help this week?
- What is one practical way you can show Christlike mercy this week?
Share the Gospel
- How would you explain to someone what Jesus meant when He said He is the light of the world?
- Who is one person you can intentionally pray for and move toward with truth and compassion this week?
Closing Challenge
Jesus is the light of the world, the great “I AM,” and the merciful Savior who calls people into truth, freedom, and love.
He exposes darkness, offers mercy to sinners, confronts self-righteousness, and calls His followers to love their neighbors sacrificially.
What is one step of truth, mercy, repentance, compassion, 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 and prayer been this week?
- What did these readings reveal about Jesus’ identity and character?
- Is there any area where you are resisting Jesus’ truth, conviction, or leadership?
- Have you walked in the light this week, or have you been hiding something in darkness?
Connect with Others
- Have your relationships reflected mercy, compassion, grace, and truth this week?
- Is there anyone you need to forgive, encourage, reconcile with, or help?
- Have you judged others unfairly or failed to show compassion where God was leading you?
Serve Others
- How have you used your time, gifts, or resources to serve someone in need this week?
- Is busyness, fear, pride, comfort, or selfishness keeping you from loving your neighbor well?
Share the Gospel
- Did you have an opportunity to speak truth, offer hope, or point someone toward Jesus this week?
- If so, what happened?
- If not, who is one person you can intentionally move toward with compassion and truth this week?
Honest Accountability
- What temptation, fear, habit, bitterness, 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 merely to gain knowledge about Jesus, but to walk in His truth, receive His mercy, and love others the way He does.
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