The Gospels • Set 3
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 revealed as the beloved Son of God, the Lamb of God, and the obedient Savior who overcomes temptation and calls people to follow Him.
As you read, watch how John the Baptist points away from himself and toward Jesus, how the Father identifies Jesus as His beloved Son, and how the first disciples begin to follow the One they have found.
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
- Mark 1:1–8 — John the Baptist Prepares the Way
- Matthew 3:13–17 — Jesus Is Baptized and Identified as God’s Beloved Son
- Matthew 4:1–11 — Jesus Overcomes Temptation in the Wilderness
- John 1:19–34 — John Testifies That Jesus Is the Lamb of God
- John 1:35–51 — The First Disciples Begin Following Jesus
The Gospels • Set 3
Small Group Discussion Questions
Icebreaker
- Who first helped point you toward Jesus, and what did they do or say that made an impact?
Digging Into the Text
- John the Baptist clearly understood that his role was to prepare the way and point people to Jesus. What can we learn from his humility and focus?
- At Jesus’ baptism, the Father identifies Him 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 this teach us about temptation and obedience?
- John calls Jesus “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” What does this title reveal about Jesus’ mission?
- In John 1:35–51, several people begin following Jesus after someone invites them to “come and see.” What do you notice about how discipleship begins in this passage?
- Across this set, what do you learn about who Jesus is and how people should respond to Him?
Leader Note
This set helps the group see Jesus before His public ministry fully begins. He is not merely a teacher or religious leader. He is the beloved Son of God, the Lamb of God, and the obedient Savior who succeeds where others fail. Help your group see that true discipleship begins by seeing Jesus clearly and then following Him personally.
Love God
- What truth about Jesus led you to worship Him this week?
- Where are you most tempted to rely on your own strength instead of God’s Word?
- How does knowing Jesus is the Lamb of God deepen your gratitude for salvation?
Connect with Others
- Who has helped you recognize and follow Jesus more clearly?
- Who in your life needs encouragement to keep following Christ?
- How can this group help you resist temptation and walk in obedience this week?
Serve Others
- John the Baptist served by pointing attention away from himself and toward Jesus. Where do you need to serve in a way that makes much of Christ instead of yourself?
- What is one practical way you can help someone take a next step toward Jesus this week?
Share the Gospel
- John said, “Look, the Lamb of God.” Andrew brought Peter. Philip invited Nathanael to “come and see.” Who can you point toward Jesus this week?
- How would you explain to someone why Jesus is called the Lamb of God?
Closing Challenge
Jesus is the beloved Son of God, the Lamb of God, and the obedient Savior who calls people to follow Him.
John pointed to Him. The Father affirmed Him. Jesus obeyed in temptation. The first disciples followed Him and invited others to come and see.
What is one step of worship, obedience, resistance to temptation, 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 these readings show you about Jesus?
- Where are you being tempted to compromise, doubt, or disobey?
- 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, temptations, or burdens?
Serve Others
- How have you used your time, gifts, or resources to serve others this week?
- Is pride, busyness, fear, or comfort keeping you from serving where God is leading?
Share the Gospel
- Did you have an opportunity to point someone toward 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 recognize who Jesus is, but to respond to Him with worship, obedience, faith, and witness.
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