The Gospels • Set 4
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 reveals His glory, confronts empty religion, offers new birth, welcomes outsiders, and calls people to believe in Him for eternal life.
As you read, watch how Jesus turns water into wine, cleanses the temple, teaches Nicodemus about being born again, offers living water to the Samaritan woman, and calls people to trust His word.
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
- John 2:1–12 — Water Turned Into Wine
- John 2:13–25 — Jesus Cleanses the Temple
- John 3:1–21 — Jesus and Nicodemus
- John 4:1–42 — Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
- John 4:43–54 — Jesus Heals an Official’s Son
The Gospels • Set 4
Small Group Discussion Questions
Icebreaker
- If you could sit down and ask Jesus one question, what would you ask Him?
Digging Into the Text
- What does Jesus turning water into wine reveal about His identity and mission?
- Why do you think Jesus became angry in the temple? What does this teach us about true worship?
- Nicodemus was religious, respected, and knowledgeable, yet Jesus told him he must be born again. Why is that significant?
- What does it mean to be born again?
- What stands out to you about Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman?
- How does the Samaritan woman’s response differ from Nicodemus’ response?
- Why is it important that Jesus welcomed and revealed Himself to people many others would have ignored?
- The official believed Jesus’ word before seeing the miracle. What does this teach us about faith?
Leader Note
These chapters repeatedly contrast superficial faith with genuine faith. Some people were impressed by miracles, while others trusted Jesus personally. Help your group focus on who Jesus is and what it means to truly believe in Him rather than merely admire Him.
Love God
- What truth about Jesus encouraged or challenged you most this week?
- Are there any areas where your faith has become more about religion than relationship?
- How does knowing Jesus offers new life and living water deepen your worship?
Connect with Others
- Who has helped you grow spiritually or understand Jesus more clearly?
- How can believers create an environment where people feel welcomed to explore faith honestly?
- How can this group encourage one another toward genuine faith and obedience?
Serve Others
- Jesus intentionally engaged people others avoided. Who might God be calling you to notice, serve, or care for this week?
- What is one practical way you can demonstrate Christ’s love this week?
Share the Gospel
- The Samaritan woman immediately told others about Jesus. What can we learn from her example?
- Who is one person you can invite into a spiritual conversation this week?
Closing Challenge
Jesus reveals His glory, confronts empty religion, offers new birth, welcomes outsiders, and calls people to believe in Him for eternal life.
Throughout John 2–4, people respond to Jesus in very different ways. Some resist Him, some misunderstand Him, and some place their faith in Him.
If Jesus asked you today to move beyond religious activity into deeper trust and obedience, what would that next step look like?
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?
- Are there areas where you are relying on religion rather than relationship with Christ?
- Have you been seeking satisfaction from something other than the living water Jesus provides?
Connect with Others
- Have your relationships reflected grace, humility, and truth this week?
- Is there anyone you need to encourage, forgive, reconcile with, or pray for?
- Have you allowed others to speak honestly into your spiritual life?
Serve Others
- How have you used your time, gifts, or resources to serve others this week?
- Is comfort, fear, prejudice, busyness, or selfishness preventing you from serving someone God has placed in your path?
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, sin, habit, or struggle 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 admire Jesus’ signs or teachings, but to respond to Him with genuine faith, new life, honest worship, and gospel witness.
Continue studying: Return to The Gospels Set 4 Study Resources
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