The Gospels • Set 6
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.
This Set’s Big Idea
Jesus reveals His divine authority, restores what is broken, and teaches His disciples what life in His kingdom looks like from the inside out.
As you read, watch how Jesus defends His work, heals with mercy, fulfills Scripture, blesses the humble, calls His people to be salt and light, and presses beyond outward behavior to the condition of the heart.
This Set’s Readings
- John 5:16–47 — Jesus’ Authority and Witness
- Matthew 12:9–21 — Jesus Heals on the Sabbath and Fulfills Scripture
- Matthew 5:1–12 — The Beatitudes
- Matthew 5:13–20 — Salt, Light, and True Righteousness
- Matthew 5:21–32 — Kingdom Righteousness from the Heart
The Gospels • Set 6
Small Group Discussion Questions
Icebreaker
- Have you ever followed a rule correctly on the outside but missed the heart behind it? What happened?
Digging Into the Text
- In John 5, Jesus speaks about His relationship with the Father and the witnesses that testify about Him. What does this passage reveal about Jesus’ identity and authority?
- Why do you think the religious leaders became more concerned about Sabbath controversy than the healing and restoration of a suffering person?
- Matthew 12 presents Jesus as gentle, merciful, and faithful to God’s mission. What stands out to you about the way Jesus treats the weak and wounded?
- In the Beatitudes, Jesus describes the blessed life in ways that often feel upside down to the world. Which Beatitude challenges or encourages you most?
- Jesus calls His disciples salt and light. What does that teach us about the church’s role in the world?
- Jesus says He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it. How does that help us understand His teaching in Matthew 5?
- In Matthew 5:21–32, Jesus moves from outward obedience to the condition of the heart. Why is heart-level righteousness so important?
- Across these readings, what do you learn about the difference between outward religion and true kingdom righteousness?
Leader Note
These passages connect Jesus’ authority with kingdom living. Jesus is not merely correcting behavior; He is revealing the Father, fulfilling Scripture, restoring the broken, and teaching disciples to live with hearts transformed by grace. Keep the discussion focused on Jesus as the true King and on the heart-level righteousness His kingdom produces.
Love God
- What truth about Jesus’ authority, mercy, or kingdom challenged or encouraged you this week?
- Where do you need to submit more fully to Jesus’ authority?
- How do the Beatitudes reshape your understanding of what it means to be blessed?
Connect with Others
- How can we help one another pursue heart-level obedience rather than surface-level religion?
- Is there anyone you need to pursue reconciliation with because of anger, bitterness, or broken relationship?
- How can this group encourage one another to live as salt and light this week?
Serve Others
- Jesus moved toward a man with a withered hand instead of ignoring him. Who might God be calling you to notice and serve this week?
- What is one practical way you can reflect Jesus’ mercy, gentleness, or righteousness to someone around you?
Share the Gospel
- How can living as salt and light open doors for gospel conversations?
- Who is one person you can pray for and move toward with the hope of Jesus this week?
Closing Challenge
Jesus reveals His divine authority, restores what is broken, and teaches His disciples what life in His kingdom looks like from the inside out.
Throughout these readings, Jesus exposes the difference between outward religion and transformed hearts that reflect the kingdom of God.
Where is Jesus calling you to move beyond surface-level obedience into heart-level surrender this week?
Weekly Heart Check
Love God
- How has your time with God been this week?
- What did these readings teach you about Jesus?
- Where are you tempted to settle for outward religion instead of heart-level obedience?
- Have you submitted your anger, lust, bitterness, pride, or hidden motives to Jesus?
Connect with Others
- Have your relationships reflected mercy, humility, reconciliation, and truth this week?
- Is there anyone you need to forgive, encourage, confess to, or reconcile with?
- Have you allowed others to speak honestly into areas of your heart that need growth?
Serve Others
- How have you used your time, gifts, or resources to serve others this week?
- Is pride, comfort, fear, resentment, or busyness keeping you from serving faithfully?
Share the Gospel
- Did your words, attitude, and actions point anyone 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 sin, anger, lust, fear, habit, or hidden motive 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?
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