The Gospels • Set 10
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 sends His disciples on mission, prepares them for opposition, provides for the crowds, and reveals His authority over fear, need, and the storm.
As you read, watch how Jesus sees the crowds with compassion, sends His disciples to proclaim the kingdom, warns them about persecution, grieves the death of John, feeds the hungry, and calls Peter to trust Him on the water.
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
- Matthew 9:27–38 — Compassion for the Crowds
- Matthew 10:1–42 — Jesus Sends the Twelve
- Matthew 14:1–12 — The Death of John the Baptist
- Matthew 14:13–21 — Feeding the Five Thousand
- Matthew 14:22–36 — Jesus Walks on the Water
The Gospels • Set 10
Small Group Discussion Questions
Icebreaker
- Have you ever been asked to do something that felt bigger than your ability? What happened?
Digging Into the Text
- What does Jesus’ compassion for the crowds teach us about His heart for people?
- Why do you think Jesus sent His disciples out instead of doing all the ministry Himself?
- What warnings or encouragements in Matthew 10 stand out most to you?
- What can we learn from John the Baptist’s faithfulness even though it cost him his life?
- What does the feeding of the five thousand teach us about Jesus’ provision?
- Why was Peter able to walk on the water at first, but then began to sink?
- What storms or fears in your life make it difficult to keep your eyes on Jesus?
- Across these readings, what do we learn about following Jesus even when it is costly or uncertain?
Leader Note
This set reminds us that discipleship is both a privilege and a challenge. Jesus sends His followers into a needy world, promises His presence, prepares them for opposition, and repeatedly demonstrates that He is able to provide what they cannot. Encourage your group to see mission and trust as inseparable.
Love God
- What aspect of Jesus’ character encouraged or challenged you most this week?
- Where is Jesus calling you to trust Him instead of giving in to fear?
- How does knowing Jesus provides for His people strengthen your faith?
Connect with Others
- Who has encouraged you to remain faithful during difficult seasons?
- How can this group better support one another when life becomes challenging?
- Who around you needs compassion more than criticism this week?
Serve Others
- Where might Jesus be sending you to serve someone in need this week?
- How can you demonstrate Christ’s compassion in a practical way over the next few days?
Share the Gospel
- Jesus sent His disciples to proclaim the kingdom. What opportunities has God placed before you to share your faith?
- Who is one person you will intentionally pray for and seek to encourage spiritually this week?
Closing Challenge
Jesus sends His disciples on mission, prepares them for opposition, provides for the crowds, and reveals His authority over fear, need, and the storm.
Following Jesus doesn’t remove hardship—it gives us confidence that He is with us through it.
Where is Jesus inviting you to step out in faith this week, trusting that His presence is greater than your fears?
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 teach you about Jesus?
- Have fear or comfort kept you from obeying something God has asked you to do?
- Where have you seen God’s provision this week?
Connect with Others
- Have your relationships reflected Christ’s compassion this week?
- Is there anyone you need to encourage, forgive, reconcile with, or pray for?
- Have you allowed others to encourage and strengthen your faith?
Serve Others
- How have you used your time, gifts, or resources to serve others this week?
- Has busyness, fear, or self-focus kept you from meeting someone’s need?
Share the Gospel
- Did you intentionally look for opportunities to share Christ this week?
- If so, what happened?
- If not, who is one person God may be sending you toward this week?
Honest Accountability
- What fear, temptation, distraction, or struggle has challenged your walk with Christ 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 talk about mission, but to follow Jesus with compassion, courage, trust, obedience, and gospel witness.
Continue studying: Return to The Gospels Set 10 Study Resources
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