The Gospels • Set 15
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 opens blind eyes, reveals Himself as the Good Shepherd, invites the rejected into His care, and calls all who follow Him to count the cost of discipleship.
As you read, watch how Jesus heals a man born blind, exposes spiritual blindness, identifies Himself as the door and the Good Shepherd, extends grace to the humble and rejected, and teaches that following Him requires wholehearted surrender.
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.
Connect, catch up, and celebrate how God worked during the week.
Pray and invite the Holy Spirit to teach through His Word.
Share PETS observations and applications from the week’s readings.
Work through selected discussion questions together.
Use Heart Check questions for honest accountability and encouragement.
Share prayer requests and close by praying for one another.
Leader Tips
- You do not need to answer every question.
- Select the questions that best fit your group.
- Keep the discussion centered on Jesus and practical obedience.
- Encourage everyone to participate, but never pressure anyone to speak.
- Leave time for accountability and prayer.
This Set’s Readings
- John 9:1–41 — Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind
- John 10:1–42 — Jesus the Good Shepherd
- Luke 14:1–24 — Humility and the Great Banquet
- Luke 14:25–35 — The Cost of Following Jesus
The Gospels • Set 15
Small Group Discussion Questions
Icebreaker
- Who has had the greatest influence on your life, and what made you willing to follow their example?
Digging Into the Text
- How did the man born blind respond to Jesus differently than the Pharisees?
- What does John 9 teach us about the difference between physical blindness and spiritual blindness?
- Jesus calls Himself both the Door and the Good Shepherd. What do each of these pictures teach us about who He is?
- What characteristics of the Good Shepherd encourage you the most?
- In Luke 14, why do you think Jesus continually honored the humble instead of the proud?
- What is the main point of the Parable of the Great Banquet?
- Jesus tells His followers to count the cost before following Him. Why is that message just as important today?
- What do these passages teach us about genuine discipleship versus shallow religion?
Leader Note
This set contrasts two very different responses to Jesus. Some people become increasingly blind despite having great religious knowledge, while others see clearly because they humbly trust Him. Help your group focus on following the Shepherd’s voice rather than merely knowing about Him. Genuine discipleship always moves from hearing Jesus to following Him.
Love God
- What truth about Jesus as the Good Shepherd encouraged or challenged you most this week?
- Where do you need to listen more carefully to Jesus’ voice instead of following another influence?
- Is there any area where spiritual pride, stubbornness, or self-reliance may be keeping you from seeing clearly?
Connect with Others
- The man born blind was rejected by others but received by Jesus. Who around you may need to experience welcome, care, and belonging?
- How can this group help one another recognize and follow the Shepherd’s voice?
- Is there anyone you need to encourage, forgive, reconcile with, or move toward in humility?
Serve Others
- Jesus welcomed the humble, hurting, and rejected. Who might God be calling you to notice and serve this week?
- What is one practical way you can reflect the care, protection, or compassion of the Good Shepherd?
Share the Gospel
- The man born blind shared what Jesus had done for him even before he understood everything about Jesus. What can we learn from his example?
- Who is one person you can intentionally pray for and tell what Jesus has done in your life?
Closing Challenge
Jesus opens blind eyes, reveals Himself as the Good Shepherd, invites the rejected into His care, and calls all who follow Him to count the cost of discipleship.
These passages show that seeing Jesus clearly must lead to following Him fully. The Good Shepherd gives His life for His sheep, knows them personally, calls them by name, and leads them into life. Yet He also makes clear that discipleship requires surrender, loyalty, and a willingness to place Him above everything else.
What is one area of your life Jesus is asking you to surrender more fully as you follow His voice?
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 hear Jesus’ voice and follow Him faithfully.
Love God
- How has your time in God’s Word and prayer been this week?
- What did these readings reveal to you about Jesus?
- Have you been listening for Jesus’ voice, or have other voices been shaping your decisions more strongly?
- Is there any area where pride, stubbornness, fear, or spiritual blindness is keeping you from obeying Christ?
Connect with Others
- Have your relationships reflected humility, grace, patience, and compassion this week?
- Is there anyone you need to forgive, encourage, reconcile with, or welcome?
- Have you allowed another believer to speak honestly into your spiritual life?
Serve Others
- How have you used your time, gifts, or resources to serve someone this week?
- Is pride, comfort, busyness, fear, or selfishness keeping you from moving toward someone Jesus would welcome?
Share the Gospel
- Did you have an opportunity to tell someone what Jesus has done in your life 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, pride, compromise, or hidden sin has been most difficult this week?
- Is there anything you are unwilling to surrender in order to follow Jesus more faithfully?
- What is one specific way the group can pray for you today?
Leader Reminder: The goal is not merely to understand spiritual blindness, the Good Shepherd, humility, or the cost of discipleship. The goal is to help one another see Jesus clearly, hear His voice, receive His care, welcome others, and follow Him with wholehearted surrender.
Continue studying: Return to The Gospels Set 15 Study Resources
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