2025 Sunday School Discussion Guide

Together we will read through the New Testament in 2025!

Here are some helpful discussion questions for your Sunday School class or small group!

Download Discussion Questions through the New Testament

March Bible Reading Discussion Questions

MARCH 2

Week 8 – Questions to Consider

Fun Small Group Warm Up Question:

What was your favorite sport growing up?

New Testament

Matthew 15 ~ Matthew 16 ~ Matthew 17 ~ Mark 7 ~ Mark 8

1. What religious traditions did you grow up with? What Christian traditions or “commandments of men” still exist today? Why does Jesus warn of Christian tradition rather than praise it? (Matthew 15:1-9) What can we do to avoid falling into the trap of false worship and man-made commands?

2. Why is it so easy to get caught up with the idea of moralism and good works? Why is obedience not enough? What does it mean that Jesus wants our “heart”?

3. Why do so many false teachers and prophets offer false signs and wonders? What is so appealing about them? What is so dangerous about them? (Matthew 16:1-12) What is the sign of “Jonah”? Why is that the most important?

4. Do we ever try to “correct” Jesus or the Bible with our own opinions and experiences? Why do we do this? Why did Peter “rebuke” Jesus in Matthew 16:21-23? What is Jesus’ response? Does He sound too harsh? Why is so easy for us to set our minds on the “things of man”? What steps can we take, especially before a big decision, to set our minds on the “things of God”?

5. Why do you think Jesus invited Peter, James and John onto the Mount of Transfiguration with Him? (Matthew 17:1-13) What experiences does Jesus invite us into? Why?

6. How did the disciples’ sin at the Transfiguration? What was God the Father’s command and their response (Matthew 17:5-6)? What was Jesus’ action and words (Matthew 17:7)? How is that comforting to use when we fail?

7. When we read the Scriptural accounts of Jesus’ miracles shouldn’t we also respond “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” (Mark 7:37)? What gets in the way of us giving Jesus the proper praise?

8. In Mark 8:2 Jesus sees the hunger of the crowd and says “I have compassion” before He takes action in feeding the 4,000. Who do we need to have more compassion and action towards?

9. Why do you think Jesus foretells His death and resurrection (Mark 8:31)? Why do you think He gives us the book of Revelation?

General Discussion Questions

• What do these passages teach us about our enemies’ attacks (deceptions, distractions, discouragement, and temptations)? How can we better resist these attacks?

• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

MARCH 9

Week 9 – Questions to Consider

Fun Small Group Warm Up Question:

What is your favorite card, board, or video game?

New Testament

Matthew 18 ~ Mark 9 ~ John 7 ~ John 8 ~ John 9

1. How is “greatness” or “success” defined in your family, workplace, or culture? How does Jesus define “greatness” in Matthew 18:1-4?

2. Read Mark 9:33-37. How does this help us better understand humility?

3. When you read Matthew 18:8-9 about taking sin so serious, how did it affect you? Do we take sin serious enough? Why or why not?

4. Why is forgiveness so hard? Who is the hardest to forgive? Why? What is the biblical process of seeking reconciliation in relationships according to Matthew 18:15-20? Do we follow this process? What happens when we don’t?

5. Read Matthew 18:35. Why is forgiveness so important? How does this compare to when Jesus finishes the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:14-15?

6. How did Peter get it wrong on the Mount of Transfiguration in Mark 9? How did the Father correct and refocus him? How do we similarly get distracted by the world around us and need refocusing?

7. Why do you think Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as “living water” in our hearts (John 7:38)? How does this describe your own experience of being indwelt by God the Holy Spirit?

8. What does it mean to “abide” in Jesus’ word (John 8:31-32)? “Hear the words of God” (John 8:47)? “Keeps my word” (John 8:51)? Why is it so important?

9. Why do the Jews try to kill Jesus after he says “before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58)? Can you think of other ways Jesus claims to be God in His words or actions?

10. When Jesus is asked about why a man was born blind, what is His answer (John 9:3)? How is this helpful to think about with other born differences in people?

General Discussion Questions

• What did you learn about humanity or yourself in the readings this week? About your identity, character or purpose as a Christ-follower?

• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

MARCH 16

Week 10 – Questions to Consider

Fun Small Group Warm Up Question:

What is your favorite TV show ever?

New Testament

Luke 10 ~ Luke 11 ~ Luke 12 ~ Luke 13 ~ John 10

1. What do you think it would’ve been like to be a part of the first 72 disciples sent out two-by-two into every town before Jesus (Luke 10:1)? Would verse 3 have encouraged you? What does verse 11 mean? How might it apply today? How is verse 16 empowering?

2. If we have spiritual successes, what is our ultimate focus of rejoicing to be (Luke 10:20)?

3. What are some of the ways the world around us answers the question about “what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25)? How do people try to justify their salvation?

4. How does the parable of the Samaritan demonstrate true love (John 10:29-37)? Who is our example of true love? How does this parable show us who are neighbors are? Who do you find challenging to love? Why?

5. Where do you find yourself to be tempted towards busyness, anxiety, and worry like Martha (Luke 10:40-41)? How does your schedule or decisions need to change to be more like Mary (Luke 10:39, 42)? Why is Mary’s choice so necessary according to Jesus?

6. Read the Lord’s prayer (Luke 11:1-4 or Matthew 6:9-15). Where are you currently praying similar to this prayer? What focus in your prayer life might need to be added or adjusted?

7. Why are we blessed when we “hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28)?

8. Why are we sometimes tempted towards hypocrisy (Luke 12:1)? How do we avoid and protect ourselves from that temptation?

9. What does it look like to live a life that acknowledges Jesus? To live a life that denies Jesus? Why does that matter eternally (Luke 12:8)?

10. What is coveting? How can we guard ourselves better “against all covetousness” (Luke 12:15)?

11. Why does Jesus command us not to be anxious (Luke 12:22-34)? What is the solution to worry?

12. When Jesus answers a question about deaths by accident and by evil, how does He redirect the conversation? Why? (Luke 13:1-5)

13. How is the description of Jesus and salvation helpful to you understanding your relationship with God? To Understanding His love for you? (John 10:1-18)

General Discussion Questions

• What can you learn about God from these passages? His work? His character? How can this help you grow in your trust of Him?

• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

MARCH 23

Week 11 – Questions to Consider

Fun Small Group Warm Up Question:

What was the best book you ever read?

New Testament

Luke 14 ~ Luke 15 ~ Luke 16 ~ Luke 17 ~ John 11

1. Why does Jesus often reply to His enemies’ attacks with a question? (Luke 14:6) How might that be helpful as a witnessing tool for you?

2. How might Luke 14:21 change our approach to evangelism and missions?

3. Why does Jesus describe the life of a Christian in such serious terms? (Luke 14:25-33)

4. Why does Jesus use the parable of the lost sheep, coin, and son? Why do we sometimes lose our joy in witness? Why do we sometimes give up and lose our urgency or focus? How can we sometimes be like the older son who grumbles and complains? (Luke 15)

5. Read Luke 16:10. What has the Lord entrusted to you? How are you managing it and using it? How can we be more faithful in how we manage and use our: finances, time, relationships, physical health, or mental health?

6. Read the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31. When the rich man finds himself in Hell, what is his first request? What is his second request? Why does Abraham answer the way he does? How should this impact our witnessing?

7. Look at Luke 17:3-4. Why do we avoid this process? Who might we do better in holding accountable? Who do we need to do better at forgiving?

8. What do you think it would’ve been like to be a leper? What would it have been like to be healed? How much has Jesus healed us? How should the parable of the healed lepers change our hearts to be more regularly grateful?

9. Why do you think there is an ongoing interest, even in Jesus’ day, of the “end times” (Luke 17:20-37)? How does Luke 17:33 apply to our daily living and perspective?

10. How does the story of the death and resurrection of Lazarus (John 11) impact you? What do you think it was like to be in Mary & Martha’s situation as they watched their brother die without Jesus’ intervention? What do you think was going through their minds when Jesus promised to resurrect Lazarus (John 11:23)? How does it affect you to see Jesus weep and be moved alongside them as they grieve (John 11:33-38)? Read John 11:44. How does this give you hope in facing your own future death? How does it motivate you for more boldness and passion in evangelism and missions?

11. Why were the religious leaders so committed to kill Jesus (John 11:45-57)? How and where might Christians today expect and prepare for similar persecution?

General Discussion Questions

• What was something new you noticed this week? What impacted you the most? Why?

• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

MARCH 30

Week 12 – Questions to Consider

Fun Small Group Warm Up Question:

What is your favorite super hero? Super villain?

New Testament

Matthew 19 ~ Matthew 20 ~ Mark 10 ~ Luke 18 ~ Luke 19

1. Read Luke 16:18 from last week and Matthew 5:31-32. Read Matthew 19:1-12 and Mark 10:1-12. Why does Jesus teach on such a controversial topic? Why do we like to avoid, skim through, or justify ourselves on such tough teachings? If we are convicted about past failures, on this topic or others, what are we called to do?

2. What is Jesus talking about in Matthew 19:26 when he says “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible”? Why do we need this instruction and reminder?

3. Why is Jesus emphasizing “the last will be first, and the first last” (Matthew 19:30, 20:16)? See how James and John were leveraging for power, position, authority, and fame (Mark 10:35-45). How might we be tempted in our own circles by our own struggles with pride?

4. Why does Jesus so explicitly and repeatedly predict his death and resurrection (Matthew 20:17-19, 16:21-23, 17:22-23, 26:2)? Why do you think God gives us so many “end times” warnings and details? Why are some of these predictions “hidden from” us (Luke 18:34)? Why would Jesus do that?

5. When the two blind men call out to Jesus, “Lord, have mercy on us”, how should that remind us for our daily need of God’s mercy (not giving us the punishment we deserve) and grace (giving us the blessing of forgiveness and spiritual life that we do not deserve)? How were we spiritually blind before meeting Jesus? How has Jesus spiritually given us sight? (Matthew 20:29-34).

6. We are told of Bartimaeus by name specifically (Mark 10:46-52), and that he “immediately recovered his sight and followed him on the way” and was “glorifying God” (Luke 18:43). How should Bartimaeus’ example inspire our own ultimate purpose and calling in life?

7. When the rich young ruler turns away from Jesus “disheartened” (Mark 10:22) how does it remind us of our own previous rejections of lack of prioritization of Jesus?

8. Read Luke 18:1-8. When are we tempted to give up on our prayer requests? Why does Jesus give us this example (Luke 18:1)? In what area is God calling you to not give up hope and to keep praying?

9. How are the Pharisees described in Luke 18:9? How would those who know us best describe us? How would we want to be described?

10. Tax collectors like Zacchaeus were hated and avoided. What are some types and groups of people that we might consciously or sub-consciously avoid or ignore in our own lives? How did Jesus treat Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)? Why? How does Jesus want to change our hearts towards the marginalized or maligned in our society today? What opposition might we face in doing that?

11. Read Luke 19:28-40. How does the response of the crowd move you? Why should we weep over our own communities like Jesus did over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44)? Have our churches lost focus on our main priorities (Luke 19:45-48)?

General Discussion Questions

• Context Questions: Who is writing this? Who is it being written to? When? Why? What type of writing is this? How does this matter to my understanding of the meaning of these chapters?

• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

April Bible Reading Discussion Questions

APRIl 6

Week 13 – Questions to Consider

Fun Small Group Warm Up Question:

What is your favorite Easter activity or childhood memory?

New Testament

Matthew 21 ~ Matthew 22 ~ Mark 11 ~ Mark 12 ~ Luke 20

1. What do you think it would’ve been like to be part of the crowd when Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly? (Matthew 21:8–11)

2. What do you think is so significant about Jesus beginning (John 2:13-17) & finishing (Matthew 21:12–13) His ministry years by cleansing the Temple?

3. What do you think “whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith” means? (The Cursing of the Fig Tree - Matt 21:21–22) What does a faithful prayer sound like?

4. Why do you think so many religious leaders (Pharisees, Scribes, Sadducees) challenged Jesus’ authority then? (Jesus in the Temple - Matthew 21:23) Why do people resist His authority today? When are we tempted to resist Jesus’ authority?

5. What did God teach you from the Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28–32)?

6. Why does Jesus warn in so many ways about Hell? (Matthew 21:41)

7. How do we avoid being wrong? (Matthew 22:29)

8. How does Jesus summarize the 10 commandments and the whole Bible (Matthew 22:37-39)? How does Satan, the world, and our own flesh make such love so hard?

9. Who are the people in your life that are the toughest to love? How can we love God and others better?

10.How does the warning of the scribes apply to us today? (Luke 20:46–47 “Beware of the scribes...”)

11. Why is giving $ to God such a touchy subject? Do you think our giving to God can be a good measure of our spiritual maturity? Why or why not? (Mark 12:42, 44 “a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins ... everything she had, all she had to live on”)

General Discussion Questions

• What do these passages teach us about our enemies’ attacks (deceptions, distractions, discouragement, and temptations)? How can we better resist these attacks?

• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

APRIl 13

Week 14 – Questions to Consider

Fun Small Group Warm Up Question:

Tell us about your worst haircut.

New Testament

Matthew 23 ~ Matthew 24 ~ Mark 13 ~ Luke 21 ~ John 12

1. Look at the “woes” to the Scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:1-36. Which ones stand out to you? Why? How are these warnings to us also today?

2. How does a hen protect her chicks? Why does Jesus use that analogy? (Matthew 23:37-39). Why do we have to be willing to received Jesus’ care and protection?

3. Why does Jesus give warnings about the Temple’s destruction and signs of the end of the age? (Matthew 24:1-14) What specific warnings speak to you today?

4. What is the connection between “lawlessness” and “the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12)? Why is Matthew 24:13 so important for to understand and remember?

5. How would you summarize the “end times” in Matthew 24 in one sentence?

6. Matthew 24:35 says “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” How does this encourage you in the discipline of Bible reading, study, prayer, & memorization?

7. When four of the disciples ask about the coming of the end times Jesus’ response is first to say “See that no one leads you astray” (Matthew 24:4, Mark 13:5, Luke 21:8). How is this relevant with “end times” ministries today?

8. What does it look like for a Christian to “stay awake” in preparation for Jesus’ return? (Mark 13:37)

9. Why do you think Jesus includes the warning of your hearts not being “weighed down” by sexual immorality, greedy spending, substance abuse (“dissipation and drunkenness”) and “the cares of this life” (Luke 21:34)? What can we do to best resist and avoid such temptations?

10. Read John 12:1-10. What do you think each one of these people was thinking & feeling? Do you think Lazarus lived differently after his resurrection? Do you think he feared those who were trying to murder him? How should we live differently after our salvation?

11. Read John 12:25-26. What does it look like to “love” your life versus “hate” your life? What does serving God look like? Why is it so important?

General Discussion Questions

• What did you learn about humanity or yourself in the readings this week? About your identity, character or purpose as a Christ-follower?

• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

APRIl 20

Week 15 – Questions to Consider

Fun Small Group Warm Up Question:

If you could eat anything for lunch what would it be?

New Testament

Matthew 25 ~ Matthew 26 ~ Mark 14 ~ Luke 22 ~ John 13

1. Has anyone ever called you foolish or stupid? What did that feel like? Has anyone called you wise or smart? How did that encourage you? What is the difference between the “foolish” and the “wise” virgins in Matthew 25:1-13? How does that apply to us today?

2. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) several servants are entrusted by the master with His resources. What resources has God entrusted to you? How does seeing this description of resources, accountability, reward, and punishment affect your perspective on life? How might it affect our priorities this week?

3. Read Matthew 25:34. How does this encourage you? What was the evidence of their salvation?

4. Read Matthew 25:41. How does this affect you? What was the evidence of their lostness?

5. God warns us in 1 Corinthians 10:12–13 “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. [13] No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (ESV). Considering Matthew 26 (Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial, and the disciples’ abandonment of Jesus), how might Satan, the world or your flesh tempt you to abandon Jesus? Before you were saved, how were you held captive apart from Christ? How has God changed you since then? What ways is God providing you to escape and endure temptations today?

6. Jesus replies to His enemies’ attacks with silence, boldness, rebuke, and wise questions. What temptations do we face when we are attacked by enemies? How can we prepare for and respond better the next time we are confronted by evil?

7. Read Mark 14:3-9. Why is what this woman did so “beautiful”? How does the world see Christian living as “wasteful”? In what beautiful ways do we worship Jesus?

8. Luke 22:3 says “Satan entered into Judas.” Did the devil make Judas betray Jesus? Or did Judas already belong to Satan as evidence by his ongoing sin of theft? (John 12:6)

9. How does the Lord’s Supper help us regain a biblical perspective on life? (Luke 22:14-23)

10. How was Jesus mocked then? (Luke 22:63-65). How do we see Jesus mocked today? Why should we expect to be hated today (John 15:18-25)?

11. Read Matthew 5:10-12 and Luke 6:22-23. Consider how the apostles were beaten and their response was to rejoice and serve with greater passion and boldness (Acts 5:41-42). How is it blessed to be mistreated? How can we prepare for such suffering?

General Discussion Questions

• What can you learn about God from these passages? His work? His character? How can this help you grow in your trust of Him?

• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)

APRIl 27

Week 16 – Questions to Consider

Fun Small Group Warm Up Question:

What is your favorite song?

New Testament

John 14 ~ John 15 ~ John 16 ~ John 17 ~ John 18

1. Read John 14:6. Do other world religions lead to an eternal relationship with God? (see also 1 John 2:23) Read Acts 4:12. Do good works (our own name) bring someone to Heaven? (see also Ephesians 2:8–9) Why are these verses so important today?

2. Jesus says in John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” What does He mean by this? Why would a true love of God be evidenced by obedience? Why would a lack of love be evidenced by disobedience to God’s commands (John 14:24)?

3. What does it mean to “abide” in Jesus (John 15)? How can we better “abide” in Jesus on a daily basis? What ways does Satan, the world, and our flesh come against our “abiding”?

4. What verse stands out to you in John 15? Why?

5. How does Jesus’ teachings serve “to keep you from falling away”? (John 16:1)

6. What is some of the work of the Holy Spirit? (John 16:8-14)? How does the Spirit serve as Helper through this work? How should our awareness to His work change our prayer lives?

7. Where do we find peace? Where do we find trouble? How do we have hope? (John 16:33)

8. How is John 17:3 a definition of “eternal life”?

9. How do you pray generically for larger groups of people? How do you pray differently for a family member than you pray for a stranger? Why does Jesus say He is praying for His followers and not the whole world? (John 17:9) If Jesus loves the whole world (John 3:16) how is His love for you even better? When you read that this is Jesus’ prayer for you (see John 17:20), how that affect you?

10. What is one of the main things Jesus is praying for His followers? (John 17:21) Why is this so difficult to achieve? In marriage? Families? Workplaces? Churches? Why is this so important (John 17:23)?

11. When you hear someone’s name, what comes to mind? When someone hears your name, what do you want to come to mind? What does Jesus mean when He says that “I have made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known”? (John 17:26). How is that our purpose as well?

12. When Jesus steps forwards into His arrest and path towards the cross, God says He does it “knowing all that would happen to Him” (John 18:4). How does that help you to see the love that Jesus has for you?

13. Peter goes quickly from fighting for Jesus (John 18:10) to denying Jesus (John 18:17, 25, 27). How is that a warning to us?

14. Luke 22:61 tells us that when Peter denied Jesus for the third time, “the Lord turned and looked at Peter.” Peter’s immediate response to his failure was that “he broke down and wept” (Mark 14:72). Later, in John 21, Peter enthusiastically returns to Jesus and enjoys His presence. How are Peter’s responses different than Judas’? What do Peter’s responses evidence? Provide?

General Discussion Questions

• What was something new you noticed this week? What impacted you the most? Why?

• Application Questions: How do you need to respond to and apply these truths to your life? (Is there a sin to avoid? A command to obey? An example to follow? A prayer to offer? A truth to remember or memorize? An attitude to change? A teaching to share?)