We have created an 8 week outline that broadly covers each of the Gospels. This is a lot of ground to cover but we hope this helps you if you’re trying to bring your small group into a new understanding of the Gospels. The outline below acts as a guide for structuring your study. Enjoy!
The study will explore the four Gospels of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), with a focus on understanding the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Week 1: Introduction to the Gospels
- Overview of the four Gospels
- Historical and literary context of the Gospels
- Theological themes in the Gospels
Week 2: The Gospel of Matthew
- Overview of the Gospel of Matthew
- Structure and literary features of Matthew
- The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
Week 3: The Gospel of Mark
- Overview of the Gospel of Mark
- Structure and literary features of Mark
- Miracles and parables in Mark
Week 4: The Gospel of Luke
- Overview of the Gospel of Luke
- Structure and literary features of Luke
- The parables of Jesus in Luke
Week 5: The Gospel of John
- Overview of the Gospel of John
- Structure and literary features of John
- Jesus as the Word made flesh (John 1)
Week 6: The Ministry of Jesus
- Jesus’ teachings on the Kingdom of God
- Jesus’ miracles and signs
- Jesus’ relationships with his disciples and followers
Week 7: The Passion of Christ
- Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday)
- The Last Supper and Jesus’ arrest
- The crucifixion and resurrection
Week 8: The Significance of the Gospels
- The relevance of the Gospels for today
- The impact of the Gospels on Christianity and Western culture
- Reflections on what we have learned