Small Group Study: Walking Through the Teachings of Jesus

Session Overview

In this study, I’m guiding the group through the teachings of Jesus, looking at them through the lens of first‑century history and grounding each theme in Scripture from the King James Version. This could be done in a single week, but I suggest splitting it up into at least three or four weeks to gain more insight and understanding of the scripture and how it can transform each participant. Each section includes:

• A short teaching
• A KJV passage
• Historical context
• Discussion questions
• A practical application

1. Love at the Center

Teaching

When I look at Jesus’ message, I see that love isn’t just one teaching among many — it’s the foundation. Jesus took familiar commandments and fused them into a single, radical ethic.

Scripture

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart… Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” — Matthew 22:37–39 (KJV)

Historical Context

In Jesus’ day, religious teachers debated which laws mattered most. His answer cut through centuries of tradition and placed love — not ritual — at the center of faith.

Discussion Questions

• Why do you think Jesus emphasized love above all else?
• What makes loving our neighbor difficult in today’s world?
• How does this command reshape our priorities?

Application

Identify one relationship where you can intentionally practice Christ‑like love this week.

2. The Kingdom of God

Teaching

Jesus spoke of the kingdom not as a distant future event but as a present reality breaking into the world.

Scripture

“The kingdom of God is within you.” — Luke 17:21 (KJV)

Historical Context

Many Jews expected a political revolution to overthrow Rome. Jesus instead described a kingdom defined by humility, mercy, and justice — a kingdom that begins in the heart.

Discussion Questions

• How does Jesus’ definition of the kingdom differ from political expectations?
• What does it mean for the kingdom to be “within” us?
• Where do you see signs of God’s kingdom today?

Application

Practice one “kingdom value” this week — mercy, peacemaking, humility, or generosity.

3. Radical Compassion and Inclusion

Teaching

Jesus consistently moved toward people society pushed away — the sick, the poor, the sinful, the foreign.

Scripture

“They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” — Matthew 9:12 (KJV)

Historical Context

Purity laws and social boundaries shaped daily life. Jesus crossed those boundaries, revealing a God who sees dignity in every person.

Discussion Questions

• Who were the “outsiders” in Jesus’ time?
• Who are the “outsiders” in our communities today?
• What keeps us from extending compassion?

Application

Reach out to someone who may feel overlooked — a neighbor, coworker, or church member.

4. Forgiveness as a Lifestyle

Teaching

Jesus didn’t treat forgiveness as optional — he treated it as essential.

Scripture

“Until seventy times seven.” — Matthew 18:22 (KJV)

Historical Context

In an honor‑shame culture, revenge was normal. Jesus’ call to continual forgiveness challenged deeply rooted social norms.

Discussion Questions

• Why is forgiveness so central to Jesus’ teaching?
• What misconceptions do we have about forgiveness?
• How does forgiveness free both parties?

Application

Reflect on someone you need to forgive — or someone from whom you need to seek forgiveness.

5. Humility and Servanthood

Teaching

Jesus redefined greatness as service.

Scripture

“Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” — Matthew 20:27 (KJV)

Historical Context

Roman culture celebrated power and dominance. Jesus’ model of leadership — washing feet, embracing children — was shocking.

Discussion Questions

• How does Jesus’ definition of greatness challenge our culture?
• What does servanthood look like in everyday life?
• Why is humility so difficult?

Application

Choose one act of service you can do anonymously this week.

6. Integrity of Heart

Teaching

Jesus cared more about inward transformation than outward performance.

Scripture

“Blessed are the pure in heart.” — Matthew 5:8 (KJV)

Historical Context

Public displays of piety were common. Jesus redirected attention to sincerity, authenticity, and inner purity.

Discussion Questions

• What’s the difference between outward religion and inward transformation?
• How can we cultivate purity of heart?
• What are signs that our motives need examining?

Application

Spend time in prayer or reflection, asking God to reveal any hidden motives.

7. Trust and Faith

Teaching

Jesus invited people to trust God in a world filled with uncertainty.

Scripture

“Take no thought for your life…” — Matthew 6:25 (KJV)

Historical Context

Life under Roman rule was unpredictable. Jesus’ call to trust God was both comforting and countercultural.

Discussion Questions

• What anxieties do you struggle to release?
• How does trusting God change the way we live?
• What practices help build trust?

Application

Name one worry you will intentionally surrender to God this week.

8. A Call to Transformation

Teaching

Jesus’ message always pointed toward change — a reorientation of life.

Scripture

“Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” — Matthew 4:17 (KJV)

Historical Context

“Repent” meant more than feeling sorry — it meant turning around, adopting a new way of living aligned with God’s kingdom.

Discussion Questions

• What does repentance look like in daily life?
• Why is transformation often uncomfortable?
• Where is God inviting you to grow?

Application

Choose one area of your life where you sense God calling you to change, and take one concrete step toward that change.

Closing Reflection

Invite the group to share:

• One insight they gained
• One challenge they feel
• One step they want to take