Free discussion guide / Erik Fish

Seven Signs of Jesus:
start a small-group conversation.

Read a story from John’s Gospel together and give people room to explore it. This two-page guide offers seven passages, three discussion prompts and simple tips for facilitating a group.

2 pages · 466 KB PDF · No signup required. This is the Gather section from Erik Fish’s DiscipleX workbook, retaining its original page numbers 8–9.

A simple starting point

For small-group leaders and people exploring faith.

Use the guide with a group that wants to read about Jesus together, including people opening the Bible for the first time. Bring a Bible or make the chosen passage available to everyone; the PDF lists the references rather than reproducing the full readings.

Read one story

Choose one passage and take turns reading it aloud.

Discuss what you notice

The prompts explore people, Jesus and personal application.

Make room to respond

Invite people to retell the story, reflect and decide when to meet again.

The reading list

Seven passages from John’s Gospel.

Water becomes wine — John 2:1–11
The royal official’s son is healed — John 4:46–54
A man is healed at the pool — John 5:1–18
A crowd is fed — John 6:1–14
Jesus walks on water — John 6:15–25
A man born blind receives sight — John 9:1–41
Lazarus is raised from the dead — John 11:1–46

Before you gather

Prepare a welcoming first conversation.

Set a clear expectation. Tell people which passage you will read and that questions are welcome. Make sure everyone can follow along in an accessible format.
Read it yourself first. Note what you do not understand as well as what stands out. You do not need to turn every question into a lecture.
Allow time to think. Invite participation without putting someone on the spot. If people disagree, return to the passage and listen carefully.
Review the experience. After the gathering, ask what helped people participate and what you could adjust next time.

Develop the group around the discussion

Help the people leading your small groups grow.

A useful discussion is one part of group life. For a broader introduction to culture, leadership and multiplication, read the free Five Keys to Small Groups That Multiply ebook.

For further training, explore the small-groups course. Course access is a separate next step; this discussion guide remains free.

Seven Signs of Jesus:start a small-group conversation.