ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 6, Easy to Forgive (Jonah)

Welcome

Many Sabbath School class teachers either preach a sermon to their class or deliver a monologue on the whole lesson, going through it "day-by-day." The most rewarding sessions involve the members in discussion. These questions here are intended to stimulate the active participation of the members in your class. Of course pertinent information imparted by the teacher is also very valuable, for which there are many resources in print and on the internet. This site seeks to provide a resource for discussions.

If you are a member and not a teacher and your class is boring, try asking questions such as these in your class.

Saturday, 4 May 2013

Lesson 6, Easy to Forgive (Jonah)

The Disobedient Prophet (Jonah 1)

Why didn't God allow Jonah the freedom to disobey Him?
Why did Jonah head for Tarshish instead of just staying home?
Why didn't Jonah discuss the matter with God when he was first commissioned to go to Nineveh, seeing that he talked quite freely wfith God?

Reluctant Witness

Did Jonah convert the sailors?
Does God reveal His will through such things as casting lots today? Why or why not?
Could Jonah have worked for God in Tarshish? How can I know if I am where God wants me to be?

Jonah's Psalm

Why would Jonah thank God for saving his life while he was still in the belly of the whale?
Why are animals more obedient to God than humans?
Would you rather drown at sea or be swallowed by a whale?

A Successful Mission

How can you account for Jonah's success in Nineveh? Why do you think the Ninevites responded so readily?t
When their city was not destroyed, would the Ninevites have thought Jonah to be a false prophet? What about the Israelites?
What would be the equivalent of tearing our clothes and putting ashes on our head to demonstrate sorrow?

Forgiven Yet Unforgiving?

When we forgive others does it do more for us or for them? When God forgives us does it do anything for Him?
What is the difference between God forgiving and humans forgiving?
Did Jonah end a success or a failure?

How to Teach a Sabbath School Class

1. Make a conscious decision that you will lead a discussion and not preach a sermon. Prepare accordingly and be alert for discussion opportunities. A discussion in which many participate is very rewarding.

2. You must have a page of freshly written notes. Don't waste people's time with inconsequential things just to occupy the time.

3. Sprinkle your notes with discussion questions and mark them out in bold. Any time you feel you are losing the attention of the members get them into another discussion. The discussion should be relevant to the lesson as well as to everyday life.

4. Start the lesson with a discussion question, or at the very latest within the next few sentences. If you wait for ten minutes and then try to generate a discussion it will be too late. The class will have tuned you out because you have tuned them out.

5. The opening question should be general enough so that even those who have not studied will be interested in contributing.

6. Avoid questions that can be answered by a single word. If someone answers with "yes/no" ask them to give reasons for their answer. If the answer is too short ask them to clarify or simplify the answer.

7. If a member asks a question, that is a golden opportunity for a discussion. Don't waste it by answering it too quickly. Throw the question back to the members for their opinion. You can give yours at the end.

8. Avoid childish questions such as "Which day is the Sabbath?" Members will not feel any need to answer it. Similarly do not pause in a sentence for the members to supply the last few words. That kind of participation is not a discussion. Members must contribute ideas and thoughts and not just words.

9. Avoid trick questions. Members will be embarrassed if you show them wrong and they will not answer the next time. Also avoid questions that will make it obvious whether or not they have studied the lesson. Those who have not studied should also feel urged to contribute.

10. You may sometimes present two views and ask the members to evaluate the views.