ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 12 (June 15-21), Heaven’s Best Gift (Zechariah)

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, 15 June 2013

Lesson 12 (June 15-21), Heaven’s Best Gift (Zechariah)

“The Robe of a Jew”

Is the happy imagery of old men and women (with walking sticks) watching children playing in the streets of the holy city to be fulfilled literally or figuratively?
How will the prophecy of ten gentiles hanging on to the robe of a Jew be fulfilled? Do we expect that non-Christians will ever beg to join the Christian church?

The King of Peace

Did Jesus ride on a donkey to fulfill Zechariah’s prophecy?
Why did Jesus accept the homage of the people when he rode into the city on a donkey? Didn’t many people misunderstand that move?

The One Pierced

How can we explain Jesus as the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy concerning (1) cornerstone, (2) tent peg, and (3) battle bow?
Did Judas sell Jesus for 30 pieces of silver to fulfill Zechariah’s prophecy?
What were the chances that Zechariah’s prophecy of the 30 pieces of silver thrown into the temple to the potter crossed the mind of any priest when they purchased the potter’s field for 30 pieces of silver that Judas threw before them?

The Good Shepherd

What is the difference between a shepherd and a cowboy?
What can be done so that an Adventist congregation will not be scattered when their shepherd is struck?

King of the Whole World

How important is it to have a house of worship for spiritual development?
What course do you think the plan of salvation and history would have been like if Israel had done everything God hoped for?

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.