ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 8 (Nov 16-22), Christ Our Priest

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, 16 November 2013

Lesson 8 (Nov 16-22), Christ Our Priest

Our High Priest

Since the tithe was for the support of the priesthood, were priests expected to pay tithe or can they be exempted? What about pastors, can they be exempted like some categories of workers have income tax exemption?
How come Melchizedek was superior to Aaron as a priest?

Advocate and Intercessor

Why does Jesus love us so much when we have been disobedient?
Why would Satan still accuse us when he knows our pardon is sure?

Mediator

If Christ is the only mediator we need, why would some people want to go through additional go-betweens such as saints and Mary?
Could Jesus have been a mediator without becoming human? Did he take on humanity because He could represent us better, or was it compulsory for our salvation?
If your love for Jesus increases will His love for you increase or is it already maximum?

Great High Priest

Was Jesus' divinity an advantage or disadvantage in overcoming sin? Did he use it to overcome the devil?
Is Jesus more on our side or God's side?

The One Sacrifice

Why would Jesus wish to suffer pain and death? Couldn't He have assigned a sinless angel to die for humans?
Why was it okay for Jesus to be resurrected if His death was in our place?

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.