ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 3 (Apr 11-17), Who is Jesus Christ

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, 11 April 2015

Lesson 3 (Apr 11-17), Who is Jesus Christ

Reactions to Jesus

Is it easier to accept as pastor one whom we knew growing up, or do we prefer an unknown person?
Are we more comfortable riding with a stranger driving or a relative?
Why do you think John the Baptist sent his disciples to inquire whether Jesus was the messiah?
Is it a sin to doubt whether a person is a true prophet or not?

Son of God

Is Jesus literally God's son or is that a convenient title?
Could a different person of the trinity have offered to be the son?
Was Adam more a "son of God" than we are?

Son of Man

What does "Son of Man" mean?
Did Jesus prefer to be known as the "Son of God," or the "Son of Man?"
Why was it necessary for Jesus to be born as a human?

The Christ as God

Which title is more important, "Jesus (saviour)" or "Christ (messiah)?"
What was wrong with thinking of Jesus as teacher or prophet as many thought he was? Did some people think worse things about who Jesus was?
Is it possible for us to know personally firsthand who Jesus is?

The Transfiguration

Why did God send Moses and Elijah to Jesus?
Why did God declare on the mountain again that Jesus was his beloved Son?
Why did the disciples keep falling asleep? Would it have made a difference if they had known the importance of what was happening?

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.