ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 5 (April 25-May 1), Christ as Lord of the Sabbath

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.

Monday, 27 April 2015

Lesson 5 (April 25-May 1), Christ as Lord of the Sabbath

As His Custom Was

What is the difference between a synagogue and the temple?
Does the fact that Jesus worshiped with the Jews prove that Saturday is the Sabbath?
Was everyday like Sabbath for Jesus
Did Jesus need the Sabbath?

Sabbath

Why does the fourth commandment say nothing about going to the synagogue or to church?
How important is it to have a sermon on Sabbath? Is it necessary to have a sermon each Sabbath?

Sabbath Healings at Capernaum

Is it appropriate for doctors and nurses to work on Sabbath?
is it appropriate for anesthetists, receptionists, electricians, plumbers, etc., to work on Sabbath in hospitals?
Is it okay for nurses and doctors to write exams on Sabbath?
What is the key to determining what is appropriate on Sabbath?

The Lord of the Sabbath

When Jesus asserted that He was "Lord of the Sabbath" did that enhance or reduce the significance of the Sabbath?
Are Adventists as a church too strict about Sabbath observance or not strict enough?
Did Jesus support the Law or not?

The Sabbath

If Jesus had postponed healing people till Sunday would that have been better? What message would that have conveyed?
Why was the object of the pharisees in criticising Jesus for healing on the Sabbath?
What makes a human worth more than an ox or donkey?

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.