ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 6 (May 2-8), Women in the Ministry of Jesus

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.

Sunday, 3 May 2015

Lesson 6 (May 2-8), Women in the Ministry of Jesus

Why did God allow even among His chosen people discrimination against women?

Women Who Welcomed Jesus"Advent

Can Adventists sing the song "Ave Maria"?

Does God withhold childbearing to punish women?
Why were women in the temple restricted to certain areas?

Women and Jesus' Healing Ministry

Why do mothers feel the death of children more than fathers?
Why do you think the widow of Nain is not named?
Is there any evidence that Jesus tried to correct discrimination against women in His day?

Women of Gratitude and Faith

What do you think Mary hoped to accomplish by pouring expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus? Why do you think she did it in public?
Why do you think Jesus embarrassed the woman who tried to touch his garment quietly in order to be healed?

Some Women Who Followed Jesus

Why didn't Jesus commend Martha? Wasn't that work important? Is it okay for everyone sit in the meeting when food has to be prepared?
Why do we not hear more about the women who followed Jesus with his disciples?

Persistent in Prayer, Sacrificial in Giving

Are we doing wrong by not personally caring for the widows in our community?
Are divorcees to be cared for equally as widows?
When we allow others to see how much we are giving for some project does it not encourage others to be generous too?
Will there be more women than men in heaven?

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.