ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 9 (May 23-29), Jesus the Master Teacher

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.

Thursday, 28 May 2015

Lesson 9 (May 23-29), Jesus the Master Teacher

The Authority of Jesus

How is it that devils were more obedient to Jesus' commands than human beings?
What makes one more authoritative than another?
Why don't Christians today not command in the name of Jesus for healing like they do for exorcism?

Christ's Greatest Sermon

What makes a sermon appreciated or popular?
Why is the Sermon on the Mount quoted so much?
Is the Golden Rule practical? Is it practiced?

A New Family

Are Adventists as much like a family as we should be? Does calling one another "brother," and " "sister" help family feeling?
What are obstacles to family feeling among Adventists in Southern Asia?

Love Defined

Who are the "Samaritans" in our culture or society? What makes them that way? How can we address that situation?
Will it help to wear a symbol of the law on the wrist and attach one to the doorpost? Do we break the law because we forget about it?
Can I love my neighbor if I do not love myself?
Aren't some people unlovable? Did Jesus love everyone around Him?
What would be the prescribed way to help an injured stranger on the road in today's modern world?
Was Mother Theresa's ministry inspired by conversion or not?
How can one increase one's love for humanity?

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.