ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 12 (June 13-19), Jesus in Jerusalem

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, 13 June 2015

Lesson 12 (June 13-19), Jesus in Jerusalem

Why do you think Jesus didn't choose to live longer on this earth so He could accomplish more?

Why do Adventists not observe the Holy Week and Easter when those are on dates we can confirm, while many Adventists celebrate Christmas which date we know is wrong?

The Triumphal Entry

Why did Jesus decided to ride a donkey into the city?
Why did Jesus allow the Jews to spread their clothes on the ground and proclaim Him king as he rode into the city? Didn't that confuse their expectations?
Why do you think the disciples couldn't understand what Jesus had explained to them about his coming suffering?

Jerusalem

Is selling fruits and vegetables in for investment and other offerings the same as what the money changers and animals sellers were doing in Jesus' day?
Is there any thing we do in church that Jesus might condemn as making it a den of thieves and robbers?

The Unfaithful

How do we measure up compared to the farm tenants in the parable who beat the servants and the master's son when they were sent to collect the owner's share of the profits?
Is ignoring the writings of Ellen White as serious as ignoring the writings of the prophets in the Bible?

God Versus Caesar

Are we sinning by trying to avoid paying taxes by not asking for a receipt, neglecting to declare all items at customs, concealing some bonus incomes. etc?
Does God expect tithes on gifts?
Is it wrong to live in a housing society and refuse to contribute to the development of the society?

The Lord's Supper

How strict do we need to be with what we use for the bread and the wine at communion? If grape juice is not available can any other red juice substitute?
Do both feet have to be washed at the ordinance of humility or would one be enough as a symbol?
How important is it to wash feet before partaking of communion? Why do you think other churches do not observe this practice?

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.