ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 1 (Mar 26-April 1), Son of David

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, 28 March 2016

Lesson 1 (Mar 26-April 1), Son of David

Would you like to be a tax collector?

A Book of Genesis

Why is Mathew anxious to portray Jesus as a descendant of Abraham when Joseph was not his biological father? How can Jesus be the seed of Abraham when there is no biological connection through the father?
Did the messiah have to be a descendant of Abraham?
In what way is Jesus the "Word" of God?

A Royal Line

What is royal blood? How is it transmitted? Does a person adopted by a king have royal blood? If a usurper comes to the throne does he or his son have royal blood?
Was it fair for God to persist with wicked kings just for the sake of their ancestor David?
How can both Jesus and Satan be called the "Morning Star?"

Jesus' Early Family Tree

Who are more important in a family tree, males or females?
Is the Biblical practice of recording genealogies with men only cultural or God-inspired?
Was Tamar's seduction of her father-in-law justified? What does her inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus indicate?
Why should Matthew take pains to mention the existence of Rahab, a harlot?
Why were the Moabites abhorred by the Israelites to the extent that they were banned from God's presence for "ten generations?" Was that fair to Ruth?

While We Were Yet Sinners

What do ancestors mean to us either good or bad? Is it important where we come from?
Does the presence of sinners in the genealogy of Jesus give us reason to excuse our sinning?
How can we account for good kings in the Bible having bad sons, or wicked kings having good sons? to what extent are parents responsible for the outcome of their children?

The Birth of David's Divine Son

Why is it that the gentiles who sought the messiah had more open minds and hearts than the Jews?
In view of the fact that "there are many sheep not of this fold," and that many wolves exist in the church, how important is it to be a member of a church?
What delusion could we be suffering from in our wait for the Messiah to return?

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.