ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 13 (June 18-24), Crucified and Risen

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, 20 June 2016

Lesson 13 (June 18-24), Crucified and Risen

Jesus or Barabbas

How could the crowd be persuaded to choose Barabbas over Jesus? Why do so many people today not choose Jesus?
Did Pilate's wife's dream have any effect on the Pilate's decision?
Do you think that releasing Barabbas had any effect on his life after that?
What did the washing of his hands accomplish for Pilate? Was he innocent or guilty of the death os Jesus?
In the end who killed Jesus--Pilate, the soldiers, the crowd, or the priests? Can you and me who live today be responsible in any way?

Our Crucified Substitute

What made Jesus feel forsaken by His Father?
If one does not feel forsaken by God is that indication that there is no sin in the life?
Was everything going according to the plan of Salvation? If so, why was Jesus troubled? If not, why not?

Torn Veil and Rent Rock

What could be the purpose of God sending an earthquake at the moment of Jesus' death?
If Jesus' death was to signify the end of the sacrificial system, why didn't God knock down the whole temple at that time? Wouldn't that have been more convincing?
What kind of persons were the "holy people" who came forth from the dead at the time of Jesus death?

The Risen Christ

Could the disciples have stolen and hid the body of Jesus as the priests alleged?
Is it possible that Jesus did not really die and recovered from his wounds?
Is it possible that grieving disciples hallucinated and thought they saw Jesus?

The Great Commission

Why did Jesus entrust the spread of the gospel to undependable human beings when He could have used angels?
What makes us think that the gospel commission which was given to the eleven disciples applies to all of us?
Are all who teach and make disciples authorised to baptise? Why does the church decide who can baptise?

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.