ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 1 (Mar 25-31), The Person of Peter

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, 30 March 2017

Lesson 1 (Mar 25-31), The Person of Peter

Depart From Me

Did Peter do it in faith when he lowered his net into the water saying "We've caught nothing all night, but since you say so, OK, I'll do it"?
Did Jesus perform a miracle (1) so that Peter's family would have food to eat? or (2) to reward Peter's faith, or (3) to develop the faith of Peter that He was the Messiah? or (4) some other reason?
Why after a miraculous catch of fish did Peter say "Depart from me?"

Confessing the Christ

Why did Jesus ask the disciples who people thought he was? Couldn't he read their minds?
Does Peter speak without thinking or are his answers from earlier thoughts?
Why was Jesus so strongly offended that He called Peter "Satan" when he sincerely thought that Jesus should not be put to death?

Walking on Water

Why do you think Jesus encouraged Peter to come to Him walking on the water?
Why didn't Peter just swim when he started to sink?
Why do people doubt even when things are going so well?

Denying His Lord

Did Peter mean what he said about being ready to go to prison or even to death with Jesus?
Would Peter have avoided denying Jesus if Jesus was within sight?
How can we describe Peter's faith?

Peter as Church Leader

Do people who talk and act instinctively and impulsively become leaders?
Would you rather be roommate with Peter or with Paul? Why?
What made Peter such a ready spokesperson, fearlessness or thoughtlessness?
What did Jesus see in Peter that he called him to be a disciple?

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.