ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 8 (Aug 17-23), The Least of These

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, 22 August 2019

Lesson 8 (Aug 17-23), The Least of These

Introducing the Sermon on the Mount

What do you think inspired Jesus to expound on the Beatitudes? What appears to be the objective?
What would it take for beneficiaries of our good deeds to give glory to God rather than to us?
What are practical ways in which we can "salt" people around us?

Overcoming Evil With Good

How can we apply "turning the other cheek" to someone who abuses us?
How do we turn the other cheek to verbal assault?
How does carrying a burden an extra distance release us from negativity of the first mile?

The Good Samaritan

How much should I love myself before I love my neighbor as myself?
Whom are my enemies, those whom I dislike or those who dislike me? Which group is more difficult to love?
Why are we so reluctant to help victims on the roadside? How can we best help such people?

The Rich Man and Lazarus

Why are the rich so indifferent to the needs of the poor?
Is giving a beggar a few rupees adequate expression of our sympathy?
What was the purpose of the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, since Jesus did not say the rich man refused alms to the beggar?

The Least of These

Since many beggars and homeless actually have enough money for food, how can I help them best?
Since we rarely see anyone naked, who actually is in need of clothes?
Do the seriously sick actually desire visits? How can we minister to the sick in the hospital or at home?

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.