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Let me ask you a question...
As
you read the Gospels, notice how Jesus often asked questions as a
teaching strategy. Most of His questions fall under one of three
categories.
Jesus asked questions to . . .
1. confirm His teaching 
2. challenge false ideas
3. deepen disciples’ faith
How might you work these questions into a Bible study?
- Find a question. The first step is to find a question of Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount alone Jesus asked as least a dozen.
- Identify the question. After selecting a question determine whether it is a confirming question, challenge question, or a faith question. Sometimes a question will fall into more than one category.
- Analyze the question. In a group study, you can choose one of two different routes. For a structured study the leader can select the question to be studied, ask group members to complete the chart (at right) in advance, and compose discussion questions to bring to the study. In a more relaxed group, you may want to let members choose a question on the spot, then fill in the chart together.
- Pray over the question. After you have worked through the chart, close your study with a prayer that relates to the issues you have discussed.
- For confirmation questions, pray that God will enable you to see more clearly the spiritual rationale behind Jesus’ teachings.
- For challenge questions, ask God to help you understand Him based on truth, not false assumptions.
- For faith questions, ask God to help your faith grow. Ask Him to help you recognize that only through Him can you experience abundant life.
By Todd D. Catteau. From Discipleship Journal’s Best Bible Study Methods compiled by Melissa Munro and Judith Couchman, copyright 2002. Used with permission of NavPress, www.navpress.com. All rights reserved.