10 Deep Bible Questions to Ask Your Class This Week

Why Deep Bible Questions Matter

Every Sunday School teacher knows the difference between a lesson that feels like a lecture and one that sparks real discussion. Adults in your class don't just need more information-they need a conversation that helps them wrestle with the Bible, connect it to life, and walk away changed.

That's where deep Bible questions come in. Not the kind that ask for simple facts ("What happened in verse 3?"), but questions that invite reflection, honesty, and spiritual growth. They encourage people to engage with God's Word personally and to share openly with one another.

Research supports this idea. Barna studies show adults want more than surface-level teaching-they want to know how Scripture speaks to real-life struggles. When you ask deep Bible questions, you invite people into that process.

Think of your class as a family table. A shallow question is like asking, "How was your day?" and getting the one-word answer: "Fine." A deep question digs deeper: "What was the hardest part of your day, and how did you handle it?" The same goes for Bible study. Deep Bible questions make room for honesty, faith, and transformation.

At Steve's Bible Questions, we prepare weekly worksheets with this exact goal in mind. But today, I want to share 10 examples you can use right away-questions that will spark deeper thinking in your class this week.

10 Deep Bible Questions

Each question below comes from a key passage of Scripture. Use one or two in your class to open the door to conversation.

1) Genesis 22:1-14 - What does Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac teach us about trusting God with what we love most?

→ This invites people to consider the tension between faith and fear, and the things we cling to.

2) Psalm 23:4 - How have you experienced God's presence in your own "valley of the shadow"?

→ A personal reflection question that ties the Psalm to real-life struggles.

3) Isaiah 55:8-9 - When have God's ways or timing surprised you, and how did you respond?

→ Encourages testimony about times when God's plan didn't match our expectations.

4) Matthew 5:44 - What makes it hard to love your enemies, and what might that look like in your life right now?

→ Pushes for application in the toughest areas of Christian obedience.

5) Mark 4:35-41 - What storms in your life tempt you to doubt God's care?

→ Connects to Jesus calming the storm but points to today's storms.

6) Luke 15:11-32 - In the prodigal son story, do you relate more to the younger son or the older brother? Why?

→ Personalizes the parable and invites self-reflection.

7) John 6:66-69 - When following Jesus feels hard, what keeps you from turning away?

→ Sparks honesty about discouragement, with a note of faith resilience.

8) Romans 12:1-2 - What would it mean for you personally to present your body as a "living sacrifice"?

→ Challenges participants to think practically about surrender.

9) Philippians 4:6-7 - How have you experienced God's peace when you chose thanksgiving over worry?

→ Timely tie-in to Thanksgiving, but applicable any time.

10) James 1:2-4 - How has suffering or hardship shaped your faith?

→ Encourages adults to connect trials with God's refining work.

How to Use These Questions

The goal isn't to overwhelm your class with 10 new questions-it's to give you options. Pick one or two that connect with your passage, your group, or your season of life.

A few tips:

• Ask, then pause. Don't rush to fill the silence. People need time to process.

• Affirm contributions. Even if an answer is messy, thank them for sharing honestly.

• Redirect when needed. If someone dominates, gently invite others into the conversation.

• Close with reflection. Summarize what was shared and pray into those themes.

• Remember: deep Bible questions aren't about the "perfect answer." They're about creating space for God's Spirit to work through His Word in the lives of your class members.

• If you're teaching a set curriculum, use one or two of these questions each week, before you get into your "regular" lesson.

Bringing It Together

Deep Bible questions open the door to growth, honesty, and life change. As a teacher, you don't need to write them all yourself-especially during busy seasons. That's why I created Steve's Bible Questions: to give you ready-to-use worksheets each week with 10 deep questions, supporting Scriptures, and life application points - - all keyed to the exact scriptures you're already teaching in the Lifeway Explore the Bible or Bible Studies for Life lesson series.

👉 Try a free sample today and see how much easier your preparation can be-and how much richer your class discussion becomes.