This lesson teaches children that Jesus gave his church a special meal to remember him, and that we should come to it with love and care for one another. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When we gather to remember Jesus, we remember how much he loves us and we love each other. Jesus gave us a meal to help us remember him.
Memory Verse
1 Corinthians 11:24
When he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “Take, eat. This is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in memory of me.”
(WEB)
Have the children cup their hands together in front of their chest, then slowly open them outward like a gift being given. Say the words “in memory of me” while opening your hands, and invite the children to copy you each time.
The Story: 1 Corinthians 11 for Kids
The apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church in the city of Corinth. He loved these friends, but he had heard some sad news about how they were behaving when they came together. Some people were eating and drinking all their food while others went hungry. Paul wanted them to remember what really mattered.
Paul told them about the night before Jesus died. Jesus was having a supper with his friends, and he took some bread and gave thanks to God. Then he broke the bread into pieces and shared it. He said, in simple words, “This is my body, which is broken for you. Do this to remember me.”
After that, Jesus took a cup of wine and shared it too. He said that this cup showed the new promise God was making through his own blood. Jesus wanted his friends to remember him every time they shared this meal together.
Paul explained that every time we eat the bread and drink from the cup, we tell others that Jesus died and that he is coming back one day. It is a happy and serious time, so we should think carefully about how we treat each other.
Paul reminded the Corinthians to wait for one another and to share with everyone, especially those who have less. If someone was very hungry, they could eat at home first so that the gathering would be kind and loving. Paul wanted the church to be a place where everyone felt welcome and cared for.
Read It Together
1 Corinthians 11:1
Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul asks his friends to copy him as he copies Christ. Ask the children who they look up to, and then explain that the best example to follow is Jesus.
1 Corinthians 11:33
Therefore, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
(WEB)
Show the children that Paul asks the people to wait for one another. Explain that waiting for others is a way of showing love and kindness in the church family.
1 Corinthians 11:26
For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
(WEB)
Point out that each time we share the bread and cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes back. Explain that this is a way of telling others about Jesus and looking forward to his return.
Talk About It
- What did Jesus ask his friends to do to remember him?
- Why do you think Paul wanted everyone to wait for each other?
- How can you show love to someone who is hungry or left out?
- What is one thing you remember about Jesus that makes you happy?
- How can we make our church family feel welcome to everyone?
Activity Ideas
Bread and Cup Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a loaf of bread and a cup, then write or draw one way they can remember Jesus this week. Display the pictures together on a wall so the whole group can see them.
Wait for Me Game
Gather the children in a circle and choose one child to be the leader. Have the leader walk slowly around the circle while the others keep still, and then invite each child to take a turn. Explain that waiting for one another is a way of showing love, and celebrate everyone who waited patiently.
Take-Home Memory Card
You will need index cards and a marker. Write the memory verse on one side of each card and draw a small heart on the other side. Send the cards home so children can practice saying the verse and doing the cupped-hands motion with their families during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that the Lord’s Supper is a serious and loving act of remembrance, not just a ritual. Paul is rebuking the Corinthians for treating the meal carelessly and for ignoring the needs of poorer members, so the lesson invites reflection on unity and mutual care within the church.
With children, avoid overstating the idea of judgment or the warnings about eating in an unworthy way. Keep the focus on Jesus’ love, remembrance, and kindness toward others, rather than on fear or guilt about taking communion.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us and for giving us a way to remember you. Help us to care for each other and to wait for our friends with patience and kindness. Help us show your love every day, in our homes, at church, and wherever we go. Amen.
