This lesson teaches children that Jesus loved his friends so much that he gave them a special way to remember him, the Lord’s Supper, and that we should come to it with thankful, careful hearts. It is best for children ages 5 to 11, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
Jesus wants us to remember him and his love for us, and we do that together with thankful hearts. When we come together, we care for each other too.
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)
Hold both hands together in front of your chest, then open them slowly like a book, as if you are sharing bread with a friend. Say the words “in memory of me” while you do it, so the motion helps children remember.
The Story: 1 Corinthians 11 for Kids
Paul was a teacher who wrote letters to the churches. He wrote to the church in Corinth because the people there were not always getting along. Some of them were not remembering each other well when they met together.
Paul reminded them that they were meant to follow Jesus, just as he followed Jesus. He said that everyone in the church belongs to God, and that every person matters. He also taught them about praying and worshiping with care and respect.
Then Paul told them a story that Jesus had given him. On the night before Jesus died, Jesus shared a meal with his friends. He took some bread, thanked God for it, and broke it. Then he said, “Take, eat. This is my body, which is broken for you.”
After that, Jesus took a cup of wine and gave thanks again. He told his friends, “Do this in memory of me.” Jesus wanted his friends to remember how much he loved them and how he would give himself for them.
Paul told the Corinthians that whenever they ate the bread and drank from the cup, they were remembering Jesus. He wanted them to come to the table with a thankful and loving heart. He also said that they should wait for one another and share with those who were hungry, so that no one was left out.
Read It Together
1 Corinthians 11:1
Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul wanted people to follow the way Jesus lived. Ask children who they see living like Jesus in their own lives, and talk about how they can be good examples too.
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)
Show children that eating the bread and drinking the cup helps us tell others about Jesus’ death and his promise to come back. Explain that this is a happy and hopeful reminder, not a sad one.
1 Corinthians 11:33
Therefore, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul told the church to wait for each other. Talk about what it means to be patient and kind, and how we can make room for others when we gather together.
Talk About It
- What is one thing Jesus did for his friends that made you thankful?
- Why do you think Jesus wanted his friends to remember him?
- How can we show kindness to others when we eat or share a meal together?
- What does it mean to wait for someone else before you start eating?
- How can you show Jesus’ love to someone at home or at church this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Thankful Table
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a table with food on it, and to write or draw one thing they are thankful for in the middle. Let children share their pictures and talk about how Jesus gave us a special way to remember him.
Wait for Your Friends Game
You will need a small snack, such as crackers or grapes, and a few chairs in a circle. Have everyone sit down, and ask them to wait until everyone has a snack before they begin eating. Talk about how waiting for others helps everyone feel included and loved.
Thankful Snack Bag at Home
You will need a paper bag, a marker, and a small snack. Write “Remember Jesus” on the bag, and put one snack inside. Ask your child to share the snack with someone in the family, and to say one thing they are thankful for while they do it.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage teaches that the Lord’s Supper is a remembrance of Christ’s death and a shared meal in his name. Paul corrects the Corinthian church for being divided and for ignoring those who were poor during their gatherings. Adults can take from it a call to examine their hearts, to honor one another, and to come to the table with humility and gratitude.
Avoid overstating the idea of judgment and punishment when teaching children. Keep the focus on Jesus’ love, the thankfulness of the meal, and the call to care for one another, rather than frightening children about being unworthy.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for giving us Jesus and for the special way we remember his love. Help us to be thankful, to be patient with our friends, and to share with others. Help us to show your love every day. Amen.
