November 26: Remembering the Covenant (1 Corinthians 11:23-34)

To begin the session:

Download the “Holiday Food” quiz here.  Make copies for every class member. Distribute the quiz to class members as they arrive, allowing them to work on it immediately. After all have arrived and had opportunity to work on the quiz, have class members share their answers. The correct answers are: 1=i, 2=c, 3=e, 4=j, 5=d, 6=a, 7=h, 8=b, 9=f, 10=g.

Discuss this activity by asking whether most people know the significance of eating certain foods for holidays. Is it important to know the association between the food and the holiday—that is, does knowing so make it more meaningful? Explain.

Lead into Bible study by saying: “Special celebrations often have food attached to them. Some of the reasons for the associations we may know, but others may be long forgotten. Jesus established a celebration for the church and associated specific food with it. He commanded us not to forget the association of the elements of the Lord’s Supper with their meaning.”

To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:

Divide the class into three groups, giving each group markers, a poster board and one of these Scripture assignments: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; 1 Corinthians 11:27-32; 1 Corinthians 11:33, 34. Ask each group to illustrate its portion of our text dealing with the Lord’s Supper using only one word and simple symbols and stick figures. For example, the first group might use the word “remember” and a drawing of Jesus on the cross. The second group might use the word “reflect” and draw a stick figure with folded hands and arrows around him pointing inward. The third group might use the word “respect” and show a stick figure with arrows pointing outward to other stick figures surrounding him. These are only some of the possibilities, of course.

After the groups have completed their work, allow them to read their portion of the text aloud and explain their illustrations.

If you believe you group would not respond well to an art project, try this alternative. Recruit church members during the week before class to produce the illustrations we suggest. During class, reveal one illustration at a time and use it to help explain each portion of the text.