Can you share suggestions for a class... Jesus at the Last Supper/Crucified

[Sue in TX]

I am teaching a class at church to 1-3 graders on the Last Supper and Jesus being crucified. I have a curriculum to use but it is rather dry & disjointed for this particular lesson, so I am trying to come up with other ideas that will teach on this topic.

My thought is to try to have an activity based lesson where the children participate in a "last supper" simulation/re-enactment... does that make sense? I am thinking of serving grape juice and matza bread/crackers but I need some other ideas too. Our memory verse for the class is Romans 3:23 (All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.) My goal is to make the class memorable and create an opportunity for some discussion, learning, and a chance to give the message of salvation.

Your ideas are appreciated. Thank you!!!

Susan
Mom to dd6, dd4, ds2

[angela in ohio]

I would hesitate on that. Communion is just too precious to me and this seems dangerously close to actual communion with the children. I would be really upset if my dc told me they did this in class. Just my opinion. I feel really bad saying this, but I feel that strongly about it. We may be from totally different denominations/ beliefs, though, so it might not be anything bad for your church.

I would go instead for presenting real facts and working on the memory verse. I have found (I do 2nd/3rd grade Sunday School at our church) that the kiddos will respond to factual, challenging lessons, and we read lengthy passages from Scripture. I go for lots and lots of personal application (what sins the children commit that they don't think about as sins, leading them to really think about why they need a Saviour even if they think they are "good kids," etc.)

[Jann in TX]

My plan is to set the 'stage' for the Last Supper. I will place comforters on the floor (maybe some pillows too) for the kids to 'recline' on. I will have crackers, cheese, juice and some fresh fruit set out on platters. Before we 'eat' we will talk about Jesus washing the disciples feet--and we will have a few 'foot washing' stations in the corners of the room. This will be a serious moment.

Next we will pray for our food and then serve it up. While we are 'eating' I will read from the Bible about what really happened and what Jesus said. We will talk about the 'elements' but we WILL NOT do communion (although my children's pastor said we could).

Hopefully this lesson will foster a greater understanding of communion and the symbolism Jesus used that night to teach his disciples--and us!

This is for 2nd -5th grade.

[Sue in TX]

I do not want serve the kids communion, and you are right that it would be inappropriate to give the kids communion.

I am looking for ways to teach the facts of the scriptures and bring them to life. But, I do not want to take away from the seriousness of the lesson by making it into an activity. So, that is why I posted. I do want to make this a lesson they will remember by making it a personal experience/activity using all their senses, but still keep the respect for the lesson.

I am still looking for ideas.

[8FillTheHeart]

I would plan a Seder supper. You should be able to google the supper and different meanings of each part. The Last Supper is full of symbolism.....not simply from the Jewish perspective. For Christians, the fact that they left for the Garden of Gesthemane after singing the Great Hallel but before drinking the fourth cup reflects on the institution of the Eucharist. In the Garden, Jesus prays for "This cup to pass me by." Jesus becomes our fourth cup.