Participating in the Joy of Communion
By
Lisa Nagle (USA) | January 17, 2009
Message this member
Participating in the Joy of Communion
Focus: Christ and Community
Goal: To prepare a child or youth to effectively examine their life in order to participate in communion with the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 11:27-28, the apostle Paul wrote, “Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.”
Scope: One week learning experience.
Day OneParents ask the child: “Think about a memorial you have visited. It could be a gravestone or a marker by the side of a road memorializing a life that was lost by a car accident. What do you think about when you see that memorial? How does the memorial make you feel? Why do we visit memorials? Parents can explain that memorials put life into perspective. They symbolize the price of freedom or a life that was lost. Explain that Communion is a memorial. It’s a reminder of the blood that was shed, the price paid, the violent scene outside the walls of Jerusalem that took God’s own Son. It reminds us to put our life on earth into perspective and encourages us to have an eternal perspective and the eternal life won for us on the Cross!
Pray together as a family.
Day Two Together read: Matthew 26:17-30. Then ask: Why do Christians observe Communion?
Possible answers:
· Jesus knew how easy it was for us to forget!
· Jesus taught us to observe Communion whenever believers gather in His name.
· In the context of the bond we have with one another it is a powerful way of remembering Jesus.
Personal Testimony: Parents, talk to your child about what Communion means to you personally. When has it been especially meaningful to you and why?
Pray together as a family.
Day Three Read together: John 6:48-58.
Discuss why taking Communion is so important.
Possible answers:
· V. 51 says the Bread was given for the life of the whole world.
· V. 53-55 says that we don’t have any life if we don’t partake of the living Bread – Jesus.
· V. 57 says that we need to “feed” on Jesus to live forever.
Explain to your child that taking Communion is a symbolic act in honor and remembrance of the Bread of Life and His salvation work in us. “Feeding” on Jesus by faith means that we take His indwelling presence with us from the Communion service into the world, our relationships and everything we do. All that we do and say should reflect Jesus’ presence within us.
Personal Testimonies: Each parent can tell a personal story about a time when you went for a long time without taking Communion. What was it like? You may also tell about a time you took Communion in an unusual place or circumstance. Get your child to ask questions!
Pray together as a family.
Day Four Read together: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Discussion Question: Why do we keep on taking Communion? Isn’t once enough? Possible answers: Think back on the day we discussed war memorials. Just as a war memorial helps us to remember the sacrifices made by men and women who fought in wars to for our freedom on earth so God wants us to stop and reflect on His Son’s sacrifice for our victory over sin. For this reason we should regularly examine our own lives, ask forgiveness and remember His death until he returns.
Pray together as a family.
Day Five Read together: 1 Corinthians 10:21; 1 Corinthians 11:27-28; 1 John 1:9.
Discussion Question: How do we as believers prepare ourselves for taking Communion? In order to help answer this question, take your child to a mirror. Stand 10 feet away from the mirror and ask the child to tell you what he sees. Then bring the child up really close to the mirror. So close that he can see the blemishes on his face. Talk about what you see now. Discuss with your child that just as we examine our physical appearance in the mirror so to must we pray and think about our inward lives. Before taking the Lord’s Supper we must reflect on our lives. The apostle Paul says that we should examine ourselves before participating in Communion. Why? Look at 1 John 1:9. What does it say about our motivations? We must be sure that our motives are right and that there is no unconfessed sin in our lives before taking the Lord’s Supper.
Your Personal Stories: Share with child how you prepare yourself for Communion. Be very specific and practical. You may spend time in prayer or focus on a worship song.
Final Day Finish the week with spending some time with a pastor and some leaders from your church who will share some teachings on Communion with your child. Then pray with your child and discuss a date for their first Communion.
Add Comment
Comments
