1 Corinthians 11
Explanation and Bible story for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 3-6)
The Explanation
It was evening. The sky was dark. Little lamps were burning on the table. Their light was soft and gold. The room felt warm and safe. Jesus sat down. His friends sat close beside him. It smelled like fresh bread in the room. Warm bread, right from the oven. Jesus picked it up. He held it gently in his hands. Then, slowly, he broke it. Crack. He gave a piece to each friend. "Take this," said Jesus. "Eat it. This is my body." Everyone was quiet. The friends looked at Jesus. They loved him so much. They took the bread and ate it slowly. Then Jesus took a cup. Deep red juice was inside. He lifted the cup up high. Everyone could see it. "Drink this," he said softly. "Do this, and remember me." One by one, the friends drank from the cup.
What Does This Mean?
Why did Jesus say that? He wanted his friends to remember him. Not just once. Every time. Every time they ate bread like this. Every time they drank from a cup like this. They would think of Jesus. They would think, Jesus loves me so much. Jesus gave his life for me. People still do this today. They eat bread together. They drink from a cup together. Every time, to remember Jesus. They would never forget that night. Not ever.
The Common Thread
Jesus loved his friends very much. He knew he would go away soon. He knew it would be hard for them. So he gave them the bread. He gave them the cup. Now they would never forget him. Every time they ate, they would remember. Jesus loves us. Jesus gave his life for us. And one day, Jesus is coming back. He promised. He will come on a bright, wonderful day.
For You
Do you ever eat warm bread at home? Bread with butter, soft and warm? You can think of Jesus then. He loves you very, very much. He gave his life for you too. He wants you to remember him. Just like his friends did. At the table, that quiet evening. And when you eat with others, you can share. Jesus liked it when his friends ate together, kindly. You can love Jesus too.
Talk About It
What did Jesus give his friends to eat and drink?
Why did Jesus want his friends to remember him?
Praying Together
Dear Jesus, thank you for the bread. Thank you for the cup. Thank you for loving me so much. Thank you for giving your life for me. Help me remember you today. Amen.
Questions about 1 Corinthians 11
Short answers for anyone reading about this for the first time.
What is 1 Corinthians 11 about?
What does 1 Corinthians 11 say?
What does 1 Corinthians 11 teach us about God?
What can toddlers learn from 1 Corinthians 11?
Why is 1 Corinthians 11 an important Bible story?
What others discovered
Whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in a way unworthy of the Lord will be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord."
Paul wasn't asking the Corinthians to feel worthy enough. He was asking why the hungry brother across the room was still hungry. You cannot receive a body broken for others while despising one of them. Who is sitting near you at that table?
Her hair is given to her for a covering." Given. Before she asked, before she knew she needed it, God had already thought of it. Paul points to something as ordinary as hair to say the Maker attends to details. What has He already given you that you've stopped noticing, and stopped thanking Him for?
Paul has just spent verses reasoning carefully, then he simply sets it down: "But if any man seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither do God's assemblies." No custom of quarreling. He would rather leave a point unwon than leave the church divided. Which argument are you still gripping tonight?
Looking for something for slightly older children?
We also have dedicated versions for elementary age (7-12) and teens (12 and up).
Open in the Children's Bible tool
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