Summary of Today s Story

LESSON 26 JESUS LAST SUPPER Summary of Today s Story Jesus has his last meal with his disciples. He talks about being betrayed by one of them. Then he shares the meal with them. While they eat, he passes to them some bread and wine, saying, This is my body... This is my blood. Key Concepts Last Supper Maundy Thursday Eucharist Where You ll Find Today s Story In the Bible We recommend the New Revised Standard Version Bible. Matthew 26:17-30 In Our Sunday Lectionary Today s story is told in church on the following Sundays: Year A: Wednesday of Holy Week Year B: Wednesday of Holy Week Year C: Wednesday of Holy Week

2 Lesson 26 JESUS LAST SUPPER Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 Weaving Our Story with the Biblical Story Jesus last supper is no ordinary meal. After he says the words that we now repeat every Sunday, he then says, I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father s kingdom. Jesus looked to the future. His supper anticipated the coming of the kingdom of God that God promised us. And Jesus used this event of the supper to establish a new covenant between God and humanity, which would come about through his death. He gives the bread and the wine to us as signs of this covenant everyday objects become holy. And now, each Sunday, the sacrament of bread and wine is given for us to remember and to renew this covenant. We also have a share in the kingdom when we partake of this holy food and drink. That is what God promised us, and here Jesus offers it to us and shows us the way to that kingdom. The Interpreter s Bible says, [ Jesus] would suffer as the Son of man, as the representative of the new messianic community which it was his Father s will to establish. His life, like that of the servant of God [in Isaiah] would be poured out for many, and by his stripes [we] would be healed. And so God s promise to us is fulfilled. The story of our salvation, which began with the disobedience and faithlessness of Adam and Eve, ends with the perfect obedience and faith of God s own Son, who brings about our redemption and reconciliation with God. Our way to God is once again opened. The Episcopal Thread The Holy Eucharist (Rite I, BCP, p. 333, or Rite II, BCP, p. 355) is one of the two great sacraments given by Christ to his Church and the one which we celebrate every Sunday as the principal service. The Catechism (BCP, pp. 859-860) describes this sacrament as the Church s sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving (p. 859), and since the 1979 Prayer Book, Episcopalians have celebrated the Eucharist every Sunday as commanded by Christ. Holy Eucharist is so important in the Episcopal Church that an entire section in The Hymnal 1982 (New York, NY: Church Publishing, 1985) is devoted to hymns extolling this sacrament (#300-347). During Holy Week, Maundy Thursday is the time that Christians, including Episcopalians, remember when Jesus institutes the Sacrament of his Body and Blood and commands us to eat drink in remembrance of me. These words of institution are said in every Eucharistic Prayer. But on Maundy Thursday, this sacrament is specially recognized. And coming as it does before Good Friday, it is recognized as Jesus last supper before he is crucified. So on Maundy Thursday, the bread and wine given is the last communion offered before Easter. At the end of the service, the altar is stripped, every vestige of Christian symbolism is taken away and the people are deprived of their holy and basic food of Christ s Body and Blood as they then recall the dark days of Christ s trial and crucifixion. For Episcopalians for whom Eucharist bears such importance, this two-day deprivation feels like a great loss. But when Easter comes, Holy Eucharist returns and is greeted with great joy.

3 Lesson 26 JESUS LAST SUPPER Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 Gathering Check-In Invite group members to sit comfortably, giving them an opportunity to visit with each other, establish friendships and build community. Relationships are an important dimension of Christian formation, so a few minutes of visiting will enrich their spiritual development. This is also the perfect time to check in with your group members by asking them to share how they are feeling at the time or what kind of a week they had. matches cross Prayer Materials: small table with cloth to cover it taper or pillar candle After all group members have a few minutes of fellowship time, gather them together for a simple opening prayer. Ask one of the members to light the candle while saying these words from Psalm 119:105: Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Telling the Story Set the scene: Set out plates, cups, napkins, a basket of fresh bread and a jar of grape juice on a table (a long one, if possible). Ask the group for guesses about the nature of the day s lesson. Read today s story aloud from a Bible or tell the story in your own words. Most Bibles tell the story well, though some add scenes from other gospels like John (for example, Jesus washing the disciples feet). That s fine. Some believe that Jesus last supper was this Passover meal and in this supper he became the Passover sacrificial lamb, saying This is my body... This is my blood. At this time you do not need to explain or discuss the story. This is the time for the youth to hear the story. For now, simply let them absorb it in their minds and in their hearts. Later, use the discussion or arts time to help the group members draw appropriate and meaningful connections between the story and their own lives. Explain that you are inviting the light of God to be with all of you. (You might consider posting this verse from Psalm 119 in the meeting room.) Invite the member who lit the candle to read this prayer: Dearest Lord: For loving us, for redeeming us, for staying with us even in the face of our doubts, we give you thanks and praise. In Jesus name. Amen. Carefully extinguish the candle.

4 Lesson 26 JESUS LAST SUPPER Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 Activities: Arts, Crafts, Games, Drama, etc. Select one or more activities to supplement and enhance today s story. For each lesson, there are five suggested activities, one from each of the REACT categories. For a detailed explanation of REACT, see page 10 of the Introduction. All activities are meant to reinforce the concepts that were central to the day s lesson. Activities for This Week s Session Additional activity ideas can be found on pages 2-6 in the Appendix where we ve provided suggestions and directions for a variety of general activities that can be adapted to any lesson. Also included are outreach and service projects that can be done at any time.

5 Lesson 26 JESUS LAST SUPPER Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 Weaving Our Faith Lesson Box Materials: 1 3" x 5" index card for the day s scribe pen or pencil a file box in which to store the cards Ask for a volunteer or assign a group member to act as scribe. Then, ask the group to articulate the most important lesson gleaned from the day s reading. As a prompt, you might ask: Why is the Eucharist such an important part of our services? Jesus knew he would be betrayed by one of the men who ate dinner with him. What do you think he was feeling that night? Once the group has agreed on its wording, ask the scribe to write the lesson on the card, date it and file it in the box. By the end of the year, you will have a wonderful and thorough summation of the lessons covered in the participant s own words. Closing Prayer Before the group leaves, say a closing prayer to send them into the church worship service or back to their homes with God s love and blessing. The prayer can be very simple, such as this one: You amaze us, dear God! The Last Supper was just that your last. And yet, you thought of us and put us first. Because of your courage and your sacrifice, we are saved and continue to enjoy God s grace and forgiveness. Thank you, God. You amaze us! Amen. End the lesson with a dismissal that is used in church, such as: The peace of the Lord be always with you. The participants respond: And also with you.

LET S DO COMMUNION Group members have brunch/lunch together and talk about the importance of sharing food and fellowship and how that relates to the sacrament of the Eucharist. Materials: lunch (or brunch) for the group paper plates, napkins and cups adequate seating for the meal dictionary (just in case) Preparation: Ask the members of the group to bring in a lunch for the lesson. Or ask parents to provide different parts of the meal. Choose a simple blessing to be said before the meal, or say together: Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest: Let these gifts to us be blessed. Amen Directions: The purpose of this activity is to talk about how having a meal together can change the nature of a relationship, a discussion, a meeting, a family event, etc. Once the group has settled in, open up the floor for a relaxed talk about the subject of doing lunch. Consider some of these questions to jumpstart the discussion: What types of activities can you think of that revolve around or involve food? Why do people choose so often to get together over food? Business people often talk about business lunches. How can having a meal change the nature or feeling of a meeting? How is lunchtime at school different from classtime? What kinds of feelings or emotions do you associate with eating together? For many people, Thanksgiving is an important holiday. Why do you think that is so? What does the word communion mean? What does it have to do with sharing a meal? When Christians take part in the Eucharist (or communion), what are they sharing? What do you think is meant by a communion of Christians? Close: End the meal with an original prayer of thanksgiving. Start the prayer by saying, Thank you, Lord. Ask each member of the group to add something for which he/she is thankful. 6 LESSON 26 JESUS LAST SUPPER Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY

LEARNING ABOUT THE EUCHARIST Group members learn about the sacrament of the Eucharist from a priest or deacon. Materials: bread and juice small glass container for the juice small plate for the bread copies of the Communion Terms List (p. 8), 1 per participant Preparation: A week or two before this session meets, invite the rector or a deacon to visit with your group to talk about the Eucharist. If possible, hold the session at the altar so that the group members can see and become more familiar with the many vessels and areas associated with communion. Make copies of the Communion Terms List (p. 8) for the group. Directions: 1. Ask the rector or deacon (ahead of time) to talk briefly about the importance of communion in the service as well as the different prayers that are spoken and what they mean. 2. In addition, ask him or her to display and explain the many items used in preparing and serving communion. 3. Ask group members to check off each term as it is used. Close: If possible, arrange for two or more of the group members to bring up the elements for communion during the service. 7 LESSON 26 JESUS LAST SUPPER Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY

COMMUNION TERMS LIST Chalice Ciborium Credence Cruet Elements Eucharist Flagon Fraction Host Lavabo bowl Pall Paten Piscina Purificator Sacrament Sacristy Veil 8 Lesson 26 JESUS LAST SUPPER Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY continued

COULD I FORGIVE? Group members talk about difficult scenarios and consider whether or not they could forgive the people involved. Could you forgive? How difficult is it to forgive? Materials: copies of the Could I Forgive? worksheet (pp. 10-11), 1 per participant pens and pencils Preparation: Make copies of the Could I Forgive worksheet (pp. 10-11) for the entire group. Directions: 1. Break the group up into pairs or small groups. 2. Give each group member a copy of the Could I Forgive? worksheet. 3. Allow about 15 minutes for paris/small groups to go over the scenarios and decide if they could forgive and how easy or difficult that would be. 4. When all of the groups have finished, regather for a discussion. 5. Ask one of the youths to read a scenario aloud. Then, go around the room and ask each group what they decided about that scenario. Repeat for all scenarios. 6. Remind group members what Jesus said at the Last Supper: For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Discuss: How did Jesus feel about forgiveness? Was it difficult for him to forgive others, even those who would betray him? What do you think is to be gained by forgiving someone? 9 LESSON 26 JESUS LAST SUPPER Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY

COULD I FORGIVE? Read each of the brief stories that follow. Would you forgive the person in that story? Why or why not? If you choose to forgive him/her, think about how hard it was for you to forgive and rate that decision from 1-5 (1 being easy and 5 being very difficult). TAKING THE FALL Jack s mom comes home to discover that her valuable vase is smashed to pieces. It was an accident, one that happened when his older brother, Kyle, was skateboarding in the house! He was warned that if he did it again, he would lose his skateboard for the rest of the year. So, Kyle asked Jack, begged Jack to take the blame for the accident. Kyle promised Jack anything. Jack looked up to his brother, and after thinking it over, Jack agreed. Little did they know that their mom would be in such a bad mood when she came home. Kyle was spared her anger; but Jack got the worst of it and was grounded for a month. That was bad enough, but because of the grounding, Jack missed his awards banquet. He never said anything. Would you forgive Kyle? How hard would it be? Rate your decision 1-5 ROBBING PETER TO PAY PAUL William is a salesman at a family-owned shoe store, and he works hard to take care of his family. But, sometimes he doesn t have enough money to go around, especially for things like new clothes, dinners out or vacations. His twins are graduating from high school, and William wants to be able to give them a party. He overhears his boss saying that the store is doing 10 Lesson 26 JESUS LAST SUPPER Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY continued

very well and has made record profits for the year. William knows that the boss keeps the deposits in his office. He doesn t lock it up because he trusts his employees like family. One evening while the boss is away, William uses his key to get into the locked store and takes the emergency money. He surprises his kids with a great party and tells them that he d been saving for years for the event. Unfortunately, his boss finds out. What should he do? Would you forgive William? How hard would it be? Rate your decision 1-5 RUMOR HAS IT Right in the middle of English class, Amy gets a text. (Okay, so she s not supposed to have her phone on, but she sneaks a look anyway). She doesn t recognize the name of the sender, but is curious. Probably just another bad joke forwarded to you and everyone else on the face of the earth! But when she opens it, she s shocked to find out that it s all about her. Someone is spreading some pretty bad rumors about Amy, rumors that could hurt her reputation forever and even hurt her chances of getting an after-school job. Later, during lunch, when everyone seems to be staring right at Amy, her best friend Denise, decides to sit with someone else, leaving Amy all alone. Amy is dumbfounded. Over her shoulder, Denise asks, So, Amy, get any interesting texts today? The funny thing is, Denise doesn t look mean or angry just hurt. Later that day, Denise confesses that she herself was hurt because Amy didn t invite her to her birthday party. Would you forgive Denise? How hard would it be? Rate your decision 1-5 11 Lesson 26 JESUS LAST SUPPER Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY continued

THE LAST SUPPER REINTERPRETED Participants view several interpretations of The Last Supper and will all contribute to creating their own rendition. Materials: roll of heavy butcher paper masking tape pencils art erasers markers and craft paints non-drying polymer clay (Sculpey Clay, for example), assorted colors waxed paper (for the clay) computer, if possible Preparation: Go to http://freechristimages.org/biblestories/last_supper.htm and print a variety of Last Supper images. Note: Participants may work together as one group or break up into smaller groups for this project (depending on the size of your group). Directions: 1. Show several examples of artists renditions of The Last Supper. 2. Tell group members that they will create their own renditions in clay or in the form of a mural. 3. If you have enough members, there s no reason why you cannot have more than one project going at once. 4. For those working on the mural, unroll a sheet of butcher paper. It can be put on the wall, or the artists may choose to work at a table or on the floor. 5. Those who are drawing should first draw a pencil sketch of the scene and choose colors before they start to paint. 6. Let them know that their artwork does not have to be exact replicas of the originals; rather, they should make it a represent their own interpretation of the scene. 7. This project will likely run at least two sessions, if not three. Close: The finished works can be displayed in the church during Holy Week. 12 Lesson 26 JESUS LAST SUPPER Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 CRAFT

CLAY FISH PENDANTS Participants fashion clay pendants that feature the well-known fish symbol and Greek lettering. Materials: air-drying clay (for example, Crayola Model Magic ) toothpicks, stylus or other tools for carving/decorating copies of Greek Lettering and Fish Design (p. 14), 1 per participant skewer or other sharp stick for poking a hole ribbon or string markers chalkboard, whiteboard or flipchart (with chalk or markers) Preparation: Make copies of the Greek Lettering and Fish Design (p. 14) for all participants. Directions: 1. Give a copy of the Greek Lettering and Fish Design, along with a lump of clay, to each group member. Invite each group member to make a pendant with a symbol that identifies followers of Jesus. 2. Offer these instructions: Flatten the clay into a pancake shape. On one side of the clay, use a toothpick or carving tool to draw the fish design and write the Greek letters IXOYE. Use a sharp stick to poke a hole at the top of the clay, then let the clay dry. Tie a ribbon or string through the hole to make a pendant. Note: If using Crayola Model Magic clay, the pendant can be decorated with markers. 3. Multiple pendants can be made and given out to congregation members. 4. Share with group members the following information: The fish is one of the earliest Christian symbols. The Greek letters IXOYE are pronounced ich-tus and mean fish. However, for Christians, these letters form an acrostic. Each Greek letter stands for the first letter of the Greek words meaning Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. During the persecutions in the first few centuries, these letters and the fish symbol were used as a secret code for Christians to recognize one another and to mark the places where the worship services would be held. The meaning was known only to Christians. 13 Lesson 26 JESUS LAST SUPPER Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 CRAFT

5. On the board or newsprint copy the following: The acrostic for ( ich-tus or fish): I-e-sous Jesus Christos The-ou Hy-ios Christ God s Son So-tir Savior GreeK Lettering and fish design 14 Lesson 26 JESUS LAST SUPPER Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 CRAFT CONTINUED

EXPERIENCING HOLY WEEK Group leaders and their members select from a variety of activities to help them become more familiar with Maundy Thursday as well as other parts of Holy Week. Maundy Thursday Breakfast Enlist the help of a few parents in preparing a light breakfast with your group. Ask one of the group members to say grace or compose one with group extemporaneously. During the breakfast, talk about Jesus last supper with the disciples. Keep the mood relaxed but respectful. Maundy Thursday Dinner Arrange with your church events committee to have your group members help plan and work on a dinner for Maundy Thursday. Group members can help with food preparation, choosing the reading or hymns, and serving the meal. Stripping the Altar Traditionally, immediately following the Maundy Thursday dinner, the altar is stripped of all linens, flowers and color. Involve the group in this solemn and beautiful tradition. Stations of the Cross Art Work If your congregation takes part in the Stations of the Cross, enlist the artistic talents of your group to make 14 pieces of art, one for each station. See page 16 for a list of the 14 stations. For more information, go to www.answers.com/topic/stations-of-the-cross#ixzz1xaokysq9 15 LESSON 26 JESUS LAST SUPPER Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY

STATIONS OF THE CROSS 1. Jesus is condemned to death. 2. Jesus is given his cross. 3. Jesus falls the first time. 4. Jesus meets His Mother. 5. Simon of Cyrene carries the cross. 6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus. 7. Jesus falls the second time. 8. Jesus meets the daughters of Jerusalem. 9. Jesus falls the third time. 10. Jesus is stripped of His garments. 11. Crucifixion: Jesus is nailed to the cross. 12. Jesus dies on the cross. 13. Jesus body is removed from the cross. 14. Jesus is laid in the tomb and covered in incense. 16 Lesson 26 JESUS LAST SUPPER Weaving Our Faith, YEAR 1 ACTIVITY CONTINUED