LESSON 4 -THE CHURCH AS BODY OF CHRIST

Lesson 4 : The Church as Body of Christ

Date        : 08-02-15

Time       : 8.15- 9.30

OPENING PRAYER :  

Thank you that we can come together again to learn more about you and your word.
Let us put aside all our distractions so that we can listen and be touched by your truth.
Please help our teachers to guide and teach us. Let your Holy Spirit oversee all that goes on in our classroom and make us a little more like the Lord Jesus for it is in His name that we pray, Amen.

MEMORY VERSE :

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father

except through me.”    - John 14:6

Recap of previous lesson -  The Church as People of God

Learners asked about what was learnt during the previous lesson - The Church as People of God.

1. Why is the Church human and divine?

2. Did learners help anyone in need during the past week? How did they feel?  

Group Discussion and Task   (Time: 8.45 am - 9.15am)

Set Induction:  Flash cards on body parts. Class divided into small groups and given a flash card. Group discusses the importance of that body part and a representative from that group pretends to be that body part and explains to the class its importance. The aim of this activity is for the class to understand and appreciate that every part of the human body is important to the whole body.

Explanation

Teacher asks learners what the term “Body of Christ’ means to them? Responses discussed.

Teacher explains that the human body is made up different parts and all are important in the same way. The church is made up of different people who together form the Body of Christ that is the Church.  

Jesus during his time on earth gathered his disciples and formed a close bond with them. And among the lessons he taught them was the importance of being a community, where each member loves and cares for the others. After our Lord’s ascension he sent the Holy Spirit upon them so the He could continue to be together with them.  

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In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (Corinthians 12: 12-27), Paul reminds all Christians about the close relationship that they are called to have with Christ and one another.

BIBLE READING : Corinthians 12: 12-27

Learners asked to share their understanding of the reading and responses discussed.

Explanation

1. Paul compares the Church with the human body. Each part of the human body is important and dependent upon the other parts. No part of the body can function on its own. Christ is Head of the Church- the Church is the Body of Christ. The human body cannot function without its head in the same way the Church cannot function without Christ.

2. Each of us has a special and important place in the Body of Christ – that is the Church,

- we are united to one another and to Christ through Baptism

- although you are teenagers, you are just as important as the others members such as the youths, adults and senior parishioners. 

3. Just as every part of the body has a special role, each of us has a special vocation in the church. 

   We may be different in terms of – age, talents, background, experience and capabilities. Yet we can all participate in the mission of the church by sharing our time, talents, resources etc. When each of us does our part – we are contributing to the growth of the whole Body of Christ. Christ as Head of the church will provide us with whatever is necessary for us to grow as a Church.  

4. The communion/ relationship we share with Christ is so intimate that the Church describes the relationship akin to the relationship between a man and a woman entering into holy matrimony.

Learners asked to list qualities married couples are called to live out in marriage eg. love, trust, honor, respect etc. In holy matrimony man and woman become one, united in love and trust ie they become one person. The Church is called the bride of Christ because we are closely united to Christ who is the bridegroom    

Closing Prayer

(Learners are asked to close their eyes and remain silent while teacher calls out the name of each learner)

 Dear Lord each of us has been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, although we are different from each other in many ways we are special to you our Lord and to the Church. We need each other as none of us can function on our own. Each of us has a special role and place in your church help us realize our potential and fulfill your mission.  Amen 

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