Eat and Run

NOTE TO THE TEACHER

The English word Maundy originates in the Latin word “mandatum,” which means “commandment.” Therefore, Maundy Thursday comes from Jesus’ Last Supper commandment to love one another. This love was often demonstrated by foot washing in his time with his disciples. The Thursday of Easter week is also called Holy Thursday and/or Thursday of the Lord’s Supper. It was Jesus’ last time with his followers before his crucifixion and their observance of the Seder Passover meal.

ICEBREAKER – THE LAST SUPPER (10 MINUTES)

Option 1: Low-Tech

Using paper products and party supplies from the Palm Sunday lesson, have two teams of students each set a table and prepare and print a menu for the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples. What foods would they serve in addition to the sacrament of Communion?

Option 2: High-Tech

Using supplies from the Palm Sunday lesson, have two teams prepare a short skit about the Last Supper, including a written menu, and video the group’s skit with a smartphone.

READ SCRIPTURE (10 MINUTES)

Read: Exodus 1-4, (5-10), 11-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

With the two teams from above, or students reorganized to create two new small groups, assign one team the Exodus and I Corinthians passages and the other the John scripture. If two leaders are present, one can work with each group. Provide space separation for the two teams and instruct them to read the passages aloud in their group, with a scribe taking notes.

DISCUSSION (10 MINUTES)

From notes taken during the scripture reading, share findings in the large group and discuss:

• Describe Passover in your scripture context.
• Who are the main characters?
• What was served at the meal?
• What are the rules and expectations for the event?
• Why is Passover important?

ACTIVITY AND DISCUSSION (20 MINUTES)

Begin the conversation by describing what you enjoy most about a favorite meal that does not involve fast food, then encourage each student to do the same. Consider traditions and rituals that make family dinners, holiday gatherings, school sports banquets, or visits to grandparents’ homes more memorable than a meal in a paper bag from a drive-through restaurant.

Have the youth spread out in a comfortable space and ask them to sit in a circle on the floor. Ask them to remove their shoes and socks, place them outside the circle, and then listen to a leader re-read John 13:1-17 CEB, paying close attention to images and details. Choose one of the two options below, depending on the maturity and familiarity of group members:

• a) With clean, refillable basins and fresh towels, conduct a foot-washing ritual, either with leaders washing students’ feet or youth washing the feet of the person beside them, and continuing around the circle.
• b) Distribute antibacterial skin wipes, demonstrating how each student can clean their own feet.

If the budget allows, provide a new pair of socks for each person, either purple (the color of Holy Thursday) or featuring food emblems, as a reminder of the Last Supper.

Total time: 50 minutes

NEEDED RESOURCES

• Paper products and party supplies from the Palm Sunday lesson
• Paper and markers to create menus for the icebreaker activity
• Phones with video capability
• Bibles or copies of scripture (CEB)
• Basins of water
• Towels or antibacterial wipes
• Trash receptacle
• A new pair of socks for each person.