PUZZLE ILLUSTRATION
TAKE A PUZZLE AND GIVE EACH OF THE PEOPLE PARTICIPATING IN THE CLASS A PUZZLE PIECE. YOU MAY HAVE TO BEGIN THE PUZZLE BY PUTTING SOME OF THE PIECES TOGETHER BECAUSE THERE ARE MORE PIECES THAN PARTICIPANTS. LET THE PARTICIPANTS GATHER AROUND THE PARTICIALLY STARTED PUZZLE AND WATCH THE INTERACTIONS. EVENTUALLY OFFER THEM THE COVER OF THE BOX TO SEE WHAT PICTURE THEY ARE PUTTING TOGETHER. YOU MAY NEED TO PUT A TIME LIMIT ON THIS EXERCISE. WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED, TALK ABOUT HOW PUTTING THE PUZZLE TOGETHER IS LIKE THE BODY OF CHRIST WORKING TOGETHER.
SOME LESSONS FROM THE PUZZLE
ON THE BODY OF CHRIST
1. Each part is important, no matter the piece size
2. Each part has a specific place
3. You need to work together to accomplish the goal (unity),has to be shown
4. Puzzle is not complete if one piece is missing
5. Working towards a common goal
6. Group needed the box cover (Bible/Holy Spirit) to see where their pieces fit.
7. Finished what they started – Commitment – 1 Cor. 9:24-27, Phil. 4
8. Each one had parts and needed to share their piece(s) in order for others to know who worked with who (all must be part of the process) – communication
9. Help one another to find our place – Wisdom
10. Joy resulted when a piece fit, everyone rejoices
11. Certain people help us within the group. Some naturally take lead
roles. Someone who knows the Word of God to help direct and
instruct/empower people
12. Include the Whole body – people from different churches. There is
one body
13. Encourage one another (love) to find where their piece fits (as you
discover your gifts. Some discomfort results when you are not
finding where you fit).
14. One part of the picture does not give you the right prospective
15. We can be so busy doing our work that we forget or keep out
those who have a piece but can’t be included in offering their piece
because we are doing too much
16. Some are quick, some slow and there are some people who get
angry at others because of their speed. Those who are slower
may be envious of the quicker ones.
17. Some need to back off to let others get involved
18. Some use the gift only to be recognized
19. Some know where to fit after having tried
20. Feel discouraged and criticism and individualism when puzzle doesn’t
fit together
21. Some not saved so picture is not complete. Go after them.
22. Body made up of different nations
23. Groups can work separately but need to come together
24. Shapes are different as the gifts differ.
25. Need to ask questions of those who have not found their place yet.
