This Is Puzzling | Object Lesson
Lesson Topic: Unity, Teamwork, Serving Others, and the Body of Christ
Main Point: Just as every piece of a puzzle has a specific place and contributes to the finished picture, every person has an important place in the church. When we work together and use our gifts and abilities, we help the body of Christ grow stronger.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:16
“From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”
Additional Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12–27
Activity Overview
Help children understand the importance of every member of the church with this simple, interactive puzzle activity! Using a large jigsaw puzzle, children will discover that every piece has a unique shape, a specific place, and an important role in completing the picture.
Before class, assemble most of the puzzle, leaving several pieces missing. During the activity, each child will receive a puzzle piece and help complete the picture. As the children work together, they’ll learn how the church is made up of many different people, each contributing something valuable.
This activity is especially effective for illustrating Ephesians 4:16, which teaches that the body of Christ grows and becomes stronger as every part does its share.
Supplies Needed
- Large jigsaw puzzle (preferably with oversized pieces)
- Puzzle board, table, or sturdy backing
- Bible
- Permanent marker or adhesive label (optional)
- Small bags or envelopes for distributing puzzle pieces (optional)
Preparation
Choose a puzzle with a colorful, recognizable picture that will be easy for the children to assemble. A puzzle with large pieces works especially well because the children can easily see the picture and participate.
Before class, assemble most of the puzzle on a table or sturdy board. Leave out enough pieces so that every child can have at least one. If you have a large class, consider using a larger puzzle or allowing children to work in pairs.
Keep the missing pieces in a bag or envelope until you’re ready to begin.
For an additional teaching element, write Ephesians 4:16 or 1 Corinthians 12:27 on the back of one or more puzzle pieces using a removable label. You can reveal the Scripture reference as part of the lesson.
Teacher Tip: Choose missing pieces from different areas of the puzzle rather than removing several pieces from the same section. This makes it easier for children to recognize where their individual pieces belong and helps illustrate how every part of the picture matters.
How to Teach the Activity
Step 1: Introduce the Incomplete Puzzle
Begin by displaying the partially completed puzzle where all the children can see it.
Ask:
“What’s wrong with this picture?”
Allow the children to respond.
Point out that although most of the puzzle is complete, there are still several missing pieces.
Explain that the puzzle represents something very important: the church!
Read Ephesians 4:16 and explain that the Bible teaches us that the church is made up of many different people who work together to accomplish God’s purpose.
Just as a puzzle contains many different pieces, the church contains people with different talents, abilities, and responsibilities.
Some people preach, some teach, some sing, some drive church buses, and others help behind the scenes. Each person has something important to contribute.
Step 2: Give Everyone a Piece
Distribute the missing puzzle pieces to the children. Explain that each piece represents a member of the church.
Invite the children to examine their pieces.
Ask:
“Does everyone have a piece that looks exactly the same?”
Explain that puzzle pieces come in different shapes and have different colors and patterns. Even though they look different, they all belong to the same picture.
The same is true of the church. God has given people different gifts and abilities, but we are all called to work together.
Have the children take turns coming forward and placing their pieces into the puzzle.
If a child has difficulty finding the correct spot, encourage another child to offer a helpful clue.
Use this opportunity to explain that sometimes we need help from others, and that’s perfectly fine. God designed the church so we could encourage, strengthen, and support one another.
Step 3: Complete the Picture
Continue until every piece has been added and the puzzle is complete.
Hold up the finished puzzle or invite the children to gather around and admire the picture.
Ask:
“Doesn’t that look better now that all the pieces are in place?”
Explain that every piece contributed something to the finished picture. Some pieces may have contained bright colors or recognizable objects, while others may have been part of the background.
But even the pieces that seemed less interesting were necessary to complete the puzzle.
The same is true in the church.
Some people have responsibilities that everyone notices, while others quietly serve in ways that may not receive much attention. But every act of service matters to God.
Read 1 Corinthians 12:27:
“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”
Remind the children that God has a place and a purpose for every member of His church.
Step 4: Discover Your Part in the Church
Ask the children to think about ways they can contribute to their church family.
Explain that they don’t have to wait until they’re older to make a difference. Even children can help strengthen the church through their actions and attitudes.
Invite each child to name one way they can help.
Some examples include:
- Inviting a friend to Sunday School
- Welcoming a new child to class
- Praying for someone who is sick
- Helping clean up after an activity
- Encouraging someone who feels left out
- Listening and participating during Bible lessons
- Helping a younger child
- Showing kindness and respect to others
- Participating in worship
- Sharing what they’ve learned about Jesus
As the children share their ideas, point back to the completed puzzle.
Explain that each act of service is like another piece contributing to the work of the church.
Remind them that no contribution is too small when it is done with love and a desire to serve God.
Bible Connection
In 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul compares the church to a human body. Just as our bodies have hands, feet, eyes, ears, and many other parts, the church has many different members.
Each part of the body has a different responsibility, but all the parts work together.
Paul explains that one part of the body cannot say to another, “I have no need of thee.”
In the same way, we should never think that someone in the church is unimportant simply because they have a different responsibility or ability.
Use the completed puzzle to reinforce this truth. Every piece fits into a particular place, and every piece contributes to the finished picture.
Remind the children that the church isn’t simply a building. It is the body of Christ, made up of people who love and serve Jesus.
When we encourage one another, work together, and faithfully do our part, we help the church grow stronger.
Discussion Questions
- How did your puzzle piece help complete the picture?
- What would happen if some of the pieces were missing?
- Why do you think God gives people different gifts and abilities?
- What are some important jobs in the church that people might not always notice?
- What is one way you can help your church grow stronger?
Final Thoughts
This simple puzzle activity provides a memorable way to teach children that every member of the church has value and purpose.
As children place their individual pieces into the puzzle, they see how different parts work together to create one complete picture. They also learn that helping others, serving faithfully, and participating in the church are important responsibilities for everyone, regardless of age.
Consider leaving the completed puzzle on display in your classroom for the remainder of the lesson or mounting it on a board with the words:
“EVERY PIECE MATTERS – WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST!”
The next time your students see a jigsaw puzzle, they’ll have a reminder that God has given them a place and a purpose in His church.
Every piece matters, and every member of the body of Christ has something important to contribute!
