There are moments in the Christian faith that transcend mere ritual, touching the deepest parts of our souls and connecting us to a divine mystery. Among these, few are as profoundly significant and universally practiced as Holy Communion, often known as the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist. It is a sacred meal, a solemn remembrance, and a powerful proclamation, binding believers across time and space to the very heart of their faith: the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
But what exactly is Communion? Why do millions partake in this ancient rite? And what do the Scriptures truly reveal about their purpose, power, and meaning for our lives today? Join us on a spiritual journey as we delve into the foundational Bible verses concerning Communion, uncovering the rich layers of its significance and the transformative impact it can have on our walk with God.
The Genesis of Communion
To understand Communion, we must go back to its origins: an upper room in Jerusalem, on the night Jesus was betrayed. It was the Passover meal, a centuries-old Jewish tradition commemorating God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Yet, on this particular night, Jesus imbued the ancient feast with an entirely new meaning, transforming it into a prophetic act that would forever define Christian worship.
The Gospel accounts vividly describe this pivotal moment:
Matthew 26:26-28 (NIV):
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
Mark 14:22-24 (NIV):
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them.
Luke 22:19-20 (NIV):
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”
These passages reveal the heart of Communion’s institution. Jesus, knowing His crucifixion was imminent, used the familiar elements of the Passover meal bread and wine to symbolize His impending sacrifice. The breaking of the bread represented His body, broken for us. The pouring of the wine signified His blood, shed to establish a new covenant, a new relationship between God and humanity based on forgiveness and grace.
The Central Mandate: “Do This in Remembrance of Me”
Beyond merely establishing a new ritual, Jesus issued a clear command: to continue this practice. The instruction “Do this in remembrance of me” is central to understanding the very purpose of Communion.
1 Corinthians 11:23-25 (NIV) – Paul’s account, received directly from the Lord:
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
This command, reiterated by Paul, underscores that Communion is fundamentally an act of remembrance. It’s not just a casual recollection, but a profound and intentional act of bringing to mind the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. In a world prone to forgetting, this sacred meal calls us to pause, reflect, and center our hearts on the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It keeps His sacrifice fresh in our minds and gratitude alive in our hearts.
The Elements and Their Profound Symbolism
The bread and the cup are not arbitrary symbols; they are saturated with theological meaning, representing the very essence of Christ’s atoning work.
The Bread: His Broken Body When Jesus broke the bread, He wasn’t just performing a custom; He was symbolically enacting His physical suffering on the cross. His body would be scourged, pierced, and ultimately broken for the remission of sins.
1 Corinthians 10:16 (NIV):
Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?
This verse highlights that partaking of the bread is a “participation” or “communion” in Christ’s body. It signifies our spiritual union with Him and His sacrifice. It’s not merely a mental acknowledgment, but a shared experience, a spiritual sustenance drawn from His brokenness.
The Cup: His Shed Blood and the New Covenant The wine, representing Jesus’ blood, is perhaps the most potent symbol in Communion. In ancient sacrificial systems, blood was essential for atonement. Jesus’ blood establishes something far greater: the New Covenant.
Hebrews 9:22 (NIV):
In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
This verse from Hebrews explains the necessity of blood for atonement. Jesus’ blood is the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice that atones for our sins. The “new covenant” signifies a complete transformation in our relationship with God, moving from a system of law to one of grace, made possible through Christ’s shed blood. It means our sins are forgiven, and we have direct access to God.
Proclaiming His Death Until He Comes
Communion is not just a backward-looking act of remembrance; it is also a forward-looking proclamation of Christ’s ultimate return.
1 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV):
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
This verse adds a powerful dimension: by partaking, we are actively “proclaiming” or “announcing” Jesus’ death. It’s a public declaration of our faith, not just to ourselves, but to others and to the spiritual realm. And crucially, this proclamation extends “until he comes.” This anchors Communion in the hope of Christ’s second coming, reminding us that His absence is temporary and His return is certain. It instills patience and eager anticipation for the consummation of His Kingdom.
Communion as Koinonia
The word “Communion” itself implies fellowship, sharing, and partnership. In Greek, this is often translated as koinonia. The Lord’s Supper is a powerful demonstration of our spiritual unity.
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (NIV):
Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.
This passage beautifully illustrates the two-fold nature of koinonia in Communion. First, it’s a communion with Christ (participation in His body and blood). We are united with Him in His death and resurrection. Second, it’s a communion with fellow believers. As we all partake of the “one loaf,” it visually and spiritually represents our unity as the Body of Christ. Differences melt away at the table as we are reminded of our shared identity and purpose in Him.
Acts 2:42 (NIV):
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
This verse describes the early church’s practices, highlighting “the breaking of bread” (understood as Communion) as a core component of their fellowship and devotion. It underscores that Communion is not meant to be a solitary act but a communal one, strengthening the bonds within the Christian community.
The Call to Self-Examination
Given the profound significance of Communion, the Apostle Paul issues a stern warning to the Corinthian church about partaking in an “unworthy manner.” This is not about being “perfect” (for none of us are), but about approaching the table with reverence, understanding, and a clear conscience regarding our relationship with God and others.
1 Corinthians 11:27-30 (NIV):
So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.
This passage emphasizes the need for self-examination. Before partaking, believers are called to:
- Discern the Body: This means understanding the spiritual significance of the elements – recognizing that they represent Christ’s sacrifice, and also discerning the body of Christ as the church, avoiding division and disunity.
- Confess Sins: Approaching the table with unconfessed sin or unresolved conflict with fellow believers would be an unworthy participation. It’s an invitation to confess, repent, and seek reconciliation.
- Guard Against Hypocrisy: It’s about having a right heart attitude, not merely going through the motions.
This is not meant to instill fear or prevent anyone from coming to the table, but to ensure that we approach it with the solemn reverence it deserves, understanding the holy ground upon which we stand. It’s a call to spiritual honesty and humility.
The Blessings and Benefits of Partaking
When approached with a discerning heart, Communion is a conduit of immense spiritual blessing and nourishment for the believer.
Spiritual Nourishment and Strength: Just as physical food sustains the body, Communion spiritually nourishes the soul. While not literal cannibalism, Jesus did speak metaphorically about eating His flesh and drinking His blood to have eternal life.
John 6:53-56 (NIV):
Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.”
While different denominations interpret this passage in various ways (e.g., literal presence, symbolic representation), the overarching truth remains: partaking in Christ (spiritually, through faith, and tangibly through Communion) is essential for spiritual life and maintaining a vital connection with Him. It renews our spiritual energy and fortifies our faith.
Assurance of Forgiveness and Grace: Each time we partake, we are reminded of the price paid for our sins and the boundless grace of God. This reinforces our assurance of salvation and strengthens our faith in His redeeming love.
Deepened Union with Christ: Communion is a powerful reminder of our union with Christ. As we partake of the elements, we are reminded that we are “in Him” and He is “in us.” This deepens our sense of intimacy and belonging.
Gratitude and Worship: The act of remembrance naturally leads to heartfelt gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice, fostering a spirit of worship and adoration.
Living Out the Spirit of Communion Beyond the Table
The profound truths absorbed at the Communion table are not meant to remain confined to the sanctuary. They are designed to permeate our daily lives, shaping our attitudes, actions, and relationships.
- A Life of Sacrifice: Just as Christ sacrificed Himself, we are called to live lives of self-sacrifice for God and for others.Romans 12:1 (NIV): “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true and proper worship.”
- Unity in the Body: The reminder of “one loaf” should inspire us to actively pursue unity, reconciliation, and love within the Christian community, overcoming divisions. Ephesians 4:3 (NIV): “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
- Proclamation in Action: Our lives become a proclamation of Christ’s death and resurrection, not just through words at the table, but through how we live, love, and serve.Matthew 5:16 (NIV): “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
- Persistent Hope: The “until He comes” aspect reminds us to live with eternal perspective, eagerly awaiting Christ’s return and living in light of that glorious hope.Titus 2:13 (NIV): “while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Conclusion
Holy Communion invites us into more than remembrance; it draws us into renewal. At the table, we encounter Christ’s sacrifice, receive His grace afresh, and affirm our place in the family of God. With every piece of bread and sip of the cup, we proclaim the Gospel, anchor our hope in His return, and are spiritually nourished for the journey ahead. May we always approach this sacred moment with awe, humility, and a heart overflowing with gratitude.