Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, stands as a sacred ritual deeply embedded in Christian worship. Rooted in the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His disciples, this profound practice holds symbolic significance, representing the body and blood of Christ given for the forgiveness of sins.
This communal act fosters a shared remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice, illuminating the ongoing grace that flows from His crucifixion. As we delve into the significance of communion, we uncover layers of meaning—from the call to self-examination to the celebration of unity within the body of Christ.
Communion is a sacred journey, inviting believers to draw near, remember, and commune with the living Christ.
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Bible Verses About Communion
Corinthians 11:23-26 (ESV)
For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when 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 also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
In this passage, the Apostle Paul recounts the words of Jesus during the Last Supper, emphasizing the profound significance of communion. The breaking of the bread symbolizes Christ’s body sacrificed for believers, and the shared cup represents the new covenant sealed with His blood.
Communion serves as a tangible and solemn act of remembrance, a means by which believers proclaim the redemptive work of Christ until His return.
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.”
Jesus’ words during the Last Supper highlight the dual symbolism of communion – the bread as His body and the cup as His blood. The act is an intimate invitation to partake in the spiritual nourishment derived from His sacrifice.
The covenant established through His blood becomes the foundation for forgiveness, portraying communion as a profound act of grace and reconciliation.
Luke 22:19-20 (KJV)
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”
In Luke’s account, the emphasis is on Jesus’ deliberate instruction to remember Him through the act of communion. The broken bread and the shared cup are symbolic gestures, fostering a continual awareness of Christ’s sacrificial love.
Communion, as a solemn practice, becomes a tangible expression of gratitude and reverence for the redemptive work accomplished on behalf of believers.
Mark 14:22-24 (NASB)
While they were eating, He took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is My body.” And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.”
Mark’s account underscores the communal aspect of communion as Jesus instructs them all to partake. The shared experience of eating the broken bread and drinking from the cup binds believers together in the acknowledgment of their shared redemption.
Communion, therefore, is not only a personal reflection but a collective proclamation of the covenant forged through Christ’s sacrifice.
John 6:53-58 (NLT)
So Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that person at the last day.”
In John’s gospel, Jesus uses symbolic language to convey the profound spiritual truth behind communion. Eating His flesh and drinking His blood represent a deep spiritual communion with Christ, emphasizing the necessity of a personal and transformative connection.
Communion, therefore, is not merely a ritual but a transformative encounter that leads to eternal life.
Acts 2:42 (NIV)
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
The early Christian community, as described in Acts, engaged in the breaking of bread as a vital aspect of their fellowship. Communion, in this context, extends beyond a ritual to become a communal expression of shared faith and unity.
It underscores the importance of regularly partaking in the Lord’s Supper as a means of strengthening the bond among believers and fostering spiritual growth.
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV)
The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.
Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, deepens our understanding of communion by highlighting its participatory nature. The shared cup and bread signify a profound participation in the life and sacrifice of Christ.
The unity of believers, emphasized through the imagery of partaking in the one bread, reinforces the communal and transformative aspects of communion.
Hebrews 9:14 (NLT)
Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.
The Book of Hebrews sheds light on the purification aspect of communion. The blood of Christ, symbolized in the shared cup, is a purifying force that cleanses the conscience of believers.
Communion, therefore, is not only a commemoration but a transformative encounter that prepares hearts for worship and a deeper connection with the living God.
Colossians 2:13-14 (NASB)
When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
Communion, as portrayed in Colossians, becomes a tangible reminder of the forgiveness and new life believers have in Christ. The broken bread and shared cup symbolize the cancellation of the debt of sin, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice.
Communion, in this context, is a celebration of spiritual resurrection and freedom from the burden of sin.
Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
In the book of Revelation, Jesus’ words invite believers into a personal and intimate communion with Him. The imagery of sharing a meal underscores the relational aspect of communion.
It is not only a corporate act within a church setting but a personal encounter with the living Christ. This verse emphasizes the ongoing nature of communion as a continual, open invitation to commune with the Lord.
Malachi 1:11 (NIV)
“My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord Almighty.
While not explicitly referring to communion, this verse from Malachi anticipates a time when offerings will be made to God from all nations. Communion, as a form of worship and offering, aligns with this prophetic vision.
It emphasizes that the act of partaking in the body and blood of Christ is not confined to a specific group but is a universal expression of reverence for the greatness of God’s name.
1 Corinthians 11:27-29 (ESV)
Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.
This passage underscores the solemnity of communion. It is a call for self-examination before partaking in the Lord’s Supper. The warning against partaking in an unworthy manner emphasizes the need for a sincere and reverent approach to communion.
It serves as a reminder that this sacred act requires a discerning heart and a genuine acknowledgment of the significance of Christ’s sacrifice.
Ephesians 2:13 (NLT)
But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.
Communion, as a symbolic act, represents the union believers have with Christ. This verse from Ephesians emphasizes the concept of being brought near to God through the blood of Christ.
Communion, therefore, becomes a visible expression of this union, a reminder of the closeness and access to the Father that believers now enjoy through the redemptive work of Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:21 (NIV)
You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.
This verse draws a clear distinction between the act of communion and participation in practices opposed to God. It reinforces the exclusive nature of communion as a sacred act reserved for those in fellowship with the Lord.
The Lord’s table is set apart, and partaking in it involves a commitment to allegiance with Christ, detaching from any conflicting allegiances.
Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
While not explicitly about communion, this verse echoes the spirit of offering oneself in worship. Communion, in its essence, is a form of spiritual worship where believers present themselves before God in response to His mercy.
The act of taking the bread and the cup becomes a tangible expression of offering one’s life as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.
John 6:35 (NIV)
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
In this verse, Jesus metaphorically identifies Himself as the “bread of life.” This statement goes beyond the physical act of eating bread during communion; it emphasizes a spiritual sustenance that comes from a continuous relationship with Him.
Communion, therefore, is not merely a ritual but a reminder of our ongoing dependence on Christ for spiritual nourishment and satisfaction.
1 Corinthians 11:33-34 (ESV)
So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another— if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things, I will give directions when I come.
This passage addresses the communal aspect of communion. It emphasizes the need for consideration and unity when partaking in the Lord’s Supper. Communion is not just an individual act; it’s a shared experience within the body of believers.
This verse encourages a spirit of community, reminding believers to approach communion with love and consideration for one another.
Luke 24:30-31 (NIV)
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
This verse recounts a post-resurrection encounter where Jesus revealed Himself to disciples in the breaking of bread. It underscores the potential for communion to be a moment of profound revelation and spiritual understanding.
Communion, then, is not just a ritualistic act but an opportunity for believers to experience a deeper revelation of the presence of Christ in their lives.
Exodus 12:14 (NLT)
“This is a day to remember. Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to the Lord. This is a law for all time.”
While referring to the Passover, this verse lays a foundation for the importance of remembrance in God’s commands. Communion, as a new covenant celebration, aligns with this principle of perpetual remembrance.
It emphasizes the ongoing nature of the commemoration of Christ’s sacrifice and the need for each generation to continue this sacred observance.
Philippians 3:10 (NIV)
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.
Though not explicitly about communion, this verse expresses a profound desire to know Christ intimately, including sharing in His sufferings and death. Communion becomes a symbolic participation in the sufferings of Christ, a tangible expression of the believer’s identification with the redemptive work of Christ.
It emphasizes that communion is not just a routine but an opportunity for a deeper experiential knowledge of Christ.
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 reinforces the forward-looking aspect of communion. It is not only a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice in the past but a proclamation of His death until His return.
Communion becomes a declaration of faith in the future fulfillment of God’s promises and a hopeful anticipation of the second coming of Christ.
Psalm 34:8 (NLT)
“Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!”
While not directly related to communion, this verse poetically emphasizes the experiential nature of knowing the goodness of the Lord. Communion, in its tangible elements, provides a sensory experience that allows believers to taste and see the goodness of God.
It underscores the richness of the spiritual encounter embedded in the act of partaking.
1 Corinthians 10:3-4 (ESV)
“They all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.”
This passage harks back to the Israelites in the wilderness, drawing a parallel between their consumption of spiritual food and drink and the spiritual significance of communion.
It reinforces the idea that communion is not merely a physical act but a participation in the spiritual provision symbolized by Christ, the ultimate sustenance for believers.
1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds, you have been healed.”
Though not explicitly about communion, this verse encapsulates the essence of Christ’s sacrifice, which communion symbolizes.
The broken bread and the shared cup visually represent the body and blood of Christ, reinforcing the idea of healing and redemption. Communion serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative work of Christ in healing the brokenness caused by sin.
Colossians 1:20 (NLT)
“and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.”
This verse provides a broader perspective on the impact of Christ’s sacrifice, emphasizing reconciliation and peace. Communion, as a symbol of Christ’s shed blood, becomes a visible representation of the reconciliation between God and humanity.
It invites believers to partake in the peace secured through the atoning work of Christ.
John 13:4-5 (ESV)
“Rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”
While not directly addressing communion, this passage recounts Jesus’ act of washing the disciples’ feet, displaying humility and servanthood. Communion, in its essence, involves a humble recognition of Christ’s sacrifice.
The act of foot-washing serves as a powerful metaphor, reminding believers of the sacrificial love and humility that should characterize their relationships with one another during communion.
Romans 8:32 (NIV)
“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
This verse reflects on the immense sacrifice of God in giving His Son. Communion, with its focus on the body and blood of Christ, becomes a tangible representation of God’s ultimate gift.
It prompts believers to contemplate the depth of God’s love and provision, extending beyond the act of sacrifice to encompass all the blessings bestowed upon His children.
1 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
“Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”
This verse draws a connection between the Passover lamb and Christ’s sacrifice. Communion, often associated with the Passover meal, aligns with the symbolism of unleavened bread, representing purity and sincerity.
It calls believers to rid themselves of sin, embracing the newness of life made possible through Christ’s sacrifice.
1 Corinthians 11:30 (ESV)
“That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.”
This verse issues a solemn warning about the consequences of approaching communion without proper discernment. It underscores the seriousness of the act and the need for believers to participate with a genuine and reverent heart.
Communion, while a source of spiritual nourishment, demands a discerning and respectful approach to avoid spiritual harm.
Matthew 26:39 (NIV)
“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'”
Though this verse is from the Garden of Gethsemane before the crucifixion, it captures the essence of surrender and obedience. Communion, as an act of partaking in the cup that symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice, becomes a reminder of the surrender of one’s will to the divine purpose.
It prompts believers to align their hearts with the obedience exemplified by Christ.
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What Does the Bible Say About Communion
The Institution of Communion: 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.'”
This passage in Matthew captures the moment when Jesus initiated the practice of communion during the Last Supper. It establishes the symbolic significance of the bread as His body and the cup as His blood, representing the new covenant and the forgiveness of sins.
Communion as a Symbolic Act of Remembrance:1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (ESV) “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when 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 also, he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, reiterates the significance of communion as a remembrance of Christ’s sacrificial death. It is not merely a ritual but a solemn act of recalling and proclaiming the redemptive work of Jesus until His return.
Communion as Participation in Christ: 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?”
Paul emphasizes that communion involves a real and spiritual participation in the body and blood of Christ. It goes beyond symbolism, signifying a profound connection with the person and work of Jesus Christ.
A Prayer For Communion
Dear Heavenly Father,
As we gather around the communion table, we come with hearts full of gratitude for the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In this sacred moment, we recognize the depth of Your love and the redemption found in His broken body and spilled blood.
In this act of remembrance, knit us together as one body, united by the common bond of faith in Christ. May our participation in this holy communion strengthen our connection to You and to one another.
As we partake, draw us closer to You, O Lord. May this communion be a tangible experience of Your love, grace, and the eternal hope we have in Jesus. Let it be a moment of intimacy where we feel Your nearness in a profound way.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.