Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper or the breaking of bread, is a sacred practice given by Jesus to His followers. It is a time of remembrance, thanksgiving, and spiritual nourishment. Scripture reveals that communion is not merely a ritual but a profound encounter with the living Christ—a participation in His body and blood, a proclamation of His death until He returns, and a visible sign of the unity we share as believers. Whether you are new to this practice or have partaken for years, these verses will deepen your understanding of what communion means and how it can draw you closer to God and to one another. Let the Word guide your heart as you prepare to come to the table.
Scripture references
“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.' For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
This is the foundational passage on communion, where Paul recounts Jesus’ institution of the practice. It shows that communion is both a remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice and a proclamation of His death and future return. As you partake, let it be a moment of grateful reflection and hopeful anticipation.
“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.'”
Luke’s account emphasizes Jesus’ personal gift of Himself—His body given and blood poured out for you. Communion is a tangible reminder of the new covenant secured by Christ. Approach it with a heart of thanks, knowing that your relationship with God is founded on this sacrifice.
“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.'”
Matthew highlights the forgiveness of sins as the central blessing of the new covenant. Communion is a celebration of the cleansing and pardon we have through Christ’s blood. As you take the cup, remember that your sins are washed away by His sacrifice.
“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 a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave 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.”
Mark’s concise version underscores the communal nature of communion—all the disciples drank from the same cup. This reminds us that communion is a shared act of fellowship. When you partake, you are united with believers across time and place in one body.
“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.”
Paul explains that communion is more than a symbol—it is a spiritual participation in Christ’s body and blood. The single loaf represents our unity as believers. Let this truth encourage you to pursue harmony with your brothers and sisters in Christ.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
The early church made communion a regular part of their life together, alongside teaching, fellowship, and prayer. This verse invites you to see communion not as an occasional extra but as a core practice that strengthens your faith and community.
“On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.”
This shows that the early Christians gathered on Sunday specifically to share communion. It was a weekly rhythm that centered their worship. Consider making communion a regular part of your own worship, whether in church or at home.
“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.'”
Though not directly about the Lord’s Supper, this passage reveals the deep spiritual reality behind communion: abiding in Christ through faith. Partaking is a physical expression of this spiritual union. Let it remind you that Christ is your true sustenance.
“This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance.”
Communion has its roots in the Passover, which God commanded Israel to observe as a lasting memorial of deliverance. In the same way, communion is a perpetual remembrance of our greater deliverance from sin through Christ. Celebrate it with joy and gratitude.
“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.”
Paul warns against taking communion lightly or with unresolved sin. Self-examination is essential—not to create fear, but to approach the table with reverence and a clear conscience. Use this time to confess, forgive, and realign your heart with Christ.
Holding onto Scripture in this area
Communion is a gracious gift from our Lord—a simple meal that carries eternal weight. As you take the bread and cup, remember that you are not alone; you are joined to Christ and to every believer who has ever called on His name. Let this practice renew your hope, strengthen your faith, and deepen your love for God and others. May each communion be a foretaste of the great banquet to come, when we will feast with our Savior face to face. Go in peace, and let the table remind you that you are loved, forgiven, and held secure in Christ.
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Pin to PinterestFrequently asked questions
- What does the Bible say about communion?
- The Bible presents communion as a command from Jesus to remember His sacrifice through bread and wine (or juice). It is a participation in Christ’s body and blood, a proclamation of His death, and a sign of unity among believers. Passages like 1 Corinthians 11, Luke 22, and Acts 2 show it was a regular practice in the early church. The Bible also encourages self-examination before partaking and warns against treating it carelessly. Communion is both a memorial and a spiritual nourishment for the believer.
- Which Bible verse is best for communion?
- Many consider 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 the best verse for communion because it directly quotes Jesus’ words of institution and explains the purpose: 'Do this in remembrance of me.' It also connects communion to proclaiming the Lord’s death until He returns. This passage is often read during communion services and provides a clear, complete picture of what the practice means. For a shorter verse, Luke 22:19 captures the essence: 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.'
- How can Christians overcome communion?
- The phrasing 'overcome communion' is unusual; it may refer to overcoming obstacles to partaking or deepening one’s experience. To prepare, examine your heart (1 Corinthians 11:28), confess any sin, and forgive others. Approach the table with reverence but not fear, remembering that Christ’s grace covers your shortcomings. If you struggle with doubt or distraction, focus on the simple words of Jesus: 'This is my body... this is my blood.' Let the elements draw your mind to His love and sacrifice. Regular participation, with a humble heart, helps you grow in faith and gratitude.