The act of communion, also known as the Lord's Supper or the Eucharist, is a cornerstone of Christian faith, a deeply symbolic ritual that connects believers to the sacrifice and love of Jesus Christ.
It's a moment of profound reflection, spiritual nourishment, and communal unity. When we turn to the Bible, we find a rich tapestry of verses about communion that offer comfort, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of this sacred meal.
These scriptures guide us, remind us of its significance, and inspire us to approach it with reverence and gratitude.
Understanding Communion Through Scripture
The Bible doesn't just tell us *to* partake in communion; it reveals *why* it's so vital. It's a remembrance, a covenant, a foretaste of future glory, and a powerful expression of our identity in Christ.
Exploring these verses allows us to move beyond mere ritual and engage with the profound spiritual realities communion represents.
The Institution of the Lord's Supper
The most foundational passages concerning communion are found in the Gospels and Paul’s letters, where Jesus himself instituted the practice.
1. Matthew 26:26
Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”
Explanation: This verse marks the very moment Jesus established the Lord’s Supper. As they shared their final Passover meal, Jesus used the bread to symbolize his body, which would soon be broken for humanity.
2. Matthew 26:27-28
And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Explanation: Following the bread, Jesus took the cup, identifying it with his blood and the new covenant. This blood would be shed to forgive sins, establishing a new relationship between God and His people.
3. Mark 14:22-24
And as they were eating, he took bread, and when he had blessed it and broken it, he gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And after taking a cup, and giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.
Explanation: Mark’s account echoes Matthew’s, emphasizing Jesus’ actions and words as he instituted the communion meal during the Passover feast.
4. Luke 22:19-20
And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” Likewise, he took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
Explanation: Luke’s Gospel highlights the command “Do this in remembrance of me,” making it clear that communion is a memorial act. He also emphasizes the “new covenant in my blood.”
5. 1 Corinthians 11:23-24
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.”
Explanation: The Apostle Paul, though not present at the Last Supper, received the instructions directly from the risen Christ. He reiterates the institution and the command to remember Jesus.
6. 1 Corinthians 11:25
This cup is the new covenant in my blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.
Explanation: Paul continues by emphasizing the cup as representing the new covenant sealed by Jesus’ blood, reinforcing the memorial aspect of the practice.
The Meaning and Significance of Communion
Beyond its institution, the Bible speaks to the deeper spiritual meaning and ongoing significance of communion for believers.
7. 1 Corinthians 10:16
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?
Explanation: Paul explains that partaking in communion is a direct participation in the very body and blood of Christ, signifying a deep spiritual union with Him.
8. 1 Corinthians 10:17
Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one bread.
Explanation: This verse highlights the communal aspect of communion. Sharing in one bread signifies that believers, though many, are united into one body in Christ.
9. John 6:53-54
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
Explanation: While often interpreted metaphorically, Jesus’ words here speak to the spiritual necessity of embracing His sacrifice and life-giving presence for eternal life.
10. John 6:56
He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.
Explanation: This verse emphasizes the intimate connection and indwelling that occurs when believers truly embrace Christ’s sacrifice and sustenance through faith.
11. Acts 2:42
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Explanation: This early church practice shows that “the breaking of bread,” referring to communion, was a regular and essential part of their communal worship and spiritual life.
12. Acts 20:7
On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.
Explanation: This passage indicates that the early Christians regularly gathered on the Lord’s Day (Sunday) specifically for the “breaking of bread,” reinforcing its importance.
13. 1 Corinthians 11:26
For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Explanation: Communion is a proclamation. Each time we partake, we are actively declaring our belief in the Lord’s death and anticipating His return.
Preparing for Communion
The Bible also instructs believers on how to approach communion with the right heart and attitude.
14. 1 Corinthians 11:27-28
Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.
Explanation: This is a serious warning about approaching communion carelessly. It calls for self-examination to ensure we are participating with a sincere and repentant heart.
15. 1 Corinthians 11:29
For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.
Explanation: Discerning the body refers to recognizing the spiritual significance of the bread and wine, and understanding the body of Christ (the church) and Christ Himself.
16. 2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.
Explanation: This verse encourages a broader self-examination of one’s faith and relationship with Christ, which is foundational to approaching communion worthily.
17. Psalm 24:3-4
Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false, and who does not swear deceitfully.
Explanation: While not directly about communion, this Psalm speaks to the general principle of approaching God in holiness, which is relevant to how we should prepare our hearts for sacred acts.
18. Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Explanation: This is a prayer for repentance and renewal, a vital step in preparing oneself to partake in communion with a pure heart before God.
19. Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.”
Explanation: God’s invitation to repentance assures us that even after sin, we can be cleansed and made pure, enabling us to approach Him and His sacraments with confidence.
Communion as a Symbol of Sacrifice and Redemption
The elements of bread and wine are powerful symbols of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice.
20. Isaiah 53:5
But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.
Explanation: This prophetic passage beautifully describes the suffering of the Messiah, directly linking His pain to our healing and peace, which communion commemorates.
21. Romans 3:23-25
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.
Explanation: This passage explains that our sins are forgiven through Christ’s redemptive work, symbolized by His blood, which is the foundation of our justification.
22. Galatians 3:13
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.”
Explanation: Christ’s sacrifice, symbolized by the cross, broke the curse of the law for us, a liberation we remember in communion.
23. 1 Peter 1:18-19
knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
Explanation: Our redemption is priceless, bought not with earthly riches but with the perfect blood of Christ, a truth powerfully conveyed through the cup.
24. Revelation 1:5
and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood.
Explanation: This verse extols Jesus for His love and His act of freeing us from sin through His blood, the very essence of what communion celebrates.
Communion as a Foretaste of the Kingdom
Communion also points forward to the ultimate reunion and feast in God’s kingdom.
25. Matthew 26:29
I tell you, I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Explanation: Jesus Himself links the communion cup to a future celebration in His Father’s kingdom, giving us a glimpse of eternal joy.
26. Luke 14:15
When one of those who sat at table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!”
Explanation: This parable highlights the joy and blessedness of participating in the heavenly feast, a foretaste of which we experience in communion.
27. Revelation 19:9
And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”
Explanation: The “marriage supper of the Lamb” is a powerful metaphor for the ultimate celebration of Christ and His church, a glorious future event that communion anticipates.
28. Revelation 22:17
The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
Explanation: This invitation to “come” and partake freely of the water of life echoes the invitation to communion and the ultimate feast, signifying God’s abundant provision.
The Ongoing Practice of Communion
The early church’s continuation of this practice is a testament to its enduring importance.
29. 1 Corinthians 11:20-21
When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. For each one begins to take his own supper first, and one goes hungry, another gets drunk.
Explanation: Paul corrects the Corinthians for mismanaging the Lord’s Supper, showing it was a distinct and communal meal meant to be shared with respect and equality.
30. Acts 1:17
For he was counted among us and was allotted his share in this ministry and apostleship.”
Explanation: While not directly about communion, this verse speaks to the idea of sharing in a ministry or a sacred task, which resonates with the communal nature of communion.
31. 1 Corinthians 5:8
So then let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Explanation: Paul uses the imagery of the Passover feast, which communion replaced, to encourage a life lived with purity and truth, free from sin’s corruption.
32. John 13:34
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
Explanation: Jesus’ commandment to love one another is intrinsically linked to His sacrifice, the very act we remember in communion. Our love for each other should mirror His love for us.
33. 1 John 1:7
but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Explanation: Walking in the light and having fellowship with one another are conditions for experiencing the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood, a truth central to communion.
34. Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Explanation: This passage emphasizes the importance of corporate worship and mutual encouragement, which includes the communal act of communion as a reminder of our shared faith and hope.
35. 1 Corinthians 11:33-34
So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another—if indeed you hunger, eat at home, so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. When I come, I will address the remaining matters.
Explanation: Paul concludes his instructions on communion by urging patience, consideration for others, and proper order, ensuring the meal is a blessing and not a source of condemnation.
A Sacred Reflection
The verses about communion in the Bible offer us a profound and multifaceted understanding of this sacred practice.
They remind us of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice, the new covenant established through His blood, and the deep spiritual union we share with Him and with one another.
These scriptures are not just historical accounts; they are living invitations to remember, to reflect, and to be transformed. May these verses inspire your faith, guide your steps, and bring you closer to the heart of God.
What are your favorite verses about communion? How do these scriptures impact your understanding and participation in the Lord’s Supper? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!