What Does the Bible Say About The Lord’s Supper and Communion?

by | Articles, The Church

What Does the Bible Say About the Lord’s Supper and Communion?

Introduction

In Christian practice, the Lord’s Supper, also known as Communion, holds profound significance. The Lord’s Supper or Communion is a sacrament or ordinance. It is a sign and seal of the new covenant. It shows the work of Jesus in his broken body and shed blood on the cross. This ritual, steeped in deep spiritual and theological meaning, is a central element of Christian worship, offering believers a tangible connection to the foundational events of their faith.

The Last Supper: Jesus Institutes Communion

The institution of Communion is recorded in the Gospels, where Jesus, during the Last Supper, establishes this practice as a remembrance of His sacrifice.

  • Jesus Breaks the Bread: Matthew 26:26-28 (ESV): “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.’ 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.'”

This pivotal moment marks the first Communion, where Jesus identifies the bread and wine as symbols of His body and blood, signifying His impending sacrifice.

  • Mark’s Account of the Last Supper: Mark 14:22-24 (ESV): “And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, ‘Take; this is my body.’ And he took a cup, and when he had given 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.'”

Mark’s Gospel echoes this significant act, emphasizing the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ death and the establishment of a new covenant.

  • Luke’s Emphasis on Remembrance: Luke 22:19-20 (ESV): “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.’ And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.'”

Luke highlights the aspect of remembrance in Communion, urging believers to continually recall the sacrifice of Christ through this sacrament.

  • Paul’s Reiteration to the Corinthians: 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 (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.'”

Paul’s account to the Corinthians not only affirms the Gospel narratives but also reinforces the importance of Communion as a practice to be perpetuated among believers.

Symbolism of Bread and Wine

In Communion, bread and wine are more than mere elements; they are profound symbols that represent the body and blood of Christ, each carrying deep spiritual significance.

  • Bread as the Body of Christ: John 6:35 (ESV): “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.'”

This statement by Jesus symbolizes the bread as His body, offering spiritual sustenance and eternal life. It reflects the idea that just as bread nourishes the body, Christ nourishes the soul. In Communion, the breaking of bread becomes a powerful act that reminds believers of Christ’s sacrifice and His role as the sustainer of spiritual life.

  • Unity in the Body of Christ: 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 highlights that sharing the bread in Communion symbolizes the unity of believers as one body in Christ. This act of sharing reflects not only a personal connection to Christ but also a communal bond among those who partake. It signifies the joining together of diverse individuals into one spiritual family, unified through the sacrifice of Jesus.

  • Eating the Flesh and Drinking the Blood: John 6:53-56 (ESV): “So 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.'”

This metaphorical language used by Jesus emphasizes the importance of embracing His sacrifice completely. In the act of Communion, eating the bread and drinking the wine symbolizes a deep, intimate union with Christ. It is a vivid reminder of the believer’s dependence on Christ’s sacrificial death for spiritual life and resurrection hope.

  • A New Covenant in Christ’s Blood: 1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV): “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

Every time believers partake in Communion, they are proclaiming the death of Jesus and the new covenant established through His blood. This proclamation is not just a remembrance but also a declaration of faith in the redemptive work of Christ. It’s a communal affirmation of the central truth of the Christian faith, unifying believers in their shared hope and belief.

Communion as a Covenant

Communion is deeply intertwined with the concept of a new covenant established between God and humanity through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

  • The Cup of the New Covenant: Luke 22:20 (ESV): “And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.'”

Jesus’ words during the Last Supper introduce the cup as a symbol of the new covenant, sealed by His blood. This new covenant represents a shift from the old covenant’s legalistic observances to a relationship grounded in grace and redemption. Through His blood, Jesus establishes a direct, personal, and eternal relationship with believers, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

  • A Superior Covenant: Hebrews 8:6-13 (ESV): “But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.”

The book of Hebrews highlights the superiority of the new covenant mediated by Christ over the old covenant. This new covenant, represented in Communion, is based on better promises, primarily the promise of internal transformation and direct access to God. It signifies a profound change in how believers relate to God, with laws written on hearts rather than stone.

  • The Cup of Blessing: 1 Corinthians 11:25 (ESV): “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.'”

Paul reiterates the significance of the cup in Communion as a representation of the new covenant. Each act of drinking from the cup is a reminder of the covenant, a personal participation in the promises of Christ’s sacrifice. It’s a call to remember and relive the reality of Jesus’ death and its implications for salvation and eternal life.

  • The Mediator of a New Covenant: Hebrews 9:15 (ESV): “Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.”

This verse emphasizes Jesus’ role as the mediator of the new covenant, which was established through His death. His sacrifice redeems believers from their sins, fulfilling the shortcomings of the old covenant. Communion, in this light, is a celebration and acknowledgement of Jesus’ central role in this divine reconciliation.

Communion for Remembrance

Communion serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice, central to the Christian faith, and a practice instituted for perpetual remembrance.

  • Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice: 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (ESV): “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.'”

Paul emphasizes Jesus’ instruction to use the elements of bread and wine as tools for remembrance. Each act of partaking in Communion is not just a ritual; it’s a meaningful recollection of Jesus’ body broken and blood shed. This remembrance is a central aspect of Christian worship, continually realigning believers with the sacrifice of Christ and its significance.

  • A Proclamation of Salvation: Luke 22:19 (ESV): “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.'”

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus’ command to remember Him through Communion underscores the importance of not forgetting the cost of salvation. Every participation in the Lord’s Supper is an opportunity to reflect on the gravity of sin, the price of redemption, and the depth of God’s love expressed through Christ.

  • The Early Church’s Devotion: Acts 2:42 (ESV): “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

The early church’s dedication to breaking bread signifies the importance of Communion in the life of the early Christians. It was a vital part of their worship and community life, a regular practice that continuously reminded them of the teachings of Jesus and the new life they received through His death and resurrection.

  • A Reminder for Future Generations: 2 Peter 1:12-15 (ESV): “Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, knowing that shortly I must put off my body, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.”

Peter’s intention to constantly remind believers of their spiritual truths parallels the role of Communion as a reminder. It’s a practice that not only looks back to Christ’s sacrifice but also ensures that the message and its implications are not lost to future generations.

Communion and Church Unity

Communion holds a unique place in fostering unity among believers, symbolizing the shared faith and collective identity within the Christian community.

  • One Bread, One Body: 1 Corinthians 10:17 (ESV): “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.”

In this verse, Paul metaphorically uses the bread of Communion to illustrate the unity of the church. Despite the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences of its members, the church is unified as one body through partaking in the one bread, representing Christ’s body. This shared participation is a tangible expression of their interconnectedness and mutual belonging in Christ.

  • Sharing Meals in Early Christianity: Acts 2:46-47 (ESV): “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

The practice of breaking bread in the early church wasn’t just about sustenance; it was a profound expression of fellowship and unity. As they shared meals, including the Lord’s Supper, the early Christians deepened their bonds of community, solidifying their collective identity as followers of Christ.

  • Unity in the Spirit: Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): “Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

This passage from Ephesians reinforces the theme of unity, which is at the heart of the Communion experience. The act of Communion is a physical demonstration of the spiritual unity that all believers share – one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism.

  • Participation in Christ: 1 Corinthians 1:9 (ESV): “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The call to fellowship with Jesus Christ, as outlined by Paul, implies a call to fellowship with one another. In Communion, this fellowship is realized and manifested. As believers partake in the body and blood of Christ, they also partake in the life of the church, a community built on the foundation of Christ’s sacrificial love.

The Proclamation of Christ’s Death

Communion is not just a ritual; it’s a proclamation of faith, a declaration of the central truth of the Christian faith – Christ’s death and resurrection.

  • Proclaiming the Lord’s Death: 1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV): “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

This passage emphasizes that each act of taking Communion is a public declaration of Jesus’ death and its significance. It’s a reminder to the world and to the believers themselves of the sacrifice at the heart of their faith, and a commitment to uphold its truth until Jesus’ return. This proclamation binds the community of believers together in a common understanding and affirmation of the gospel.

  • United with Christ in Death and Resurrection: Romans 6:3-5 (ESV): “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”

Paul connects baptism and, by extension, Communion, to participating in Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Communion, believers not only remember Christ’s death but also affirm their own spiritual resurrection and new life in Him. It is a testament to the transformative power of Christ’s death and resurrection in the lives of believers.

  • Living by Faith in the Son of God: Galatians 2:20 (ESV): “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

This profound statement by Paul reflects the personal nature of the Christian faith, which is vividly expressed in Communion. Through this sacrament, believers identify with Christ’s sacrifice, acknowledging that their lives are now lived through faith in Him. It is a personal and communal affirmation of the transformative relationship with Jesus.

  • Buried and Raised with Christ: Colossians 2:12 (ESV): “Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.”

In Colossians, Paul speaks to the concept of being buried and raised with Christ, which applies to Communion as a spiritual act of identification with Jesus’ death and resurrection. Each time believers partake of the bread and the wine, they are symbolically participating in the death and resurrection of Christ, affirming their belief in the fundamental tenets of their faith.

Self-Examination and Worthiness

The Bible underscores the importance of approaching Communion with reverence, emphasizing self-examination to partake of it worthily.

  • Examining Oneself: 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.”

Paul’s admonition to the Corinthians stresses the gravity of partaking in Communion. It’s not a casual act but one that requires introspection and understanding of its deep spiritual significance. Believers are called to reflect on their lives, repent of their sins, and recognize the sacrifice of Christ, thus ensuring that they partake in a manner that honors the Lord.

  • Testing and Proving Oneself: 2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!”

This call for self-examination extends beyond Communion to the entirety of the believer’s life. It’s a challenge to continuously assess one’s faith and alignment with Christian values. In the context of Communion, this examination becomes a poignant moment of reflection on one’s relationship with Christ.

  • A Prayer for Guidance: Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

This Psalm reflects a deep desire for divine scrutiny and guidance. It is a model prayer for believers as they prepare for Communion, inviting God to reveal any hidden faults or sins and to lead them towards righteousness and faithfulness.

  • A Call to Return to the Lord: Lamentations 3:40 (ESV): “Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!”

The Book of Lamentations presents a collective call for self-examination and repentance. As believers approach Communion, this verse serves as a reminder to assess their spiritual state and recommit to a life in alignment with God’s will.

Communion and Eschatology

Communion holds not only a reflective but also a forward-looking aspect, connecting believers to the anticipation of Christ’s return and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

  • Awaiting Christ’s Return: 1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV): “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

This verse connects the act of Communion with the anticipation of Jesus’ second coming. Each observance of the Lord’s Supper serves as a declaration of faith in the eventual return of Christ. It reminds believers of the temporary nature of their current struggles and the eternal hope they possess.

  • The Messianic Banquet: Matthew 26:29 (ESV): “I tell you, I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Jesus’ words during the Last Supper allude to the future Messianic banquet, a symbol of eschatological hope. This future-oriented perspective of Communion fosters a sense of longing and expectation among believers for the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom.

  • A Promise of Future Fellowship: Mark 14:25 (ESV): “Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

Similar to Matthew’s account, Mark underscores Jesus’ promise of future fellowship in the kingdom of God. Communion becomes a reminder of this promised fellowship, fueling hope and perseverance in the Christian journey.

  • The Eternal Kingdom: Luke 22:18 (ESV): “For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

Luke emphasizes the eschatological aspect of Communion, linking it to the coming of God’s kingdom. Each time believers partake in Communion, they are reminded of the eternal kingdom that awaits them, reinforcing their hope in God’s ultimate plan.

Conclusion: Embracing the Fullness of Communion

In exploring what the Bible says about the Lord’s Supper and Communion, we see a multifaceted sacrament that reaches deep into the heart of Christian faith. It’s a ritual steeped in remembrance, unity, proclamation, self-examination, and eschatological hope. Communion connects believers to the past events of Jesus’ sacrifice, their present walk with God, and the future promise of Christ’s return.

As Christians participate in this sacred tradition, they are invited to experience the depths of Christ’s love, the joy of communal fellowship, and the hope of eternal life. May this exploration deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Lord’s Supper, encouraging you to approach Communion with reverence, reflection, and anticipation of the glorious future that awaits in Christ.