What does the Bible say about Communion? - Scriptures on the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ
Communion began on the annual celebration of Passover when Jesus told his disciples to remember Him and His sacrifice as they ate the bread and drank the wine. Just as Israel celebrated the sacrifice of the Passover lamb when the angel of death passed over their homes, believers in Jesus celebrate and remember His sacrifice for our sins when He gave His life on the cross.
Holy Communion uses bread as a symbol of the body of Jesus and wine as a symbol of his blood. Many churches and denominations have different views of communion, and hopefully, these Bible verses about communion will help you determine how to observe and remember Christ's sacrifice.
Communion in the Bible
Communion, also referred to as the Lord's Supper or Eucharist, holds profound significance in Christian theology, drawing its roots from pivotal events in the New Testament, particularly the Last Supper. The Gospels of Matthew (26:26-30), Mark (14:22-26), Luke (22:14-20), and the Apostle Paul's writings in 1 Corinthians (11:23-26) provide the scriptural foundation for this sacrament.
Here are important aspects about the significance and meaning of Communion in the Bible:
Sacred Initiation by Jesus: Communion originated during the Last Supper, where Jesus inaugurated the practice by sharing bread and wine with His disciples, instructing them to partake in remembrance of Him.
Symbolic Elements: The use of bread and wine in Communion symbolizes the body and blood of Jesus Christ, serving as a poignant reminder of His sacrificial death for the atonement of sins.
Remembrance and Gratitude: Communion serves as a solemn moment for believers to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and express gratitude for the profound redemption and forgiveness of sins achieved through His crucifixion and resurrection.
Unity Manifested: The act of Communion signifies the unity among believers in the body of Christ, illustrating shared faith, fellowship, and a communal bond.
Self-Examination and Repentance: Prior to participating in Communion, believers are encouraged to engage in self-examination, confess sins, and approach the sacrament with a repentant heart, aligning with Paul's counsel in 1 Corinthians 11:28-29: "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."
Nourishment for the Soul: Some Christian traditions perceive Communion as a conduit for spiritual nourishment, through which believers receive grace and strength as they actively participate in this blessed sacrament.
In summary, Communion in the Bible is a human participation with Christ and fellow believers. It is an act of thanksgiving and faith in the redemptive work of Jesus for spiritual nourishment and self-reflection within the Christian community. It's also important to note that interpretations and practices of Communion may differ among various Christian denominations.
Top Bible Verses about Communion
1 Corinthians 11:26 - For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
Matthew 26:26-28 - 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.
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?
1 Corinthians 11:26 - For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
Acts 2:42 - And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
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.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.
John 6:53-58 - 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. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”
Learn more about the role and importance of communion in the life of a believer by reading 10 Things the Bible Says About Communion & The Lord's Supper.
You can also Download your own copy of these beautiful Scriptures HERE. Keep them with you as a reminder to meet with God.
Browse the top Bible verses about Communion in the collection of scripture quotes below:
Photo credit: James Coleman