Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist, is a sacred practice in Christianity that commemorates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is believed to have been established by Jesus himself during the Last Supper, as recorded in the New Testament of the Bible.
The primary biblical basis for communion is found in the accounts of the Last Supper in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, as well as the Apostle Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians. In these passages, Jesus gathers with his disciples to share a final meal before his crucifixion.
In Matthew 26:26-28, it is written: “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.'”
Similarly, in Mark 14:22-24 and Luke 22:19-20, Jesus offers bread and wine to his disciples, instructing them to partake in remembrance of him. The elements of bread and wine symbolize Jesus’ body and blood, which would soon be sacrificed on the cross for the salvation of humanity.
The Apostle Paul further emphasizes the significance of communion in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: “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.”
From these passages, Christians understand that communion is a sacred act of remembering and proclaiming the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It serves as a symbol of the believer’s participation in the new covenant established through Jesus’ blood, offering forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
Communion is seen as a means of spiritual nourishment, fellowship, and unity among believers. It is a solemn practice that allows Christians to express their faith, gratitude, and commitment to Jesus Christ, and it is often conducted regularly within Christian worship services as a significant part of their religious observance.
