What is Communion?
If you’ve ever attended a church service, you’ve likely seen it happen. A small piece of bread. A cup of juice or wine. It’s a quiet, reflective moment called Communion. Others call it the Lord’s Supper or eucharist, which means “to give thanks”.
At its core, communion is a simple practice with deep meaning. It’s a moment where people pause to remember Jesus’ death and reflect on what it means for their lives today.
Where did communion come from?
Communion traces its roots all the way back to the 1st century AD, when Jesus shared the passover meal with his closest friends during the Last Supper. What began as a meal meant to remind the Jewish people of when God rescued them in Egypt became the institution of a New Covenant, a promise made by God to His people. During that meal, he took bread, broke it, and told them, “This is my body, given for you.” Then he took a cup and said, “This is my blood… poured out for you” (Luke 22:19–20). At the time, his friends didn’t fully understand what he meant. But within 24 hours, it became clear.
What does communion represent?
Jesus was pointing to the cross where his body was literally broken, and his blood literally poured out. His death and resurrection initiated God’s promise to His people that all who place their faith in Jesus would be forgiven and put into right standing with Him. This is why Christians must regularly “give thanks” with communion. It is a means of reconnecting with the story at the center of their faith.
Ever since the Last Supper, Christians have celebrated communion with the same elements- bread and cup. Whether it’s an actual loaf of bread or a cracker, grape juice or wine, a communal cup or individual cups, the meaning is the same. The bread represents Jesus’ body. The cup represents His blood. Together, they point to sacrifice.
While the Lord’s Supper does look back to what Jesus did on the cross, it also points to a future event- the marriage supper of the Lamb, when Christ and His Bride (the Church) would take communion together in Heaven (Revelation 19:6-9, Matthew 26:29). What this points to is that Jesus’ saving work will be celebrated throughout eternity as an entire family of God!
Why do people take communion?
In the same way that Jesus-followers get baptized as commanded in Matthew 28:19, communion is an act of obedience and following Jesus’ example. In the church world, this is called a sacrament- a physical act that represents a spiritual reality. But just because it’s a symbol doesn’t mean it’s pointless or void of an emotional response. In fact, it’s an act that should engage both your mind and your heart.
In 1 Corinthians 11:28, the Apostle Paul tells us to “examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup,” meaning we need to take time before receiving communion to acknowledge our need for a savior. Confessing our sins isn’t about shame or feeling unworthy— it’s the opposite! Confession is how we remember where we need God’s help and receive His grace and forgiveness. Communion is also a moment of connection, not just between a person and God, but between people. Communion has always been something shared; a reminder that no one walks alone.
Additional Resources
Want to go deeper?
Watch Minister Robert Witcher's message, Unity in Community on YouTube.
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