Communion is like a big family meal where everyone gathers around the table, but instead of turkey and mashed potatoes, we have bread and wine.
This special event, mentioned in the Bible, helps us remember Jesus and His sacrifice for us. It’s like hitting the “refresh” button on our faith, reminding us of God’s love and our promise to follow Him. Let’s explore some Bible verses that show the importance of this sacred tradition.
Bible Verses About Communion
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.”
Commentary: In this passage, Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, symbolizing his body and blood given for the forgiveness of sins. The bread represents his body broken for us, and the wine signifies his blood shed for the new covenant. Communion is a profound act of remembrance and proclamation of Jesus’ sacrificial death, which reconciles us to God.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
“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.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Commentary: Paul recounts the institution of the Lord’s Supper, emphasizing the importance of remembering Christ’s sacrifice. By partaking in Communion, believers proclaim the Lord’s death and anticipate his return. This practice is a continual reminder of the new covenant and the forgiveness of sins through Jesus’ blood.
John 6:53-56
“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. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.'”
Commentary: Jesus speaks metaphorically about the necessity of spiritually partaking in his body and blood to have eternal life. This teaching highlights the intimate union with Christ that Communion represents. It is a means of grace that sustains and nourishes believers in their spiritual journey.
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.'”
Commentary: Luke’s account of the Last Supper emphasizes the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ death. The bread and wine are symbols of his body and blood, given for the redemption of humanity. By celebrating Communion, believers remember Jesus’ sacrifice and the new covenant established through his blood.
Acts 2:42
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
Commentary: The early church’s practice of breaking bread together signifies their commitment to Communion as a vital aspect of their fellowship. This verse highlights the importance of community, teaching, and prayer in the life of believers, with Communion being a central act of worship and remembrance.
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
“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.”
Commentary: Paul explains that Communion is a participation in the body and blood of Christ, symbolizing the unity of believers as one body. The shared bread and cup represent the communal aspect of the Christian faith, where all believers are united in Christ through his sacrifice.
Matthew 26:29
“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.”
Commentary: Jesus’ statement points to the future fulfillment of the Kingdom of God. By abstaining from the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom comes, Jesus emphasizes the eschatological aspect of Communion. It is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet that believers will enjoy with Christ in his Father’s Kingdom.
1 Corinthians 11:27-29
“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.”
Commentary: Paul warns against partaking in Communion in an unworthy manner. Self-examination and discernment are essential to avoid bringing judgment upon oneself. This passage underscores the seriousness and sacredness of Communion, calling believers to approach it with reverence and humility.
Mark 14:22-24
“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.'”
Commentary: Mark’s account of the Last Supper highlights the communal aspect of Communion, with all the disciples sharing in the bread and cup. This act signifies their participation in the new covenant established through Jesus’ sacrificial death. It is a moment of unity and shared faith in the redemptive work of Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:21
“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.”
Commentary: Paul emphasizes the exclusivity of allegiance to Christ. Communion represents a commitment to the Lord, and believers cannot simultaneously participate in pagan rituals. This verse calls for a wholehearted devotion to Christ, rejecting any form of idolatry or divided loyalty.
John 6:35
“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.'”
Commentary: Jesus declares himself as the bread of life, offering spiritual nourishment and satisfaction. In Communion, believers partake of the bread and wine as symbols of their reliance on Christ for sustenance. This verse reinforces the idea that true fulfillment and eternal life are found in Jesus alone.
1 Corinthians 5:7-8
“Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”
Commentary: Paul uses the metaphor of leaven to encourage believers to live in sincerity and truth, free from malice and evil. Christ’s sacrifice as the Passover lamb is the foundation for this call to holiness. Communion is a celebration of this sacrifice, reminding believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling.
Hebrews 9:14
“How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.”
Commentary: The blood of Christ purifies believers’ consciences, enabling them to serve the living God. Communion serves as a reminder of this purification and the transformative power of Jesus’ sacrifice. It calls believers to a life of service and devotion, free from the bondage of sin.
John 1:29
“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'”
Commentary: John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This declaration points to Jesus’ sacrificial death, which is commemorated in Communion. Believers are reminded of the Lamb’s atoning work, which brings forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
Hebrews 10:10
“And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
Commentary: The offering of Jesus’ body sanctifies believers once for all. Communion is a celebration of this once-for-all sacrifice, which has eternal significance. It reminds believers of their sanctification and the ongoing work of Christ in their lives, empowering them to live in holiness.
Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”
Commentary: Isaiah’s prophecy foretells the suffering and sacrifice of the Messiah for the sins of humanity. Communion is a reminder of Jesus’ fulfillment of this prophecy through his death and resurrection. Believers find peace and healing in his wounds, and Communion is a tangible expression of this truth.
Psalm 34:8
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”
Commentary: This verse invites believers to experience the goodness of the Lord. Communion is a way to “taste and see” God’s goodness through the symbolic elements of bread and wine. It is a moment to reflect on God’s grace, provision, and the refuge found in Him.
Exodus 12:13
“The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.”
Commentary: The Passover blood protected the Israelites from the plague in Egypt. This foreshadows the protective power of Jesus’ blood, commemorated in Communion. Just as the blood of the lamb spared the Israelites, Jesus’ blood saves believers from the consequences of sin and brings eternal life.
Luke 24:30-31
“When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.”
Commentary: In this post-resurrection appearance, Jesus reveals himself through the breaking of bread. Communion is a means through which believers recognize and experience the presence of the risen Christ. It is a moment of spiritual revelation and deep connection with the Lord.
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.'”
Commentary: The marriage supper of the Lamb represents the ultimate communion of believers with Christ in the Kingdom of God. Communion is a foretaste of this heavenly banquet, reminding believers of the blessed hope of eternal fellowship with Jesus. It is a celebration of God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.
Psalm 23:5
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
Commentary: The imagery of a prepared table and overflowing cup in Psalm 23 reflects God’s provision and abundance. Communion is a spiritual feast prepared by the Lord, symbolizing His abundant grace and care for His people. It reassures believers of God’s presence and provision even in the midst of adversity.
Hebrews 9:22
“Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”
Commentary: The necessity of bloodshed for the forgiveness of sins is a foundational principle in Scripture. Jesus’ blood, shed on the cross, is the ultimate and final sacrifice for sin. Communion commemorates this sacrifice, reminding believers of the cost of their redemption and the completeness of Christ’s atonement.
Psalm 116:13
“I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.”
Commentary: The cup of salvation symbolizes God’s deliverance and blessing. In Communion, the cup represents Jesus’ blood, which brings salvation. By partaking of the cup, believers call on the name of the Lord, acknowledging their dependence on His saving grace and celebrating His redemptive work.
Zechariah 9:11
“As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.”
Commentary: The blood of the covenant signifies God’s promise of deliverance and freedom. Jesus’ blood, shed for the new covenant, sets believers free from the bondage of sin and death. Communion is a reminder of this liberation and the hope of eternal life through Christ’s sacrificial death.
Genesis 14:18-20
“And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!'”
Commentary: Melchizedek, a priest of God, offers bread and wine to Abram, foreshadowing the elements of Communion. This encounter highlights the blessing and provision of God. In Communion, believers receive the blessing of God’s presence and the assurance of His deliverance and victory over sin.
Hebrews 8:6
“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.”
Commentary: Christ’s ministry and the new covenant He mediates are superior to the old covenant. The new covenant, established through His blood, is based on better promises of eternal redemption and a personal relationship with God. Communion celebrates this superior covenant, reminding believers of the fullness of God’s promises in Christ.
Matthew 5:6
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
Commentary: This beatitude highlights the blessing of those who earnestly seek righteousness. In Communion, believers express their spiritual hunger and thirst for the righteousness found in Christ. It is a moment of satisfaction and fulfillment, as they are reminded of their righteousness through Jesus’ sacrifice.
Romans 6:3-4
“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.”
Commentary: Baptism symbolizes believers’ union with Christ in His death and resurrection. Communion complements this symbolism, reminding believers of their participation in Christ’s sacrifice and the new life they have in Him. It is a celebration of the transformative power of the Gospel and the believer’s new identity in Christ.
Philippians 2:8
“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Commentary: Jesus’ humility and obedience to the point of death on the cross are central to the Christian faith. Communion is a reflection on His sacrificial love and the extent of His obedience. It calls believers to emulate His humility and to live in obedience to God’s will, inspired by Christ’s example.
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.”
Commentary: Believers are redeemed not by perishable things but by the precious blood of Christ. This redemption is commemorated in Communion, where the elements symbolize Jesus’ sacrificial death. It is a time to reflect on the immeasurable value of Christ’s blood and the profound reality of being ransomed from sin.
Ephesians 1:7
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”
Commentary: Redemption and forgiveness are made possible through Jesus’ blood, a central theme of Communion. This verse underscores the grace and richness of God’s mercy extended to believers. Communion is a celebration of this grace, reminding believers of the forgiveness and redemption they have in Christ.
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
Commentary: Jesus’ sacrificial love is the greatest demonstration of love. Communion commemorates this ultimate act of love, where Jesus laid down His life for humanity. It is a time to reflect on the depth of Christ’s love and to be inspired to love others sacrificially, following His example.
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.”
Commentary: Walking in the light leads to fellowship with other believers and cleansing from sin through Jesus’ blood. Communion is a communal act of fellowship and a reminder of the cleansing power of Christ’s blood. It encourages believers to live in the light and to maintain their fellowship with God and each other.
Romans 5:8-9
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.”
What Does the Bible Say About Communion
Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper is a special time when Christians gather to remember and celebrate Jesus Christ. Communion is not just a ritual or a tradition; it is a meaningful act that connects us deeply to our faith and to each other. When we take Communion, we eat bread and drink from the cup to remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. The bread symbolizes Jesus’ body, which was broken for us, and the cup represents His blood, which was shed for the forgiveness of our sins.
This practice reminds us of the immense love Jesus has for us and the incredible gift of salvation He offers. Communion is a time for reflection and gratitude, a moment to remember the great sacrifice Jesus made for us, and a way to proclaim our faith in His death and resurrection. It’s also a time to examine our hearts, to seek forgiveness for our sins, and to renew our commitment to live according to Jesus’ teachings. When we gather for Communion, we do so as a community, united by our shared faith and love for Jesus. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world of God’s love and grace.
Communion is a beautiful expression of our relationship with Jesus and with each other. It’s a reminder that we are all part of one body, the body of Christ, and that we are called to love and serve one another. So, the next time you participate in Communion, remember the deep significance behind the bread and the cup, and let it inspire you to live a life that reflects the love and grace of our Savior.