Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, is a sacred practice in Christianity that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with His disciples. It serves as a powerful reminder of Christ’s sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood. As you prepare for communion, reflecting on scripture can deepen your understanding and appreciation of this holy act. Here are eight Bible verses that beautifully encapsulate the significance of communion.
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.’
This passage is perhaps the most well-known regarding communion. It highlights the importance of remembering Jesus’ sacrifice and the act of proclaiming His death through this sacred meal.
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.’
In this account, we see Jesus emphasizing the significance of His body and blood, inviting us to partake in a new covenant. This verse encourages us to reflect on the depth of His love and sacrifice.
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.’
Matthew’s account reinforces the theme of forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice. As you partake in communion, remember that His blood was shed for the forgiveness of your sins, offering you a fresh start.
John 6:53-58
“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. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.’
In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of communion for spiritual life. It’s a profound reminder that through Him, we find eternal sustenance and life.
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.’
Mark’s account mirrors the others, emphasizing the communal aspect of communion. As you share this meal with fellow believers, remember that you are part of a larger body united in Christ.
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.”
This verse highlights the communal and participatory nature of communion. It reminds us that as we partake, we are not only connecting with Christ but also with each other as one body.
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.”
This verse speaks to the power of Christ’s sacrifice. As you take communion, reflect on how His blood purifies and empowers you to serve Him wholeheartedly.
Acts 2:42
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
This passage reminds us of the early church’s commitment to communion as a vital part of their fellowship. It encourages us to embrace communion not just as a ritual but as a meaningful expression of our faith and community.
As you prepare to partake in communion, let these verses guide your heart and mind. They remind us of the profound significance of this sacred act—one that connects us to Christ and to one another. Take a moment to reflect on the love, sacrifice, and unity that communion represents. May your experience be filled with reverence and gratitude as you remember the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
