Lord’s Supper or Communion
A sacred meal that proclaims Christ’s love, sacrifice, and our shared hope in Him.
Have you ever noticed how some of the most powerful moments in life happen around a table?
A shared meal. A wordless moment of forgiveness. A glance filled with love. That’s exactly where Jesus brought His disciples on the night before He went to the cross — to a table, to break bread, to pass a cup, and to give them something that would forever change how we remember Him.
Maybe you’ve seen the Lord’s Supper before, whether in a quiet church or a large gathering. Maybe you’ve even participated in it, holding a piece of bread and a small cup in your hands — and wondered what it really means.
This sacred act is called by different names: Communion, The Lord’s Supper, The Lord’s Table, or even Eucharist. But behind each name is a deeper truth — this meal is at the very heart of Christian worship, identity, and hope. It speaks of a Savior who gave His body and poured out His blood so that we could live.
In this article, we will explore what the Lord’s Supper truly is, where it came from, what it means, and why it still matters today. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or seeking to grow deeper in your faith — you are invited to the table.
I. What Is the Lord’s Supper or Communion? — Definition and Basic Meaning
The Lord’s Supper, also known as Communion, is one of the most sacred practices in Christianity. It is a symbolic act of worship in which believers eat bread and drink the cup to remember and proclaim the death of Jesus Christ.
At its core, Communion is about relationship — with Jesus and with one another. It’s not a casual snack or a meaningless tradition. It’s a moment of spiritual reflection, personal examination, and joyful participation in what Christ has done for us.
The term “Communion” emphasizes fellowship — a spiritual sharing with Jesus and with fellow believers. The name “Lord’s Supper” points back to the last meal Jesus had with His disciples before His crucifixion. In some traditions, it’s called the Eucharist, which means “thanksgiving” — emphasizing gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice.
No matter the name, this sacred meal always points to the same truth: Jesus gave Himself for us, and we now live in Him.
II. The Biblical Foundation — Where It All Began
The Lord’s Supper is not a man-made tradition. It was established by Jesus Himself.
On the night He was betrayed, during the Passover meal, Jesus took bread and wine and gave them a new meaning — one that pointed to His upcoming death.
“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.’” — Matthew 26:26–28 (NIV)
This moment marked the beginning of a new covenant. The bread represented His body, broken for us. The cup represented His blood, poured out for the forgiveness of sins.
The Apostle Paul later emphasized this practice in the early church:
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” — 1 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV)
Paul also made it clear that the Lord’s Supper was not merely symbolic, but deeply spiritual — a participation in Christ and a public declaration of faith.
III. Symbols and Meaning — Bread, Cup, and Spiritual Truths
Each element of the Lord’s Supper carries deep symbolic and spiritual meaning.
Bread – The Body of Christ
The bread represents the body of Jesus — broken, whipped, and crucified. Just as physical bread sustains physical life, the body of Christ brings eternal life.
“This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” — 1 Corinthians 11:24
Eating the bread reminds us that Jesus took our place on the cross. His suffering became our salvation. His wounds bring us healing.
Cup – The Blood of Christ
The cup, filled with wine or grape juice, represents the blood of Jesus — the blood that established a new covenant between God and humanity.
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” — 1 Corinthians 11:25
In the Old Testament, the shedding of blood was required for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus became the once-for-all sacrifice, cleansing us and reconciling us to God.
Together, the bread and cup speak of the gospel in action — Christ crucified, risen, and coming again.
IV. Communion as Remembrance, Proclamation, and Hope
Communion is more than a ritual. It’s a threefold encounter:
Remembrance
Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)
We remember His love, His sacrifice, and His victory. It’s not a vague memory, but a living, heartfelt recalling of what Jesus did for each of us personally.
Proclamation
Paul says that whenever we take the bread and cup, we “proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.”
Communion is like preaching without words. It tells the story of salvation. It announces to the world: “Christ died for sinners — and I am one of them.”
Hope
The phrase “until He comes” points us forward. Jesus will return. And when He does, there will be a final, eternal feast — the wedding supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).
Every time we take Communion, we look back to the cross, within to examine ourselves, and forward to the day when we will see Jesus face to face.
V. Who Should Participate in the Lord’s Supper? — Requirements and Warnings
Communion is not for everyone — but it is for all believers in Jesus Christ.
A Sacred Invitation
Those who have placed their faith in Christ are invited to partake. It is a family meal — for those who belong to God’s family through the new birth.
A Call to Self-Examination
Paul gives a sober warning:
“Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.” — 1 Corinthians 11:28
This means coming to the table with reverence, not routine. With repentance, not pride. With a heart open to correction and grace.
A Warning Against Unworthy Participation
Paul warns that partaking “in an unworthy manner” — carelessly, hypocritically, or without faith — can bring judgment (1 Corinthians 11:27–30).
This doesn’t mean we must be perfect. It means we must come with honest hearts, trusting in Christ’s worthiness, not our own.
VI. Different Denominations, Different Views — Unity and Diversity in Communion
Across the Christian world, there are different ways Communion is understood and practiced.
Roman Catholic View
- Belief in transubstantiation: the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ.
- Communion is seen as a means of grace, central to salvation.
Eastern Orthodox View
- Also sees a real presence of Christ in the elements — but as a mystery, not defined philosophically.
- Strong emphasis on reverence, fasting, and preparation.
Protestant View
- Most Protestants view Communion as symbolic, yet deeply spiritual.
- Christ is present by faith, not physically in the elements.
Despite these differences, all traditions agree: the Lord’s Supper points us to Jesus Christ — His death, His resurrection, and our unity in Him.
VII. Personal and Communal Impact of Communion
Personally Transformative
Communion is a deeply personal moment with God.
It brings:
- Conviction of sin
- Peace through forgiveness
- Renewed joy in salvation
- Strength for the journey ahead
It’s a time when we remember that we are not alone — Jesus is with us.
A Communal Act of Unity
The Lord’s Supper is not a private act. It’s a shared meal of the body of Christ — the Church.
“Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” — 1 Corinthians 10:17
It binds believers together in humility, love, and grace. In a divided world, it is a radical act of unity in Christ.
VIII. Misunderstandings About the Lord’s Supper
Many misunderstand what Communion is — and what it isn’t.
Misconception 1: “It’s Just a Ritual”
Truth: Communion is not empty tradition — it’s a living testimony. If received with faith, it stirs the soul and centers the heart on Christ.
Misconception 2: “Only Perfect People Can Participate”
Truth: None of us are worthy in ourselves. That’s why we come — not as righteous, but as redeemed.
Misconception 3: “It Saves You”
Truth: Communion does not save — Jesus does. But Communion nourishes those who have been saved.
It is grace remembered. Grace received. Grace shared.
IX. A Living Metaphor — The Table of Grace
Picture this: a beautifully prepared table. Bread, wine, light. And a King who invites the poor, the broken, the outcasts to sit and dine.
That is the heart of Communion.
“The Lord prepares a table before me…” — Psalm 23:5
Jesus invites you — not because you’re good enough — but because He is good enough.
Communion is not for the proud. It’s for the desperate. The hungry. The grateful.
It’s where the weary find rest. Where the ashamed find mercy. Where the lost are found.
X. Invitation: Come to the Table
Friend, if you’ve never truly understood the Lord’s Supper before, let this be your moment of awakening.
Jesus gave His life for you. His body was broken. His blood was poured out — so you could be forgiven, restored, and alive forever.
The table is prepared.
Will you come?
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” — Revelation 3:20
Come to Jesus. Repent of your sin. Believe in the One who died and rose again.
Then take the bread. Drink the cup. And know that you belong — to Christ, and to His body.
A Simple Prayer of Surrender
“Lord Jesus, I believe You died for me. Thank You for Your body, broken for my sin. Thank You for Your blood, poured out to forgive me. I turn from my sin and trust in You alone. Teach me to follow You, love You, and remember You — until You return. Amen.”
Next Steps:
- Read Matthew 26 and 1 Corinthians 11 slowly and prayerfully.
- Join a local, Bible-believing church that celebrates the Lord’s Supper.
- Don’t just come to the table — come to the Savior behind it.