Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, holds profound significance in Christianity as it honours Jesus’ sacrifice and the new covenant between God and humanity. By breaking bread and drinking from the cup, Christians commemorate Christ’s body and blood given for their sins, reinforcing their bond with Him and fellow believers.
Bible verses about communion shed light on its deep meaning, emphasizing it as a moment for reflection, gratitude, and unity. These scriptures highlight the grace and redemption offered through Jesus and urge Christians to engage in communion with reverence, fully appreciating the spiritual truths it signifies.
Bible Verses About Communion
1. Matthew 26:26
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.”
In this verse, Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, a sacred ritual that symbolizes His sacrificial death. The breaking of the bread represents His body, broken for the sins of humanity. Communion serves as a powerful reminder of Christ’s suffering and the ultimate sacrifice He made for our redemption.
It’s a time for believers to reflect on the cost of their salvation and to commune with Christ, acknowledging His presence in their lives. Through this act, we remember His death and proclaim His resurrection, uniting with Him and other believers in a shared faith and purpose. This verse emphasizes the importance of understanding and participating in communion with reverence and gratitude for the sacrifice that it represents.
2. 1 Corinthians 11:24
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.”
The Apostle Paul recounts Jesus’ words during the Last Supper, highlighting the significance of communion. By instructing His disciples to partake in the bread “in remembrance of me,” Jesus is establishing a continuous practice for the Church, meant to keep His sacrifice at the forefront of the Christian faith.
Communion is a sacred act of worship where believers come together to remember Christ’s death and resurrection. It is a moment of introspection, gratitude, and unity. The breaking of bread symbolizes Jesus’ body given to us, reminding us that His sacrifice was personal and purposeful. This verse encourages believers to approach communion with a heart of thanksgiving, recognizing it as a powerful expression of our faith and a profound connection to the divine work of salvation.
3. Luke 22:19
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.”
In this verse, Luke echoes the words of Jesus during the Last Supper, emphasizing the importance of remembrance in the act of communion. The breaking of the bread is not just a ritual; it is a sacred act that carries deep spiritual meaning. It is a time to remember the love, sacrifice, and grace that Jesus extended to humanity through His crucifixion.
By participating in communion, believers are reminded of the new covenant established through His blood, a covenant of grace, forgiveness, and eternal life. This verse calls believers to regularly partake in communion with a heart of reflection and gratitude, recognizing it as a tangible expression of their relationship with Christ and their connection to the body of believers.
4. 1 Corinthians 10:16
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?
In this verse, Paul speaks to the Corinthians about the profound spiritual significance of communion. He emphasizes that the cup and the bread are not mere symbols but a participation in the blood and body of Christ. Communion is an intimate act of fellowship with Jesus, where believers are united with Him and with one another.
It is a reminder that through His sacrifice, we are all part of His body, the Church. The act of communion transcends the physical elements, drawing believers into a deeper spiritual connection with Christ. This verse challenges believers to approach the Lord’s Table with a reverent understanding of its significance, recognizing it as a moment of deep spiritual union with Christ and His Church.
5. John 6:53
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.”
In this verse, Jesus uses powerful imagery to convey the necessity of fully partaking in His sacrifice for eternal life. His reference to eating His flesh and drinking His blood points to the deep spiritual communion required for salvation. Communion is not just a ritual; it’s a profound act of faith where believers symbolically partake in the life-giving sacrifice of Jesus.
It’s an invitation to fully embrace His suffering, death, and resurrection, acknowledging that without His sacrifice, there is no life. This verse underscores the essential nature of communion in the Christian faith, reminding believers that they are granted eternal life through Jesus’ broken body and shed blood. It calls for a heartfelt commitment to Christ and a deep appreciation for the life He offers through His sacrifice.
6. Mark 14:22
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.”
In this verse, Mark records the moment Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper during the Passover meal with His disciples. The breaking of bread and the words “this is my body” signify the profound reality of Jesus’ impending sacrifice. Communion is a time for believers to reflect on the cost of their redemption and to participate in the grace offered through Jesus’ broken body.
It is an act of remembrance, thanksgiving, and proclamation of Jesus’ death and resurrection. By partaking in the bread, believers acknowledge their dependence on Christ’s sacrifice for their spiritual sustenance. This verse invites believers to approach communion with reverence and gratitude, recognizing it as a sacred act that draws them closer to the heart of Jesus and the saving work He accomplished on the cross.
7. 1 Corinthians 11:25
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.”
This verse highlights the significance of the cup in communion, representing the new covenant established through Jesus’ blood. The new covenant is a promise of grace, forgiveness, and eternal life, made possible through the sacrificial death of Christ. When believers partake in the cup, they are reminded of the blood that was shed for their sins and their new relationship with God through Christ.
It is a time to reflect on the immense love and mercy that God has extended to humanity. This verse calls believers to regularly participate in communion with a heart of remembrance and gratitude, acknowledging the profound spiritual realities that the Lord’s Supper represents. It is a sacred moment to reaffirm one’s commitment to Christ and to celebrate the new life found in Him.
8. John 6:54
Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.
In this verse, Jesus continues to emphasize the necessity of partaking in His flesh and blood for eternal life. The act of feeding on His flesh and drinking His blood, though symbolic, points to the deep spiritual communion required for salvation. Communion is a profound act of faith where believers spiritually partake in the life-giving sacrifice of Jesus.
It is a reminder that eternal life is found in Him alone, and through His sacrifice, believers are assured of resurrection on the last day. This verse challenges believers to approach communion with a deep understanding of its significance, recognizing it as a moment of profound spiritual union with Christ. It is a time to reflect on the hope of resurrection and the promise of eternal life made possible through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
9. Matthew 26:27-28
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.”
In this passage, Jesus speaks of the cup as His blood of the covenant, symbolizing the sacrificial death He was about to endure. The blood of the covenant represents the new relationship between God and humanity, sealed through Jesus’ sacrifice. By pouring out His blood, Jesus provided the means for the forgiveness of sins, making communion a powerful reminder of His grace and mercy.
When believers partake in the cup, they participate in this covenant, acknowledging their need for His sacrifice and embracing the forgiveness it brings. This verse calls believers to approach communion with a heart of repentance and gratitude, recognizing it as a sacred moment to remember the cost of their salvation and celebrate their new life in Christ.
10. Acts 2:42
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
This verse describes the early Christian community’s devotion to the practices that defined their faith, including the breaking of bread, which refers to communion. The breaking of bread was more than just a meal; it was a sacred act of fellowship and worship, where believers came together to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and to proclaim His resurrection.
Communion was a central part of the early Church’s worship, a time for believers to unite in their faith, to reflect on the grace they had received, and to renew their commitment to Christ. This verse emphasizes the importance of community and fellowship in the life of a believer, reminding us that communion is not just an individual act but a collective expression of our faith and unity in Christ.
11. 1 Corinthians 11:26
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
In this verse, Paul explains the purpose of communion, highlighting its role as a proclamation of the Lord’s death. Every time believers partake in the bread and the cup, they are declaring the significance of Jesus’ sacrificial death and its impact on their lives. Communion is a reminder of the Gospel message and a declaration of faith in the redemptive work of Christ.
It is also a forward-looking act, anticipating His return and the fulfilment of God’s promises. This verse calls believers to approach communion with a sense of reverence and anticipation, recognizing it as a moment to proclaim their faith and eagerly await the return of the Lord. It is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and hope for the future.
12. Luke 22:20
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 verse, Luke describes Jesus’ explanation of the cup as the new covenant in His blood. This new covenant represents a new relationship between God and humanity, established through Jesus’ sacrificial death. The cup symbolizes the blood shed for the forgiveness of sins, making communion a profound act of remembrance and thanksgiving.
When believers drink from the cup, they not only recall Jesus’ sacrifice but also embrace the new covenant that it represents. This verse highlights the significance of communion as a time to celebrate the grace and forgiveness offered through Christ and to renew one’s commitment to living according to the new covenant. It is a sacred moment to reflect on the transformative power of Jesus’ sacrifice and to affirm the promises of the new relationship with God.
13. Hebrews 9:15
Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.
This verse explains the role of Jesus as the mediator of the new covenant, which was established through His sacrificial death. The new covenant offers a promised eternal inheritance, a salvation that redeems believers from their sins. Communion is a celebration of this new covenant, where believers remember the death of Jesus and its redemptive power.
It is a moment to reflect on the transition from the old covenant of law to the new covenant of grace, made possible through Christ’s sacrifice. This verse underscores the importance of communion in acknowledging and celebrating the eternal inheritance that believers have received through the new covenant. It invites believers to approach communion with a deep appreciation for the salvation and grace offered through Jesus’ death.
14. John 6:56
Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the intimate relationship between Himself and those who partake in His flesh and blood. Communion symbolizes this deep spiritual union, where believers abide in Christ, and He abides in them. It is a moment of profound connection and fellowship with Jesus, reflecting the mutual indwelling that characterizes the relationship between Christ and His followers.
By participating in communion, believers are reminded of their dependence on Christ for spiritual sustenance and growth. This verse calls believers to approach communion with a sense of awe and reverence, recognizing it as an opportunity to strengthen their relationship with Jesus and to experience the depth of His abiding presence in their lives.
15. 1 Corinthians 11:27
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.
This verse serves as a warning about the importance of approaching communion with the right heart and attitude. To partake in communion in an unworthy manner is to show disrespect for the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice. It is crucial for believers to examine themselves and approach the Lord’s Table with reverence, recognizing the gravity of what the bread and cup represent.
Communion is a sacred act that requires a heart of repentance and humility. This verse reminds believers to approach communion with a sense of spiritual preparation, acknowledging the importance of honouring the body and blood of Christ through sincere faith and respect. It is an invitation to reflect on one’s relationship with God and to partake in communion with a spirit of reverence and gratitude.
16. Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
In this verse, Jesus uses the imagery of a meal to symbolize intimate fellowship and communion with Him. The act of eating together represents a close and personal relationship with Christ, where He comes into the believer’s life and establishes a deep connection. Communion is a reflection of this intimate fellowship, where believers open their hearts to Jesus and invite Him into their lives.
It is a time to experience His presence and to renew one’s commitment to Him. This verse invites believers to approach communion with an openness to Christ’s presence and a desire for deeper fellowship. It emphasizes the relational aspect of communion, highlighting the importance of inviting Jesus into every part of one’s life and experiencing His transformative grace.
17. Acts 20:7
On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight.
This verse describes the early Church’s practice of gathering on the first day of the week for the breaking of bread, which refers to communion. It highlights communion’s centrality in the early Christians’ worship and fellowship. The gathering for the breaking of bread was a significant event marked by teaching, fellowship, and a focus on the sacrificial work of Christ.
This verse underscores the importance of making communion a central part of Christian gatherings, reflecting the early Church’s commitment to honouring the Lord’s Supper. It reminds believers to prioritize communion in their worship and approach it with a sense of reverence and anticipation. This practice reflects the historical significance of communion and serves as a model for contemporary Christian worship and fellowship.
18. 1 Corinthians 11:23
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,
In this verse, Paul emphasizes the divine origin of the institution of communion. He received the tradition directly from the Lord and delivered it to the Corinthians, highlighting the sacred nature of the practice. The reference to the night when Jesus was betrayed underscores the depth of His sacrifice and the significance of the Lord’s Supper.
Communion is a time to remember Jesus’ betrayal, suffering, and ultimate sacrifice. This verse calls believers to approach communion with a deep respect for its origins and significance, recognizing it as a practice that has been passed down through the generations as a central element of Christian worship. It is a moment to honour the tradition and to reflect on the profound truths that communion represents.
19. 1 Corinthians 10:17
Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.
This verse emphasizes the unity that communion brings among believers. By partaking in the one bread, believers symbolize their shared faith and unity in Christ. Communion is a reminder that, despite our individual differences, we are all part of one body—the body of Christ. It is a moment to reflect on the unity of the Church and to renew our commitment to living as one body in Christ.
This verse calls believers to approach communion with a sense of solidarity and mutual respect, recognizing that it is a time to celebrate not only our individual relationship with Christ but also our collective identity as His Church. It is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of fellowship and to reaffirm our shared mission and purpose in Him.
20. 2 Corinthians 13:14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
This verse speaks to the fellowship that believers experience through communion with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Communion is a time to celebrate the grace of Jesus, God’s love, and the Holy Spirit’s fellowship. It is a moment to experience the full depth of the Trinitarian relationship and to be reminded of the spiritual unity that binds believers together.
This verse highlights the importance of communion as a means of experiencing and sharing the divine fellowship that is central to the Christian faith. It is an invitation to approach communion with a sense of joy and gratitude for the grace, love, and fellowship that God offers through Christ and the Holy Spirit.
21. Philippians 1:5
Because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
In this verse, Paul expresses gratitude for the Philippians’ partnership in the Gospel, which includes their participation in the Lord’s Supper. Communion is a tangible expression of this partnership, reflecting the shared commitment to the message of Christ. It is a time to celebrate the unity and collaboration that characterize the body of believers as they work together in the mission of the Gospel.
This verse reminds believers of the importance of mutual support and fellowship in the Christian faith, recognizing that communion is a personal and communal act. It is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of partnership in the Gospel and to celebrate the shared journey of faith and mission.
22. Colossians 1:12
Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
This verse emphasizes the gratitude believers should have for the Father’s provision of salvation and the inheritance shared with the saints. Communion is an act of thanksgiving, reflecting the gratitude believers feel for the grace and inheritance provided through Christ’s sacrifice. It is a moment to acknowledge the spiritual blessings and the eternal inheritance that come through the new covenant.
This verse calls believers to approach communion with a heart of thanksgiving, recognizing it as an opportunity to celebrate the richness of the inheritance and the grace that has qualified them to be part of God’s family. It is a time to reflect on the blessings of salvation and to express gratitude for the spiritual riches received through Christ.
23. Romans 5:8
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
This verse highlights God’s profound love demonstrated through Christ’s sacrifice. Communion is a powerful reminder of this love, as believers partake in the bread and cup that symbolize Jesus’ sacrifice for sinners. It is a time to reflect on the incredible grace extended by God, recognizing that Jesus’ death was an expression of divine love for humanity, even while we were still in sin.
This verse calls believers to approach communion with a deep appreciation for Christ’s sacrificial love and to reflect on the transformation that His love brings. It is an opportunity to experience the depth of God’s love and to celebrate the grace that makes communion possible.
24. Ephesians 2:13
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
This verse speaks to the reconciliation brought about through the blood of Christ. Communion is a celebration of this reconciliation, where believers remember how Christ’s sacrifice has brought them near to God. It is a moment to reflect on the restoration of our relationship with God and with one another, made possible through Jesus’ blood.
This verse highlights the significance of communion as a reminder of the distance that was bridged through Christ’s sacrifice, inviting believers to approach the Lord’s Table with gratitude for the nearness and intimacy now possible with God. It is a time to celebrate the unity and peace that Christ’s blood has secured for believers.
25. 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.
This passage emphasizes the preciousness of the ransom paid for believers through the blood of Christ. Communion serves as a remembrance of this costly redemption, where believers reflect on the value of Christ’s sacrifice in contrast to material things. It is a moment to appreciate the profound grace that has redeemed them from the futility of their previous ways.
This verse calls believers to approach communion with a deep sense of gratitude and reverence for the precious blood of Christ that has secured their redemption. It is an opportunity to celebrate the spiritual wealth and freedom purchased through Jesus’ sacrifice and to renew one’s commitment to living a life worthy of such a high price.
26. 2 Timothy 2:13
If we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.
This verse underscores the faithfulness of Christ, even when believers falter in their faith. Communion is a time to remember Christ’s unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to the new covenant. It is a moment to reflect on His constancy and reliability, regardless of our weaknesses.
This verse encourages believers to approach communion confidently in Christ’s faithfulness and renew their commitment to Him. It is an opportunity to celebrate Christ’s unchanging nature and find assurance in His promises. This verse highlights the importance of trusting Christ’s faithfulness, especially as believers partake in the sacred act of communion.
27. Hebrews 10:19-20
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,
This verse highlights the access believers have to God through the blood of Jesus. Communion is a celebration of this access, where believers remember the new and living way opened through Jesus’ sacrifice. It is a moment to reflect on the privilege of entering into God’s presence with confidence and assurance.
This verse calls believers to approach communion with a deep sense of gratitude for the access provided through Christ’s blood and to celebrate the new relationship established through His sacrifice. It is an opportunity to honour the open access to God and to renew one’s commitment to living in the fullness of that relationship.
28. John 15:5
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
This verse emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ for spiritual vitality and fruitfulness. Communion is a reminder of this dependence on Christ, symbolizing the intimate connection between the vine and the branches. It is a moment to reflect on the need for continuous communion with Jesus to bear fruit in one’s life.
This verse calls believers to approach communion with a sense of reliance on Christ for their spiritual growth and effectiveness. It is an opportunity to renew one’s commitment to abiding in Christ and to celebrate the fruitfulness that comes from a deep and abiding relationship with Him.
29. 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.
This verse from Isaiah prophesies the suffering of the Messiah for the sake of humanity’s sins. Communion is a time to remember the fulfilment of this prophecy through Christ’s sacrifice. It is a moment to reflect on the depth of Jesus’ suffering and the peace and healing it has brought.
This verse calls believers to approach communion with a deep appreciation for the sacrifice that has secured their peace and healing. It is an opportunity to celebrate the fulfilment of the prophetic promise and to renew one’s gratitude for the redemption accomplished through Jesus’ suffering and death.
30. Psalm 22:14
I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast.
This Psalm, which is a prophetic depiction of the suffering Messiah, reflects the intense agony endured by Jesus on the cross. Communion is a time to remember this suffering and to appreciate the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice.
It is a moment to reflect on the physical and emotional anguish that Jesus experienced for the sake of humanity’s redemption. This verse calls believers to approach communion with a deep sense of empathy and gratitude for the suffering endured by Christ. It is an opportunity to honour the sacrifice and to celebrate the redemption and healing it has brought to believers.
Conclusion
Bible verses about communion give Christians a deeper understanding of this important practice. They highlight the Lord’s Supper to remember Jesus’ sacrifice, celebrate the new covenant, and strengthen unity among believers.
These scriptures help Christians approach communion with thoughtful reflection, gratitude, and reverence, recognizing the immense grace and redemption through Jesus’ sacrifice. By reflecting on these verses, believers are reminded of God’s lasting promises and the essential role of Christ’s love in their spiritual lives.