16 Essential Bible Verses about Communion

Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper or Eucharist, is a significant practice in the Christian faith that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with His disciples. It serves as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood. Here are 16 essential Bible verses about communion that highlight its importance and meaning.

1. Matthew 26:26-28

“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.’”

• This passage describes Jesus instituting the communion practice during the Last Supper.

2. Mark 14:22-24

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take; this is my body.’ Then he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,’ he said.”

• Similar to Matthew, this account emphasizes the significance of the bread and cup.

3. Luke 22:19-20

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after the supper, he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’”

• Here, Jesus instructs His disciples to remember Him through this act of communion.

4. 1 Corinthians 11:23-25

“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night 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, after supper, he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’”

• Paul recounts the institution of communion, emphasizing its centrality in Christian worship.

5. 1 Corinthians 11:26

“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

• This verse highlights that taking communion is a proclamation of faith and remembrance.

6. John 6:53-54

“Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.’”

• Jesus speaks about the necessity of participating in His sacrifice to receive eternal life.

7. Acts 2:42

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

• This verse indicates that early Christians regularly participated in communion as part of their communal worship.

8. Acts 20:7

“On the first day of the week, we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.”

• This shows the practice of communion taking place on Sundays as a part of Christian gatherings.

9. Hebrews 10:19-22

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.”

• This highlights the significance of Christ’s sacrifice and our access to God through His body and blood.

10. 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

“Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.”

• Paul explains that communion represents our unity as believers in Christ.

11. Mark 14:24

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.”

• Represents the establishment of the new covenant and signifies the redemptive power of Christ’s blood.

12. 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, purifies us from all sin.”

• This encapsulates the cleansing aspect of the blood of Christ, relating it to communion.

13. Revelation 3:20

“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.”

• This verse reflects the intimate fellowship we have with Christ, exemplified in communion.

14. Colossians 1:20

“And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”

• Emphasizes the reconciliatory power of Christ’s sacrifice as symbolized in communion.

15. 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.”

• Highlights the sacrificial love of Christ that communion represents.

16. Matthew 26:29

“I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

• Jesus speaks of a future communion in heaven, giving hope to believers regarding the eternal celebration to come.

Conclusion

Communion is a beautiful practice that connects Christians with Christ’s sacrifice, inspires gratitude, and fosters a sense of community. These verses shed light on the significance of this sacred act and encourage believers to approach it with reverence and understanding. May these scriptures deepen your appreciation for communion and enrich your faith journey!

A Prayer of Gratitude and Unity for the Lord’s Supper

Gracious Lord Jesus,

We come before Your table with humble and grateful hearts, remembering the precious gift You gave us at the Last Supper. Thank You for inviting us to share in this sacred meal, where bread and cup become symbols of Your body broken and Your blood poured out for the forgiveness of our sins.

As we partake in communion, help us to recall the depth of Your love—a love that led You to the cross so that we might be reconciled to God and one another. May each act of breaking bread remind us of Your sacrifice, Your new covenant, and the hope of eternal life You offer.

Unite us, Lord, as one body, just as Your Word teaches. Let the fellowship we share at Your table strengthen our faith, deepen our gratitude, and renew our commitment to follow You. Cleanse us by Your blood, purify our hearts, and set us apart for Your holy purposes.

Help us to approach this sacred act with reverence and self-examination, opening our hearts to Your presence and the transforming power of Your Spirit. May our participation proclaim Your death and resurrection until You come again in glory.

We rejoice in the promise of a future feast with You in Your kingdom. Until that day, keep us faithful, hopeful, and ever mindful of Your mercy. Amen.

FAQ: Bible Verses About Communion

Q: What is Communion?

A: Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, is a Christian practice that commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples. It symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice and the new covenant established through His blood.

Q: Where in the Bible is Communion instituted?

A: Communion is instituted in passages like Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, and Luke 22:19-20, where Jesus shares bread and wine with His disciples, symbolizing His body and blood.

Q: Why do Christians take Communion?

A: Christians take Communion in obedience to Jesus’ command, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25). It is a way to remember and proclaim Jesus’ sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.

Q: What does the bread and the cup represent?

A: The bread represents Jesus’ body, given for us, and the cup symbolizes His blood, poured out for the forgiveness of sins and as the seal of the new covenant (Matthew 26:26-28).

Q: How often should Communion be taken?

A: The Bible does not specify an exact frequency. Early Christians took Communion regularly as part of their worship (Acts 2:42, Acts 20:7). Many churches celebrate it weekly, monthly, or at special times.

Q: What is the significance of unity in Communion?

A: Paul teaches that Communion unites believers as one body in Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16-17), emphasizing fellowship, love, and shared faith.

Q: Does Communion have future significance?

A: Yes. Jesus spoke of a future celebration with believers in His Father’s kingdom (Matthew 26:29), pointing to eternal hope and fellowship.

Q: What spiritual benefits are associated with Communion?

A: Communion reminds us of Christ’s love, assures us of forgiveness, renews our faith, and strengthens unity among believers (1 John 1:7, Colossians 1:20, Romans 5:8-9).

Q: How should believers approach Communion?

A: With reverence, gratitude, self-examination, and a heart open to Christ’s presence (1 Corinthians 11:23-29).