25 Best Bible Verses About Communion: What Does Scripture Say?
Communion is a sacred practice that draws us closer to Jesus and reminds us of His ultimate sacrifice for our salvation.
It symbolizes the new covenant and serves as a powerful act of remembrance, unity, and gratitude among believers. Through the bread and the cup, we reflect on the forgiveness of sins, the promise of eternal life, and the love poured out for us.
The Bible offers many verses that highlight the meaning and importance of communion, from Jesus’ teachings to the practices of the early church.
These scriptures provide a deeper understanding of this sacred tradition and inspire us to approach the Lord’s table with reverence and thankfulness.
25 Bible Verses About Communion
- 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 from the Last Supper emphasizes the bread and wine as symbols of Jesus’ body and blood, highlighting His sacrifice and the new covenant. - 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
“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.’”
Paul reminds the church to approach the Lord’s Supper with reverence, and to honor Jesus’ death and resurrection. - 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.’”
Luke’s account of the Last Supper underscores communion as an act of remembrance and gratitude. - 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 describes Himself as the living bread, and offers eternal life to those who partake in Him. - Acts 2:42
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
The early church practiced communion as part of their communal worship and spiritual growth. - 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 it; this is my body.’”
Mark recounts Jesus’ institution of communion, focusing on the bread and the cup as symbols of His sacrifice. - Exodus 12:7-8
“Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs.”
The Passover Lamb foreshadows Jesus’ sacrifice as the Lamb of God, making this an Old Testament connection to communion. - 1 Corinthians 10:16
“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?”
Paul calls communion an act of unity with Christ and a reflection of His sacrifice. - Hebrews 9:22
“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
This verse points to the blood of Jesus as essential for the forgiveness of sins, a key theme in communion. - John 6:35
“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’”
Jesus identifies Himself as the bread of life, satisfying spiritual hunger and thirst. - 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 points to the hope of eternal fellowship in the Father’s kingdom. - 1 Corinthians 11:27
“So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.”
Paul warns of the seriousness of approaching communion with the wrong heart. - Luke 24:30-31
“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him.”
Communion can open our eyes to recognize Jesus’ presence in our lives. - Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
This prophecy highlights the sacrifice remembered in communion. - Mark 14:12
“On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, ‘Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?’”
This sets the stage for the Last Supper and the institution of communion. - John 6:51
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.”
Jesus offers Himself as the source of eternal life. - Matthew 26:17
“On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?’”
This verse reflects the preparation for the sacred practice. - 1 Corinthians 10:21
“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”
Paul calls for spiritual purity and devotion in communion. - Exodus 24:8
“Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, ‘This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you.’”
This Old Testament verse foreshadows the blood of the new covenant in Jesus. - Luke 22:15
“And he said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.’”
Jesus’ desire to share the Passover meal emphasizes the intimacy of communion. - Revelation 19:9
“Then the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’”
This verse connects communion to the future celebration in God’s kingdom. - 1 Peter 1:19
“But with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”
Peter highlights Jesus as the perfect sacrifice, central to communion. - Matthew 14:19
“And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves.”
This act of breaking bread prefigures communion’s significance. - Deuteronomy 16:3
“Do not eat it with bread made with yeast, but for seven days eat unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, because you left Egypt in haste.”
This Passover practice mirrors the elements used in communion. - Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Communion reflects God’s immense love and the grace of Jesus’ sacrifice.
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The Meaning of Communion
Communion is a deeply symbolic and spiritual practice that reflects key truths of the Christian faith.
It connects us to Jesus’ sacrifice, the promise of eternal life, and the unity of believers. Let’s explore three profound meanings behind communion:
1. The Bread of Life and Eternal Life
“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” — John 6:35
When Jesus described Himself as the “bread of life,” He emphasized that only through Him can we find true spiritual fulfillment and eternal life.
The bread in communion symbolizes His body, broken for us, reminding us that Jesus is the source of life for our souls.
As we partake in the bread, we acknowledge our dependence on Him for spiritual nourishment and everlasting life.
2. The Blood of the Covenant and Forgiveness of Sins
“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” — Hebrews 9:22
The cup in communion represents Jesus’ blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of a new covenant between God and His people.
This covenant promises grace, redemption, and reconciliation. Every time we drink from the cup, we reflect on the incredible sacrifice Jesus made, giving His life so we could be made whole and forgiven.
3. An Act of Remembrance and Fellowship
“Do this in remembrance of me.” — Luke 22:19
Communion is more than a ritual; it is an act of remembrance.
It calls us to reflect on Jesus’ death and resurrection, and to honor His ultimate sacrifice. Beyond remembrance, communion fosters a sense of fellowship with Christ and with one another.
It unites believers in the shared acknowledgment of Jesus as our Savior and strengthens the bond of the church as the body of Christ.
Communion in Practice
The practice of communion, often referred to as Holy Communion, is an integral part of Christian worship today.
While the exact traditions vary across denominations, the act remains a sacred reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and the fellowship believers share in Him.
How Communion is Typically Observed
Communion services are usually held during regular worship gatherings, with some churches observing it weekly, often on the first day of the week, while others partake monthly or on special occasions.
A pastor, priest, or elder leads the congregation in prayer and reflection, following Jesus’ instructions to “do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).
During communion:
- A loaf of bread or individual wafers is shared, symbolizing the body of Christ given for us.
- A cup of wine (or grape juice in many churches) is offered, representing the blood of Jesus Christ shed for the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of the new covenant.
How Communion Connects Us to God and to Others
Communion is a unifying act within the church of God, connecting believers to each other through the love of God and the shared hope in Christ.
It mirrors the early church’s communal life, where believers gathered with generous hearts to break bread and give thanks (Acts 2:42-47).
Communion is not only a powerful reminder of this connection, but also a time for personal reflection. Here’s how it brings us closer to God and one another:
- Fellowship with the Holy Spirit: Communion draws us into a deeper relationship with God through the Holy Spirit, who guides and comforts us as we reflect on Christ’s sacrifice.
- Unity in the Body of Christ: By participating in communion, believers affirm their shared faith and unity as members of Christ’s body, regardless of backgrounds or differences.
- Participation in the Lord’s Table: Sharing the bread and the cup signifies our connection to Jesus and His sacrifice, as well as our place at His table alongside fellow believers.
A Communion Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the incredible gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
As we take the bread, we remember His body broken for us. As we drink from the cup, we reflect on His blood shed for the forgiveness of our sins.
Help us to approach this sacred moment with humble hearts, grateful for the grace and love You have shown us.
Renew our faith and draw us closer to You.
May we live in unity as the body of Christ and share Your love with the world.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen
FAQs About Communion
Here are answers to some common questions about communion to deepen your understanding of this sacred practice:
Q. What is the meaning of communion?
Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion, is a sacred act that symbolizes Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins and the new covenant He established.
It is a time for believers to reflect on His death and resurrection, give thanks for His grace, and renew their commitment to follow Him.
Q. How often should Christians take communion?
The frequency of communion varies among churches and denominations.
Some observe it weekly, while others partake monthly or during special services.
What matters most is approaching communion with a sincere and reflective heart, and to honor its significance each time it is observed.
Q. What’s the significance of the bread and wine in communion?
The bread represents the body of Christ, broken for us, while the wine (or grape juice) symbolizes His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins.
Together, these elements remind us of the blood of the covenant and Jesus’ role as the bread of life who gives eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Q. What did Paul teach about communion in his first letter to the Corinthians?
The Apostle Paul emphasized the importance of approaching communion with reverence and self-examination.
In 1 Corinthians 11:23-29, he recounts Jesus’ words at the Last Supper and warns against taking communion in an “unworthy manner,” encouraging believers to reflect on their hearts and their relationship with Christ.
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Q. Can communion be taken outside of church?
Yes, many Christians take communion in small groups, at home, or during special gatherings.
What’s important is the reverence and focus on remembering Christ’s sacrifice.
Communion is not about the location but about the heart and purpose behind it.
Q. Is communion open to everyone?
This depends on the church or denomination.
Some practice open communion, inviting all believers to participate, while others reserve it for baptized members.
Regardless of the practice, communion is meant to be a moment of sincere reflection and connection with Christ.
Q. What’s the connection between communion and the Passover?
Communion has its roots in the Passover meal Jesus shared with His disciples.
During the Last Supper, Jesus redefined the bread and cup, pointing to His sacrifice as the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover Lamb, delivering believers from sin and death.
