The Lord’s Supper, also known as Communion or the Eucharist, is an important Christian tradition practiced by churches worldwide. Here is an in-depth 9000 word look at what the Bible teaches about the meaning and significance of the Lord’s Supper.
Instituted by Jesus
The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Jesus Christ himself on the night before his crucifixion. While eating the Passover meal with his disciples, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). He then took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:20).
Jesus thus connected the Passover meal, which commemorated Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, to his own soon-to-be sacrifice on the cross. He used the physical elements of bread and wine to represent his body and blood which provide spiritual deliverance from sin and death. Jesus commanded his followers to “do this in remembrance of me,” establishing the Lord’s Supper as an ongoing tradition for the church.
A remembrance of Christ
The primary purpose of the Lord’s Supper is to remember and proclaim Christ’s death on the cross for our salvation. “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Cor 11:26). When believers partake of the bread and cup in faith, they commune with the Lord and “proclaim the Lord’s death,” bearing witness to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.
This remembrance is not merely intellectual recalling of facts but an entering in and spiritual participation in the reality of Christ’s death. Jesus does not say “think about this” but rather “do this in remembrance of me.” The Lord’s Supper engages the whole person–mind, senses, and spirit–in active remembrance of Christ’s death for us.
A symbol of the new covenant
The Lord’s Supper has profound symbolic meaning in the new covenant established by Christ. The bread represents Christ’s body broken on the cross for us: “This is my body which is for you” (1 Cor 11:24). The cup represents Christ’s blood poured out for the forgiveness of sins: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood” (1 Cor 11:25).
Eating the bread and drinking the cup are tangible ways to accept and internalize the benefits of Christ’s death on our behalf. Jesus said “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” (Matt 26:27-28). Partaking expresses our trust in Christ’s death for the forgiveness of our sins.
Additionally, the Lord’s Supper symbolizes the new covenant prophesied by Jeremiah (Jer 31:31-34) which is now instituted through the blood of Christ. Believers celebrate this new covenant of grace each time they participate in the Lord’s Supper.
A participation in Christ
The Lord’s Supper represents a genuine participation in the risen Christ. Jesus said “This is my body” and “This is my blood” indicating that while his physical body and blood are in heaven, through the Spirit we can truly commune with him in a mystical sense through partaking of the bread and cup. Paul said, “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?” (1 Cor 10:16).
This means the Lord’s Supper is not merely a symbol, but also an experience of the real spiritual presence of Christ. Through faith, the participants are “partaking” of the actual life of Christ. Christ’s sacrifice is not being repeated, but its power and efficacy are experienced afresh in the lives of believers each time they participate.
A communion with one another
The Lord’s Supper represents fellowship and the unity of believers 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” (1 Cor 10:17). All believers are united together in Christ. When they eat at the Lord’s table together, it expresses their common bond, showing that they are one in Christ.
This unity also implies the need for harmony and reconciliation between believers. Before coming to the Lord’s table, self-examination is needed to repent of sins and seek forgiveness from God and one another (1 Cor 11:27-32). The Supper is a celebration of fellowship in Christ and with each other in the body of Christ.
Looking forward to Christ’s return
In addition to looking back in remembrance, the Lord’s Supper also looks forward in anticipation of Christ’s return. Paul said, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Cor 11:26). The Supper is a forward-looking memorial that focuses on the return of the risen Lord.
The bread and wine point toward the messianic banquet when Christ will come again to usher in his kingdom. Jesus said he would not drink of the fruit of the vine again until the kingdom of God comes (Luke 22:18). Believers celebrate the past victory of the cross while also looking expectantly toward the future fulfillment of Christ’s kingdom.
Prefigured in the Old Testament
While instituted by Christ at the Last Supper, the Lord’s Supper was prefigured and foreshadowed in the Old Testament in various ways that enrich our understanding of its meaning:
- The tree of life – God’s provision of manna and water in the wilderness (Ex 16) – Signified God’s grace and eternal life.
- The Passover meal – Deliverance from slavery in Egypt (Ex 12) – Prefigured freedom from slavery to sin.
- The sacrifices – Shedding blood for atonement of sins – Christ’s blood brings final atonement.
- The wilderness tabernacle – God’s presence dwelling amidst Israel – Christ dwells among his people.
- Melchizedek’s offering of bread and wine (Gen 14:18) – Common meal pointing to the Messiah.
These OT themes are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the true bread and drink who gives eternal life to all who partake of him through faith.
Practiced by the early church
The Lord’s Supper was faithfully practiced by believers in the early church according to the command and example of Christ and the apostles:
- At Troas they gathered on the first day of the week to “break bread” (Acts 20:7)
- It was the custom to meet and partake of the supper (Acts 20:11)
- In Corinth they observed it during formal church gatherings (1 Cor 11:17-26)
- The early church devoted themselves to fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers (Acts 2:42)
- Paul delivered the Lord’s words on the supper to the Corinthians (1 Cor 11:23-26)
The Lord’s Supper was closely tied to early Christian worship, fellowship, and discipleship. Churches were organized around this sacred meal.
Enhances our spiritual life
Regularly partaking of the Lord’s Supper nourishes and enhances the believer’s spiritual life and walk with God in many ways:
- Reminds us of our salvation – It keeps the sacrifice of Christ fresh in our minds and hearts, reminding us that we are redeemed people.
- Renews our covenant – Partaking reaffirms the new covenant we have with God through Christ’s blood.
- Strengthens our faith – Eating the bread and drinking the cup are bold expressions of faith in Christ.
- Enhances our worship – Corporate celebration unites our praises in thankfulness for Christ’s death.
- Examines our hearts – It is a time for spiritual inventory, repentance, reconciliation, and renewal.
- Rekindles our affection for Christ – Our love and devotion to Christ deepens through this time of intimate fellowship with Him.
The Lord’s Supper is a powerful way for believers to abide in Christ and have their faith nourished regularly.
A means of God’s grace
The Lord’s Supper serves as a means of dispensing God’s grace to His people. Partaking is not merely a human action, but also involves Christ actively ministering to us. Paul states that the bread and cup are a “participation” in Christ (1 Cor 10:16). He indicates that a spiritual blessing is received, for “the cup of blessing that we bless” imparts blessing to the partaker (1 Cor 10:16).
This means Christ ministers his life to believers through the Supper. It is a channel for God’s gracious blessing upon His people. Eating the bread and drinking the cup become a means for feeding on Christ Himself by faith, strengthening us spiritually by His grace.
However, this occurs only for those who partake in a “worthy manner” (1 Cor 11:27) with repentance, faith, and love towards God and others. The Supper involves God ministering to us, but requires our active faith and obedience to receive the blessing.
Who should partake?
Scripture gives the following guidance regarding who should participate:
- Be a baptized believer and follower of Jesus – Note the Lord’s Supper followed upon baptism in the early church (Acts 2:41).
- Participate in a worthy manner – Requires repentance, faith, and obedience (1 Cor 11:27-32).
- Be able to examine oneself – Examine if any sin or offense needs to be repented of (1 Cor 11:28).
- Discern Christ’s body and blood – Requires understanding the meaning and significance (1 Cor 11:29).
- Be in fellowship with other believers – Communion expresses corporate unity in Christ (1 Cor 10:17).
The Lord’s Supper is intended for committed, baptized followers of Jesus who grasp its meaning, are living in obedience to Christ, and are in fellowship with his church.
How often should it be observed?
The Bible does not prescribe a specific frequency. In Acts 2:46 believers partook daily, and in Acts 20:7 it was weekly. Jesus simply said “as often as you do this…” (1 Cor 11:25), leaving it open-ended.
Different traditions have observed the Lord’s Supper weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc. It should be frequent enough to be meaningful, but not so frequent it becomes ritualistic. The important thing is that believers regularly reflect upon Christ’s death and commune with Him in a timely manner.
What elements should be used?
Jesus used bread and wine when first instituting the Lord’s Supper. Scripture does not mandate the use of any particular elements.
However, biblical patterns suggest using common food staples like bread/crackers and wine/juice to symbolize Christ’s body and blood. The elements should be simple and retain the original essence of Christ’s institution while contextualizing to what is available.
Using actual wine is preferred, but grape juice is more commonly used today. Fermented or unfermented, the significance is its representation of Christ’s blood poured out in sacrifice for us.
Celebrating the Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is rich in meaning. Here is an outline of how churches commonly observe the Lord’s Supper together:
- Prepare hearts for communion – Quiet moments of prayerful reflection and self-examination.
- Read scriptures about the supper – Such as 1 Cor 11:23-29 or the Gospel accounts.
- Pray – Thanksgiving for Christ’s death. Petitions for blessing and proper observance.
- Partake of elements – Bread is passed, eaten and pondered. Cup is passed and drank after prayer.
- Close with prayer & song – Thanking God for grace. Expressing commitment and unity in Christ.
This pattern connects the present celebration with Christ’s original institution. The elements remain central as the focal point.
Churches add their own touches, but simplicity and keeping the symbols central is wise. Formality should not quench the intimacy of welcoming Christ’s presence at his table.
Benefits of regular observance
If observed properly, the Lord’s Supper brings many blessings:
- Our understanding of Christ’s death grows richer and more intimate through repetition.
- We are continually reminded of the basis of our new covenant relationship with God.
- Our communion with the body of Christ is strengthened as we celebrate together.
- Self-examination keeps short accounts with God on a regular basis.
- Seeing the elements again and again reinforces Christ’s sacrifice for us.
- Our hope and expectancy of Christ’s return is kindled afresh.
The Lord’s Supper deserves its central place in Christian worship. Faith comes alive through meaningful physical expression.
Errors to avoid
The Lord’s Supper can lose its meaning through these errors:
- Ritualism – Just going through motions without heartfelt communion with Christ.
- Formalism – Conducting it with such rigidity that it loses intimacy and meaning.
- Inventing human traditions – Adding or changing things not prescribed in Scripture.
- Allowing divisions – Failing to work out divisions between believers before partaking.
- Partaking unworthily – With unrepentant sin or disregarding the spiritual aspects.
- Failing to prepare hearts – Rushing into it too quickly without reflection.
When properly observed with reverence and joy, the Lord’s Supper remains meaningful and fresh every time believers celebrate it.
Significance for the church today
The Lord’s Supper remains just as important today. The church needs to uphold its significance by:
- Keeping it central in worship, not optional or secondary.
- Celebrating it regularly and frequently,avoiding neglect.
- Preparing hearts adequately each time.
- Keeping it simple, Scriptural, and spiritual.
- Making new believers class an entry requirement.
- Exercising church discipline when necessary.
- Examining oneself carefully before participating.
- Emphasizing Supper’s connection to loving one another.
The Lord’s Supper keeps the Gospel story ever before the church. It remains as the centerpiece around which the life and witness of God’s people revolve.
Conclusion
The Lord’s Supper remains a precious gift Jesus gave to his church. This sacred meal features prominently throughout Scripture and church history as a remembrance of Christ’s death, a celebration of new life in him, and a foretaste of the coming messianic banquet. Rich in meaning and spiritual nourishment, it continues to serve a vital role in the life and worship of God’s people, reminding them continually of the grace poured out through Jesus Christ and the glorious salvation they have in him.
