What Is Communion?

Communion: Remembering Jesus Through Bread and Cup

Scripture References

Primary text

• Luke 22:15-16
• Luke 22:17-18
• Luke 22:19-20

Other references

• 1 Corinthians 11

Overview

Communion is a simple meal of bread and wine / grape juice that helps followers of Jesus remember His sacrifice and look ahead to His return. By tracing the Last Supper in Luke 22, the teaching explains why Jesus tied bread to His body and the cup to His blood, and why He told His disciples to “do this in remembrance of Me.” It also highlights Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians 11 to examine our hearts before participating, then demonstrates step-by-step how anyone can celebrate communion at home or with a group.

Main Points

What communion is

• A practice of eating bread and drinking wine or grape juice to remember Jesus’s death and anticipate His return.
• Instituted by Jesus during the Passover meal with His disciples.
• Considered a sacrament—like baptism—held by Christians worldwide.

The Last Supper origin

“This is my body given for you. … This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”

• Jesus knew suffering was imminent and prepared the disciples for both hardship and hope.
• He promised not to eat or drink again “until the kingdom of God comes,” anchoring communion in past sacrifice and future restoration.

Remembrance and thanksgiving

• “Eucharist” means thanksgiving; Luke records Jesus giving thanks before breaking bread.
• Communion therefore carries twin purposes: remembering Jesus and giving thanks for His work.

Different views within the Church

• Some traditions believe the elements literally become Christ’s body and blood after consecration.
• Others (including the presenters) hold that the bread and cup remain unchanged yet Jesus is uniquely present with believers who partake.

Preparing your heart (1 Corinthians 11)

• Paul warns against taking the Lord’s Supper “in an unworthy manner.”
• Self-examination includes reconciling conflicts, confessing sin, and approaching the table with reverence rather than routine.

• Illustration: Arguments with a coworker, lingering offense with a friend—make amends first, then receive communion.

How to take communion at home

1. Gather bread and grape juice (or wine) and at least one other believer if possible.
2. Read Luke 22:14-20 aloud.
3. Pause to give thanks and examine hearts.
4. Break the bread, saying Jesus’s words over it; eat together.
5. Lift the cup, repeat His words; drink together.
6. Close with gratitude for Jesus’s body broken and blood shed.

• Story: The speaker’s first childhood communion involved passing plates of wafers and tiny cups—meaning grew later as she studied Scripture.

Communion in community

• Though possible anywhere, communion is “best experienced with other people.”
• Invite family, friends, or a small group; lead them through the same steps and watch for Jesus’s felt presence among you.

Key Truths

• Communion looks back to the cross and forward to Christ’s return.
• Remembering and thanksgiving are inseparable parts of the practice.
• Self-examination and reconciliation guard the table’s holiness.
• The bread and cup symbolize Jesus’s body and blood; His presence is real even if the elements remain bread and juice.
• Every follower of Jesus can lead or share communion, not only clergy.

Response

• Examine your heart for unresolved sin or conflict before taking communion.
• Seek out anyone you have offended and make peace.
• Schedule a communion time with family, friends, or your small group this week.
• Read Luke 22 aloud and give thanks together for Jesus’s sacrifice.
• Pay attention to how Jesus meets you as you eat and drink in remembrance of Him.

Closing

Communion is more than a “church snack.” It is Jesus’s own invitation to remember His broken body, celebrate His new covenant, and anticipate the day He eats and drinks with us again. Share the bread, lift the cup, and let gratitude and hope fill the moment—whether in a sanctuary or your living room.