The Meaning of Communion (The Lord's Supper)

Communion — also called the Lord's Supper — is one of the central practices of the Christian faith, in which believers share bread and a cup together. But what does it mean, and why do we do it? Here's a look at the meaning of communion.

Instituted by Jesus

Jesus gave us communion at the Last Supper, the night before he died. Taking bread, he said, 'This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me,' and he took the cup as a symbol of his blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins. Communion comes straight from Jesus himself.

Remembering his sacrifice

At its heart, communion is about remembrance. The bread and the cup point us back to Jesus' body broken and blood shed on the cross for us. Each time we share it, we remember his sacrifice, give thanks, and keep the cross at the centre of our faith.

Looking back and forward

Communion looks in several directions at once: back to the cross with gratitude, up to Christ in fellowship, around to one another in unity, and forward to his return in hope. The Bible says that when we share it, we 'shew the Lord's death till he come.' It's a rich, meaningful act.

The meaning of communion is remembrance — the bread and the cup pointing us back to Jesus' body and blood, given for our forgiveness. Instituted by Jesus himself, it keeps his sacrifice before us, unites us as his people, and points forward to his return. Whenever believers share the Lord's Supper, we proclaim the heart of the gospel and give thanks for the Saviour who gave himself for us.