An Introduction
Holy Communion: What Is It?
The Lord's Supper, or Eucharist, is another name for Holy Communion, which is a
sacrament that Christians around the world observe. It honors the Last Supper,
where Jesus Christ shared bread and wine with his disciples and commanded them
to do the same in commemoration of him. Communion is a highly symbolic ritual
that signifies a believer's participation in Christ's flesh and blood.
The Foundation of Holy Communion in the Bible
The Last Supper(meal)
Jesus established the rite of Holy Communion during the crucial Last Supper.
This dinner occurred the evening before Jesus was crucified, and it is related
in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. At the event, Jesus gave his
disciples a cup of wine, which represented his blood, and broke bread, which
represented his body. He gave them instructions on how to remember him,
starting a meaningful tradition that would eventually be the focal point of
Christian devotion.
Important Bible Verses
The following important Bible scriptures establish the basis for Holy Communion:
- Matthew 26:26-28 (NIV):
"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.'"
- Mark 14:22-24 (NIV):
"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.' Then he took a 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 to them."
- Luke 22:19-20 (NIV):
"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.''
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NIV):
"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.' For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."
The Meaning of Holy Communion
The Components
For Christians, the bread and wine used in Holy Communion have deep symbolic
importance. The wine is a symbol of Jesus' blood, which was shed to atone for
sins, while the bread represents his body, which was broken for the sake of
humanity. When combined, these components offer a concrete reminder of Jesus'
atoning death on the cross and the creation of a fresh covenant between God and
people.
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