The Lord’s Supper, also known as Communion, is one of the most sacred practices in the Christian faith. It is a time of remembrance, gratitude, and reflection on Christ’s sacrifice for humanity. Instituted by Jesus on the night of His betrayal, the Lord’s Supper is both a commemoration of His death and a proclamation of His return. This guide explores the biblical foundation of the Lord’s Supper, its significance, and how we can approach it with reverence and understanding.
The Biblical Foundation of The Lord’s Supper
1. Instituted by Christ
Jesus established the Lord’s Supper during His final meal with His disciples, commanding them to continue this practice in remembrance of Him:
“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)
2. A Covenant of Grace
The Lord’s Supper symbolises the new covenant established by Christ’s blood, which provides forgiveness and reconciliation with God:
“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matthew 26:28)
3. A Proclamation of His Death
Partaking in the Lord’s Supper is a proclamation of Christ’s death and its redemptive power until He returns:
“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.” (1 Corinthians 11:26)
The Significance of The Lord’s Supper
1. A Time of Remembrance
The Lord’s Supper calls us to remember Christ’s sacrifice, reflecting on His love and the cost of our redemption:
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
2. A Symbol of Unity
The Lord’s Supper unites believers as one body in Christ, reminding us of our shared faith and fellowship:
“For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.” (1 Corinthians 10:17)
3. A Reminder of God’s Grace
Communion reminds us that salvation is not earned but given freely through God’s grace:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)
4. A Call to Self-Examination
The Lord’s Supper invites us to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and approach the table with humility:
“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28)
How to Approach The Lord’s Supper
1. With Reverence
Recognise the sacredness of the Lord’s Supper and approach it with respect and honour for Christ’s sacrifice:
“Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” (Hebrews 12:28)
Application: Spend time in prayer before participating, reflecting on Christ’s love and the meaning of His sacrifice.
2. With a Grateful Heart
The Lord’s Supper is a celebration of God’s love and grace. Participate with gratitude for His mercy and forgiveness:
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Application: Reflect on God’s blessings and the gift of salvation as you partake in Communion.
3. In Unity with Others
Communion is a shared experience that highlights the unity of the body of Christ. Reconcile with others before participating:
“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24)
Application: Seek forgiveness and extend grace to others, fostering harmony within the church.
4. With Expectation
The Lord’s Supper reminds us of Christ’s return and the hope of eternal life. Participate with anticipation of His second coming:
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13)
Application: Let the promise of Christ’s return inspire joy and hope as you partake.
The Elements of The Lord’s Supper
1. The Bread
The bread symbolises Christ’s body, broken for us on the cross:
“And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24)
Application: As you eat the bread, remember Christ’s physical suffering and His willingness to bear the punishment for our sins.
2. The Cup
The cup represents Christ’s blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of the new covenant:
“After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:25)
Application: As you drink the cup, reflect on the cleansing power of Christ’s blood and His sacrifice for your salvation.
Overcoming Common Misunderstandings
1. Communion is Not a Ritual for the Perfect
The Lord’s Supper is for all believers who approach it with a repentant heart. It is not reserved for those who are sinless:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
2. Communion is Not a Means of Salvation
Participating in the Lord’s Supper does not save us but serves as a reminder of the salvation we have in Christ:
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” (Titus 3:5)
3. Communion is Not to Be Taken Lightly
Participating in the Lord’s Supper is a solemn act that requires self-examination and reverence:
“Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 11:27)
The Blessings of The Lord’s Supper
1. A Deeper Relationship with Christ
The Lord’s Supper fosters intimacy with Christ as we reflect on His sacrifice and love:
“I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35)
2. Renewed Faith
Participating in Communion strengthens our faith and reminds us of God’s promises:
“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35)
3. A Reminder of Our Hope
The Lord’s Supper points to the future, where we will celebrate with Christ in His kingdom:
“And I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:29)
A Prayer for The Lord’s Supper
Lord, we come to Your table today,
Grateful for love that made a way.
Your body broken, Your blood poured out,
Redeeming grace that casts out doubt.
Help us remember, reflect, and rejoice,
To honour Your name with heart and voice.
As we partake, unite us in love,
Preparing us for Your kingdom above.
In Jesus’ name, we humbly pray,
Guide us in truth each passing day. Amen.
In Conclusion
The Lord’s Supper is a sacred practice that draws believers closer to Christ and to one another. It is a time to remember His sacrifice, reflect on His love, and renew our commitment to live for Him.
May you approach the table of the Lord with reverence and gratitude, allowing the experience to deepen your faith, strengthen your unity with others, and fill you with hope for His return. Let each moment at the table remind you of the grace that sustains you and the promise of eternity with Him.
