What does the Lord’s Supper (communion) mean?
Communion is the meal Jesus instituted on the night before his death — bread and cup representing his body and blood given for us — celebrated by the church as proclamation, participation, and pledge until he returns.
Jesus took bread and wine, gave thanks, and said, "This is my body… this is my blood of the covenant" (Matthew 26:26–28). The meal embodies the gospel in symbol.
Paul calls it a proclamation: "as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26). It looks backward to the cross and forward to the kingdom.
It is also participation: communion with Christ and with one another (1 Corinthians 10:16–17). Christians differ on its precise meaning, but agree that it is no empty ritual — it is grace given in form we can taste.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.