What is the meaning of the Lord’s Supper?
The Lord’s Supper (Communion, Eucharist) is the meal Jesus gave his church the night before his death — bread for his body, cup for his blood, taken in remembrance until he comes (1 Corinthians 11). It proclaims the gospel in a meal.
Jesus took the most common food on the table and made it carry the deepest truth: his body broken and blood poured out for our forgiveness.
Christians differ on the precise nature of Christ’s presence in the elements (Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, Memorial views), but all confess what 1 Corinthians 11 says: "You proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."
It is also a family meal. The church gathers, examines hearts, eats together, and renews covenant with Christ and one another. Skipping it cheapens what Jesus called for us to do "often."
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.