What Does the Bible Say About Communion?

Communion Begins With Jesus

In the Bible, communion begins at the Last Supper, the Passover meal Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion. He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). Then He took the cup and said it was “the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:20).

Christians use several names for this act: communion, the Lord’s Supper, the Eucharist, or the breaking of bread. The words may differ, but they all point back to Jesus’ command and gift. Communion is not an ordinary snack at church; it is a sacred sign of Christ’s death, His covenant love, and the unity of His people.

What Communion Means in the Bible

The New Testament gives several layers of meaning to communion.

First, communion is remembrance. Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24–25). Biblical remembrance is more than thinking about the past. It is a faithful, worshipful remembering of what God has done and what it means for us now.

Second, communion proclaims the gospel. Paul writes, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). When the church receives communion, it is announcing: Jesus died, Jesus is risen, and Jesus will return.

Third, communion is about covenant. Jesus connects the cup with the “new covenant” in His blood (Luke 22:20). In the Bible, covenants are God’s solemn promises and relationships with His people. Communion points to forgiveness, reconciliation, and belonging through Christ.

Fourth, communion expresses unity. Paul says, “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body” (1 Corinthians 10:17). Communion is not only “me and Jesus”; it is also the gathered family of God receiving Christ’s grace together.

How Christians Understand Communion

Christian churches agree that communion was instituted by Jesus, centers on His death and resurrection, and should be received with faith and reverence. They do not all explain the mystery in the same way.

Catholic and Orthodox Christians usually speak of the Eucharist as a sacrament in which Christ is truly present and His grace is given. Many Protestants also affirm Christ’s real spiritual presence in communion. Other Protestants emphasize communion mainly as a memorial meal that strengthens faith by recalling Christ’s sacrifice. Some churches use the word “ordinance” rather than “sacrament.”

For families, it can help to say: “All Christians treat communion as deeply important because Jesus gave it to the church. Different traditions explain how Jesus is present in the bread and cup in different ways.” If your child asks what your church teaches, that is a good time to talk with your pastor, priest, or children’s ministry leader.

Receiving Communion With Reverence

Paul gives serious instructions about the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:17–34. The problem in Corinth was not that people failed to understand every theological detail. The problem was that they were selfish, divided, and careless. Some ate plenty while others were left out. Paul warns them not to receive “in an unworthy manner” (1 Corinthians 11:27).

This does not mean a person must be perfect to receive communion. No one comes to the table because they are flawless. We come because Christ is merciful. But Scripture calls believers to examine themselves (1 Corinthians 11:28), repent of sin, seek reconciliation, and receive with humility.

Parents can explain it this way: “Communion is for people who trust Jesus and want to follow Him. Before we receive, we pause, pray, and remember what Jesus has done.”

Churches differ on when children should receive communion. Some welcome baptized children early with preparation; others wait until a child can personally profess faith; some connect it with confirmation or first communion. Follow your church’s practice, and use your child’s curiosity as a discipleship moment.

Practical Ways to Teach Kids About Communion

Here are a few simple ways to help children understand communion:

• **Connect it to the Last Supper.** Read Luke 22:14–20 or 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 together before or after church.
• **Use clear, gentle words.** “The bread reminds us of Jesus’ body given for us. The cup reminds us of His blood and the new covenant.”
• **Emphasize gratitude, not fear.** Communion is holy, but it is also a gift from Jesus to His people.
• **Model prayerful attention.** Let your child see you pause, pray, and receive reverently.
• **Ask your church’s guidance.** If your child wants to receive, talk with your pastor or priest about preparation and your tradition’s practice.

Communion is one of the church’s most treasured acts of worship. In it, Christians remember Jesus, proclaim His saving death, receive with faith, and look forward to the day when He makes all things new.