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Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper or the Eucharist, is one of the most important sacraments observed in Christianity. It is practiced in nearly every denomination, yet its meaning can sometimes be unclear, especially to newcomers or those who are new to the faith. Even long-time churchgoers may participate in communion out of habit without fully grasping its deep spiritual significance.
Communion is far more than a religious tradition or a simple ritual. It is a profound moment of remembrance, reflection, and connection with God. To truly appreciate the significance of communion, we must explore two pivotal events in history: the Passover and the Last Supper.
The Passover: A Foundation for Communion
Passover is one of the oldest and most significant holidays in Jewish history, commemorating God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This event is recounted in the book of Exodus. After God sent nine plagues upon Egypt to persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelites, Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened. The tenth and final plague, the death of the firstborn, was the turning point.
God, through Moses and Aaron, gave the Israelites specific instructions to avoid the devastating consequences of this final plague. In Exodus 12:1-11, God commanded them to sacrifice an unblemished lamb and place its blood on the doorposts of their homes. That night, they were to eat the lamb, along with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. The blood on the doorposts would serve as a sign, and when God passed through Egypt to strike down the firstborn, He would "pass over" the homes of the Israelites, sparing them from the death that befell the Egyptians.
As God declared in Exodus 12:12-14, “For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt... Now the blood shall be a sign for you... And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.”
This was a monumental moment in Israel’s history, marking their release from slavery and the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land. Passover, also called the Feast of Unleavened Bread, has been celebrated annually by Jews ever since, as a reminder of God's miraculous deliverance and faithfulness.
The Last Supper: The Institution of Communion
Fast forward to the New Testament, and we find Jesus observing Passover with His disciples at what is known as the Last Supper. This event, recorded in three of the four Gospels, serves as the foundation for what Christians now call communion.
In Luke 22:15-20, Jesus shares the Passover meal with His disciples, knowing that His time on earth is drawing to a close. As He took the bread and wine, He redefined their significance, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me... This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” These words established a new meaning for the bread and wine, symbolizing His impending sacrifice on the cross.
The Last Supper was more than a meal; it was a prophetic act pointing to Jesus’ crucifixion, where His body would be broken, and His blood shed for the redemption of humanity. His sacrifice was the fulfillment of the Old Testament covenant and the initiation of a new covenant—one that would bring salvation, deliverance, and eternal life to all who believe.
The Parallels Between Passover and Communion
The connection between Passover and communion is striking. Both commemorate God’s deliverance of His people: Passover recalls the Israelites’ escape from physical slavery in Egypt, while communion celebrates humanity’s spiritual deliverance from the bondage of sin through Christ’s sacrifice.
Both events involve a sacrificial lamb: in Passover, it was the unblemished lamb whose blood spared the Israelites from death. In communion, Jesus is the "Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world. As John 1:29 proclaims, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" His blood does not merely cover sin temporarily, as in the Old Testament sacrifices, but eradicates it once and for all.
In both Passover and communion, the participants are called to remember. The Israelites were instructed to remember how God delivered them from Egypt, and Christians are commanded to remember Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. As Psalm 103:2-5 reminds us, we are to “Bless the Lord... and forget not all His benefits,” including forgiveness, healing, redemption, and renewal.
The Power of Communion: Spiritual Benefits
Communion is not only a time of remembrance but also a powerful moment to receive the spiritual benefits of what Christ accomplished on the cross. It is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and connect deeply with God.
Through communion, we remember that:
We have a covenant with God: Jesus' blood established a new covenant between God and humanity, granting believers access to all the blessings and promises of God. As Galatians 3:13 states, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.”
We are heirs to the promises of God: Because of Jesus' sacrifice, believers are no longer bound by the curse of sin, which includes sickness, poverty, shame, and rejection. We are heirs of the promise, entitled to receive all the blessings of Abraham (Galatians 3:14, 24-29).
We have access to God's presence: In the Old Testament, access to God's presence was restricted, but Jesus' sacrifice tore the veil that separated us from God. Now, we have direct access to the throne of grace, as stated in John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
We are forgiven and redeemed: Jesus’ blood does not merely cover sin—it completely eradicates it. Hebrews 10 emphasizes that His sacrifice was “once and for all,” providing eternal redemption and ensuring that nothing can separate us from God's love.
Communion is a powerful reminder that we are not only forgiven but also redeemed, set free from the power of sin, and welcomed into the family of God.
How to Receive Communion
Although communion is often taken corporately during church services, it is not limited to those occasions. You can receive communion anytime as a personal act of worship and remembrance. All you need are symbolic elements: bread or crackers to represent Christ’s body and grape juice or another beverage to symbolize His blood.
When you take communion, begin by reading the words of 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, where Paul recounts the words of Jesus at the Last Supper: “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.’” After reading, eat the bread and take a moment to thank Jesus for His sacrifice.
Next, take the cup and read the continuation: “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.’” Drink the cup, and spend time in prayer and reflection.
Communion is a time to remember, reflect, and receive. Remember the sacrifice Jesus made, reflect on the power of His blood, and receive the fullness of His blessings.
Conclusion: The Eternal Significance of Communion
Communion is far more than a ritual or tradition. It is a sacred moment of connection with God, a time to remember Christ’s sacrifice and to receive the spiritual blessings He secured for us through His death and resurrection. It is a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, symbolizing God’s eternal desire to deliver His people and bring them into freedom.
Next time you partake in communion, pause and reflect on the incredible depth of its meaning. Remember what Jesus has done for you, and receive the fullness of His grace, mercy, and love.
