Communion (the Lord's Supper) is a sacred practice Jesus instituted at the Last Supper. Believers eat bread and drink wine (or grape juice) to remember Christ's body broken and blood shed for our sins. It proclaims His death until He returns and examines our hearts before God.

What do the bread and wine represent in communion?

At the Last Supper, Jesus broke bread and said 'This is my body,' then took the cup and said 'This is my blood of the covenant' (Matthew 26:26 28). Christians have debated the meaning ever since. Catholics believe the bread and wine become Christ's actual body and blood (transubstantiation). Lutherans believe Christ is really present 'in, with, and under' the elements (real presence). Reformed Christians believe Christ is spiritually present through faith. Baptists and many evangelicals view the elements as symbols that represent Christ's sacrifice. All agree the meal proclaims Christ's death and anticipates his return.

What is the new covenant?

The new covenant is God's promise to write his law on people's hearts, forgive their sins, and establish a permanent relationship with them through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Prophesied by Jeremiah and fulfilled by Christ, the new covenant replaces the old Mosaic covenant. At the Last Supper, Jesus took the cup and said, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood.' The book of Hebrews argues extensively that the new covenant is superior to the old because it is founded on better promises, mediated by a better priest, and secured by a better sacrifice.

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What did Jesus say about communion?A Scripture-grounded answer about what did jesus say about communion

Published April 4, 2026Reviewed June 21, 2026

Jesus instituted communion at the Last Supper, the night 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.' He then took the cup and said, 'This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood' (Luke 22:19-20). These words connect communion to three realities: Christ's sacrificial death ('my body given'), the new covenant ('new covenant in my blood'), and the command to remember ('do this in remembrance').

What did Jesus say about communion?A Scripture-grounded answer about what did jesus say about communion

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