Since Jesus established the Lord’s Supper on the night before his death, Christians everywhere have observed Holy Communion as a central part of worship. Communion carries deep meaning and spiritual significance, and understanding why Christians celebrate the Lord’s Supper helps us approach it with reverence and gratitude. Why do we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, and what does it mean for believers today?
What is Communion (The Lord’s Supper)?
Communion—the Lord’s Supper—is the sharing of bread and wine (or grape juice in some traditions) tied closely to God’s Word. It is a tangible means by which believers receive God’s grace and forgiveness. Jesus instituted this meal at the Last Supper, when he was celebrating Passover with his disciples on the night before his death. He presented the bread and wine as a new meal for the new covenant, pointing forward to his body given and his blood shed for the forgiveness of sins. During worship, receiving the bread and the cup is a way of receiving God’s blessings and remembering Christ’s sacrifice.
Different Views of The Lord’s Supper
Across the Christian church there are three main ways of understanding Communion, each with a different emphasis on how Christ is present in the elements.
The Roman Catholic teaching of transubstantiation holds that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Jesus in their substance, even though the appearances of bread and wine remain.
Many Reformed, Protestant, and Evangelical churches adopt a symbolic view, understanding the bread and cup as powerful symbols that point to Christ’s body and blood. These traditions often practice open communion—welcoming all believers to participate—and some use grape juice rather than wine for the cup.
The Lutheran tradition speaks of Christ’s “real presence,” teaching that Jesus is truly present in, with, and under the bread and wine. This view affirms a real, sacramental presence without defining the change in purely philosophical terms.
Thoughts about Communion
The Bible calls us to approach Communion with care and respect. For example, passages such as 1 Corinthians 10:16 remind us of the spiritual significance of the cup of blessing. To preserve the sacredness of the meal, some congregations practice close or closed communion—restricting participation to baptized members or to those who share the denomination’s teachings.
Before taking the Lord’s Supper, many churches encourage self-examination. Here are helpful questions to consider as you prepare your heart:
- Are you a baptized believer who follows Jesus?
- Do you accept the teaching about the Lord’s Supper held by the church where you will receive it?
- Are you approaching Communion with reverence and a genuine sense of repentance for your sins?
- Do you intend to turn from sin and pursue a life that honors God?
- Do you trust the Bible as God’s inspired Word?
- Are you in agreement with the teaching and practice of the congregation administering Communion?
These questions are meant to guide honest reflection, not to create barriers. The Lord’s Supper is a rich blessing and a sign of belonging to Christ’s people. Participating in Communion regularly is an opportunity to receive God’s grace, remember Christ’s sacrifice, and renew your commitment to live according to God’s will.
Getting to Know Jesus Online Bible Study
As part of the Getting to Know Jesus series, this final lesson focuses on the Lord’s Supper and its place in the life of faith. Our online Bible study community discusses these topics in depth and offers weekly conversation to help people grow in understanding and devotion.
Much of the conversation happens in our Getting to Know Jesus Facebook group. You are welcome to join the discussion there; the author participates as well, adding context and responding to questions.
If you would like to follow along in more detail, consider reading the book Getting to Know Jesus so you can engage with the study content more fully. The book is available in print and Kindle editions for those who prefer to read along.
Getting to Know Jesus: Using the Six Core Teachings of the Bible to Grow in a Deeper Relationship with Jesus
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