COMMUNION
What is Communion?
Communion, also known as Holy Communion or The Lord’s Supper is a way of acknowledging the death, burial, resurrection and imminent return to earth of Jesus Christ. This act of Christian fellowship was instituted by Jesus himself prior to his death.
Matthew 26:26-29 “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
During the act of communion, believers of Jesus eat bread and drink juice which are used as a representation of the body and blood of Jesus which was sacrificed for the sins of the world.
When we drink the juice, it is a time of reflection on the sacrifice Jesus made for us. When we eat the bread we remember that Jesus’s body was broken for us, and that Jesus is what satisfies and sustains us with genuine life.
Where Did Communion Come From?
Jesus started the tradition of communion. He instructed His followers to use bread and wine to remember the sacrifice He was going to make when He died for our sins on the cross (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
Jesus called Himself “the bread of life,” which means that we’re nourished by Him, we survive because of Him, and He satisfies us when everything else leaves us empty (John 6:48-51). There’s a connection between our nearness to Jesus, believing in Him, and being fulfilled by Him (John 6:35).
The early Church celebrated Jesus by taking communion, sometimes every day (Acts 2:42-46). They saw that every time they gathered around a table to eat and drink, it was a chance to recognize Jesus and thank God for all He’s done.
Reasons Not To Do Communion
Taking communion doesn’t make you a Christian. It doesn’t save your soul or get you to heaven.
God actually warns us about taking communion without considering what it means and why we’re doing it. The intent is not for us to mindlessly perform a ritual, but to intentionally set aside time to remember what Jesus has done and why He did it (1 Corinthians 11:27-31).
Every time we gather around bread and wine, in church or in our homes, we remember Jesus is the one who provides all we need.
Why Christians Do Communion
It’s not about the bread and wine; it’s about the body and blood of Jesus.
It’s not about the ritual or the method; it’s about listening to Jesus and doing what He says.
Communion is not an obligation, but a celebration.
Communion celebrates the Gospel: Jesus was broken for us so that we can be fixed by Him.
Celebrating communion marks the story of Jesus, how He gave Himself completely to give us a better life, a new start, and a fresh relationship with God (1 Peter 3:18). It’s not about a ritual to revere, but a person to worship. Jesus is less concerned about the method of celebrating communion and more concerned that we celebrate it.
As often as we remember Jesus, we should celebrate Jesus.
Importance of Communion
Communion is important because it’s a command to remember. Jesus wants us to remember every time we taste bread and juice, and even when we sit at the tables in our own homes, that He is the one who provides all we need. He gives us the physical food that we need to survive and the spiritual nourishment we need to keep taking our next steps with Him.
Communion Service
Every Sunday Quest celebrates the communion as part of our regular worship service. Anyone can participate in this time of reflection and prayer – as long as they have made the decision to follow Jesus Christ. However, those who have not yet given their lives to Jesus and are unwilling to do so prior to communion are, according to the words of Jesus, warned to refrain from partaking in the Lord’s Supper. The decision to partake or not partake is between the individual and the Lord, not the pastor or other church members.
We encourage our members to take Communion daily as they remember him. All you need to partake in Communion is a cup of water, a piece of bread or cracker.
Frequently Asked Questions about Communion
These Bible verses about communion will help you decide for yourself how to best observe and remember Christ's sacrifice. Learn more about the role and importance of communion in the life of a believer by reading the scriptures below.
Bible Verses About Communion