The Church and The Lord’s Supper

Christ’s Command to Remember

The Lord’s Supper—also called Communion or Breaking of Bread—was instituted by Jesus Christ on the night before His crucifixion. In Luke 22:19, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” This was not a suggestion but a command given to His disciples. The early church followed this command regularly, as seen in passages like Acts 2:42 and Acts 20:7.

Freedom in Practice

While the practice of the Lord’s Supper is essential, there is liberty in how it is observed. Scripture does not dictate the frequency, the specific elements used, or the exact method of partaking. Whether it is weekly or monthly, with wine or grape juice, or within large gatherings or small groups, there is grace for a variety of practices, provided the heart of the ordinance remains focused on Christ.

Correcting Misunderstandings

Significant misunderstandings about the Lord’s Supper exist. Some falsely teach that communion is necessary for salvation; others treat it casually, offering it to anyone without discernment. Scripture teaches a balanced view: communion is for the redeemed—those who have trusted Christ for salvation—and it should be taken seriously, with self-examination and repentance.

The Heart Behind Communion

The Apostle Paul addresses the purpose and practice of the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34. The context reveals that Paul was rebuking the Corinthian church for selfishness and disorder during their gatherings. His instructions clarify that communion should be a sacred and sober remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice.

1. A Time to Remember

The Lord’s Supper calls believers to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus connected the meaning of His death to the Jewish Passover, teaching that just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 12), His own blood would establish a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 9:22). The bread symbolizes His body, torn for us, and the cup His blood, poured out for the forgiveness of sins (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

The suffering of Christ—His scourging, the crown of thorns, the crucifixion, and the Father’s turning away as Jesus bore the sin of the world—must never be taken lightly. 2 Corinthians 5:21 proclaims, “He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Remembering the brutality of the cross should stir gratitude and worship in the hearts of believers.

2. A Time to Reflect

The Lord’s Supper is also a call to self-examination. 1 Corinthians 11:27-28 warns that those who eat and drink in an unworthy manner are guilty of sin against the body and blood of the Lord. Examination involves asking God, like David in Psalm 139:23-24, to search our hearts for sin and areas needing repentance.

Taking communion carelessly dishonors Christ’s sacrifice. It is a time to reflect honestly on one’s motives, relationships, and obedience. Christians are called to walk in integrity and, when necessary, to reconcile with others before partaking in the Supper (Matthew 5:23-24).

3. A Time to Rejoice

Although remembering and reflecting are sobering, the Lord’s Supper is ultimately a time of rejoicing. 1 Corinthians 11:26 reminds believers that by eating the bread and drinking the cup, they proclaim the Lord’s death “until He comes.” This points to the blessed hope of Christ’s return (Titus 2:13).

Biblical hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in the promises of God. Jesus is coming again, and this certainty should anchor the soul, inspire joy, and motivate holy living (Romans 10:11; Matthew 24:35).

Who Should Partake?

The Lord’s Supper is reserved for the redeemed—those who have repented of their sins and trusted Christ for salvation. However, even believers must examine themselves for unrepentant sin before partaking. Communion is a sacred opportunity to look inward at the heart, outward toward relationships, and upward in anticipation of Christ’s return.

A Vision for the Church

Imagine a church that consistently remembers Christ’s costly sacrifice, examines their hearts, reconciles relationships, and rejoices in the Savior’s return. Such a church would shine brightly in a world filled with brokenness and division.

God instituted the Lord’s Supper to anchor believers in the cross, to keep their lives aligned with His holiness, and to fill their hearts with the hope of His glorious return. May the church never lose sight of this sacred gift.

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