Communion is also called the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper. It is a time when Christians give thanks to God together, remembering the sacrifice he made for us on the cross and looking forward to his coming again.
How Communion Started
Jesus was sharing a special ceremonial meal with his disciples related to the Jewish festival of Passover. During their meal time together, Jesus gave new meaning to two elements: the bread and the wine. About the bread, Jesus said, “This is my body.” About the wine, he said, “This is my blood of the new covenant” (Matthew 26:26-28). He gave the bread and wine to his disciples and told them to keep sharing these elements as a way to remember him and all he had done (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
How to Do Communion
Communion is practiced in many ways in many churches around the world. Different types of bread are used. Grape juice is often used instead of wine. There are also different ways to receive the elements. In some churches, people are served the bread and drink from a shared cup. Others dip a piece of the bread into the cup and receive both elements together.
Why We Do Communion
Regardless of method, the motivation for taking Communion is always the same. We do it to give thanks for all that God has done and will do for us in Christ, including his death, resurrection, and coming again. We do it, as Jesus said, “In remembrance of me.”
- What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Have you ever been unsure about taking Communion? Explain.
- What does the bread of Communion stand for? What about the wine?
- Why do you suppose some churches use grape juice – or even coconut milk – instead of wine?
- What methods of taking the elements have you been exposed to? What method do you prefer?
- Why is it important to receive the elements of Communion with gratitude?
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
