The Lord’s Supper (Communion)

1. Origin
The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Jesus Christ on the night He was betrayed, during the Passover meal.
Key Scripture: Matthew 26:26–28
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

This event is also recorded in Mark 14:22–24 and Luke 22:19–20.

2. Purpose of the Lord’s Supper
a. Remembrance of Christ’s Sacrifice
Jesus explicitly said that the bread and cup were to be taken in remembrance of me.
Luke 22:19
...this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
1 Corinthians 11:24–25
...this do in remembrance of me.

b. Proclaiming the Lord’s Death
Taking communion is a testimony that proclaims Jesus’ sacrificial death until He returns.
1 Corinthians 11:26
For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

c. Participation in the New Testament (Covenant)
Jesus refers to the cup as my blood of the new testament.
Matthew 26:28
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

The new testament is a new covenant between God and man, sealed by Jesus’ blood.

3. Symbolism in Communion
Bread = Christ’s body, broken for us ( Matthew 26:26, 1 Corinthians 11:24 )
Cup (wine) = Christ’s blood, shed for the remission of sins ( Matthew 26:28 )
The symbols are not literal transformations, but representations to help believers spiritually participate in the benefits of Christ’s death.
1 Corinthians 10:16
The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

4. Expectations of Jesus Regarding Communion
a. For His Disciples
Jesus instituted it with His disciples and instructed them to do it in remembrance of Him.
Luke 22:19
...this do in remembrance of me.

b. For Believers Now
The Apostle Paul, writing by the Lord’s command, passed on this practice to the churches, indicating it is to be continued.
1 Corinthians 11:23
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you...
1 Corinthians 11:26
...till he come.

This shows it is to continue until Christ’s return.

5. Requirements and Warnings
The Lord’s Supper is not to be taken lightly or irreverently.
a. Self-Examination is Required
1 Corinthians 11:28
But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

b. Unworthy Participation is Dangerous
1 Corinthians 11:27
Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 11:29
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

The word damnation here means judgment (Greek: krima), and Paul elaborates:
1 Corinthians 11:30
For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

Sleep here refers to death (as in John 11:11–14). This shows there can be physical consequences for irreverent communion.

6. The Heart Behind Communion
The Lord’s Supper is not merely a ritual; it is a spiritual act of worship. It involves:
Remembrance ( Luke 22:19 )
Thankfulness ( Matthew 26:27 )
Unity with Christ and His Body ( 1 Corinthians 10:17 )
Self-Examination ( 1 Corinthians 11:28 )
Expectation of Christ’s Return ( 1 Corinthians 11:26 )

7. Communion and Fellowship with Others
a. Unity of the Body of Christ
1 Corinthians 10:17
For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

b. Correcting Abuse of the Supper
Some in Corinth were treating it as a common meal, causing division and selfishness.
1 Corinthians 11:21–22
For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in?

Paul warns that such behavior despises the church of God ( v. 22 ).

8. Frequency of Communion
No specific interval is commanded. Paul says:
1 Corinthians 11:26
For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup...

This leaves the frequency open, but implies ongoing observance.

9. Communion Is for Believers
The New Testament does not record unbelievers partaking. The focus is on those who:
Believe in Christ
Understand the meaning of His sacrifice
Examine themselves
Participate reverently

10. Summary Table

Aspect	Scripture (KJV)	Explanation
Institution	Matthew 26:26–28	Jesus begins the practice during Passover
Purpose	1 Cor 11:24–26	Remembrance of Christ, proclamation of His death
Symbolism	1 Cor 10:16; 11:24–25	Bread = body, Cup = blood
Ongoing	1 Cor 11:26	...till he come
Self-Examination	1 Cor 11:28	Required before partaking
Warning	1 Cor 11:27–30	Unworthy participation brings judgment
Unity	1 Cor 10:17	One body, one bread
Not a Common Meal	1 Cor 11:21–22	Not for selfish eating or drunkenness

Final Thoughts
The Lord’s Supper is a holy ordinance rooted in Jesus’ own words and reinforced by apostolic teaching. It is an act of remembrance, fellowship, and spiritual reflection, meant to unite believers and keep the cross of Christ central in our faith. It must never be entered lightly but reverently, with honest self-examination and grateful hearts.