Today we will talk about communion verses in the bible. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. Communion is a simple meal and a powerful reminder that Jesus gave his body and blood for us. When we gather at the table we remember Jesus’ love, his sacrifice, and his promise to be with us. In this short study we will look at several passages that speak about communion, the bread, the cup, the covenant, the call to examine ourselves, and the hope we share. As we read these communion verses in the bible, let us listen with gentle hearts and learn together how the Lord uses this meal to teach, heal, and unite us with one another. We will reflect, encourage one another, and find practical steps to prepare our hearts for communion. Let us come with humble hope and a desire to understand what the Lord intends when he gave this holy practice to his followers.
1 Corinthians 11:24
“And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.” – 1 Corinthians 11:24
communion verses in the bible
Institution of Communion
When we study the institution of communion, we see how those important moments were first given to us. The phrase communion verses in the bible helps us find the original scenes where Jesus shared bread and wine with his disciples. We read simple stories where Jesus took bread, prayed, and shared words that would shape the church forever. In these moments we learn the basic pattern: thanks, breaking, sharing, and remembering. We want to understand the clear steps Jesus used because they teach us how to gather and why the meal matters. We keep our language plain: Jesus gave the bread as his body and the cup as the new covenant. That teaching was passed along by his followers and recorded for us. As we read these institution passages, we notice how Jesus mixed action and meaning. He acted (he gave bread and cup) and he explained the meaning (remembrance, new covenant, sacrifice). We will use these communion verses in the bible to teach us how to lead and how to receive. When we gather, we follow that same simple pattern: thanksgiving, breaking, sharing, and remembering. Doing this helps us stay connected to Christ and to one another. We will try to keep our hearts ready and our minds on the gift Jesus gave at the first table. These verses guide us gently into the practice and help us remember the origin of communion in the life of Jesus.
Matthew 26:26
“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.” – Matthew 26:26
Mark 14:22
“And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.” – Mark 14:22
Luke 22:19
“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” – Luke 22:19
1 Corinthians 11:23
“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:” – 1 Corinthians 11:23
1 Corinthians 11:24
“And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.” – 1 Corinthians 11:24
communion verses in the bible
Remembrance and Proclamation
We often say communion verses in the bible teach us to remember, and they do. When we gather, we are asked to remember Christ’s life, death, and hope. In the early church, this meal was not only private memory but public proclamation. When we recall the Lord’s death through communion, we are also telling the story to others: that Christ died for us and that he will come again. These communion verses in the bible show that remembrance is active. It is not just thinking, it is declaring. When we take bread and cup, we declare the cross and the promise of new life. We do this together so our faith is strengthened and our witness becomes clear. Remembering helps us hold fast to truth, brings healing to our hearts, and shapes our worship. The meal teaches us to look back with gratitude and forward with hope. We keep our words simple and our action sincere. We lean into the memory that keeps our faith alive and the proclamation that shares hope with the world.
1 Corinthians 11:25
“After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.” – 1 Corinthians 11:25
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.” – 1 Corinthians 11:26
John 6:53
“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” – John 6:53
Acts 20:7
“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” – Acts 20:7
Luke 22:19
“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” – Luke 22:19
communion verses in the bible
Worthy Participation and Self-Examination
As we come to the table, we learn from communion verses in the bible that preparation matters. The Bible asks us to examine ourselves before we eat and drink. That means we take time to think about our heart, our sins, and our relationships with others. We want to come with honesty, not pride. Self-examination helps us receive communion in a way that honors Jesus and cares for our souls. It also protects the community. When people come without thought, the meal can lose its meaning or cause hurt. The Bible gives gentle direction: check your heart, confess where you are wrong, seek forgiveness, and make peace. This is not a list of rules to shame us, but a loving guide to help us meet Jesus with clean hands and honest hearts. We do not need perfection, but we do need humility. These communion verses in the bible remind us that the Lord made this meal holy and that we should come in a way that shows reverence and care for one another.
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 11:27
1 Corinthians 11:28
“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” – 1 Corinthians 11:28
2 Corinthians 13:5
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” – 2 Corinthians 13:5
Matthew 5:23
“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;” – Matthew 5:23
James 5:16
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” – James 5:16
communion verses in the bible
Unity and Fellowship
Communion verses in the bible often point to unity. When we share bread and cup, we show that we belong to each other in Christ. This meal is a sign that we are one body, though we are many people. It reminds us that our faith connects us across age, race, and background. The church’s table is a place where strangers can become family as we remember Jesus together. These verses teach us to be gentle with one another, to care for the weak, and to keep peace. In practical terms, unity means we avoid selfishness, we share, and we support each other outside the meal, too. Communion helps us see that our faith is not private; it is shared. As we take the bread and cup, we affirm our connection to the whole body of Christ. That shared meal invites us to build bridges and to live in love as we serve one another in simple ways that reflect the gospel.
Acts 2:42
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” – Acts 2:42
Acts 2:46
“And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,” – Acts 2:46
Romans 12:5
“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” – Romans 12:5
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?” – 1 Corinthians 10:16
1 Corinthians 10:17
“For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.” – 1 Corinthians 10:17
communion verses in the bible
Communion and Covenant
When we read communion verses in the bible, we see the meal tied closely to covenant language. Jesus used the cup to speak of a new covenant in his blood. A covenant is a solemn promise that creates a family relationship. In the Old Testament, covenants were sealed with blood to show the seriousness of the pledge. Jesus’ words teach us that his sacrifice establishes a new promise between God and people. This promise brings forgiveness, closeness, and a lasting bond. When we drink the cup, we remember the covenant and accept both the gift and the responsibilities it brings. We also see how communion points back to God’s long plan to restore people. These verses show that communion is not only a memory; it is also a seal of the new life given through Christ’s blood. We come to the table not as guests but as members of God’s covenant family through Jesus.
Luke 22:20
“Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” – Luke 22:20
Jeremiah 31:31
“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:” – Jeremiah 31:31
Hebrews 9:15
“And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.” – Hebrews 9:15
Hebrews 8:6
“But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” – Hebrews 8:6
Exodus 24:8
“And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.” – Exodus 24:8
communion verses in the bible
Bread as Body — Symbolism and Teaching
Many communion verses in the bible use bread as a picture of Christ’s body. When Jesus calls himself the bread of life, he points to the truth that spiritual life comes from him. We do not approach these words as a riddle but as a gift. The bread in communion reminds us that his body was given for us. It also points to everyday language: bread is ordinary food that sustains our bodies. Jesus used a simple, familiar object to teach a deep truth: he gives life. As we think about these communion verses in the bible, we see how the physical and spiritual meet. The simple action of breaking bread helps us remember the cost of love and the ongoing gift of grace. We are invited to reflect on how Jesus nourishes us and how his body, once broken, now makes us whole.
John 6:51
“I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” – John 6:51
John 6:35
“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” – John 6:35
John 6:54
“He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” – John 6:54
Matthew 26:26
“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.” – Matthew 26:26
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?” – 1 Corinthians 10:16
communion verses in the bible
Cup as Blood — Symbolism and Meaning
The cup in communion brings to mind Jesus’ blood and what it accomplished. Communion verses in the bible teach that the cup points to the life given freely for others. In the Old Testament, blood often marked serious promises or cleansing. Jesus used the cup to show that his blood would bring forgiveness and a new way to be with God. When we drink the cup, we remember that his life paid the cost for our sins and that his love cleanses our hearts. These verses also invite us to live with thankfulness and to share the fruit of grace with others. The cup is solemn and hopeful. It shows both the price paid and the promise received. In our gatherings, the cup teaches us to be grateful for forgiveness and to walk in the new life we have through Christ’s blood.
Matthew 26:27-28
“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.” – Matthew 26:27-28
Mark 14:24
“And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.” – Mark 14:24
Luke 22:20
“Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” – Luke 22:20
Hebrews 9:14
“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” – Hebrews 9:14
Ephesians 1:7
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” – Ephesians 1:7
communion verses in the bible
Communion and Forgiveness
We turn to communion verses in the bible and find a strong link between the Lord’s table and forgiveness. The cup that speaks of blood reminds us of the cost of sin and the gift of pardon. Jesus’ words say that the new covenant is for the forgiveness of sins. That is why many of us come with thankful hearts, remembering that his death makes our standing with God right. Communion also calls us to respond: we receive forgiving grace and we are to forgive others. This meal helps us not live in guilt but in renewed trust. It unlocks a simple truth: because Christ paid for our sins, we are free to love and to forgive. The table becomes a place where grace is recalled and where we rehearse the life of a forgiven people. We share both the meal and the responsibility to live in ways that show we have been forgiven.
Matthew 26:28
“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” – Matthew 26:28
Colossians 1:14
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” – Colossians 1:14
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Hebrews 10:19
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,” – Hebrews 10:19
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” – Psalm 103:12
communion verses in the bible
Communion in the Early Church — Practice and Example
When we look at communion verses in the bible, we see how the early church practiced the Lord’s supper. They met together, broke bread, prayed, and shared life. These small acts show that communion was part of ordinary Christian life, not a distant ritual. In Acts and Paul’s letters we read about gatherings where people ate together and remembered Jesus. Sometimes Paul corrected wrong behavior to protect the meaning of the meal. These stories teach us to value honesty, care, and proper order in worship. The early church’s example reminds us that communion is both celebration and discipline. It feeds our souls and forms our community. We learn to keep the meal simple, focused, and full of love. This pattern helps us practice the faith faithfully and to pass the blessing to others.
Acts 2:42
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” – Acts 2:42
Acts 20:7
“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” – Acts 20:7
1 Corinthians 11:17
“Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.” – 1 Corinthians 11:17
1 Corinthians 11:33
“Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.” – 1 Corinthians 11:33
Luke 24:30
“And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.” – Luke 24:30
communion verses in the bible
Future Hope — Communion and the Lord’s Return
Finally, communion verses in the bible look forward. When Jesus said we proclaim his death till he come, he pointed to a future reunion. Communion points us ahead to the times when Christ will come and our hope will be complete. The meal looks back at the cross and forward to the wedding feast of the Lamb. This two-way focus helps us keep perspective: we live now with grateful hearts and hopeful eyes. The cup and bread remind us that Jesus promised a better day when we will celebrate fully in God’s kingdom. That future hope gives meaning to our present gatherings and strengthens our endurance in hard times. We find comfort knowing the table points to a final feast where sorrow ends and joy begins. By keeping this hope before us, communion helps us live in faith and patience until the Lord returns.
Revelation 19:9
“And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” – Revelation 19:9
Matthew 26:29
“But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” – Matthew 26:29
Luke 22:16
“For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” – Luke 22:16
Isaiah 25:6
“And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.” – Isaiah 25:6
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.” – 1 Corinthians 11:26
Final Thoughts
I have invited us to read and reflect on communion verses in the bible so we can grow in understanding and practice. We saw how Jesus began the meal, what the bread and cup mean, how the early church lived with this practice, and how the table points to a future hope. We learned that communion calls us to examine our hearts, to forgive, and to live in unity.
We can carry these lessons into our own gatherings by preparing our hearts, being gentle with one another, and remembering the deep love that Jesus showed at the cross. Communion is simple, but it holds powerful meaning for daily life and for our shared future.
As we go forward, let us come to the table with honesty and hope, knowing we meet Christ there and that his promise holds for us all. May our remembrance lead to faithful living and joyful expectation until he returns.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Blog
30 Important bible verses about selflessness (With Explanation)