What is the significance of communion — In Biblical Context
Communion (the Lord's Supper) is the sacred meal Jesus instituted at the Last Supper, where bread and wine represent His body and blood given for the forgiveness of sins.
Communion (the Lord's Supper) is the sacred meal Jesus instituted at the Last Supper, where bread and wine represent His body and blood given for the forgiveness of sins.
"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. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you." — Luke 22:19-20 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
At the Last Supper, Jesus took bread, broke it, and said 'This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.' He then took the cup, saying it was 'the new testament in my blood.' Christians have observed this meal ever since as a central act of worship. Different traditions understand communion differently: Roman Catholics believe in transubstantiation (the elements become Christ's actual body and blood), Lutherans hold to a real spiritual presence, and many Protestants view it as a memorial and proclamation of Christ's death. Paul warned against taking communion in an unworthy manner and called believers to examine themselves first.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Luke 22:19-20, sits inside Luke 22. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."
Supporting Passages
"For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come."
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