Communion is one of the most sacred practices in Christianity, but many believers still wonder: Is it just symbolic, or is Jesus truly present in it? This article explores what Jesus actually said during the Last Supper and unpacks key Scriptures like John 6 and 1 Corinthians 11. We also look at how early Christians understood Communion—not just as a reminder, but as a real, powerful participation in Christ’s body and blood.
Whether you’ve grown up thinking Communion is only symbolic or you’ve heard it’s something more, the truth is worth digging into. Jesus didn’t leave His words open to easy interpretation, and the early church treated this practice with deep reverence. Keep reading to understand the history, theology, and life-changing meaning behind Communion—and how it can transform your faith today.
If you’ve ever taken Communion at church and wondered, “Is this just a symbol, or is there something more going on here?”—you’re not alone. This question has divided churches, theologians, and everyday Christians for centuries. Let’s look at what Jesus actually said about Communion, what early Christians believed, and what that means for you today.
What Is Communion?
Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist, is a Christian practice where bread and wine (or grape juice) are shared to remember Jesus’ death. It’s based on what happened the night before Jesus was crucified—during what we now call the Last Supper.
Jesus took bread, broke it, and said:
“This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
— 1 Corinthians 11:24
Then He took the cup and said:
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
— 1 Corinthians 11:25
The big question is this: when Jesus said, “This is my body” and “This is my blood”—did He mean that literally? Or was He speaking symbolically?
Two Main Views on Communion
Over time, Christians have formed two main views on this:
1. Symbolic View (Memorialism)
This view says the bread and wine are symbols—nothing more. They help us remember what Jesus did for us. They don’t actually become His body and blood.
This view is common in:
- Baptist churches
- Many non-denominational churches
- Evangelical circles
Key verse used:
“Do this in remembrance of me.”
— Luke 22:19
The focus here is on remembering, not literal transformation.
2. Real Presence View
This view says Jesus is truly present in the bread and wine—spiritually, or even physically, depending on the tradition.
- Catholics believe in transubstantiation, which means the bread and wine actually become Jesus’ body and blood, even though they still look and taste like bread and wine.
- Lutherans believe in sacramental union—Jesus is present in, with, and under the elements.
- Orthodox Christians also believe in a real presence but don’t define it philosophically.
- Anglicans/Episcopalians vary—some lean symbolic, others toward real presence.
Key verse used:
“Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.”
— John 6:53
This verse is central for those who believe Communion is more than symbolic.
What Did Jesus Actually Say?
Let’s dig into the original source—Jesus’ own words in the Bible.
At the Last Supper
Jesus said:
“This is my body… This is my blood…”
— Mark 14:22-24
He didn’t say, “This represents my body” or “This symbolizes my blood.”
Yes, He also said “do this in remembrance of me,” but He still used the word “is.” In Greek, it’s the word ἐστιν (estin), which means “is”—not “represents.” That’s not minor—it’s a big deal in theology.
John 6: A Key Chapter
In John 6, Jesus delivers a long teaching about being the Bread of Life:
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.”
— John 6:51
When people got confused or even offended by what He was saying, He didn’t soften the message. In fact, He doubled down:
“For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.”
— John 6:55
Some followers left Him because of this (John 6:66), but He didn’t clarify or say He was speaking symbolically. That’s telling.
Early Christians Took It Literally
The earliest Christians believed Jesus meant what He said. Here’s how we know:
- 1 Corinthians 11:27-29: Paul warns that if you take Communion “in an unworthy manner,” you’re sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.
He even says people have gotten sick or died for doing it carelessly. That’s not the language you’d use for a symbol. - Ignatius of Antioch (AD 110): He warned against people “who do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ.”
- Justin Martyr (AD 155): He wrote that the Eucharist is “not as common bread and drink,” but has been changed “into the flesh and blood of that Jesus.”
If you’re wondering what the early church believed, this is it—they took Communion seriously and literally.
Why It Matters
Whether Communion is just a symbol or something more changes how you approach it. Let’s break it down:
If It’s Just a Symbol:
- It’s a powerful reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice.
- It’s more about you remembering than about Jesus acting.
- You might take it less frequently or more casually.
If It’s More Than a Symbol:
- It’s a sacred encounter with the living Christ.
- You approach it with awe, preparation, even repentance.
- You expect spiritual nourishment and transformation.
What Should You Believe?
That’s between you and Scripture—but don’t decide lightly. Here are some guiding questions:
- Do Jesus’ words seem symbolic or literal in context?
- Why did so many early Christians die protecting this practice?
- Why did Paul issue such strong warnings about taking it wrongly?
Remember: Jesus could’ve clarified if He was being metaphorical. Instead, He let people walk away when they found His teaching hard.
Final Thoughts
So, is Communion just symbolic?
Short answer: Jesus never said it was “just a symbol.”
In fact, the Bible and church history suggest it’s something much deeper. Whether you believe in a literal transformation or a spiritual presence, Communion isn’t casual. It’s intimate, holy, and powerful.
When you take Communion, you’re not just remembering a past event—you’re participating in a present reality.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus said “This is my body,” not “This represents my body.”
- John 6 points to something deeper than symbolism.
- Early Christians believed in the real presence of Christ in Communion.
- Paul warned about taking Communion unworthily—suggesting it’s more than symbolic.
- Your view on Communion impacts how you live out your faith.
If this topic’s got you thinking, read John 6, Luke 22, and 1 Corinthians 11. Ask God for clarity. And next time you receive Communion, remember—you’re doing something ancient, sacred, and potentially life-changing.
🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Communion just a symbol?
Not according to Scripture and early Christian belief. While some denominations teach it’s symbolic, Jesus’ words and actions suggest it’s much more than that.
2. What did Jesus actually say about Communion?
At the Last Supper, Jesus said, “This is my body… This is my blood,” (Mark 14:22-24) and in John 6, He emphasized that His flesh is “real food” and His blood is “real drink.”
3. What does “real presence” mean in Communion?
It means Jesus is truly present in the bread and wine—either spiritually or physically—depending on the theological tradition.
4. Why did some disciples leave Jesus after John 6?
Because His teaching on eating His flesh and drinking His blood sounded extreme. He didn’t clarify or call it symbolic, which caused many to walk away (John 6:66).
5. Do all Christians believe the same thing about Communion?
No. Beliefs range from strictly symbolic (like Baptists) to belief in the real presence (like Catholics, Orthodox, and many Anglicans and Lutherans).
6. Did early Christians take Communion literally?
Yes. Writings from church fathers like Ignatius of Antioch and Justin Martyr show they believed the bread and wine became Christ’s body and blood.
7. What does Paul say about Communion in 1 Corinthians 11?
Paul warns against taking Communion unworthily, saying it brings judgment and even sickness—implying it’s more than symbolic.
8. What is transubstantiation?
It’s the Catholic belief that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ, even though their physical appearance doesn’t change.
9. Can you take Communion if you don’t fully understand it?
Yes, but Scripture encourages examining yourself and approaching it with reverence (1 Corinthians 11:28). Understanding deepens the meaning.
10. Why does this matter for my faith?
Because how you view Communion affects how you experience God’s presence, grace, and power in your spiritual life. It’s not just a ritual—it’s a sacred encounter.
