Communion is more than a church tradition—it’s a powerful reminder of who Jesus is and what He’s done for you. When Christians eat the bread and drink the cup, they’re remembering the body and blood of Jesus given for their salvation. It’s a simple act with deep meaning: obedience to Christ, reflection on His sacrifice, unity with the church, and hope in His return.
This article breaks down the “why” behind communion and shows how it connects you personally to the gospel story. You’ll learn how it points back to the cross, centers your faith, and invites real heart-check moments. Keep reading to discover how communion can move from a ritual to a meaningful part of your spiritual life.
If you’ve ever wondered why Christians take bread and wine during church—or why it’s called “communion” or “the Lord’s Supper”—you’re not alone. It’s more than a ritual. It’s a moment packed with meaning, history, and purpose. At its core, communion is about remembering Jesus—His sacrifice, His love, and the new life He offers.
Let’s break down why this simple act is such a central part of the Christian faith, what it means, and why it matters to you.
What Is Communion?
Communion is a symbolic meal Christians share to remember the death of Jesus Christ. It usually includes:
- Bread, symbolizing His body
- Wine (or grape juice), symbolizing His blood
It’s based on what Jesus did at the Last Supper, the night before He was crucified.
“This is my body, given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” – Luke 22:19
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” – Luke 22:20
1. Jesus Told Us To Do It
This is the most basic reason: Jesus commanded it.
When Jesus broke the bread and passed the cup, He didn’t just say, “This is nice.” He said, “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). It’s not optional. He gave it as a regular, intentional act for His followers to carry on.
Paul later repeated this in 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, reminding the early church that communion was a way to proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
So when Christians take communion, they’re obeying a direct instruction from Jesus.
2. Communion Helps Us Remember What Matters Most
Let’s be honest—life gets noisy. It’s easy to forget the core of your faith when you’re juggling work, family, or even just trying to survive a tough week. Communion pulls you back to center.
When you take the bread and cup, you remember:
- Jesus died in your place
- His body was broken so yours could be healed
- His blood was shed so your sins could be forgiven
- You’re now part of the new covenant—a restored relationship with God
It’s a reset. A pause. A realignment of your heart around the gospel.
3. It’s a Picture of the Gospel
Communion visually represents the core of Christianity: that Jesus gave Himself up for us.
It’s not just a mental exercise. You hold it. You taste it. You experience it. That physical action helps drive the spiritual truth home.
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” – 1 Corinthians 11:26
Communion is like a sermon you can touch. You’re not just hearing about grace—you’re participating in it.
4. It Unites the Church
Taking communion isn’t just about you and God—it’s also about you and others.
In 1 Corinthians 10:17, Paul says:
“Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body, for we all share the one loaf.”
Communion reminds us that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. You’re not just a believer on your own—you’re part of the body of Christ.
It breaks down walls. It levels the playing field. Everyone comes to the table needing the same grace.
5. It Points to the Cross—and the Future
Communion looks backward to the cross, but it also looks forward to Jesus’ return.
“You proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” – 1 Corinthians 11:26
Every time you take it, you’re reminded that:
- Jesus didn’t just die—He rose again
- He’s coming back to set everything right
- The best is yet to come
It’s both a memorial and a hope-filled promise.
6. It Draws Us to Examine Our Hearts
Paul also gave a strong warning about communion:
“Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.” – 1 Corinthians 11:28
Communion is serious. It’s not a religious snack break. It’s sacred.
Before you take it, you should pause, confess sin, and check your heart. Are you holding bitterness? Living in disobedience? Trusting in your own strength instead of Jesus?
Communion invites you to deal with all of that—to come clean before God and receive His grace.
7. It Connects Us to a Bigger Story
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is one long story of redemption. And communion puts you right in the middle of it.
- Bread and wine appear all over Scripture—as signs of covenant, sacrifice, and fellowship
- Melchizedek served them to Abraham (Genesis 14:18)
- The Passover meal used unleavened bread and wine to remember deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12)
- Jesus fulfilled and redefined those symbols at the Last Supper
When you take communion, you’re not just remembering a moment—you’re entering into God’s eternal story of salvation.
What Happens During Communion?
Here’s a quick breakdown of what communion involves and why it matters:
| Element | Symbolism | Meaning for You |
| Bread | Jesus’ body, broken for you | You’re healed, forgiven, and made whole |
| Wine/Juice | Jesus’ blood, shed for the covenant | You’re covered, cleansed, and set apart |
| Action | Eat and drink in remembrance | You participate in the gospel and unity |
What If You’re Not Sure You’re Ready?
If you’re not a follower of Jesus, communion isn’t for you—yet. It’s meant for people who trust in Christ’s sacrifice.
But if you’re curious, convicted, or drawn to this grace, it’s an open invitation to come to Jesus first. Then, communion becomes deeply personal.
Final Thoughts
Communion isn’t just tradition. It’s not just bread and wine. It’s a powerful, physical reminder of what Jesus has done—and what He’s still doing.
Every time you take it, you’re:
- Obeying Jesus
- Remembering the cross
- Proclaiming the gospel
- Connecting with the church
- Looking forward to eternity
So don’t let it become routine. Let it remind you who you are, what Jesus did, and what it means to belong to Him.
Need help preparing for communion or leading others through it? I can help you build a reflection guide, a small group outline, or a prayer journal. Just let me know.
10 FAQs for “Why Christians Remember Jesus Through Communion”
1. What is communion and why do Christians observe it?
Communion is a symbolic act where Christians eat bread and drink wine (or juice) to remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. It’s based on the Last Supper and serves as a regular reminder of the gospel.
2. What does the bread represent in communion?
The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus, which was broken for humanity’s sins. It reminds believers of the physical suffering Jesus endured to bring salvation.
3. What does the wine (or juice) represent?
The wine represents the blood of Jesus, which was shed to establish a new covenant and bring forgiveness of sins. It’s a symbol of cleansing and grace.
4. Where did communion originate?
Communion started at the Last Supper, when Jesus shared bread and wine with His disciples the night before His crucifixion (Luke 22:19–20).
5. Why is communion important to Christians today?
It’s important because Jesus commanded it, it helps believers remember His sacrifice, and it connects the church in shared faith and hope for His return.
6. How often should Christians take communion?
The Bible doesn’t specify an exact frequency. Some churches take it weekly, others monthly or during special services. The key is doing it intentionally and with reverence (1 Corinthians 11:26).
7. Can anyone take communion?
Communion is meant for those who have put their faith in Jesus. It’s a sacred act for believers, not just a church tradition or public ritual.
8. What should you do before taking communion?
Paul urges believers to examine themselves (1 Corinthians 11:28). This means checking your heart, confessing sin, and approaching communion with humility and gratitude.
9. Does communion actually forgive sins?
No. Communion is a symbol that points to Jesus’ finished work. It doesn’t save you or forgive sin on its own—faith in Jesus does.
10. How does communion point to the future?
Communion not only remembers the cross but also looks ahead to Jesus’ return. It reminds us that we’re part of a bigger story that ends with Him restoring all things.
