The History of Communion: A Sacred Tradition That Still Speaks Today
Communion—also known as the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist—has been practiced for more than 2,000 years. It’s one of the most recognized and unifying acts of Christian worship across denominations, cultures, and generations. It is practiced by groups, families, and individuals in churches, small gatherings, and homes. But to fully appreciate its significance in our everyday lives today, it’s important to look back at where it began: a dinner table in an upper room, shared by Jesus and His closest followers on the night before His crucifixion. The History of the First Communion: A Moment That Changed Everything The roots of Communion stretch back to Jesus’ final Passover meal and is often referred to as the Last Supper. This was the last Passover meal Jesus had with His disciples here on Earth. This moment is preserved in three Gospel accounts. Each Gospel offers a slightly different lens on the same extraordinary event that took place. The different accounts combine to form a more accurate picture and offer us a deeper understanding of the importance of the events: Matthew 26:26–29 – Jesus breaks the bread (signifying that His body would be broken and torn to pieces), blesses it, passes it around and tells His disciples, “…Take and eat; this is my body.” He then takes the cup filled with wine (signifying His blood that was about to be poured out as a sacrifice for us), offering it as “…my blood of the covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Mark 14:22–25 – Mark echoes this moment with a vivid simplicity, showing Jesus redefining the familiar Passover elements into symbols of His coming sacrifice. Luke 22:14–23 – Luke adds even deeper relational context as Jesus says, “Do this in remembrance of me.” This phrase is the queue to us in today’s world and became the foundation for the continued Christian practice of Communion on holidays, at sacred events, and during our regular prayers services in churches, small groups, and at home. In this single meal, Jesus transformed an ancient ritual into a new covenant—one that invited His followers to remember His sacrifice, anticipate His return, and live in unity through His grace. Why Does Participating in Communion Still Matter Today? Although centuries have passed since that night, on the deepest levels, Communion remains central to Christian life. It speaks to our fellowship with a living Christ and reminds us that we do not have to wait until we reach Heaven to have a fellowship with God because, as believers, we can have communion with Him now. On a more global level, as a Church of followers of Christ, it has additional powerful reasons: 1. It brings us back to the heart of the Gospel. Communion is a tangible reminder of Christ’s sacrifice—His body broken, His blood poured out for us—and the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-33) He made with us. Partaking of communion offers us moments of quiet reflection, anchoring us in gratitude and humility. 2. It unites believers. Whether in a large cathedral, a small rural church, a living room, or watching live online, followers of Jesus break bread (Acts 2:42-47) and participate in the same sacred act. Communion bridges denominations, generations, and cultures allows us to remember Him and grow in our faith together. 3. It strengthens our walk with Christ. Taking Communion shifts our focus back to God and reaffirms our commitment to follow and proclaim our eternal love of Christ until His return (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). It’s a moment to realign our hearts, confess where we’ve fallen short, and receive the grace freely given to us. Communion Can Happen Anywhere One of the beautiful truths of Communion is that it isn’t limited to a sanctuary or a Sunday morning service. While Scripture calls us to honor its meaning and approach it reverently, the setting can be deeply personal and flexible. You can take Communion: In your church with your congregation With your small group With your family at home Online with a worship community Or even alone, as part of your own devotional time with God Wherever you are, Communion offers the same invitation: remember Jesus, draw near to Him, and celebrate the hope He gives. Join Us in Keeping the Tradition Alive At CommunionLive, we believe Communion should be accessible, meaningful, and available to all believers. That’s why we offer high-quality, easy-to-use Communion supplies for churches, groups, and individuals. This ensures that nothing stands between you and this sacred moment. We also invite you to join us for one of our upcoming live online Communion events, where believers from around the world gather to worship, reflect, and remember Christ together. 👉 Order your Communion supplies today and be part of a community that celebrates faith—wherever you are.
