Why Do Christians Do Communion?

Throughout the history of Christianity, communion has been known by many names—The Eucharist, The Lord’s Supper, The Last Supper, The Lord’s Table, The Lord’s Meal, The Breaking of Bread—but each term points to the same practice: a sacred act of remembrance and connection with Jesus. This tradition, which has been passed down through generations, invites us to step into a moment where the physical and spiritual worlds intertwine.

In the days of his life on Earth, Jesus often shared meals with his followers. It was during one of these meals, on the eve of his greatest trial, that he did something extraordinary. He took simple elements—bread and wine—and gave them new meaning. He asked his followers to take these everyday items often in the future and, whenever they did, to remember him.

Why would Jesus choose something as ordinary as bread and wine to be the symbols of such an extraordinary relationship? The answer lies in the nature of these elements themselves. They are tangible, something you can hold, taste, and smell. In a time when most people could not read or write, such physical symbols became powerful tools for storytelling and remembrance. Holding the bread and wine in their hands, the early followers of Jesus could recall his life, his teachings, and his ultimate sacrifice in a way that words alone could never fully capture.

Communion is like a living photograph from a time long before cameras existed—a way to visually and physically connect with the story of Jesus. When early Christians broke bread and shared the cup, they were not just thinking about Jesus; they were engaging with the very essence of his presence. It was, and still is, a moment where past and present meet, where the memory of Jesus is kept alive through simple, everyday actions.

But Communion is also about something more—it’s about a promise. In the Christian tradition, this act symbolizes a new covenant, a sacred agreement between the divine and humanity. Unlike earlier agreements, which were often sealed with rituals and laws, this new covenant was established through the life and actions of Jesus. It wasn’t about adhering to strict rules; it was about embracing a relationship built on love, grace, and forgiveness.

By participating in Communion, Christians are reminded of this ongoing relationship—a relationship that doesn’t rely on performance or perfection but on the deep, abiding love that Jesus demonstrated. It’s a reminder that we are invited into something larger than ourselves, something that transcends time and space, binding us together in a shared story of humanity’s hope and renewal.

So, when Christians gather to break bread and share the cup, they are not just following an ancient tradition; they are stepping into a living memory, a moment of connection with the divine. It’s a way to remember Jesus, not just as a figure of the past, but as a present reality, one who continues to invite us into a deeper, more meaningful life.