COMMUNION AND THE COVENANT MEAL
Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice and Participating in the Blessings of the New Covenant
- Key Scripture (NKJV)
1 Corinthians 11:25-26
“In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.”
- Supporting Scriptures (3–5 Passages)
- Luke 22:19-20
- Exodus 12:1-14
- Matthew 26:26-28
- John 6:53-57
- Hebrews 9:15
- Introduction
Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is one of the most significant ordinances given to the Church. It is far more than a religious tradition or symbolic ceremony. Communion is a covenant meal established by Jesus Christ to help believers remember His sacrifice, celebrate their redemption, and participate by faith in the benefits of the New Covenant.
Throughout Scripture, covenant relationships were often confirmed through a shared meal. In the Old Testament, the Passover meal commemorated Israel’s deliverance from Egypt through the blood of the lamb. In the New Testament, Jesus fulfilled the Passover by becoming the Lamb of God whose Blood established an eternal covenant.
Every time believers partake of Communion, they proclaim the victory of the Cross, remember Christ’s atoning work, and renew their faith in the promises secured through His Body and Blood.
- Theological Foundation
The Father’s Role
The Father planned redemption and established the New Covenant through His Son.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.”
Communion reminds believers of the Father’s love and covenant faithfulness.
The Son’s Role
Jesus instituted Communion on the night before His crucifixion and identified the cup as the New Covenant in His Blood.
Luke 22:20
“This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.”
Through His sacrifice, Jesus became both the covenant mediator and the covenant sacrifice.
The Holy Spirit’s Role
The Holy Spirit reveals the significance of Christ’s sacrifice and helps believers partake with understanding, faith, and gratitude.
John 14:26
“He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”
The Spirit makes the realities of the New Covenant alive within the believer.
Covenant Significance
Communion is a covenant meal that continually reminds believers of the promises, privileges, and responsibilities of their relationship with God through Christ.
The cup represents Christ’s Blood shed for forgiveness and reconciliation. The bread represents His Body given for redemption and wholeness.
Practical Application
Because of Communion:
- We remember Christ’s sacrifice.
- We strengthen our faith in God’s promises.
- We proclaim the Lord’s death and resurrection.
- We celebrate covenant relationship with God.
- We examine our hearts and renew our devotion to Christ.
- Deep Study Points
- Communion Originates in the Passover
The Lord’s Supper is rooted in the Passover celebration.
Exodus 12:13
“When I see the blood, I will pass over you.”
The Passover lamb pointed prophetically to Jesus, the true Lamb of God who would deliver humanity from sin and judgment.
- The Cup Represents the New Covenant
Jesus specifically connected the cup to His Blood.
Matthew 26:28
“For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
Every Communion service reminds believers that their relationship with God is based on covenant grace rather than human effort.
- The Bread Represents Christ’s Body
The broken bread symbolizes Christ’s suffering on behalf of humanity.
Isaiah 53:5
“By His stripes we are healed.”
The Body of Christ speaks of redemption, healing, and restoration.
- Communion Is a Proclamation of Victory
Communion is not merely a remembrance of Christ’s death but also a declaration of His triumph.
1 Corinthians 11:26
“You proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.”
Believers publicly declare that Satan has been defeated and redemption has been accomplished.
- Communion Calls for Self-Examination
Communion invites believers to examine their hearts before God.
1 Corinthians 11:28
“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.”
This examination is not intended to produce condemnation but to encourage sincere repentance and renewed fellowship with God.
- Greek Word Study
“Remembrance” — Anamnēsis (ἀνάμνησις)
Luke 22:19
Meaning:
- Recollection
- Memorial
- Active remembrance
Communion is not merely recalling historical events but intentionally remembering and applying Christ’s finished work.
“Covenant” — Diathēkē (διαθήκη)
Luke 22:20
Meaning:
- Covenant
- Testament
- Binding agreement
The New Covenant is God’s binding promise established through the Blood of Jesus.
- Cross References
- Exodus 12:1-14
- Psalm 105:37
- Isaiah 53:4-6
- Jeremiah 31:31-34
- Matthew 26:26-28
- Luke 22:19-20
- John 6:53-57
- 1 Corinthians 10:16
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-30
- Hebrews 9:15
- Life Application
Communion should never become a routine religious exercise. It is an opportunity to remember Christ’s sacrifice, renew faith in God’s promises, and celebrate covenant relationship with Him.
This week:
- Take Communion thoughtfully and prayerfully.
- Reflect on Christ’s sacrifice.
- Thank God for redemption and forgiveness.
- Examine your heart before the Lord.
- Reaffirm your commitment to walk faithfully with Christ.
- Reflection Questions
- What does Communion mean to you personally?
- How does Communion strengthen your faith in Christ’s finished work?
- Why is the New Covenant central to the Lord’s Supper?
- How does Communion connect to the Passover?
- What areas of your life need renewed surrender to Christ?
- Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of Communion and for the New Covenant established through the Blood of Jesus. Thank You for the forgiveness, redemption, healing, and restoration purchased through Christ’s sacrifice. Help me never to take Communion lightly but to approach it with reverence, gratitude, and faith. As I remember Your sacrifice, strengthen my relationship with You and deepen my appreciation for the covenant blessings secured through the Cross.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
- Five Declarations
- I remember and honor Christ’s sacrifice through Communion. (Luke 22:19)
- I live under the blessings of the New Covenant established by Jesus’ Blood. (Luke 22:20)
- I proclaim the victory of the Cross until Christ returns. (1 Corinthians 11:26)
- I have forgiveness of sins through the Blood of Jesus. (Matthew 26:28)
- I participate in covenant fellowship with God through Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:16)
- Call to Action
The next time you partake of Communion, do so with fresh understanding and faith. Take time to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus, thank Him for the covenant blessings secured through His Blood, and renew your commitment to follow Him wholeheartedly. Let Communion become more than a ritual—let it be a meaningful celebration of your redemption, your covenant relationship with God, and the victory won through the Cross.