Communion - Holy Eucharist - What Is It Really?

Why do followers of Christ eat the bread and drink the wine at church?

Is it merely symbolic, or does something supernatural happen? And what’s the real significance of it all?

Let’s start with where it came from—Jesus Himself. In John 6:49–58, He said:

- “Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but still they died.”

- “Here is the bread that comes down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will never die.”

- “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever.”

- “This bread is my flesh, which I will give up so that the world may have life.”

- “Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life... My flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.”

On the surface, those words sound shocking—almost like cannibalism. But Jesus wasn’t speaking literally.

He often used vivid imagery and metaphors to communicate spiritual truths. This is one of the most hotly debated passages in all of Scripture.

Two Views Have Emerged:

Catholic View – Transubstantiation: Catholics believe the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Christ, though they retain the appearance of bread and wine. This sacred mystery is called transubstantiation.

Protestant / Christian View – Symbolic Remembrance: Most Protestant believers view Communion as a symbolic act, based on Jesus’ words at the Last Supper:

“Do this in remembrance of me.” — Luke 22:19

The bread and wine represent His body and blood, pointing to the deeper purpose—remembering His sacrifice.

So, What Did Jesus Mean? Personally, I believe Jesus was speaking symbolically. Here’s why:

“Be sure you do not eat the blood, because the blood is the life...” — Deuteronomy 12:23 (NIV)

God never rescinded this command. It would contradict His character for Jesus to suddenly command us to drink literal blood or eat human flesh. That’s not only unbiblical—it’s morally unthinkable.

Isaiah prophesied Christ’s suffering not to imply we’d physically consume His body, but to show the spiritual healing His sacrifice would bring:

“He was pierced for our transgressions... by His wounds we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

Jesus' body was broken, not for eating—but for believing.

His blood was poured out to cover our sin, not to be ingested physically, but received spiritually.

Why Is Communion So Important?

Because it’s not just a religious habit—it’s a sacred reminder. A heart check. A moment to pause and say:

“Jesus, I remember. I haven’t forgotten what You did for me. And I’m grateful.”

Communion reminds us of the cost of our salvation. It centers us on the cross. We live daily in the blessing of forgiveness, and this act helps us never forget where that blessing came from.

GOD, help us understand the sacred meaning of Communion. Let us never take lightly the broken body and spilled blood of our Savior. Teach us to live in daily gratitude for the price You paid to save us. IJNIP amen ♥️