What is the Holy Eucharist?

Definition and Terminology

The term “Holy Eucharist” is derived from a Greek word meaning “thanksgiving.” In various Christian traditions, it is also known as Communion, the Lord’s Supper, or the Table of the Lord. This sacred practice involves partaking of bread and wine (or grape juice in some congregations) in remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus. Although the ways different groups observe it can vary, it consistently signifies a believer’s participation in the death and resurrection of the Messiah.

Biblical Foundations

Scripture provides a direct basis for this observance. The most prominent passages appear in the Gospels and in Paul’s epistles. In the Gospel accounts describing the Last Supper, Jesus offers bread and wine as representations of His body and blood. From the Berean Standard Bible, Luke 22:19 records, “And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’” Similarly, 1 Corinthians 11:23–24 recounts Paul’s specific instructions, sourced from the Lord Himself, concerning how believers should come together to remember this sacrifice.

Old Testament Foreshadowing

In the Old Testament, the Passover lamb served as a significant image of substitutionary sacrifice. This feast commemorated the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12). The unblemished lamb was central to that celebration. This Old Testament pattern anticipates the Messiah as the ultimate Lamb of God (John 1:29), providing freedom from the bondage of sin. By tracing these themes, many have recognized the Holy Eucharist as the fulfillment of the Passover typology.

New Testament Institution

The Holy Eucharist was formally instituted by Jesus during the Passover meal with His disciples (Luke 22:15–20; Matthew 26:26–28). He imbued new meaning into the bread and the cup, explaining that they point to His atoning sacrifice. Early church records, such as portions of the Didache (an ancient Christian text dated to the late first or early second century), suggest that the earliest Christian communities closely followed these instructions handed down by the apostles.

Symbolism and Significance

The Eucharist is not merely a remembrance ceremony—it underscores profound spiritual truths. First, it ties directly to the crucifixion and resurrection, reminding believers of the price paid for salvation. Second, it unites participants in fellowship with the risen Messiah, affirming that they share in His life. Third, it provides an occasion for individual and corporate self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:27–29).

This sacred observance also reflects fellowship within the global community of believers, implying that “there is one body and one Spirit” (Ephesians 4:4). When taken together, the congregation declares its hope in the Savior’s return (1 Corinthians 11:26).

Historical Practice and Early Church

From the earliest days, believers gathered frequently to break bread (Acts 2:42). Sponsored by familial bonds, these gatherings often occurred in homes. Archaeological studies of first- and second-century Christian meeting places, including some findings in the Roman catacombs, reveal depictions of the shared meal—an enduring testament to the practice’s continuity. Early church fathers, such as Ignatius of Antioch in his letters, attest to the high regard the early Christian community held for the Eucharist, viewing it as central to communal worship and identity.

Connection to the Passover

The Last Supper was a Passover meal. Hence, the Eucharist has historically been viewed as an extension of Passover themes, showcasing Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb. The time, context, and language of the New Testament accounts underscore that Jesus perfected the centuries-old practice by pointing to Himself as the focal point. Jewish believers in the first century would have readily recognized how the Passover context deepened the reality of redemption, now culminating in the Messiah’s death and resurrection.

Modern Observances

Different Christian communities celebrate the Eucharist with varied frequency and slightly different customs. Some partake weekly, some monthly, and others according to a distinct schedule. Nonetheless, the essential elements remain: bread (symbolic of His body) and wine or grape juice (symbolic of His blood). The overarching purpose is to remember the Lord, proclaim His redemptive sacrifice, and look forward to His promised return.

When believers gather for the Eucharist, many also include teaching or reading from Scripture to maintain proper reverence and understanding. Preparatory prayer is often encouraged, in keeping with Paul’s admonition that participants should “examine themselves” (1 Corinthians 11:28).

Conclusion

The Holy Eucharist is a deeply significant ordinance that unites believers around the central events of the faith: the sacrificial death and resurrection of the Messiah. Rooted in biblical instructions and foreshadowed by Old Testament typology, it has been preserved in the practice of the early church and continues worldwide. Whether referred to as Communion, the Lord’s Supper, or the Table of the Lord, it bears witness to the Messiah’s past, present, and future work, inviting all who partake to draw near in gratitude and fellowship.