Images © Sue Chastain
Bread symbolizes life. It is the nourishment that sustains life. Jesus said in John 6:35, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry." NIV) Bread also represents the physical body of Christ. At the Last Supper Jesus broke bread, gave it to his disciples and said, "This is my body given for you…" (Luke 22:19 NIV).
Wine represents God's covenant in blood, poured out in payment for mankind's sin. Jesus said in Luke 22:20, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you." (NIV) Believers partake of communion on a regular basis to remember Christ's sacrifice and all that he has done for us in his life, death and resurrection. The Lord's Supper is a time of self-examination and participation in the body of Christ. For more about Communion, visit What is Communion?