Like baptism, communion is a sacrament that Jesus instructs his followers to partake in—but the frequency and meaning of the act vary across different Christian movements and denominations.
At its more basic level, communion is the worshipful practice of taking bread and wine (or in many cases grape juice) as memorial of what Jesus endured on the cross for mankind, of our present relationship with him, and of our future shared victory over sin and death.
It was first established by Jesus during a meal with his disciples on the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread or Passover.
While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”—Matthew 26:26–29