Messianic Ministry

Introduction of the Holy Communion

3 Nephi 18:1–4

Jesus tells his disciples to go get bread and wine for the crowd; when they return with the bread and wine, he breaks the bread, blesses it, and has them eat it, then tells them to feed it to the crowd.

And it came to pass that Jesus commanded his disciples that they should bring forth some bread and wine unto him. And while they were gone for bread and wine, he commanded the multitude that they should sit themselves down upon the earth. And when the disciples had come with bread and wine, he took of the bread and brake and blessed it; and he gave unto the disciples and commanded that they should eat. And when they had eaten and were filled, he commanded that they should give unto the multitude.

3 Nephi 18:5–7

Jesus explains that bread and wine are to be distributed to the people of his church in remembrance of his body.

And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the disciples:

“Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name.

“And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you. And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you.

“And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.”

3 Nephi 18:8–9

Jesus tells his disciples to take the wine and drink it, then let the people drink also.

And it came to pass that when he said these words, he commanded his disciples that they should take of the wine of the cup and drink of it, and that they should also give unto the multitude that they might drink of it. And it came to pass that they did so, and did drink of it and were filled; and they gave unto the multitude, and they did drink, and they were filled.

3 Nephi 18:10–16

Jesus explains to his disciples that the wine is in remembrance of his blood, and should be taken in to show a penitent heart willing to follow him.

And when the disciples had done this, Jesus said unto them:

3 Nephi 18:17–25

Jesus addresses the crowd, and teaches them to avoid temptation by praying, worshipping together, and coming unto him.

And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto his disciples, he turned again unto the multitude and said unto them:

3 Nephi 18:26–35

Jesus turns back to the disciples, and instructs them on how to properly administer the bread and wine.

And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words, he turned his eyes again upon the disciples whom he had chosen, and said unto them: