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Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Observing How Jesus Gave Thanks

Image result for man giving thanks for food
1 Corinthians 11:24
and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”



1 Thessalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Introduction: 

Tomorrow is a day set aside to celebrate "Thanksgiving". Too often we rush by this important holiday to get ready for "Black Friday" or only focus on the food. Thanksgiving finds its purest expression in the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. I can think of no more appropriate person to look to give thanks nor learn from in giving thanks than Jesus Christ. 

In today's post I wanted to consider how Jesus gave thanks throughout his ministry.  How He gave thanks sets the pattern for the Christian in cultivating a thankful heart. Since giving thanks was common for Jesus throughout His earthly ministry, then it stands to reason that giving thanks leads to Christ-like-ness. Below I will list all the references we find in the Gospel accounts concerning the times in which Jesus gave thanks.  My prayer is that they edify and encourage you and me in our faith walk. 

Matthew 15:36
"and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people."

Matthew 26:27
"And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you."

Mark 8:6
"And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve to them, and they served them to the people."

Mark 14:23
"And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it."

Luke 22:17
"And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves."

Luke 22:19
"And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

John 6:11
"Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted."

John 6:23
"There came other small boats from Tiberias near to the place where they ate the bread after the Lord had given thanks."