“After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took 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.”” (Luke 22:17–19, NIV)
The scene is a somber one but filled with love. Jesus knows he must leave his beloved apostles soon. He yet has much to share with them.
Jesus with the twelve apostles prepared to celebrate the Passover meal, sacred because it commemorated God’s great power in freeing his people from Egyptian slavery.
But God was soon to perform an even greater miracle. Through the sacrifice of the body and blood of Jesus, the whole world might be saved.
It is in the midst of this sacred scene that Jesus gives thanks to his father. Before passing around the cup of wine to be shared, Jesus gave thanks. Similarly, before passing around the bread to be shared, Jesus gave thanks.
In this foreshadowing of his death, offering up his body and blood, gratitude flowed from the heart and mouth of Jesus.
Facing the most difficult time of his earthly life, Jesus took the time to give thanks.
Do you thank God in the midst of trials? I have found that doing so allows me to shift my focus off my trial and to all that God has provided me.
Jesus gave thanks in the presence Judas, the one who would betray him and send him to a painful, humiliating death.
Even in the presence of your enemies, thank God for who he is and all he has done.
Thank like Jesus did.
Victoria Carrington 