Jesus was grateful for daily bread. One day, when the people were hungry, and there was little to eat, Jesus took the resources available to Him. Lifting His eyes to heaven, the Lord blessed the food, and a miracle took place.
“And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place. 13 But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people. 14 For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company. 15 And they did so, and made them all sit down. 16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. 17 And they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.” (Luke 9:12-17)
Jesus was grateful for answered prayer. At the gravesite of His friend Lazarus, Jesus was determined that His friend should walk out of the tomb. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone.” (John 11:19) “Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.” (John 11:41-43)
Jesus was grateful for the Cross. Despite the hardship and violence associated with the Cross, Jesus gave thanks for those emblems which spoke of His great ordeal. “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. 21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. 22 And truly the Son of man goeth, as it was determined: but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!” (Luke 22:19-22)
Communion looks back to the Cross. It looks forward to the return of Jesus. It looks around in love.
Like Jesus, let every Christian be thankful for God’s gracious provisions in life. Let every Christian gives thanks to God for answered prayer. Let every believer remember the Lord’s death until He comes, and be grateful for so great a salvation.
