Jesus Gave Thanks
Scheduled for January 26
(Mat
26:26-27 NIV) While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and
broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take
and eat; this is my body." {27} Then he took the cup, gave
thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink
from it, all of you.
We
have often read this passage at the time of Communion. It is, of course,
supremely important, but I suggest to you that we have often missed an
important part of it. Notice that before giving the bread and wine to his
disciples, he “gave thanks.”
One
of the first things we teach a child is to say “Thank you.” It is probably the
first of the social graces, but some of us have yet to master it. We are told
in the Scripture to give thanks “in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
I remember the old story about the soldier who was about to face an artillery
bombardment: “For what we are about to receive, Oh Lord, may we truly be
thankful.” I’ve never been shot at in anger, but I think I’d have a hard time
being thankful for being shelled.
How
then, can Jesus be thankful in these circumstances? Surely He knew that He was
going to the cross. Yet, in the face of the agony of the cross and the death
to follow, he “gives thanks.” Some might think this just a matter of form, of
politeness, of ritual -- a custom, nothing more. I think not.
The
form he was following was that of the Passover. It looked back to the
deliverance of Israel from Egypt; it also looked forward to the sacrifice on
the cross. God created the first use -- with its giving of thanks -- with the
second use in mind. It is therefore appropriate that Jesus gave thanks at this
time. We sometimes forget that Jesus was completely human, as well as
completely God. I submit he gave thanks for these reasons:
·
First, it set for us an excellent
example. Every time we eat this bread and drink this cup we should give thanks
for what the Lord has done.
·
Next, he gave thanks in that his
hour had finally come. There is a sense of anticipation here. Jesus came to
be the sacrifice; the mission was almost complete.
·
Finally, he gave thanks on behalf
of us -- the people who needed him. It is no sin to thank God on behalf of
your friends.. Indeed, we are commanded to rejoice with those who rejoice and
mourn with those who mourn.
Our greatest friend did just that with us.
For
us, there is an even greater reason to give thanks: our salvation. With his
blood we were purchased; with his body we were freed. Surely, then, “give
thanks” is the least we can do.
