The Character of Christ (17): Thanksgiving

Another aspect of Jesus’ character that may not be very apparent is Thanksgiving. While He walked as a man on the earth, Jesus gave us an impeccable example of a thankful heart. He gave thanks to the Father for everything, even the seemingly little things. In studying the life of Jesus, we would come to see that thanksgiving is very much linked with humility, as Christ gave thanks to the Father instead of ascribing glory to Himself.

The bible records in Matt. 15:36, that He had compassion on the multitude because they had been with Him for three days and had nothing to eat. He took the seven loaves and the fishes that they had, gave thanks, broke them, and gave to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And four thousand men, besides women and children were filled and the left-over filled seven large baskets. We see here that He offered a prayer of thanks to God. This was exactly the same thing He did when He fed the five thousand (John 6:11).

In addition, Luke 10:21 records that, after He had told the disciples to rejoice because their names are written in heaven, “in that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent, and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.” He offered up thanksgiving to the Father, that the counsel of God concerning man’s reconciliation to Himself was revealed to such ordinary and unlearned people as his disciples rather than scholars and philosophers.

In raising up Lazarus from the dead, the bible records in John 11:41 that Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father, I thank you that you have heard me. Even though, He is the Son of God, with authority, having life in Himself, and power to quicken whomever He wants, yet He ascribed glory to the Father. Also, whenever He had Holy Communion with His disciples, He always gave thanks. “And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, take this, and divide it among yourselves. And He took bread, and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave to them, saying, this is My body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:17,19)

Finally, a question Jesus asked after healing ten lepers as recorded in the Gospels clearly reveals His attitude towards thanksgiving and His expectation of us in that regard. Jesus had healed ten lepers of the most dreaded disease of the day (lepers were cut off from every aspect of normal life-they were not even allowed to be with their families or receive any greeting). However, only one of them came back to say “thank you.”“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.” (Luke 17:15) “Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:17–18) 

Friends, let us examine ourselves. Are you an ingrate? Do you take the blessings of God for granted? Do you assign thanks to God or do you take the glory? Are you too proud to attribute your successes to God and give thanks to Him? Are you engulfed in negativity, listing your misfortunes, or do you rejoice in the benefits God has given you?

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:18)

Oh Lord, transform us into your likeness, help us to be thankful like you!