In one episode of the TV cartoon show, The Simpsons, Bart, the Simpson’s son, is asked to say “grace” before a family meal. He prays, “Dear God, we paid for all this stuff ourselves, so thanks for nothing.”In very stark contrast, Jesus, God’s Son, often thanked the Father for His blessings.
Jesus thanked God before meals. In the Gospel According to Matthew and in the Gospel According to John, Jesus stopped to give thanks to God before feeding crowds in the thousands.
In the Gospel According to Mark, Jesus paused twice to give thanks to God before eating His “Last Supper” with His disciples the evening before His crucifixion.
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. (Mark 14:22-23)
Jesus prayed and gave thanks to God, even during the most difficult times of His life. As He grieved the death of His friend Lazarus, Jesus prayed, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.” (John 11)
Even in Jesus’ wonderful prayer just before He was arrested (John 17), there is a definite tone of gratitude to the Father as Jesus looked forward to the completion of His mission and prayed for the protection of His disciples.
True thankfulness is an extremely beneficial state of mind. It moves us away from selfishness. It moves our focus toward others, and especially toward God, the Giver of the very best gifts. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father….” says James 1:17.
It is therefore fitting that we dedicate at least one day each year as our national Thanksgiving Day. Let’s remember why we celebrate it and to Whom we owe thanks.
An “Attitude of Gratitude” is not only Christ-like, it is a mark of a positive life.