I have been meditating on the five situations (yes, only five), described in the gospels where Jesus is observed explicitly and verbally giving thanks. Color me shocked: that so few occurrences exist.
Two of those situations were in relation to giving thanks in advance for miraculous provision of physical food for two huge crowds who came to listen to Jesus’ teaching (4,000 in Mark 8:1-13; and 5,000 in Matthew 14:13-21). When those who had come to hear his message needed refreshment, he knew it was in his Father’s interest to oblige.
Another memorable example of Jesus giving verbal thanks transpired during the time when elements of his last Passover meal with his disciples were served (Luke 22:14–20). He pronounced the rich, eternal significance of that meal .
“I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”
Luke 22:15–16 NET
Luke 10:13-24 and Matthew 11:20-30 describe a setting where Jesus rebuked the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida for their refusal to repent and follow him after seeing his many miracles. At that point, he turned to thank his Father for revealing his full identity to those who accept him simply, as children do, but not to the “smart guys” only capable of scrutinizing him out of consideration as governor over their lives.
At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your gracious will.”
“All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son decides to reveal him. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.” Matthew 11:25-30 NIV
So Jesus insisted that the main benefit of his being on earth is that humans listen, repent (turn from paths of rebellion against God) and follow him — it’s not that difficult.
The remaining event where Jesus gives thanks is in John 11:11-37, the story of the death and raising of his friend Lazarus.
…. Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you that you have listened to me. I knew that you always listen to me, but I said this for the sake of the crowd standing around here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, he shouted in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The one who had died came out, his feet and hands tied up with strips of cloth, and a cloth wrapped around his face. Jesus said to them, “Unwrap him and let him go.” John 11:41-44 NIV
My takeaway is this: Jesus was, is and remains fully committed to this mission.
No other way to the Father exists besides through Jesus. Our decision about him is absolutely critical.
Jesus’ foremost purpose for satisfying the physical hunger of crowds gathered to hear his wisdom (who were celebrating holy convocations and experiencing his miracles), is that as many of us as possible will place our full trust in the King of Kings. Furthermore, it’s urgent we do so.
Consider relinquishing the concept that gratitude is a scientific formula for success in earthly enterprises or personal health and well-being. Ask God to reorient your gratitude toward his ultimate goal: the way to honor Jesus as King.
When you pray, do not babble repetitiously like the Gentiles because they think that by their many words they will be heard. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. So pray this way:
“Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored,
may your kingdom come,
may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:7-10 NET
by Kathleen Petersen
