When Jesus Said "Thank You" Series

WHEN JESUS SAID "THANK YOU"

Matthew 15:35-37a, John 11:39, Luke 22:14-20

Two men were walking through a field one day when they spotted an ENRAGED BULL. Instantly they darted toward the nearest fence. The storming bull followed in hot pursuit, and it was soon apparent they wouldn't make it. Terrified, the one shouted to the other, "Put up a prayer, John. We're in for it!" John answered, "I can't. I've never made a public prayer in my life." "Do it now!" implored his companion. "The bull is catching us!" "All right," panted John, "I'll say the only prayer I know, the one my father used to repeat at the table: ‘O Lord, for what we are about to receive, make us truly thankful.'"

Two of the most gracious words in any language are "Thank You." Good parents teach their children as soon as they learn to talk to say thank you when they are helped or given something.

As children of God, we ought constantly to thank our Heavenly Father for all His benefits. The psalmist declared, "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise, give thanks to Him and praise His name" (Ps. 100:4).

Our thank you list to God could be endless and so should our praise. Make sure especially during this time of the year that you find a quiet moment, count your blessings, and thank the One who makes them possible. James said, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (Jas. 1:17). Our greatest gift is eternal life through God's Son, Jesus Christ. As Paul said, "thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Cor. 9:15,).

Jesus was the Creator of the universe and the only begotten Son of God, but He was also a thankful person. When He walked this earth, He expressed words of thanksgiving to His Father. When did Jesus say thank you?

I. JESUS GAVE THANKS FOR FOOD, Mt. 15:35-37a.

II. JESUS GAVE THANKS FOR ANSWERED PRAYER, Jn. 11:39.

III. JESUS GAVE THANKS FOR CALVARY'S CROSS, Lk. 22:14-20.

Matthew 15:35-37 says that before feeding the four thousand, "He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when He had given thanks, He broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. They all ate and were satisfied."

Our Lord knew that the grain for the bread came from fertile soil, renewing rain, and invigorating sunshine which brought about God's harvest time. The Master knew the fish came from the water God had given through rain or bubbled out of the earth. Jesus knew the necessary nourishment for the body was in the loaves and the fish. The disciples stated that their resources were inadequate. But Jesus intended to use these limited resources: "seven loaves and a few small fish" to feed a multitude. So filled with an attitude of gratitude He became the Source behind the substance. Then when He gave thanks the hand of God was revealed. After He blessed the food they had received, He gave it to the disciples and they gave to the crowd. It is to be assumed that as the disciples broke off bread and passed it, that the miracle kept happening in their hands; the bread continued to be present! [The Father provided the food through what ever channels open to Him to do so.]

So we see that Jesus gave thanks to God before He ate.

[NOT ALL GIVE THANKS] A godly farmer was asked to dine with a well-known gentleman. While there, he asked a blessing at the table as he was accustomed to do at home. His host said jeeringly, "That's old fashioned; it is not customary nowadays for well-educated people to pray before they eat." The farmer responded that with him it was customary, but that some of those on his farm never prayed over their food. "Ah, then," said the gentleman, "they are sensible and enlightened. Who are they?" "My pigs," the farmer answered.

II. JESUS SAID THANK YOU FOR ANSWERED PRAYER.

Jn. 11:38-42.

Jesus stood with tear stained face before the tomb of His friend, Lazarus, and told the people to "take away the stone"(John 11:39, NIV). With the grave stone taken away, the tension mounted. What would Jesus do?

Jesus then lifted up is eyes to overlook all the difficulties around Him, so that He might fixed His eyes upon divine omnipotence, instead of on unbelieving man; and directed His love and faith heavenward to His Father from whom He derived His power and hope.

Let's read John 11:41-42 as John continues to describe the scene. "then Jesus looked up and said ‘Father I thank You that You have heard Me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that You sent Me.'" His thanksgiving expressed the unshaken assurance that God heard and answered Jesus' prayer.