Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:26-29 ESV).
One of my favorite memories of service during my years in Tennessee was the time I was able to volunteer to serve meals at the Nashville Rescue Mission. I have been able to do similar things in other places, though the times I went to the NRM I was always surprised at the number of people that were served. This was especially true during the holidays. I also was privileged to spend a bit of time with the people who were served after everyone was fed.
I remember one particular group I sat with as they finished their meal. An older man looked at me and asked, “What are you thankful for brother?” I wasn’t shocked or taken aback at all. As I began to tell him about my family I noticed everyone at the table had stopped eating and was really listening. As I stopped a younger woman, perhaps in her twenties, looked at me and said, “I wish I had a dad like you.” Only God could’ve given me my next words as I said, “You can have the best Dad in the world if you will believe in Jesus.” As tears began to slowly flow down her cheeks, she said, “I want to.” And then, the most marvelous thing happened. The older man took her hand and began to pray for her.
As I reflect on today’s reading, I wonder what Jesus was giving thanks for at this moment. He knew he would soon be betrayed by Judas. He had told his disciples that he would soon be crucified. In the coming day he would also be abandoned by his followers, denied by Peter, sentenced by the religious leaders, beaten and mocked by Roman soldiers, and hung on a cross to die. But in this moment Jesus gave thanks. Maybe he did it as an example, reminding his disciples and us of the importance of regularly giving thanks to God for our daily bread.
Or, perhaps He was giving thanks for His heavenly Father and the new family members He was about to welcome into the greatest relationship anyone could possibly imagine, all of this made possible by His sacrificial work of grace and mercy. That causes me to be thankful today. I hope it does the same for you!