“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.’” [Matthew 26:27–28]
WITHIN HOURS OF HIS ARREST, HIS TRIAL, and ultimately His crucifixion—on a night when Jesus, from a human perspective, had every reason for giving in to self-pity, resentment, and murmuring—the Son instead spoke words of thanks to His heavenly Father, words that flowed from a thankful heart.
This was not just an obligatory blessing offered up before a meal. He understood that these emblems in His hands represented His own body and blood, soon to be broken and poured out in horrific fashion for the salvation of sinful man. And yet when you harmonize the gospel accounts, it appears that Jesus paused at least three times during the Passover observance to give thanks—to say in effect, “Father, I gladly surrender Myself to Your calling for My life, whatever the cost.”
He gave Himself to God and to the world not under coercion but with abandon—even with gratitude—thankful for the privilege of obeying His Father and fulfilling the mission He had been sent to earth to complete.
My own heart is convicted as I write these words, thinking how often my service for the Lord and others is tinged with shades of reservation or clouded with resentment over the price to be paid. Perhaps you feel the same inner conviction of His Spirit. Then, oh, may the thankful Spirit of Christ overflow our hearts, motivated by His example and enabled by His power. May He forgive us for our thankless self-absorption and help us to live lives—like His—of costly gratitude.
For what circumstances or aspects of your calling are you the least inclined to be thankful at this moment? Can you—will you—lift your “cup” up to the Lord and give thanks? [The Quiet Place]
