On numerous occasions scripture teaches us that Jesus gave thanks before eating.  Matthew wrote about the 2 times Jesus fed large crowds.  Matthew 14:15-20 describes the feeding of the 5,000 +.   “As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”  Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”   “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.   “Bring them here to me,” he said.  And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.  They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.”

Then again in Matthew 15:35-37 Jesus fed 4,000 +.    ^“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. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.”

Jesus’ actions show his attitude of gratitude for the source of all power and provision which is God himself.  God promises to provide what we need.  We need to be grateful, like Jesus was, even before we receive.  His blessing of thanks was an act of thanking God for the gift of food or provision God was about to provide.

What about you?  Is there a lesson in the feeding of the 5,000 or 4,000 for you and me about thanks?  I am convicted by Jesus’ action and attitude.  He was thankful for God’s provision and confident that God was able to provide through him.  Do I show that kind of faith in God’s provision?  Jesus did not have to feed all those people.  He could have sent them away to get their own food but he didn’t.  He demonstrated God’s power and provision by turning a little into a lot.  Will you trust Him today to turn your little into a lot for Him?  Practice giving Him thanks before He acts, showing your gratitude and faith.

Looking to Jesus as our example and Lord,

Linda