Most of us recently celebrated thanksgiving. For my family growing up we had a tradition where we would go around the table and say what we were most grateful for. For me I am most grateful for all of you. For our church community who lifts each other up, who shows up at milestones and even in the valleys. For my chosen family. I am thankful that God has brought us all together. Jesus also gave thanks to God and Mark 14:22-25, let us read together:
“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many. Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Background
The above versus take place at what most know as the last supper. However, this is a scene of a traditional Jewish Passover Seder. Jesus is a Jewish man and prior to him fulfilling the need of the law he honored the customs. When bread was eaten at a meal there was a blessing over it before it was shared. Modern teachers say that this blessing is 1) to give attention to the privileges of having food to eat in the first place and 2) the words of the blessing connects the meal to the messiah, Jesus Christ and his kingdom to come.
Blessing
Here is the blessing that it is believed Jesus spoke, “blessed are you Adonai our god, ruler of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.”
This is the Hebrew translation, “Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu melekh ha’olam hamotzi lehem min ha’aretz.”
Jesus is showing GRATITUDE in action as the Word tells us to!
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” -1 Chronicles 16:34
As stated earlier, teachers identify the bread as being connected to Christ’s Kingdom and his future reign, when all will have enough to eat not just the elites.
“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”-Revelation 21:1-5
God promises a new world, his home being with us, that he will comfort Us in the physical, no more pain, and no more death! God the Father promises no more suffering. Can you imagine?!
Back to the WHY
So, why did Jesus give thanks at the last supper? Yes, it was for the custom of blessing bread, yet there’s something deeper for us as Christ followers. Jesus was about to finally complete his ultimate mission. This mission is what God the Father sent God the son to do. To take on the sins of the world in order to give salvation access to everyone.
Conclusion
Just like jesus, we give thanks. We give thanks for all the blessings the Lord has provided in our lives. He has provided roofs over our heads, clothing on our backs, meals on our tables, friends, family, jobs, and more.
Let us recognize the privileges we have, let us not take them for granted. Let us help God’s kingdom by helping others get blessings just as we have been blessed. Keep this sense of gratitude as we come to the end of the year. Amen?
Be blessed,
-Pastor Alex