Devotion:
Read Matthew 26:20-30.
I’ve often wondered what Jesus was giving thanks for at this moment. He broke the bread to remember his body and drank from the cup to remember his blood. 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. Perhaps he was giving thanks for his followers, gathered there in that upper room, who would soon take on the work of His ministry. They would soon begin proclaiming the news of his death and resurrection around the world. Jesus may also have been giving thanks that God’s plan to restore the people and world he loved so much was unfolding even as they prayed and ate.
Personal Worship Option:
I’m taken by this. If Jesus gave his heart in gratitude to God even as he stood under the shadow of the cross, how much more, as recipients of his forgiveness and grace, should we offer our appreciation and thanksgiving to God—always! Thank you, Jesus, for the sacrifice of yourself and for the forgiveness of all our sins.
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