Topical Bible: Thanksgiving: Christ Set an Example of

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Thanksgiving is a central theme in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who consistently demonstrated gratitude to God the Father. His example serves as a model for believers, illustrating the importance of a thankful heart in all circumstances.

Jesus' Thankfulness in Prayer

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is depicted as frequently giving thanks to God, particularly in His prayers. One notable instance is found in the account of the feeding of the five thousand. Before miraculously multiplying the loaves and fishes, Jesus offers thanks: "Then Jesus took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed them to those who were seated" (John 6:11). This act of gratitude not only precedes the miracle but also underscores the importance of acknowledging God's provision.

Another significant moment of thanksgiving is seen at the Last Supper. As Jesus prepares to institute the Lord's Supper, He gives thanks: "And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is My body'" (Matthew 26:26). Here, Jesus expresses gratitude even as He faces imminent suffering, highlighting the depth of His thankfulness.

Thanksgiving in Jesus' Miracles

Jesus' miracles often include expressions of gratitude, demonstrating His reliance on and acknowledgment of the Father's power. In the raising of Lazarus, Jesus prays, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me" (John 11:41). This prayer of thanks occurs before Lazarus is raised, showing Jesus' confidence in God's will and His gratitude for the Father's listening ear.

Teaching on Thanksgiving

Jesus also taught His followers about the importance of thanksgiving. In the healing of the ten lepers, only one returns to give thanks, prompting Jesus to ask, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where then are the other nine?" (Luke 17:17). This account emphasizes the expectation of gratitude and the spiritual significance of acknowledging God's blessings.

Thanksgiving in Jesus' Life and Ministry

The life of Jesus is a testament to a continual attitude of thanksgiving. His gratitude is not limited to moments of abundance or joy but is present even in times of trial and anticipation of suffering. This consistent thankfulness is a profound example for believers, encouraging them to cultivate a heart of gratitude in all aspects of life.

In summary, Jesus Christ set a powerful example of thanksgiving through His prayers, miracles, and teachings. His life reflects a deep-seated gratitude to God, serving as a model for believers to emulate in their own spiritual journeys.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hid these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them to babes.
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Matthew 26:27
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink you all of it;
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John 6:11
And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
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John 11:41
Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank you that you have heard me.
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Library

The Life of Mary is Set Before virgins as an Example...
... of Mary be as it were virginity itself, set forth in ... and, "I will offer unto God
thanksgiving, and pay ... without hesitation call altars, on which Christ is daily ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ii the life of.htm

Christ's Peace
... will, through that dear Son who has set the example ... will continue, even though we
have Christ's peace in ... by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let our ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/christs peace.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... Jesus, our blessed pattern, has set before us a ... to grant us, through Christ, the
things ... of adoration, confession, supplication, intercession, and thanksgiving. ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

On the Incarnation and Redemption
... He offered a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and he and his family ... Christ went through
all the stages of life that each ... did not become an old man to set an example ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 7 on the incarnation.htm

The Ordinances of the New Testament.
... it not the communion of the body of Christ?" 1:Cor ... lift his hands to God in petition
or praise and thanksgiving. ... Jesus set the example and intends his own to do ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter viii the ordinances of.htm

Let Your Hearts be Much Set on Revivals of Religion. ...
... invited all who really meant to accept Christ to pass ... "Toward night a pouring rain
set in, the ... The Monday was consecrated to thanksgiving, a practice not then ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter xii let your hearts.htm

Jeremy Taylor -- Christ's Advent to Judgment
... country, and Sodom and her sisters are set forth for ... ourselves to God every morning,
and the thanksgiving to God ... men of Nineveh, and all by Christ, their Judge ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/jeremy taylor christs advent.htm

Wesley Begins Field-Preaching
... Monday, May 7."I was preparing to set out for ... more convenient place, where I preached
Christ to about a ... was laid with the voice of praise and thanksgiving. ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley begins field-preaching.htm

It is a Ground for Thanksgiving that During the Last Three or Four ...
... It is a ground for thanksgiving that during the ... that purpose, they shall themselves
be set aside and ... Because they rejected God's Christ, Israel shall receive ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/it is a ground for.htm

Formalities of Prayer: Conclusion
... And last of all, one should bring prayer to an end ascribing glory to God through
Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit ... Of thanksgiving, this may be set forth as ...
/.../origen/origen on prayer/chapter xx formalities of prayer .htm