With the season of Thanksgiving upon us, it’s instructive to remember Jesus’ thanks to His Father. He gave thanks before distributing the loaves and fishes to 5000, He gave thanks before calling Lazarus from the tomb, of course He gave thanks for bread and wine on the night He was betrayed, and He gave thanks for the Father’s gracious will that hides good things from the worldly wise and gives sight, and burden that is light, to His people.
At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:25–30 ESV)
Christian, your eyes have been opened by the Lord of heaven and earth, by the God of hope Himself, so that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you (Ephesians 1:18). Give thanks because You know the Father and the Son, and that you have rest for your soul in all the labors and sacrifices. Give thanks to the Father, He has enabled you to believe in the Son, and so has given you the right to become children of God (John 1:12).
Around the Lord’s Table we give thanks as a communion of seers.