In this season of Thanksgiving, we are especially mindful of everything we are grateful. Interestingly, there are several passages in the Gospels that specifically mention Jesus giving thanks. Because He is our perfect example, we can learn from Him. Let’s consider a time when Jesus gives thanks for food.
In Matthew 15, Jesus visits a Gentile area and performs the less-famous, but no less amazing feeding of a crowd of four thousand-plus. Matthew 15:36 says, “and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples in turn, to the multitudes.” (NASB)
Jesus gave thanks to God for the food that was available. This one may actually be second-nature to us. One of the first prayers we learn as toddlers is “God is great. God is good, and we thank Him for our food,” or some variation. Because we’ve been doing it for so long, maybe it seems mundane or empty to pray over our food.
Giving thanks for our food is a witness.
Jesus’ ministry constantly pointed to the Father, and in giving thanks for the food, Jesus publicly acknowledged that ultimately GOD is the one who meets our needs. He reminds us that we have nothing, except what the Father provides. Giving thanks for our food helps us remain humble before God.
Giving thanks for our food is about more than food.
Our food is safe to eat. We have a wide variety of choices that are not only tasty, but have pleasing aromas and textures and visual appeal. There is a sophisticated delivery system in place to get us fresh fruits and vegetables regardless of season. Or we can shop a farmer’s market and pick up produce that We have a range of ways to prepare our food for millions of combinations. We have ways to store and preserve our food. We have the means to purchase the food we don’t grow ourselves. The stores are well-stocked. The products are labeled and inspected. And there are no doubt more things to be thankful for. To put it simply, there are a lot of pieces coming together to supply us with the food we eat. And God is over all of them.
Giving thanks for our food helps us spiritually reset throughout the day.
No matter how often you eat in a day, whether one, three or even five meals, that momentary entrance into God’s presence gives us the opportunity to stop and reset. How is our attitude? How is our temptation level? Even the small action of humbly thanking God for our meal helps us maintain a God-honoring demeanor, besides allowing us a minute or two of worship.
It’s such a simple thing – thanking God for our food and asking His blessing on it, but it’s definitely worth our time and effort. Jesus made it a point to thank God for His food. Surely, we can do the same.