Costly Gratitude

He took a cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them. —Matthew 26:27

Within hours of His arrest, trial, and crucifixion—on a night when Jesus, from a human perspective, had reason to give in to self-pity and resentment—He instead spoke words of thanks to His heavenly Father.

This wasn’t just an obligatory blessing offered before a meal. He understood these emblems in His hands represented His own body and blood, soon to be broken and poured out for the salvation of sinful man. When you harmonize the Gospel accounts, it appears that Jesus paused at least three times during the Passover observance to give thanks—to say in effect, “Father, I gladly surrender Myself to Your calling, whatever the cost.”

My own heart is convicted, thinking how often my service for God and others is tinged with shades of reservation or clouded with resentment. Perhaps you feel the same. May the thankful Spirit of Christ overflow our hearts, motivated by His example and enabled by His power. May He forgive us for our thankless self-absorption and help us to live lives—like His—of costly gratitude.