This post is part of a 40-day journey following Jesus in his prayer life. We’ll explore virtually every reference in the Gospels to Jesus and prayer. For a more in-depth treatment, see my book Prayers from the Pit.
“When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. And as they were eating, he said, ‘Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.’ And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, ‘Is it I, Lord?’ He answered, ‘He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.’ Judas, who would betray him, answered, ‘Is it I, Rabbi?’ He said to him, ‘You have said so.’ Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my body.’ And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom’” (Matt. 26:20-29 ESV)
Matthew provides another glimpse of prayer as blessing. What a stunning contrast–Jesus reveals his betrayer but then blesses the bread and gives thanks for the cup! Having identified this traitor, Jesus has every reason to grieve. Instead, he gives thanks.
Here, the act of blessing is an act of thanksgiving. Jesus gives thanks to God for the bread and the cup, for all it represents in the Passover meal, and for all it represents now in light of the cross. Even in the face of discouragement, Jesus finds a reason for delight. Though all else may be in danger, Jesus expresses gratitude for the small that remains.
Is there something in your life that leads you to groan or grieve? In spite of that trial, for what could you give thanks today? Even if it is for something as small as a slice of bread or a cup of water, give thanks today for it.
