In the Christian tradition, thankfulness to God before partaking in a meal is a practice deeply rooted in the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ. This act of gratitude is not merely a ritualistic formality but a profound acknowledgment of God's providence and sustenance. Jesus, throughout His earthly ministry, exemplified this practice, setting a precedent for His followers.

Biblical Instances of Thankfulness Before Meals

1. Feeding of the Five Thousand: One of the most notable instances of Jesus giving thanks before a meal is found in the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. In the Gospel of John, it is recorded: "Then Jesus took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed them to those who were seated, as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish" (John 6:11). Here, Jesus demonstrates gratitude to the Father before performing a miraculous act of provision, highlighting the importance of acknowledging God's hand in the provision of daily needs.

2. The Last Supper: Another significant moment is during the Last Supper, where Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper. The Gospel of Luke recounts: "And He took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me'" (Luke 22:19). In this sacred moment, Jesus not only gives thanks but also establishes a lasting ordinance for His disciples, intertwining gratitude with remembrance and worship.

3. The Road to Emmaus: After His resurrection, Jesus appears to two of His disciples on the road to Emmaus. As they sit to eat, "He took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and began to give it to them" (Luke 24:30). This act of giving thanks is pivotal, as it leads to the disciples recognizing Him. It underscores the revelatory power of gratitude in the presence of Christ.

Theological Significance

The act of giving thanks before meals, as modeled by Jesus, is rich with theological significance. It serves as a reminder of God's continuous provision and care for His creation. By giving thanks, believers acknowledge their dependence on God for sustenance, both physical and spiritual. This practice also fosters a spirit of humility and contentment, recognizing that all good gifts come from the Father above (James 1:17).

Furthermore, Jesus' example of thankfulness before meals is a call to cultivate a heart of gratitude in all circumstances. It is an invitation to see beyond the immediate provision to the Provider Himself, fostering a deeper relationship with God. Through this simple yet profound act, believers are encouraged to live lives marked by thankfulness, reflecting the character of Christ in their daily walk.Matthew 14:19
And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and broke, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
Nave's Topical Index

Mark 8:6,7
And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and broke, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people.
Nave's Topical Index

On Repentance and Remission of Sins, and Concerning the Adversary.
... 563] , and sent up these words of thankfulness to God ... such deeds, had made confession,
did God give him ... of the Apostles, denied the Lord thrice before a little ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture ii on repentance and.htm

1872 the Need of a Home Further West --Burning of the Marchmont ...
... a memory now; And yet, in humble thankfulness we bow ... I knew it would be five weeks
before I could ... of the late sad calamity, and God's wonderful interposition in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter iv 1872 the need.htm

On visiting the Sick
... lose an excellent means of increasing your thankfulness to God ... here you have a large
field before you; you ... for exercising all the talents which God has given you ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 98 on visiting the.htm

The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate;
... dust of Thy feet, let me lose myself in thankfulness, for Thy ... could no more appear
before the tribunal of God's justice, than stubble before a consuming ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/till he come/the spiced wine of my.htm

Some More Particular Directions for Maintaining Continual ...
... Father, in the natural expressions of joy and thankfulness. ... Perhaps before the returning
sun bring on the light of ... applications to the mercy of God, and the ...
/.../chapter xix some more particular.htm

The More Excellent Way
... is one that is better still; that is, thankfulness. ... The next year receiving sixty
pounds, he still lived ... have a family, seriously consider before God, how much ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 89 the more excellent.htm

Christ to Jairus
... when a promise of consolation began to open before them. ... if you weep, let the tears
have thankfulness as well ... body, but the separation of self from God, who is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/christ to jairus.htm

God's Controversy with Man. Rev. Charles Prest.
... that are suffering from it; and let thankfulness for your ... the mercy which He offers,
receiving the love ... Whatever other people do, humble yourselves before God. ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/gods controversy with man rev.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... 340; of less worth than thankfulness, [497]341 ... swearer, [992]481; hands washed before
receiving, [993]479 ... rich, [1590]460; without excuse before God, [1591]472. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr
... our use and those in need, in thankfulness to him ... nor on Ganymede, nor was he, receiving
help through ... so that all men are without excuse before God, for they ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the first apology of justin.htm

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