John 11: 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
This is a trademark of Jesus’ earthly life. It was his nature and a reminder to us of our most important duty and desire—to give thanks unto God. Here was one giving thanks who deserved it himself. He expressed thanks to his Father as in a son thanking his father. He recognized the higher place the Father has. God the Son thanked God the Father. If God the Son felt it necessary, how much more should we be grateful?
At this point in scripture Jesus had the power to raise Lazarus without any further need. He stopped and gave glory to God. We don’t deserve anything—no pats on the back. God has given all. Jesus felt the need on a daily basis to thank God. How needful that is for us. Things could be worse for us than they are. Through Jesus they can only get better.
In Luke 10:21 Jesus said I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. The people received the truth. Jesus stopped and thanked God for that. Grasp this. Jesus thanked the Father that the truth was revealed to the common, simple people like us. You and I may have trouble understanding a lot, but we can understand the goodness and greatness of God. Jesus is thankful for the truth and that it was believed. God has us on his heart. It pleases the Lord when we trust him and live according to his goodness. We should be thankful.
In John 6 Jesus saw that people were hungry. He told the disciples to feed them. All that was found was the lunch of a little boy. That’s not much for so many. It’s not about our size; what matters is the size of God. Jesus gave thanks for the boy’s lunch and fed 5,000 men plus their families. God provides what we need.
In John 11, Jesus already had power to raise Lazarus. He already had permission. At the grave of Lazarus he didn’t pray for that. He thanked God for hearing his prayer. We should be thankful that God hears us when we pray. Take the Word. Act on it. Go pray. God hears and answers our prayers. Do you want God to hear you? Give him thanks. Do you want the Lord to set you free? Do you want to know the impossible in your life? Come with a grateful heart.
The night before Jesus went to the cross he sat at the table and looked at the bread and wine. He knew what they meant and could have left them alone. First he gave thanks for the bread and broke it. He passed it around. Before he passed the cup, he thanked God for it. Without what he did in the giving of his body and his blood we would go to hell. The least we can do is thank the Father for what he has done for us!
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 