At the institution of the Lord’s Supper, as Jesus of Nazareth took the bread and the wine… we read that he “gave thanks” (Matt.26: 26-27; Luke 22:19-20).

Surely on this occasion Jesus did not give thanks for food supplied! For He was handling the symbols of His broken body and His shed blood. How we would like to know just what He said at this solemn moment; just what He gave thanks for! This we shall never know in this life, but there are some basic facts we do know.

It was for love for sinful men that He was to die. He was to pay their debt of sin, and He looked forward to the time when, not only redeemed Israel, but the redeemed of every nation and dispensation will rejoice in sins forgiven and all that this entails for them. As He “gave thanks” in view of Calvary, He will then rejoice at the results of Calvary. The overflowing joy that will be the portion of the redeemed will be a greater joy to Him.

These words of Hebrews 12:2 give us cause to rejoice in true thanksgiving of our Lord’s finished work of redemption on Calvary cross:

“Looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross (for us), despising (ignoring) the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

For this…we thank you Lord!