As Thanksgiving approaches and we prepare for the Advent season, I’ve been reflecting on the profound ways Jesus modeled gratitude. It wasn’t just a nice idea for Him; it was a way of life, woven into everything He did—even in the most challenging moments. And that’s a lesson we all need, isn’t it?
Take John 6, for instance. Imagine the scene: a crowd of 5,000 hungry people, and the only food is a boy’s small lunch of bread and fish. What does Jesus do? He pauses, lifts the bread and fish, and gives thanks. He thanks God, not because the problem is solved, but because He knows who holds the solution. That small moment of gratitude reminds us that thankfulness isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about recognizing God’s presence and provision in the midst of uncertainty.
And then there’s John 17. This chapter is a glimpse into Jesus’ heart, a prayer He prays on the night He’s betrayed. What strikes me most is His gratitude for people—His disciples, their faith, their obedience, their connection to Him. He doesn’t just see them as followers; He loves them deeply and thanks God for their role in His mission.
But here’s the part that gets me every time: Jesus doesn’t stop with the disciples standing beside Him. He prays for you and me. He says, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message” (John 17:20). Think about that. In His final moments, with the weight of the cross ahead, Jesus is thinking of you. He’s praying for your faith, your journey, your connection to Him.
How do we respond to that kind of love? For me, it starts with gratitude. Gratitude for the relationships God has placed in my life. Gratitude for the chance to grow in faith alongside this church community. Gratitude for the truth that Jesus is still interceding for us today.
This week, I want to invite you to take a moment and reflect. Who are the people you’re thankful for? Who’s been a source of encouragement in your life? Let them know. And take a minute to thank God, not just for what He’s done but for the people He’s placed around you and the plans He still has for you.
When we embrace gratitude the way Jesus did—pausing to thank God even in challenging moments—we open our hearts to a deeper relationship with Him and with each other. Let’s carry that gratitude into the Advent season, remembering that the One we celebrate is thankful for us, too.
You are loved. You are prayed for. And you are part of something so much bigger than you know.
Blessings,
Pastor John Joiner
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