Not There Yet: Thankfulness
In this new series “Not There Yet,” we’ll be looking at character traits of Christ and how we can emulate them in our own lives, while still recognizing that we aren’t perfect in any of them. This week we begin the study officially, and it’s fitting to begin on an underappreciated aspect of Christ’s character: his thankfulness. In fact, at some of the most significant moments in the gospels, we find Christ’s attitude is one of gratitude.
“The Thankful Poor” Henry Ossawa Tanner
In Tanner’s painting above, entitled “The Thankful Poor” we see two people, an old and a young man, seated at a simple table with sparse fare. What makes this is powerful expression of thankfulness? We might look at a wealthy person as someone with “a lot to be thankful for;” but why wouldn’t a painting depicting a wealthy pair at a richly laden table entitled “The Thankful Rich” conjure up the same response in us?
Anchor Texts:
Matthew 15:35-37 ESVUK - Feeding the 4000
Matthew 26:26-28 ESVUK - Institution of the Lord's Supper
Acts 27:34-36 ESVUK - Paul’s Fateful Voyage
Questions to Ponder:
What is “thankfulness”? Define it in your own words.
Thankfulness is a ____________ not just a __________________. What does this mean?
Why was Jesus “thankful” for the cup that symbolized his own blood, agony, suffering, and death? How could thankfulness be a fitting attitude in such circumstances?
Answers: 2. rhythm, response
The Theme in Song:
I have to give credit to my colleague Nicole, since this is the second time in recent weeks that her song recommendation has become the Worship Companion song! This time, in listening to Brandon Lake’s new song “How Good God is” I couldn’t help but notice the unexpected and poignant way he uses the concept of thankfulness. In a similar way to Jesus on he night he was betrayed expressing thankfulness for the cup that was full of his suffering and death, Lake expresses thankfulness in unusual circumstances in the song, reflecting on anger, silence, and fiery trials. Through these difficulties, God’s plans were accomplished, and his grace was revealed. Jesus did this for us on an unparalleled level when he submitted himself to these things and much more for our sake as Lake so aptly highlights at the conclusion of the song.