The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks… (1 Corinthians 11:24).

One of the toughest things to do is have an attitude of thankfulness when you’re having a really tough day.

I think we can all agree that Jesus was embarking upon perhaps the worst day…ever.

And he gave thanks.

Yes, I know that giving thanks was part of the meal–I get that.

But there was more to it than that.

I think Jesus was giving thanks that he was fulfilling his destiny, that at long last he would complete  the task for which he had come into the world.

It would be finished.

I also think that Jesus, looking around the room, saw his disciples not just as they were, but as they would be. He saw them going forth in faith and changing the world and glorifying him in their lives and, eventually, with their deaths.

I think he saw the multitudes who would be redeemed in the years to come by what he was about to do.

I think he saw you.

I think he saw me.

I think Jesus was looking into eternity as he held that bread.

And he gave thanks.

Happy Monday, Beloved