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Learning to Be Thankful Like Jesus

When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.” He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” LUKE 22:14-19 NLT

I will never become generous until I learn to be grateful

Jesus teaches me to be thankful for the good times

Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. LUKE 22:15 NLT

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, … a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, ECCLESIASTES 3:1-4 NIV

He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” MATTHEW 26:18 NIV

Jesus teaches me to be thankful for Godly people

At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. MATTHEW 11:25 NLT

When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. LUKE 22:14 NLT

Friends
Family
Church

I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly. EPHESIANS 1:16 NLT

Jesus teaches me to be thankful for the little things

Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. … LUKE 22:17 NLT

What are the little blessings you might be missing?

Work
Health
Sleep
Message

Jesus teaches me to be thankful for opportunities to give

He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. …” LUKE 22:18 NLT

Every Christian should support their local Church financially

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 CORINTHIANS 9:7 NIV

Christians from other Churches that are blessed by the ministry of Sandals should help support it

Jesus teaches me to be thankful for his sacrifice

After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you. LUKE 22:20 NLT

Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. 1 CHRONICLES 16:8 NLT

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. COLOSSIANS 3:17 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Take a few moments to slow down, offering to Jesus any burdens you might be carrying with you today. Invite God into this time, asking Him to help you be real with yourself and Him as you enter into this time. As you consider the things you are grateful for, what comes to mind? Thank God for giving you these things. Consider those who bring joy to your life and those around you; thank God for them. Now think about your family or those who have had a significant impact in your life; thank God for them. Thank God for your friendships—and finally—His church. As you practice gratitude for what God has given you, what stirs inside? Is there anyone you need to vocalize your gratitude to? Are there any acts of generosity you feel prompted to initiate? What are some opportunities you have in your life where you can be more generous? Thank God for His generosity toward you as you close this time. Write any reflections in the space below, and share them with your group if you feel comfortable.

Discussion Questions

  1. What would you do if you knew you only had one day to live—what would your day look like?
  2. “I will never become generous until I learn to be grateful.” What are your thoughts about that statement?
  3. Do you tend to be more focused on the past or future? How does this impact your perspective on the present?
  4. Take a moment to consider the incredible sacrifice Jesus made for you and for me. Then read 1 Chronicles 16:8 (NLT). What stirs in you as you read this passage?
  5. Take a few minutes to practice gratitude right now: Have each person in the group start a new Notepad file in their phone, listing everything that comes to mind that you are grateful for. Consider setting a timer for 5 minutes or playing some soft music in the background as you do this together. After the 5 minutes are up, share with each other what this experience was like for you.
  6. Next Steps: This week, take a 5-minute break each day to pray and thank God for something or someone in your life. Make a note about where God is leading you to be grateful and share it with your group.