The only miracle in all four gospels is that of the feeding of the 5000. And in all four accounts there is one thing that is clearly evident. Jesus took the bread in his hands and looked up to heaven and he gave thanks. Gratitude is the serious work of Jesus. The amazing miracle of feeding 5000 began with the simple prayer of thankfulness. Even the simplest gifts from the Father deserve our heartfelt gratitude. Make your own gratitude list and do not overlook even the smallest thing. This message would be a good one for the preacher to model thanksgiving by walking through your own gratitude list. Remember, EVERY good gift that is in your life comes from the Father. Be thankful. Just like Jesus.

PREACH JESUS: Jesus Models Gratitude

Thankful for Provision

Matthew 14:13-21

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him…overflowing with thankfulness.” - Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)

Lessons on Gratitude:

Enjoy the good (Jesus took the bread and fish…)

     v19, … Jesus took the five loaves and two fish...

     James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father…”

• Nehemiah 8:10, “…the joy of the Lord is your strength!”
• Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
• Jesus declared, “I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!”

 Find your voice (Jesus blessed…)

     v19, …and blessed them.
     
     Psalm 65:8, “The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades,  you call forth  songs of joy.”

 Know the Giver (Jesus looked up…)

     v19, … Jesus looked up toward heaven.

     Romans 8:32, “Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?”

“…to all who believed him, and accepted him—he gave the right to become the children of God.”

John 1:12