The feeding of the 5,000 is one of the few stories that are recorded in all 4 of the Gospels. Usually there is a slight variation of the same stories, and this one is no different. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s accounts, Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up to heaven, and said a blessing. In John’s account, “Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated” (John 6:11). Blessing and thanks are very similar. Blessing literally means “good word” and means to speak well of, to bless, or praise. The word for thanks literally means “good grace,” and is an appreciation for the grace given us by God. It can be translated “thanks” or “gratitude.”
The word that John uses is the same word that Jesus used when he gave thanks “good grace” at the Last Supper. God’s good grace reflects His kindness, goodwill, and favor towards His people. Jesus often gave gratitude. When he raised Lazarus from the dead, he said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me” (John 11:41-42). Jesus’ gratitude was evident throughout his ministry, and he even gave it so that people would believe he was sent by the Father.
Gratitude changes everything–from our position towards God to our position towards each other. When we give thanks to God in all things, we acknowledge that our faith is in Him and Him alone. Let’s begin and end each day with gratitude.