At the institution of the Lordβs Supper, as He took the bread and the wine, we read that he βgave thanksβ (Matt.26: 26,27; Luke 22:19,20).
Surely on this occasion He did not give thanks for food supplied! He was handling the symbols of His broken body and His shed blood. How we would like to knowΒ just whatΒ He said at this solemn moment;Β just whatΒ He gave thanks for!
This we shall never know in this life, but there are some basic facts weΒ doΒ know.
It was for love for sinful men that He was to die. He was to payΒ theirΒ debt of sin, and He looked forward to the time when, not only redeemed Israel, but the redeemed of every nation and dispensation will rejoice in sins forgiven and all that this entails for them. As He βgave thanksβ in view of Calvary, He will then rejoice at the results of Calvary. The overflowing joy that will be the portion of the redeemed will be a greater joy to Him.
Thus Paulβs words in Hebrews 12:2 give us cause to rejoice in true thanksgiving of our Lordβs finished work of redemption on Calvary cross:
βLooking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.β source
