A few years ago, I wrote a few posts on Facebook asking people to pray for the persecution in those countries. A well meaning brother who reached out to me, and discouraged me from posting those things, as he said that persecution was a blessing. I’ll be honest, that I was confused and dumbfounded by hearing that, and couldn’t respond much to that, as yes, in a sense, we are blessed even in persecution. However, something didn’t sit right, and I investigated what the Bible said, because if what the brother said was true, that means more pain is a blessing, more trauma is a blessing, and since heaven is epitome of blessings manifested, who knows if we might be flogged and welcomed in heaven,

Jokes aside, I investigated, and I found these results. Jesus is the best person to look into in this matter. The Bible records several instances of Jesus expressing gratitude or giving thanks. These moments provide profound insights into His relationship with the Father, His acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty, and His example for believers to practice gratitude in all circumstances. Here are the key verses where Jesus demonstrates gratitude:

1. Jesus Thanks the Father for Revealing Truths

Matthew 11:25-26 (Luke 10:21):

“At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.’”

Jesus expresses gratitude to God for revealing spiritual truths to the humble and not the proud. This act of gratitude acknowledges God’s wisdom and sovereignty in His revelation, reminding us that God’s ways often defy human expectations.

2. Jesus Thanks God Before Feeding the Multitudes

Matthew 15:36 (Mark 8:6, John 6:11):

“And He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.”

Before miraculously feeding the 4,000 and the 5,000, Jesus gives thanks, demonstrating His gratitude for God’s provision, even before it is multiplied. His act of gratitude teaches us to trust in God’s ability to meet our needs, even in seemingly impossible situations.

3. Jesus Thanks God Before Raising Lazarus

John 11:41-42:

“So they removed the stone. And Jesus raised His eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. But I knew that You always hear Me; nevertheless, because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.’”

Jesus expresses gratitude to the Father for hearing His prayer, even before performing the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. His gratitude not only reflects His trust in the Father but also serves to strengthen the faith of those watching, showing how gratitude can inspire belief.

4. Jesus Gives Thanks at the Last Supper

Matthew 26:27 (Mark 14:23, Luke 22:17-19):

“And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you.’”

At the Last Supper, Jesus gives thanks as He institutes the Lord’s Supper. Despite knowing the suffering He was about to endure, He expresses gratitude, trusting in God’s redemptive plan. His act of gratitude reminds us to remain thankful even in the face of hardship.

5. Jesus Gives Thanks at the Breaking of Bread After Resurrection

Luke 24:30:

“And it came about, when He had reclined at the table with them, that He took the bread and blessed it, and He broke it and began giving it to them.”

After His resurrection, Jesus expresses gratitude during a meal with His disciples at Emmaus. By giving thanks as He breaks bread.

Summary of Instances

1. Jesus gave gratitude for revelation.
2. Jesus gave gratitude for miracles that met people’s needs.
3. Jesus gave gratitude for the New Covenant.
4. Jesus gave thanks for the bread, fellowship and possibly regarding the victory in resurrection.

What we don’t see here is Jesus thanking for the temptation, we don’t see Jesus thanking God as someone slapped Him, we don’t see Him thanking God for the floggings. Hear me out. Jesus acknowledged them as bad, as part of the evil world, but thanked God for the good that was coming out of it. Even Paul, when encouraging the church in Thessalonica, reminded them to “give thanks in everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:18), not “for everything.” This distinction is vital for our understanding. We need to discern between what is a blessing and what is an act of aggression against us.

If persecution were a blessing, why would Jesus confront Saul (later Paul) on the road to Damascus for persecuting His people, saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4)? And if persecution were meant to be seen as a blessing, why would Jesus also say, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10)? These words show that while Jesus offers comfort and promises to those who endure persecution, He does not define the act of persecution itself as a blessing but rather the endurance and faithfulness through it. If persecution is a blessing, why would Jesus ask to flee from the persecution?

This clarity is important for believers as we walk in gratitude, discerning God’s goodness in every situation while standing against what opposes His will.