On at least two occasions Jesus miraculously provided food for the multitudes. And though He was God in the flesh, His actions at both these events set an example that remains worthy of our following even today. John informs us that as Jesus prepared to feed five thousand men (plus the women and children who were present) He, “…took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would” (John 6:11). Our Lord also gave thanks as He prepared to feed the four thousand (cf. Matthew 15:36; Mark 8:6). In his sermon, “Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand,” one point brother Winkler observed was, “Jesus recognized God as the giver of all good gifts and He thanked God for them.” Certainly, as we celebrate “Thanksgiving Day” in America, as well as on every other day, we should thank God for His material blessings.

But as we who preach the Gospel are contemplating our thankfulness for the good gifts given to us by God, let us not overlook one in particular. It is in this same context that Jesus preaches His sermon on “The Bread of Life.” He says, “…I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). In this teaching Jesus did not encourage cannibalism, He spoke of the necessity of receiving the words He taught.

As preachers of the Gospel we should thank God every day that He gave us Jesus, the Bread of Life. As preachers, we should also thank Him that He allows us to freely distribute this Bread so that the multitudes may feast and be filled (cf. John 6:12; Matthew 5:6).

Happy Thanksgiving!