by Mandi Pittman, Director of Outreach
After this, Jesus, knowing all that was now finished, said (to fulfill the scripture), “I thirst.” (John 19:28, ESV)
“I thirst”, two small words that totally show Jesus’ humanity. He had endured a trial before Pilate and His accusers, had been beaten by soldiers and then nailed to a cross. These events all took place in a single day. Now, hanging on the cross for six hours you finally hear his cry of distress. He felt the moment of exhaustion and dehydration, fulfilling the words written almost a thousand years earlier: “My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws, you lay me in the dust of death.” (Psalm 22:15, ESV)
Jesus had fought our battle, taken on our sin and shame before he ever thought of Himself. He made sure scripture had been fulfilled and He had accomplished His purpose before saying, “I thirst.” We see this from two different vantage points: a physical thirst and a spiritual thirst. Not only was Jesus physically thirsty, he also craved to be one with His Father again! He was thirsty for the only thing that could quench that deep thirst… reconciliation with the Father.
Jesus knew his suffering had a purpose, and He submitted to it. The writer of Hebrews says that, “For the joy set before him, Jesus endured the cross, disregarding its shame.” (Hebrews 12:2) What good came out of it! Our very salvation!
When so many things in your life are not being satisfied because they are suddenly denied, even outlawed, allow this to reveal your thirst for God. We can rest in His peace, protection and strength. He gives living water from which we will never thirst again!
Enough for Today 