Cry 5: "I thirst."

Read John 19:28-29

 

 

The words "I thirst" prove that Jesus was entirely human and that He is not oblivious to our pain. He was one hundred percent God, but He was no less a man who suffered real agony on the cross. Throughout His life and ministry, Jesus ate, drank, grew tired, and slept. He also wept and felt real physical torment. 

 

Physicians tell us that thirst is one of the most excruciating pains the human body can endure. Every cell in our body requires moisture. When our cells lack water, we grow thirsty. Extreme thirst leads to dehydration and is extremely painful. In response, the body begins to shut down. 

 

Jesus's body began dehydrating in the Garden of Gethsemane when He sweated drops of blood, a medical condition brought on by stress called hematidrosis. Jesus continued to lose fluids through the bloody beatings and floggings He endured. For six hours, the Savior hung on the cross without replenishing His body fluids. No wonder, He cried out, "I thirst." 

 

This two-word cry in English (one word in Greek) also fulfilled an Old Testament Messianic prophecy. John tells us that Jesus spoke these last words “to fulfill the Scripture." Jesus could not and would not die until He fulfilled this lingering detail of prophecy found within three verses in the book of Psalms. 

 

My strength has dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Psalm 22:15 

 

I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. Psalm 69:3

 

They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst. Psalm 69:21

 

How ironic that the Creator of rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans was thirsty for water. How human that the One who causes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust would have a parched tongue. Be comforted by knowing that Jesus feels the pain you are going through right now.

 

Reflect

 

Is your soul parched? Are pain alarms going off in your life? What are some ways you try to quench your thirsty soul apart from God, who is the water of life?

 

Pray

 

God, I am worn out trying to fill the emptiness in my life apart from you. Help me to drink from the water of life that you provide every day and to be completely satisfied in you. Amen.

 

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