5. I THIRST

This is a short statement, but it carries tremendous meaning. John tells us that Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished and that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst” (John 19:28). The One who once stood in the temple and cried, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37), now cries out because He Himself is thirsty. The One who gives living water is suffering the thirst of Calvary. So let’s take a look.

I. THIS STATEMENT REVEALS HIS SELF

Jesus was truly man. He was not pretending to suffer. He experienced the weakness and suffering of the human body. He became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). Hebrews tells us that He was made like His brethren in all things, yet without sin (Hebrews 2:17; 4:15). When Jesus said, “I thirst,” we see the reality of His humanity.

II. THIS STATEMENT REVEALS HIS SUFFERING

Thirst was only one part of the agony of the cross. His body had been beaten and wounded. He had lost blood. He had endured hours of suffering. Yet John tells us that Jesus said this “that the Scripture might be fulfilled” (John 19:28). Even His suffering was connected with the prophetic Word of God. Psalm 69 had spoken of the suffering of the Messiah and His thirst (Psalm 69:21).

III. THIS STATEMENT REVEALS OUR SAVIOR

The wonderful truth is that the One who thirsted for us offers us living water. Jesus told the woman at the well that whoever drinks of the water He gives will never thirst in the same way again (John 4:13-14). At the cross, Jesus experienced thirst so that sinners could come and drink freely from the fountain of life. Revelation ends with this invitation: “Let him who thirsts come” (Revelation 22:17).

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Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for becoming flesh and suffering for us. Help us to understand the price You paid and to come continually to You for the living water that only You can give. Amen.

BDD