Knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” John 19:28
In this statement Jesus expressed a need so human that anyone could have said it: “I am thirsty.”
By the time Jesus spoke these words from the cross, He had already been hanging there for more than six hours, and his body was becoming parched. Foreshadowing this moment, Psalm 22:15 says, “My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.”
“You can’t truly know people unless you walk a mile in their shoes,” we sometimes say. Jesus walked in our shoes and showed that he genuinely knew the full range of human experience.
The Bible often reminds us that Jesus was one of us. He experienced joy and sorrow, feasting and hunger, the fruits of hard work and the setbacks of poverty. He also knew the grief of losing a close friend, which led him to weep (John 11:32-35).
In addition, Jesus was sometimes discouraged by the spiritual numbness of his disciples (Matthew 16:8-12), and weary from hot, dusty travel (John 4:6).
He became angry when people mistreated God and others (Matthew 21:12-13), but He also took children in his arms and taught and blessed them (Matthew 19:13-14).
In the account of his crucifixion, as Isaiah foretold, Jesus even experienced total rejection and unimaginable suffering.
Brethren, our salvation wasn’t won in the beauty and safety of a royal palace. Jesus pioneered our salvation through the experience of human living in this world. He faced all the temptations and struggles we meet daily—and yet he never sinned (Hebrews 4:15).
His words from the cross today “I am thirsty” assure us that He willingly and obediently dealt with all human experiences as he worked to defeat sin.
PRAYER GUIDE
Dear Father, I thank you because it’s always in your pleasure to answer those who call upon your name to bless them and show them favour. Thank you for your ability to do exceedingly and abundantly above anything we can ask or think in Jesus Mighty Name Amen.
I come to you this day in the multitude of your mercy seeking your goodness as your word commanded me. Let your goodness flow in my life in the name of Jesus.
Lord my efforts to bring blessings I do not deserve. Let every eye who sees me consider me for a major and massive blessing in the name of Jesus.
Pray Psalm 21
