Fifth Word: ‘I thirst’
“28 Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips.”
John 19:28-29
Personal Meditation:
What do you learn from Jesus’ Fifth Word: “I thirst”? What does this tell us about Jesus? What does this tell us about his experience on the cross?
Questions for Group Discussion:
- What are the reasons that Jesus would have been thirsty? Physiologically what would have been going on in a person suffering as Jesus did?
- What is the significance of the sponge being offered to Jesus on a branch of hyssop? (John 19:29)(Exodus 12:22)
- What Scriptures are fulfilled by John 19:28-30 or may refer to this aspect of the crucifixion? Why was fulfilling Scripture important to Jesus?
- Why do you think the New Testament makes such a strong point about Jesus’ physical suffering? What difference would it make if Jesus were a divine person who didn’t actually suffer on the cross? What difference would it make if Jesus were only a human being martyred on the cross?
Prayer:
Father, extreme thirst, being parched, is something I can relate to. But adding to the physical torment and exhaustion was the crushing spiritual aloneness. That is beyond my experience. Thank you for your love that conquered all to save us. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
