The Seven Words of the Cross – Word #5

Word #5 – Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” John 19:28

Not only has the clamor of the crowd accelerated, but now the physical strain of the last several hours is beginning to take a greater toll on the body of the Son of God. His clothes have been gambled away. He’s been taunted as well as greatly persecuted in verbal fashion. He has two thieves – one on each side of him. He is slightly elevated in this historical setting. Every time his ribs and diaphragm expand, while inhaling and exhaling, the excruciating pain throbs through his body. Loss of sleep, loss of blood. The physical punishment, dehydration to the max. He simply says “I am thirsty.” Of course He is thirsty – you would have been thirsty, too. His body was starved for a drink.

But then again, was He thirsty for something else? Thirsty for another world? Was he desiring the atmosphere of Heaven…where righteousness prevails?

Was He becoming so detached from this world that He was longing in His spirit for a Heavenly home? Remember His words from Matthew 5, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Think about the contrasts. In Heaven there is unity and harmony. The holy brilliance of God is the main attraction. The saints of all ages worship and rejoice. On earth unfairness and injustice are common. Power and lust for control and position overshadow love and kindness. Men are cruel and that which is temporal is oft times that which takes priority. Jesus had seen both and now thirsts to return to Heaven.

Now it gets personal. What about you and me? Are we thirsting for Heaven more than being satisfied with earth? Have we been lulled into a spiritual status quo mentality so that we have lost our spiritual appetite? May the Lord help us to thirst!

Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” John 19:28

Word #5 from the Cross
by Dave Childers

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