This post is part of The Seven Words of Jesus series.
“I thirst” (John 19:28).
The One who promised springs of living water to those who would drink from him and never thirst again was now parched. But thirst wasn’t why Jesus spoke. He wasn’t complaining about his physical discomfort or unimaginable pain from his suffering on the cross. No, he spoke for another, more important reason.
“I thirst” (John 19:28). Thus our Savior spoke, knowing that everything had been finished and so that Scripture would be fulfilled.
Even on the cross, nearing the final moments of his life, Jesus was focused on fulfilling everything that had been written about him in the Old Testament. As he would remind his disciples after his resurrection, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms” (Luke 24:44).
Jesus knew that everything had been finished. Sins paid for; the wrath of God satisfied. Yet he spoke because all the words of Scripture had yet to be fulfilled. And they needed to be. “I thirst” (John 19:28). Not the smallest prophecy would be left unfulfilled. Not the smallest task would be left unfinished.
What does that say about our God?
He is exactly who he says he is. And he does exactly what he says he will do. Not the smallest word spoken about our Savior was left unfulfilled. Not the smallest task was left unfinished. He did it all.
The words he speaks to you and me will all be fulfilled too. No matter how big or how small, not one of them will be left unfinished. What God promises, he will do.
My Lord, in death’s dark valley, both soul and body drained, one drink would help you rally what little strength remained to raise your voice in vict’ry, to sound your foe’s defeat—the highest point in hist’ry—my rescue was complete.
(CW 436:5)
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Scripture references come from the Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version. Click here to learn more about this translation.
© 2021 Michael D. Schultz, admin. Northwestern Publishing House
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Alex Brown is the marketing and content copywriter at Northwestern Publishing House. He has his Master of Divinity degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and enjoys reading, writing, and spending time in God’s creation.
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