7 Last Sayings of Christ on the Cross (Day 5)

THE FIFTH WORD

By Anthony Skinner

Art Scott Erikson

Scripture

“I thirst.” (John 19:28)

DEVOTION

Jesus, Emmanuel (God with us), and like us is human and he is thirsty.

We remember the words of Jesus to the Samaritan woman “Everyone who drinks of this water (from Jacob’s well) will be thirsty again,  but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14)

Now Jesus himself is cut off from this spring of living water. 

Jesus’ dehydrated body is thirsting for physical life. For this, he is offered a sponge filled with wine vinegar. (John 19:29) 

However, his core being is desperately thirsting for connection with his Father. (Matt 17:46) This thirst is denied.

QUESTION

Our thirst points to our needs and desires. Do you numb your thirst with screentime, food, work, or other activities? Do you pay attention to your thirst? If so, what are you thirsty for?

PRAYER

God, I want to be willing to recognize and pay attention to my thirsts. You created me to have longings and desires. You intend for me to experience your eternal spring from within. I long to connect and commune with you. Let me drink deeply from this spring of living water today.  And may I overflow blessing those around me today. Amen.