Humanity

“I thirst.”

Christ’s physical thirst reveals his full humanity and why that matters for our salvation.

After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth.
John 19:28–29

Every year for generations, the Israelites sacrificed animals to atone for their sins. This was God’s provision if they believed in the innocent substitute to come. But most of the Israelites put their trust in their work of giving the sacrifice. That was a mere bandage for a broken bone. What Israel (and mankind) needed to heal their brokenness was the perfect exchange of a sinless human. The only perfect, sinless human to ever live was Jesus.

John describes him as the “Word made flesh.” Our holy God descended into humanity while retaining his divinity. Throughout the gospels, Jesus experienced the human condition without the burden of sin. Forty days of fasting made him hungry (Matthew 4:2). A long day of ministry left him tired and asleep on a boat (Matthew 8:24). He wept at the grave of his friend Lazarus (John 11:35). And here on the cross, he is in agony, beaten and thirsty.

Jesus is fully God and fully man, never one more than the other, making him our perfect sacrifice forever. As he hung on the cross, faultless for our forgiveness, “I thirst” revealed him as our perfect high priest who identified with us. His sacrifice was more than just a bandage—it was redemption.

Because of Christ’s humanity, he meets all the requirements of the sacrifice needed to redeem us fully. Be encouraged, for he completely heals all our brokenness, not just once but for a lifetime.

To the sinner, You were grace.
And the broken You embraced.
And in the end, the proof is in Your wounds.
Blood and tears,
How can it be?
There’s a God who weeps.
There’s a God who bleeds.

—“Son of Suffering” written by David Funk, Aaron Moses, Matt Redman, and Nate Moore

Reflection

What is the significance of Jesus saying “I thirst” on the cross? Why is it essential for our salvation that Jesus experienced the full range of human needs and sufferings?

Application

Ask Jesus to give you a heart of compassion for other people. Search for an opportunity to serve someone in your community who is in need or suffering.

Pray

Heavenly Father,

When we hear the words “I thirst” spoken from the cross, we remember that our Savior experienced the depths of human suffering and need. Thank you for sending Jesus to experience humanity fully.

We are grateful for Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, bearing our sins and offering healing for our brokenness. His humanity allows him to understand our struggles and intercede for us. Help us to live in gratitude and extend your compassion to others, reflecting Jesus’ love.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.