When Jesus knew that everything was now finished that the Scripture might be fulfilled, he said, “I’m thirsty.” —John 19:28
God doesn’t get thirsty. For our Savior to utter these words from the cross can only mean that He was indeed fully man as well as fully God. Yet while this admission of physical craving does speak to His humanity, it also reveals something even more awe-inspiring: His reverence for God’s Word.
Jesus had already fulfilled multiple prophecies concerning His life and death. But even this relatively incidental one was on His mind as He neared the end of this climactic moment.
“My throat is parched,” David had spoken in messianic prophecy (Psalm 69:3). “For my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink” (v. 21). “My strength is dried up like baked clay; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth” (22:15).
Jesus knew these Scriptures. He had likely been meditating on them, even while battling the intense demands on His body. And so intent was He on completely fulfilling the Word of God concerning His death that He didn’t overlook even this one minor detail.
Make it Personal
As you read Scripture in the coming days, consider whether your life is confirming or discrediting the Word of God.