7 Words of Easter: Thirst

“I am thirsty.” – John 19:28b

As the Lent season meets it’s end with the resurrection of Christ, we reflect on Good Friday first. This day is met with bittersweet feelings, as our God was murdered for the salvation of all. This week, we have been going through what is referred to as the “Seven Last Words” of Jesus on the first Good Friday. I hope you have been able to reflect and connect to something eternal.

For how influential the historical figure of Jesus is, we know little about His first 30 years of life. The Bible goes into great detail of His activity from 30 to around 35, yet the majority of His life, is scarcely documented. It is up to our theological imagination to creatively fill in the gaps. Working backwards from His resurrection, we can make a few statements with some reasonable accuracy.

The two identities of Christ are important to remember – that of both fully God and fully human. Many of us will lean into one or the other in our thoughts. The more logical of us will often downplay His deity while enhancing His humanity. Those who are more spiritually rigid may forget His humanity all together. While nothing is wrong with these per se, it is important to have a healthy balance in order to understand the full person/God of Christ. As God, His death means we are forgiven, saved, and loved. But as human, we have a partner in our shared suffering, doubt, and confusion as He too faced much of what we have. On Good Friday especially, we look more to this shared humanity.

The cross would be pedestrian if only Jesus as God was nailed to it. The greatest act of selfless love would be robbed of its beauty if He did not feel pain as we do. We can find comfort in the longings of Christ. He knew what was facing Him, and He went through it for us. Leading to this Good Friday, we see Christ wrestling with His humanity in a way that seems familiar. Whether it is crying out passionately for His Father to find another way while in the Garden, or being praised entering Jerusalem just a week prior before being mocked by the “in” crowd. Yes, in these short years on record, Christ looks, acts, and desires like us.

But what about before?

If Jesus was this present with us through His humanity leading up to the cross, can we assume to find an equal amount of relevance no matter our stage of life?

Probably.

When He states “I am thirsty“, He declares both humility and humanity. Humility in asking a broken sinner for a drink. Humanity in declaring longings He could not Himself quench. When He utters this simple statement, we can assume He also uttered statements like:

“I am tired”

“I am sick”

“I am sad”

“I am heartbroken”

“I am worried”

It is interesting that these human elements do not go away after He is raised from death. We are told He shows His wounds later to Thomas and others as a reminder of His humanity. His scars stayed with Him. He very much remembers His suffering and therefore understands ours, even now.

Lord, thank you for your example. Thank you for bearing the weight of our sin at the cross. Help us to live in the shade of this cross as a reminder of both your humanity and humility. May we carry our own crosses with grace knowing a resurrection is coming. Empower us with your Spirit. Amen