Last words of the cross (5)

John 19:28

Cry of Humanity

Crucifixion was a horrible way to die. It was painful unbelief. Hanging in the heat of the day made one weak. It was a continual struggle to pull up with his arms and legs to avoid asphyxiation. One would experience severe muscle spasms, and ended up with heart failure, fever, brain damage suffocation and shock. In support of Scripture and the end was nearing, Jesus aware of the Word concerning His crucifixion, Jesus saying “I thirst” for the purpose of fulfilling the Scripture. This is an allusion to Psa. 69:21. It is the cry of humanity.

This cry marks:

Christ as man. He was flesh and blood, not a phantom.

He identified with sinful humanity, yet without sin.

His pain was real. He physically suffered great pain. “I thirst” expresses the torture of His body. 

It teaches us:

            To bear suffering with patience and submission.

            The unselfishness of Divine love.

            The cost of redemption.