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The Fifth Word: "I Thirst": A Deep Dive into Christ's Plight on the Cross

Harold Blair

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Published in Seven Last Words Of Christ 5th WORD

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A Depiction Of Jesus Christ On The Cross, Surrounded By Darkness, With A Crown Of Thorns On His Head And Blood Trickling Down His Face, His Lips Parted In A Cry Of Thirst Seven Last Words Of Christ 5th WORD

An to the Fifth Word

The fifth of the Seven Last Words uttered by Jesus Christ as he hung on the cross is a poignant cry of both physical and spiritual anguish: "I thirst." This brief statement, recorded in the Gospel of John (19:28),encapsulates the excruciating suffering endured by Jesus during his crucifixion and carries profound theological and personal implications.

Seven Last Words of Christ, 5th WORD

by Tony Herman

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	20 pages

The Physical Thirst

On a literal level, Jesus' thirst was a consequence of the intense physical torment he underwent. The scourging, beatings, and crucifixion had caused severe dehydration, leaving him parched and in desperate need of water.

The Roman soldiers, tasked with overseeing the crucifixion, were known to deny water to those being crucified. This act of cruelty was intended to prolong the suffering and hasten death. By depriving Jesus of water, they sought to inflict an additional layer of agony upon him.

The Spiritual Thirst

Beyond the physical thirst, Jesus' cry also symbolizes a deeper spiritual longing. Throughout his ministry, Jesus had spoken of a "living water" that could quench the thirst of the soul (John 4:10-14). This water represented the Holy Spirit, the divine presence that brings life, forgiveness, and eternal hope.

On the cross, Jesus experienced a profound sense of separation from his Father. The weight of sin and the rejection of those he came to save had created an immense spiritual void within him. His cry of "I thirst" was a plea for the restoration of that connection, for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon him.

Theological Significance

Theologically, Jesus' fifth word serves as a powerful reminder of his humanity. Despite his divine nature, he shared the same physical and emotional needs as all mortals. His thirst highlights the reality of his suffering and the extent to which he humbled himself for the sake of our redemption.

Moreover, Jesus' thirst prefigures the fulfillment of his mission. As the ultimate sacrifice for sin, he willingly endured the thirst of the world upon himself. By quenching our thirst for God's presence and forgiveness, he became the source of living water for all who believe in him.

Personal Implications

On a personal level, Jesus' fifth word invites us to reflect on our own spiritual thirst. Are we seeking the living water that only God can provide? Or are we content with the fleeting pleasures and shallow pursuits that can never truly satisfy our deepest longings?

Jesus' thirst reminds us of the importance of seeking nourishment for our souls. Through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers, we can quench our thirst for God's presence and experience the fullness of life he offers.

The fifth word of Christ on the cross, "I thirst," is a profound and multifaceted statement that speaks to both the physical and spiritual anguish endured by Jesus. It unveils the depth of his suffering, the significance of his mission, and the personal implications for our own lives.

As we contemplate this poignant cry, may we be drawn closer to Jesus, our Savior, and find in him the living water that can quench our thirst for eternity.

Seven Last Words of Christ, 5th WORD

by Tony Herman

5 out of 5