So that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” John 19:28 (NIV)
You could list passage after passage from the Old Testament that is fulfilled here, but let’s focus on two…
1. Psalm 22 is an amazing prophecy depicting the cross in extraordinary detail, a thousand years before the time of Christ, in a culture where crucifixion was unknown:
- They have pierced my hands and my feet. (Psalm 22:17)
- They hurl insults, shaking their heads. He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him. (Psalm 22:7-8)
- They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing. (Psalm 22:18)
2. Psalm 69 gives us some very specific details:
- I am worn out calling for help. My throat is parched. My eyes fail looking for my God. (Psalm 69:3)
- They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst. (Psalm 69:21)
Notice when Christ said the words, “I am thirsty,” he was consciously fulfilling the Scripture: “So that the Scripture would be fulfilled,” he said, “I am thirsty.” And they brought him a sponge, soaked in vinegar, on a stick (John 19:29).
Jesus thirsted in order to fulfill the Scriptures. That means he is able to deliver what the Scriptures promise: “Whoever drinks the water I will give him will never thirst” (John 4:14), and, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37).
Jesus Christ invites you to drink living water, because he is the living water. Come to him and find real refreshment for your soul.
On a scale of 1 (no confidence) to 10 (full confidence), how confident are you that Jesus can fulfill God’s promises for you?