Thirsting for Love: Jesus' Humanity and Redemption

 

Summary

In our ongoing series on the words spoken by Jesus Christ from the cross, we aim to see and feel the full extent of Christ's love. While we can witness Christ's love in various aspects of our lives, such as answered prayers or family blessings, the cross is where we see His love in its fullness and glory. If you have never felt that Jesus Christ loves you, I hope today you will find His love irresistible as we explore His words from the cross.

Today, we focus on the fifth word Jesus spoke from the cross, found in John 19:28: "I am thirsty." This statement, uttered after six hours of suffering, is the only time Jesus refers to His own suffering on the cross. It highlights His humanity and His deep understanding of human suffering. Jesus' thirst was not just a physical condition but a fulfillment of Scripture, demonstrating His role as the promised Messiah. His suffering allows Him to empathize with us in our pain and assures us that He can help us in our times of need.

Jesus' thirst also signifies the completion of His work. Knowing that all was completed, He expressed a longing for the joy and reward that awaited Him. This longing is not just for His own restoration but for the joy of bringing His people into the fullness of what He has purchased through His suffering. As believers, we are invited to partake in this joy and to experience the living water that Jesus offers, which quenches our deepest spiritual thirsts.

The cross is not just a historical event but a present reality that offers us life and hope. Jesus' suffering and fulfillment of Scripture assure us that He can deliver what the Scripture promises. His death releases the living water that sustains us, and His resurrection life becomes ours through faith. As we unite with Christ, His presence in our lives becomes a spring of living water, leading us into an eternity of ever-increasing joy.

Key Takeaways:

- Jesus' statement "I am thirsty" reveals His deep understanding of human suffering. He experienced physical agony and spiritual desolation, allowing Him to empathize with us in our pain and offer us comfort and help in our times of need. [12:44]

- The fulfillment of Scripture in Jesus' words and actions on the cross assures us that He is the promised Messiah. His conscious fulfillment of prophecy demonstrates His authority and ability to deliver the promises of Scripture, offering us hope and assurance. [19:19]

- Jesus' thirst signifies the completion of His redemptive work. Knowing that all was completed, He expressed a longing for the joy and reward that awaited Him, which includes bringing His people into the fullness of what He has purchased through His suffering. [31:11]

- The living water that Jesus offers quenches our deepest spiritual thirsts. Through His death and resurrection, He releases this life-giving water to us, sustaining us and uniting us with Him in a relationship that transforms our lives. [25:02]

- As believers, we are invited to partake in the joy and life that Jesus offers. His presence in our lives becomes a spring of living water, leading us into an eternity of ever-increasing joy and fulfillment in His presence. [40:54]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:19] - Seeing Christ's Love
- [01:07] - The Irresistible Love of Jesus
- [01:51] - The Fifth Word from the Cross
- [02:52] - The Story of the Cross
- [04:02] - Darkness and Suffering
- [06:04] - The Final Words of Jesus
- [08:30] - The Striking Contrast
- [10:18] - What "I Thirst" Meant for Jesus
- [13:21] - Jesus' Empathy in Suffering
- [18:11] - Fulfillment of Scripture
- [24:22] - Delivering the Promises
- [30:57] - Completion of His Work
- [36:14] - Leading into Eternal Joy
- [40:54] - The Shepherd's Eternal Care

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 19:28
- Psalm 22:15
- Psalm 69:21

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the significance of Jesus saying "I am thirsty" in John 19:28, and how does it relate to the fulfillment of Scripture? [19:19]

2. How does the sermon describe the physical and spiritual suffering of Jesus on the cross, particularly in relation to His statement "I am thirsty"? [12:44]

3. What are the two Psalms mentioned in the sermon that prophesy aspects of Jesus' crucifixion, and how are they fulfilled in His words and actions on the cross? [22:49]

4. According to the sermon, what does Jesus' thirst signify about the completion of His work on the cross? [31:11]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Jesus' expression of thirst on the cross demonstrate His empathy and understanding of human suffering? What does this mean for believers today? [13:21]

2. In what ways does the fulfillment of Scripture through Jesus' words and actions on the cross provide assurance of His role as the promised Messiah? [19:19]

3. How does the concept of "living water" offered by Jesus relate to His statement "I am thirsty," and what implications does this have for believers' spiritual lives? [25:02]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the joy and reward Jesus anticipated after completing His redemptive work, and how does this relate to the believer's experience of joy in Christ? [33:30]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt deep spiritual thirst. How can Jesus' promise of living water provide comfort and fulfillment in that area of your life? [25:02]

2. Jesus' empathy in suffering is highlighted in the sermon. How can you draw on His understanding and presence in your own times of pain or difficulty? [13:21]

3. The sermon emphasizes the fulfillment of Scripture in Jesus' actions. How does this assurance of prophecy fulfillment impact your trust in God's promises today? [19:19]

4. Consider the joy Jesus anticipated after completing His work on the cross. How can you cultivate a sense of joy and anticipation in your spiritual journey, knowing what Christ has accomplished for you? [33:30]

5. The sermon describes Jesus' suffering as a means to help those who suffer. How can you use your own experiences of suffering to empathize with and support others in your community? [12:44]

6. Reflect on the idea of Jesus as the living water. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Him and experience His life-giving presence? [25:02]

7. How does the assurance of Jesus' completed work on the cross influence your perspective on eternal life and the hope of heaven? [31:11]

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus' Empathy in Our Suffering
Jesus' statement "I am thirsty" reveals His profound understanding of human suffering. In this moment, Jesus, who is both fully divine and fully human, expresses a deep physical need, highlighting His humanity. This expression of thirst is not merely about physical dehydration but also signifies the spiritual desolation He experienced on the cross. By acknowledging His own suffering, Jesus demonstrates His ability to empathize with us in our pain. He knows what it means to suffer and assures us that He is present with us in our struggles, offering comfort and help. [12:44]

Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV): "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt alone in your suffering. How can you invite Jesus into that memory today, knowing He understands and empathizes with your pain?


Day 2: Fulfillment of Prophecy and Assurance of Hope
The fulfillment of Scripture in Jesus' words and actions on the cross assures us that He is the promised Messiah. His conscious fulfillment of prophecy demonstrates His authority and ability to deliver the promises of Scripture. This assurance offers us hope, as we can trust that what was foretold has been accomplished in Christ. Jesus' life and death were not random events but were part of a divine plan that He willingly fulfilled, providing us with a foundation of hope and assurance in His promises. [19:19]

Isaiah 53:4-5 (ESV): "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."

Reflection: Reflect on a promise from Scripture that you find difficult to believe. How does knowing Jesus fulfilled prophecy encourage you to trust in that promise today?


Day 3: Completion of Redemptive Work
Jesus' thirst signifies the completion of His redemptive work. As He hung on the cross, He knew that all was completed, and He expressed a longing for the joy and reward that awaited Him. This longing was not just for His own restoration but for the joy of bringing His people into the fullness of what He has purchased through His suffering. As believers, we are invited to partake in this joy and to experience the living water that Jesus offers, which quenches our deepest spiritual thirsts. [31:11]

John 7:37-38 (ESV): "On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, "Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."'"

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you feel spiritually dry. How can you seek the living water that Jesus offers to quench your thirst today?


Day 4: The Living Water of Jesus
The living water that Jesus offers quenches our deepest spiritual thirsts. Through His death and resurrection, He releases this life-giving water to us, sustaining us and uniting us with Him in a relationship that transforms our lives. This living water is not a one-time gift but a continual source of sustenance and renewal. As we draw near to Jesus, His presence becomes a spring of living water within us, leading us into a life of abundance and spiritual vitality. [25:02]

Revelation 21:6 (ESV): "And he said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.'"

Reflection: Identify a spiritual practice that helps you connect with Jesus, the source of living water. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine to experience His life-giving presence?


Day 5: Invitation to Eternal Joy
As believers, we are invited to partake in the joy and life that Jesus offers. His presence in our lives becomes a spring of living water, leading us into an eternity of ever-increasing joy and fulfillment in His presence. This invitation is not just for the future but is a present reality that transforms our daily lives. By embracing this invitation, we can experience the fullness of joy that comes from living in relationship with Jesus, both now and forever. [40:54]

Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally seek the joy of Jesus' presence in your life today? How might this choice impact your perspective and actions throughout the day?

Quotes

"Jesus was nailed to the cross at 9:00 in the morning and between the hours of 9 and noon in these three hours we have been learning that he spoke just three times to his father he said father forgive them they do not know what they are doing then to a thief who was on a cross nearby he said today you will be with me in Paradise then as we saw last time to his mother and to John who were standing below he said dear M woman here is your son and to the disciple here is your mother now think about this Jesus spoke three sentences in three long hours and for all the rest of that time he simply hung there and suffered in silence 3 hours and every minute must have seemed like an eternity." [00:03:00]

"Jesus entered into all the dimensions of Hell on the cross and you remember that we saw that hell is conscious suffering it is to be in blackest Darkness it is to be surrounded by dark and demonic Powers Unleashed it is to bear sin it is to be under the Judgment of God and worst of all all it is to be beyond the reach of the Everlasting Love of God and all this Jesus endured on the cross he endured all that hell is on the cross and he did it we saw so that you need never know what hell is like that's why he was there that's why all this was happening that's how real this is it happened it happened." [00:04:39]

"Jesus has been on the cross for 6 hours and he has only spoken three times and I want you to see today that after these six hours suddenly now the silence is broken and Jesus speaks not once but four times and in quick succession to see this you have to put the accounts that we have in the four different gospels side by side together those of you who enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles where you have various pieces and work out how they connect will enjoy just following uh this and for the rest of you well the conclusion is coming in just a moment." [00:05:47]

"Jesus said I thirst when he was suffering in agony now remember what we have seen he has been on the cross for six hours I can scarcely imagine being on the cross for six minutes he has been there for six hours and in every minute of these six hours his suffering has increased fever would have raged in him as the wounds around the nails in his hands and his feet widened with the sheer weight of his body over time and as the blood seeps from these wounds dehydration sets in it must have felt as if his whole body was burning and Jesus who had said if anyone is thirsty let him come to me and drink now says in this Agony of his flesh I thirst." [00:10:40]

"This fifth word of the Lord Jesus is of special importance because it is the only time the only time that our lord Jesus ever refers to his own suffering on the cross the only time you think about the other things he said as we've considered them them his other words were spoken to forgive others to open Paradise to provide for his mother to reveal the anguish of Hell to announce the atonement to TR his Spirit to the father in death but on this one occasion this one word comes right out of his physical suffering Jesus knows what suffering is like from the inside." [00:12:00]

"Jesus thirsted because of his suffering so he is able to help those who suffer the wonderful truth now friends all of us suffer in various ways but at some point in your life you may suffer in a way that pushes you to the outer edge of your endurance I've been praying this week for some folks I think of now and will not name who are at the outer edge Ed of the endurance of their suffering they're right at the edge and Jesus has been there Jesus has been there." [00:13:23]

"Jesus said I thirst not only for the obvious fact that he was in an Agony of suffering but particularly because so that the scripture itself would be fulfilled now you can go on listing scriptures that have been fulfilled in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ for page after page but let me give you a couple of examples particularly of scriptures that are fulfilled in this moment where Jesus says I thirst and when they bring the wine vinegar for him to drink." [00:19:19]

"Jesus thirsted to fulfill the scripture he is able to deliver what the scripture promises that is huge and on the cross the Lord Jesus not only fulfilled the Old Testament scriptures he also fulfilled the words he had spoken himself so you may remember and of course this comes to mind when we hear Jesus say I thirst this this is Jesus who said whoever drinks the water that I will give him will never thirst that's what he said he said if anyone is thirsty let him come to me to drink." [00:25:02]

"The one who is Living Water became thirsty so that we who are thirsty may receive the Living Water he promises it in the gospel and through the cross this life is released for us it's in this way that he Del delivers what he promises friends think about this to quote aw pink again he's so helpful here he he just looks out on the world and uh this was more than half a century ago when he was writing but oh the world has not changed he asked this question why this consuming desire to acquire wealth why this craving for honors and plaits from the world why this mad rush after pleasure turning from one form to another why this ransacking of the writings of ancients and the ceaseless experimentation by moderns why because he says there is an aching void in the soul." [00:26:32]

"Jesus said I thirst because he knew he had completed his work you see that there in verse 28 knowing that all was now completed this is an astonishing and hugely important statement right here in the account of the cross it says right here John uh chapter 19 and verse 28 knowing that all was now completed Jesus said I thirst now this is a hugely important piece of information all was now completed and Jesus knew it he knew it." [00:31:11]

"Jesus says I thirst when he knows that all things are completed what's he thirsting for then he's thirsting for the restored Joy Of The Father's Love he's Resto he's longing for the joy of bringing his people into everything that he is purchasing right there in his Agony on the cross he thirsts to taste the fruit of his suffering now you may say is that really there I say to you absolutely because Jesus is cons iously deliberately fulfilling Psalm 69 to which we referred earlier and the end of that Psalm that was in the mind of Jesus says this let Heaven and Earth Praise Him for God Will Save Zion and those who love his name will dwell there." [00:33:49]

"Jesus stands at the Gate of Heaven ready to Usher all his people in he will keep me till the river of death rolls its water at my feet and then he'll bear me safely over made by grace for Glory meat listen we read from Hebrews that the reason Jesus suffered all this Agony on the cross was what to bring many sons to glory to bring them you will not make this journey on your own if you are a Christian you certainly won't find yourself knocking on some door feeling like a stranger to bring many sons to Glory he will bring you through the open doors of the gates into the presence of the father of heaven when having purchased you at such a cost how could the Lord Jesus Christ ever let you go His Eye Is on you and his grace is with you and he holds you in the hollow of his hand." [00:40:54]

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Transcript
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