I Thirst

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Read John 19: 28-29.

1. The “Famous Last Words” of Jesus today are, “I thirst.” What do you think Jesus meant by this? In what way(s) was He thirsty? Physical thirst? Spiritual thirst? Both?

2. Throughout all four gospel accounts of the crucifixion, Jesus was offered some form of wine multiple times. What was different about each of those offers (See Mark 15: 23, Luke 23: 36-37, Mark 15: 36 and John 19: 29)

3. Why did Jesus refuse the offers of wine?

4. From his prayer at Gethsemane to his final breath on the cross, Jesus chose not to avoid suffering. Why do you think He chose this? What does that tell us about what we can expect if we follow Jesus?

5. John says that the sponge with wine vinegar offered to Jesus was lifted to Jesus on the stalk of a hyssop plant. The other gospels simply use the generic term “reed.” What do you think John is trying to tell us by specifying hyssop in his gospel?

6. Read Leviticus 14: 4-6, Hebrews 9: 19-20 and Psalm 51: 7. What is significant about hyssop in these passages? How do they relate to what Jesus is doing on the cross? (Note: You might want to read and reflect on all of Psalm 51 at this point. It was written by King David after Nathan confronted him with his sin with Bathsheba)

7. What does John mean in today’s passage when he says, “Knowing that everything had now been finished”? What is finished?

Prayer for the Week:
Lord Jesus, grant us the courage to drink from whatever cup you give us. And be for us the source of Living Water that satisfies our deepest needs and longings. Help us to thirst for nothing as much as we thirst for you. Fill us with your compassion, enabling us to offer water, both physical and spiritual, to all who are thirsty. We love you so much, Lord. And we offer this prayer in your precious, holy and strong name. Amen.