John 19:28, “After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, I thirst!”

They say that more than 60% of the human body is water, for some, up to 75%. It’s possible to live without food for several weeks, but a person can only live for three to five days without water on average, in some cases, a little longer. Without water, we become dehydrated, and our blood vessels and cells begin to dry up.

There is perhaps no greater expression of the humanity of Jesus than when He whispered through cracked lips, “I’m thirsty.” By the time Jesus spoke these words, He had been hanging on the cross for more than six hours, and His body was becoming parched. He was a bruised, beaten man, with nails in His hands and feet. It’s not a picture we would think of when considering God, but this part of the story reminds us of a profound truth. At the core of our faith is One who was not only fully divine, but also fully human, human enough to be thirsty.

“I am thirsty.” These words remind us of John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” His humanity allows Him to be “Touched with the feelings of our infirmities,” and His deity provides a way for us to be saved and spend eternity with Him. “I don’t know why He sacrificed His life, oh, but I’m glad, so glad He did.”