If you’ve ever had to say goodbye to someone, you treasure the last words spoken. You remember what was said. You hold on to those final words. For Lent in 2021, we are focusing on the last words of Jesus from the cross. What did he say? What does it mean for us? How do those words change us? This week, we focus on the word “distress.” The end is drawing near and Jesus says just two words, “I thirst”. And with these words he reveals both genuine human pain and the God who left nothing undone to secure your salvation.
Invitation Prayer
O God, “may my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry” (Psalm 88:2). Relieve my distress. Satisfy my needs. Hear my prayer. Amen.
Confession
O Father in heaven, you made me to desire you above all else. To follow hard after you in all things. To live on every word you speak. And yet my desire for you is often small. My obedience is fleeting. I listen to other voices. Forgive my sin for the sake of Jesus. Amen.
Word
“I thirst.” (John 19:28)
Meditation
This word from the cross is a word of suffering: “I thirst.” Two words reveal genuine, human pain. Jesus endured the pain of our humanity to the fullest extent. Although divine, he claimed no exemption from our deepest human needs, including thirst. His pain was our pain. “He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows.” He is the Sufferer who embodied all suffering. We can never say, “God doesn’t know my pain.” In saying “I thirst,” Jesus demonstrated an intimate knowledge of all our needs. Reflect on all your deepest needs. Remember that Jesus is the “living water” that meets them all (John 4:10).
God of the needy, I am in need of what you give. I thirst for you. Come, Lord, come. Amen.
Sending Prayer
Lord Jesus, you promised to give living water to all who ask. Satisfy my thirsty soul and fill me to overflowing. Send me in your name. May your abundant life flow through me to others. Amen.
*Today’s devotion is taken from It Is Finished by Jeff Cloeter, published by CTA – Christ to All at ctainc.com