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
“(He) made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” (Phil. 2:7).
Meditation
He did not have to, but he did. He did not have to ever thirst, but he chose to. He “made himself nothing.” It was his decision to take our form and to join our plight. Therefore, because we thirst, he thirsted. Because we hurt, he hurt. “Being born in our likeness” means he fully endured our condition. “Talk is cheap,” they say. So Jesus walked the walk. We don’t doubt his heart because we’ve seen him in action. He has proven his love for us by enduring distress for us. Write down all the things Jesus experienced as a human, “in the likeness of men.”
Jesus Christ, you made yourself nothing for me. I am left speechless. I can only say, “Thank you, Lord.” 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