John 19:28-29 (KJV)

28. After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.
29. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.

"I thirst" reveals to us a great deal about our Savior, the lost people around us, and even ourselves.

1. These two words reveal the nature of our Savior . . .
   Christ is unique among men. He is the God-man; fully God and fully man; both God and man.
   1. His words reveal His humanity . . .
      Jesus Christ experienced hunger (Matthew 4:2), happiness (John 15:11), and even sorrow (Matthew 26:38). On the cross He experienced both pain of the soul and pain of the body. "All my bones are out of joint, my heart is like wax, my strength is dried up like a potsherd, my tongue cleaveth to my jaw, thou hast brought me into the dust of death" (Psalm 22:14- 15). Jesus Christ died, cursed (condemned) by God the Father, on behalf of God's people. "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, 'Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree'" (Galatians 3:13).
   2. His words reveal His deity . . .
      " . . . knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled (Jesus) saith, 'I thirst.'" "In my thirst they gave me vinegar" (Psalm 69:21. What does the Bible say about the Messiah?
      • Psalm 41:9 - he would be betrayed by a familiar friend.
      • Psalm 31:11 - the disciples would forsake him.
      • Psalm 35:11 - he would face false accusations.
      • Isaiah 53:7 - the Messiah would be silent before his accusers.
      • Isaiah 53:9 - he would be pronounced innocent.
      • Psalm 22 - he would suffer death by crucifixion.
      • Psalm 109:25 - spectators would mock.
      • Psalm 22:18 - lots would be cast for his garments.
      • Isaiah 53:12 - he would pray for his enemies.
      • Psalm 22:7,8 - he would be forsaken of God.
      • Psalm 34:20 - no bones would be broken.
      • Isaiah 53:9 - he would be buried in a rich man's tomb.
      These are just some prophecies about his crucifixion - not his birth, ministry, miracles, resurrection, there are over 500 prophecies. Christ is who He says!
2. These two words reveal the need of every sinner . . .
   Remember the context. "Eli, Eli, Lama sabachthani," (Matthew 27:46). God's presence is gone. Whether he articulates it or not, the natural man the world over is crying - "I thirst." How is that thirst filled? Some seek after possessions, others pleasure, others power (I John 2:16). Jesus said to the woman at the well, "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst." If you die separated from Jesus Christ, you will eternally cry "I thirst."
3. These two words reveal the necessity of every saint . . .
   Have you ever asked the question why He said, "I thirst"? Was it because he was thirsty? Jesus said "I thirst" in order "that the Scriptures might be fulfilled." He did not ask to satisfy himself. He did not ask to quench his thirst. He did not ask to receive. He asked in order to be obedient. The Psalmist said that vinegar would be given. When Jesus said, "I thirst," He knew what He would be given. Have you drunk vinegar? "I have learned in whatever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11). Christ has not called me to a life of comfort and ease but of commitment and obedience.
   1. The delight of obedience is sometimes postponed.
      Just as an athlete will experience the triumph of victory only after the grueling agony of training, the believer will sometimes experience victory only after the pain of obedience.
   2. Obedience will always produce a future delight.
      Mark it down. Obedience to God will always bring future delight (Matthew 5:10-12).
   3. The child of God will always, by grace, be brought to the point of obedience.