4/15/14- Jesus' Death

28Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

31Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,”^c 37and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.” (John 19:28-37)

Thoughts: John records two last sentences of Jesus.  "I am thirsty" which emphasizes His humanity, and human weakness.  They offered him bitter drink that would not satisfy His thirst.  They put the sponge on the hyssop plant- which is the same plant that they used for putting the Passover Lamb's blood on the doorpost.  Jesus really suffered for us.  There was an old heresy that said Jesus was just a Phantom- a spirit- and not a real, suffering human.  But "I thirst" is a reminder of His vulnerability and weakness. 

"It is finished" (teletesrtai) is a reminder that Christ's work- His teaching, earthly example, and daily humble sacrifices- culminating in the cross is over and done.  The sins were paid for. The sacrifice is real. 

The last paragraph is a reminder that Jesus really did die.  When they pierced His side blood and water came out.  It is a sign of a broken heart.  The crucifixion causes heart and lung failure- when fluid forms around the membranes of the heart and lungs. The piercing of the side was an indication and affirmation that Jesus really died.  

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you became human and suffered for us.  Thank you that you sacrificed so much for us and gave yourself.  Help me to believe and trust in you.

(Velasquez 1632)