Devotional
This Spring we have taken a deep dive into the seven statements that Jesus made while he was on the cross, in a series called “7 Words”. Our focus on these things has been both challenging and encouraging to me as I have reflected on the intentionality of the life and words of Christ. On Good Friday, we have arrived on the sixth statement, in which Jesus simply says…
"I thirst." [John 19:28 ESV]
In the original greek, this simple, one word statement is nearly forgettable and seemingly unimportant, but there is a lot of truth packed into this statement. While it certainly points to the fulfillment of a prophecy in Psalm 22, we will turn our attention to the revelation of the humanity of Jesus.
We sometimes forget that Jesus was a man. In our attempt to understand the idea of Jesus being fully man and fully God, we can find ourselves chasing our own tail by running in theological circles. Jesus was man. Just like you, and just like me. He faced this gruesome death, just as any man would in that circumstance. So today, we remember the death of a man… a man who knew no sin… a man who deserved no death… a man who was the son of God… a man who’s blood was spilled on our behalf.
As you turn your heart towards Jesus today, I want to encourage you to find time this evening to participate in the activity below. It is a powerful and significant way to exercise reverence and intentionality on this holy day.
Activity
You Need:
Seven candles
Lighter or match
A dark room
The seven statements of Jesus (see below)
This activity can be done alone or with others. Begin by finding a dark room and lighting the seven candles. Each candle represents one of the seven statements Jesus said while he was on the cross. Take your time to read each statement, one by one. After reading a statement, diffuse a candle and allow for a moment of silence for reflection and stillness. After reading the last statement, “It is finished”, diffuse the last candle, so that you will end in darkness and silence. Each person should take as much time as they need to fully reflect on this moment, and should be allowed to leave the room in silence when they are ready. Below are the “7 Words”
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. [Luke 23:43]
Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." [Luke 23:43]
When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, "Woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. [John 19:26-27]
About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"). [Matthew 27:46]
Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." [John 19:28]
Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last. [Luke 23:46]
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. [John 19:30]