In John 19:28, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” Jesus thirsted. What can be more human than that? We all rely on drinking for our survival, and we become thirsty daily. Jesus was human, flesh and bone, hanging on a cross for us. He felt excruciating pain, and He was thirsty! If He were not thirsty, we would question that He was fully human, right? Our faith is dependent on Jesus dying as a human and raising from the dead to put our sins in the grave instead.
In verse 29, they soak a sponge with wine vinegar and put it to Jesus' lips. Wetting his mouth, Jesus was able to say his last words. John 19:30 says, "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." The pain was real. The sins put upon His body were real. He had the strength to say three more words and for us, it was the greatest three words that were ever said. Easter is a time to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and be reminded that there is nothing we can do to unfinish what He did for us on the cross.