THREE HOURS ON THE CROSS

THREE HOURS ON THE CROSS

“After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I am thirsty." John 19:28

 

And so we come to the central Wonder. John says, "After this." How long after? Probably three hours, for the word to His mother was probably uttered at the beginning. John does not tell us about those three hours. He says, "After this." John's account here is the most revealing of those of the evangelists. Of course Matthew wrote by inspiration, so also did Mark, and Luke unquestionably; but equally by inspiration John has written something in simple sentences that is more revealing than what Matthew, Mark, or Luke were inspired to write about that hour, and what transpired.

                John says, "After this Jesus, knowing." What? "That all things are now finished, that the Scripture might be accomplished, saith, I thirst." The work He voluntarily left heaven to accomplish was accomplished. Jesus did not say "I thirst" until He knew that everything was done. He knew that all things were accomplished. Then there passed His lips the only words in all the process, either of trial or crucifying, or long-continued agony on the Cross that gave expression to physical suffering. As the Son of Man He Displayed normal human appetites. Cf. Matt. 4:2. He was also capable of death. Then He said, "I thirst," but He did not say that until whatever He had gone to the Cross to do was done. When He knew that "all things were accomplished, He said, I thirst." There was a vessel standing there with vinegar in it; and somebody took some hyssop, and saturated it with the vinegar and gave Him, and He received it. At the very beginning they had offered Him wine, mingled with gall, drugged, and He refused it. He refused anything that would deaden the physical pain. But now knowing that all things were finished, He said, "I thirst." Three years earlier He furnished as the Creator the very best wine from water at the wedding He and His mother attended. Here they gave Him the simple sour wine of Palestine on hyssop, and He took it. He made wondrous displays His whole journey on earth. Many miss the wonder of God here on earth to redeem mankind.