The Word of SUFFERING John 19:28, "I am thirsty." So brief. So human. Yet so infinitely profound. With parched lips and a burning throat, the Lord of glory uttered the cry: "I am thirsty." This anguishing cry, from the One who turned water into wine; from the One who spoke of "living water" that quenches the soul forever. Yet here on the cruel cross, He thirsts. This word reveals the Savior's full identification with His people. He was no phantom on the cross, no divine being immune to suffering. He was truly Man--flesh and blood, nerves and sinews. He took upon Himself our nature, not merely in appearance, but in reality. In the furnace of affliction, He drank the bitter cup to its dregs! And this thirst was no mere physical craving--it was the cry of One consumed by the wrath of God against our sin. The fire of divine judgment dried up every drop of His vitality. Yet this word also reveals His perfect submission. John tells us that Jesus said this, "so that the Scripture would be fulfilled" (John 19:28). Even in dire agony, He was obedient. He suffered not as a victim of chance, but as the Servant of the Father's will, and out of love for His people. Every moment on the cross was the outworking of God's eternal purpose. Every pang fulfilled prophecy. His sin-atoning suffering accomplished our redemption. This agonizing cry is a precious balm to the believer's soul. Are you weary? He was weary. Are you in pain? He was pierced. Are you thirsty for righteousness, for peace, for God? He thirsted first--that He might give you the water of life freely. "To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life" (Revelation 21:6). Christian, this