John 19:28 - Printer Friendly

ESV: After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), "I thirst."

NIV: Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty."

NASB: After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, in order that the Scripture would be fulfilled, *said, 'I am thirsty.'

CSB: After this, when Jesus knew that everything was now finished that the Scripture might be fulfilled, he said, "I’m thirsty."

NLT: Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, 'I am thirsty.'

KJV: After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

NKJV: After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!”

At many times in the gospel of John, John skips details covered in other writings. Instead, he focuses on personal details not available in those Scriptures. Even at the crucifixion, this pattern continues. John skips over most of Jesus' statements from the cross. So far, he has only included Jesus' command to care for His mother (John 19:26–27). Here, he records another fulfillment of Scripture that comes just before Jesus finally dies.

Gospel writers often point out Old Testament statements which echo in Jesus' life and ministry. John mentioned one of these, Psalm 22:18, when soldiers were gambling for Jesus clothes (John 19:24). Jesus Himself spoke the opening words of Psalm 22 from the cross (Matthew 27:46). Here, John notes a parallel between the suffering described in Psalm 69:21 and what happens to Jesus in this moment (John 19:29). Something that would typically be thought of as disgusting is offered in response to thirst.

"Sour wine" is likely a vinegar. This may be the same or similar to what Jesus refused when He was placed on the cross (Matthew 27:34). If the liquid has numbing properties, Jesus would have rejected it at first, so He would be fully aware and in control during His crucifixion. Now, however, He knows that death is unavoidable and imminent. It's also possible this was presented to Jesus in a teasing, mocking way by His executioners.

John 19:17–30 describes Jesus' unjust execution by crucifixion. The Roman governor, Pilate, ironically puts a sign on Jesus' cross proclaiming Him "King of the Jews." This angers Jewish religious leaders, but the governor refuses to take the sign down or change the wording. As Jesus calls out to John to care for His mother, Mary, soldiers gamble for what's left of His clothes. Jesus pronounces the completion of His atoning sacrifice and dies. Matthew 27:31–56, Mark 15:22–41, and Luke 23:32–49 cover this same series of events.

Pilate recognizes Jesus' innocence, but fears the mob assembled by Jewish religious leaders. He attempts to satisfy them by having Jesus viciously whipped and mocked. This only results in more cries for Jesus' death. The governor then shifts to protect his own reputation, ordering Jesus to be crucified on a charge of being "King of the Jews." John is directly present as Jesus is executed. He notes the fulfillment of several prophecies as Jesus dies. Once He is confirmed to be dead, Jesus' body is taken by two friendly members of the ruling council. They hastily bury Him in the borrowed crypt of a rich man.

When Jesus was first brought to Pilate, His innocence was obvious (John 18:36–38). However, the mob refuses to be satisfied with anything less than crucifixion. Pilate gives in to these demands. John, who is present for the entire gory spectacle, notes several instances of fulfilled prophecy (Psalm 22:18; Psalm 69:21; Exodus 12:46; Zechariah 12:10). Jesus is then buried in the borrowed tomb of a rich man (Isaiah 53:9) to complete yet another Old Testament prediction. A guard will be posted to ensure no one steals the body (Matthew 27:62–68), which will only serve to confirm that Jesus' eventual resurrection was a true miracle (John 20:1–8).

The disciple John wrote the gospel of John decades after the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke were written. The author assumes that a reader is already familiar with the content of these other works. So, John presents a different perspective, with a greater emphasis on meaning. John uses seven miracles—which he calls "signs"— to prove that Jesus is, in fact, God incarnate. Some of the most well-known verses in the Bible are found here. None is more famous than the one-sentence summary of the gospel found in John 3:16.