Jesus Understands

“Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’” John 19:28

Often times, I do not think it is truly understood or appreciated how much Jesus suffered on the cross, dying for our sins. Not only did He endure the most torturous death ever invented,  but He had already been through 12 hours of torture and beatings before they ever nailed Him to the cross. His naked body was exposed to the heat, he lost a tremendous amount of blood, and was completely exhausted and dehydrated.

Scientists tell us the most agonizing pain the human body can experience is thirst. There hung Jesus, the holy Son of God, with cracked lips and a swollen tongue, literally dying for a drink of water. “I am thirsty,” He said. Those three words can be a huge encouragement to us in our own suffering.

It’s amazing that He even spoke those words. If He was thirsty, why didn’t He do something about it? If He could turn water into wine and feed more than 5,000 people with two fish and five loaves, couldn’t He have made it rain water right into His parched mouth? Couldn’t He have commanded legions of angels to bring Him water right there on that cross? Of course He could have. So why didn’t He?

Why did Jesus go through the physical suffering, emotional heartache, and even spiritual helplessness? Why did He go through being crucified by His foes, deserted by His friends and family, and forsaken by His Father? Because in regards to suffering, Jesus wanted us to know that what we feel, He has felt…what we experience, He has experienced. When we hurt, we can know He has hurt, too.

Jesus knew firsthand what we would face in this world, because He faced it as well. Perhaps you are hurting physically because of disease or disability. Maybe you are hurting emotionally because you have been deserted or disappointed. Are you discouraged or disillusioned? Take heart! Jesus has felt all of this and more; and He understands. He has been where you are, felt what you feel, and knows what you know. In your hurt, you can always admit your pain to a Savior who knows exactly how you feel.

Dear God, it is so comforting to know that Jesus has suffered in all the ways that I do. Help me to remember to bring my pain to Him when I am hurting. Thank You for sending Your Son to suffer so that I can have comfort. In Jesus’ name, amen.