John 19:28, I Thirst

//Readers of my book about John’s Gospel are aware of the many parallels between the opening story, of Jesus turning water into wine, and the ending story, Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. But I was recently made aware of another simple parallel … one of theological importance that I can’t believe I missed! It is these two words: I thirst.

At the marriage, Jesus is somewhat pressured into providing wine before his “hour came,” but nevertheless, the dialogue surrounding the first miracle in John sets the stage for the coming hour. This “hour,” repeated over and over in John’s Gospel, would arrive when Jesus rose into the air on the cross.

So, now, at the end of the Gospel story we finally come to Jesus’ “hour,” and what happens? Still, he hasn’t provided wine in abundance as promised by the prophets. Still, he hasn’t met the need of the thirsty. In fact, Jesus himself admits his thirst! The very last words of Jesus according to John’s Gospel, are an admission that he still thirsts! Did the prophecies fail?

I don’t think so. This verse follows quickly after Jesus’ death:

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. –John 19:34

Thus appears, finally, the fountain of wine promised by the prophets, and Jesus’ “hour” finally arrives in its fullness. A spring of abundance and hope opens from Jesus side and pours forth the saving blood of Jesus … the wine of the new era.