Word #5: I thirst. John 19:28
The Soldier that gave him a drink
(Written by Liz Rodrigues and brought to life in Dramatic Presentation @ the Orange County Gospel Fellowship 2013)
I’m not sure what to make of that day. I have orders and I am to follow them. There is sign clearly posted for everyone to see; it points to the identity of this man, Jesus, King of the Jews. I’m not a Jew but is he a King? I’m a Roman soldier; I do what I am told.
We are many; Roman soldiers upholding the law; and yes we are mocking him as well.
This day is not like any other day; darkness hovers over us, we proceed with the orders given us. The end is drawing near and I hear him call out my God, my God why have you forsaken me? While foul remarks continue to be hurled at him; I’m not innocent, I too took my turn; He said he was thirsty so I quickly ran and gave him a drink.
There was some hesitation that I felt. See I remembered his arrest. That night when we arrived as the kiss identified him; He was asked if he was Jesus, he replied, I AM. All I recall was falling backwards to the ground. His identity, his presence, his voice alone, well it sent us all to the ground. There was no one with him except his scared disciples.
I quickly got a reed, put the sponge on the end, dipped it and offered him a drink.
I try to examine my heart; I think I was afraid? There was fear; the inside of me trembled, I mean, I know I’m a soldier, I’m supposed to be brave, but… what if I get close to his bruised face and….well I don’t know what will happen.
It was like a breeze that swept through my body. The sponge touched his lips and something touched me. This time I retreated on my own. I felt dirty.
How odd, how strange to comprehend; it caused me to think; a rejected king? Could I believe this message? What if it’s true?
God bless you!~Liz
