How does Psalm 69:21 connect with Matthew 27:34 and John 19:28-30? Connections at a glance • Psalm 69:21 – “They poisoned My food with gall and gave Me vinegar to quench My thirst.” • Matthew 27:34 – “And there they offered Him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, He refused to drink it.” • John 19:28-30 – “After this, knowing that everything had now been accomplished, and to fulfill the Scripture, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ … they soaked a sponge in the sour wine … When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished.’” Psalm 69: A Messianic Portrait of Suffering • Written by David, yet the intensity of rejection, mockery, and bodily anguish stretches beyond his own experience, pointing forward to the Messiah. • Verse 21 singles out two bitter offerings—gall and vinegar—unique cues that reappear only at the crucifixion. • The psalm’s larger context (vv. 7-9, 19-20) speaks of zeal for God’s house and reproach from enemies, themes explicitly applied to Jesus in John 2:17 and Romans 15:3. Gall and Vinegar in the Passion Narratives • Matthew 27:34 records soldiers giving Jesus wine mixed with gall (a bitter narcotic). He tastes but refuses it, choosing to remain fully conscious for the redemptive work (cf. Hebrews 10:5-10). • John 19:28-30 describes sour wine (cheap vinegar wine) offered on a hyssop stalk. This Jesus receives just moments before declaring, “It is finished.” • The two drinks are distinct events: one early in the crucifixion, declined; one moments before death, accepted—together mirroring the twofold mention of gall and vinegar in Psalm 69:21. Prophecy Fulfilled on the Cross • John explicitly says Jesus spoke, “I am thirsty,” “to fulfill the Scripture,” spotlighting Psalm 69:21. • The soldiers’ casual actions unknowingly align with God’s precise plan (Acts 2:23). • Matthew’s account highlights the bitterness (gall), underscoring the depth of prophetic detail; John’s highlights the vinegar, sealing the fulfillment. • By receiving the second drink, Jesus signals that every prophetic requirement has been met—hence His triumphant cry, “It is finished.” Theological Richness of the Fulfillment • Reliability of Scripture – Centuries-old words come to life with photographic accuracy (Luke 24:44). • Voluntary Suffering – Jesus does not dull the pain but embraces it, bearing the full penalty for sin (Isaiah 53:4-6). • Identification with the Afflicted – He experiences physical thirst so He can promise living water to us (John 4:13-14; Revelation 7:16-17). • Completion of Redemption – The acceptance of the sour wine precedes the declaration of completion; nothing remains unpaid. Practical Takeaways for Today • Trust the Word – If God fulfills tiny details like a sponge of vinegar, He will fulfill every promise to you (2 Peter 1:19). • Marvel at the Cross – Seeing prophecy and history converge deepens worship and gratitude (Galatians 6:14). • Endure with Hope – Jesus’ willingness to suffer without relief validates our own trials and guarantees ultimate victory (Hebrews 12:2-3). |
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