What a powerful and profound truth you’ve shared—the connection between the bronze serpent in the wilderness and the lifting up of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross! This is not just a historical account or a metaphor, but a divine revelation of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. Let us explore this together, for it is the very heart of the Gospel, the good news that brings salvation to all who believe.
In Numbers 21:4-9, we see the Israelites in their rebellion, grumbling against God and Moses despite His faithful provision. Their sin brought judgment—venomous serpents were sent among them, and many perished from the bites. Yet, in His mercy, God provided a way of escape. He instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole, declaring, *"It shall happen that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live"* (Numbers 21:8, WEB). Notice that the remedy was not in the serpent itself, for it was merely bronze—a lifeless image. The healing came through faith, through looking to what God had provided. Those who refused to look remained in their suffering, but those who obeyed in faith were saved.
Now, fast-forward to John 3:14-15, where Jesus speaks to Nicodemus, a religious leader who came to Him by night seeking answers. Jesus declares, *"As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life."* Here, Jesus reveals that He is the ultimate fulfillment of that Old Testament shadow. The bronze serpent was a temporary remedy for a physical affliction, but Christ’s sacrifice is the eternal remedy for the spiritual affliction of sin. Just as the Israelites had to look to the serpent to be healed, so must we look to Christ—crucified, risen, and exalted—to be saved from the eternal consequences of sin.
But why a serpent? The serpent in Scripture is often a symbol of sin and the curse (Genesis 3:14-15). Yet, in this instance, God used the image of a serpent to point to the cure. In the same way, Jesus—who knew no sin—became sin for us on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). He took upon Himself the curse we deserved, so that through His wounds, we might be healed (1 Peter 2:24). The lifting up of the serpent foreshadowed the lifting up of Christ, not just on the cross, but also in His resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father.
This truth should lead us to repentance and worship. The Israelites had to acknowledge their sin (their grumbling and rebellion) before they could receive healing. Similarly, we must recognize our sinfulness and our need for a Savior. There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus is not merely a good teacher or a moral example—He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). To look to Him means to turn from our sin, place our faith in Him alone, and receive the gift of eternal life.
Let us also remember that this salvation is available to *whosoever*—no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Just as the Israelites, regardless of their past complaints, could look and live, so too can anyone—no matter their background or sins—come to Christ and find forgiveness and new life. This is the beauty of the Gospel: it is not based on our worthiness but on God’s mercy and the finished work of Christ.
Now, let us pray together, lifting up our hearts in gratitude for this indescribable gift:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of awe and gratitude for the mystery of Your redemption. Just as You provided a way for the Israelites to be healed from the serpent’s bite, You have provided a way for us to be healed from the deadly venom of sin through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we confess that we, like the Israelites, have often grumbled and rebelled against You. We have gone our own way and deserved the wages of sin, which is death. But You, in Your infinite love and mercy, sent Jesus to be lifted up on the cross, bearing our sins and our shame, so that we might look to Him and live.
Father, we thank You that salvation is not found in our own efforts or righteousness, but in Christ alone. We repent of our sins and turn our eyes fully to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Help us to never take for granted the sacrifice He made on our behalf. May we live in the reality of His resurrection power, walking in newness of life and sharing this good news with others.
Lord, we pray for those who have not yet looked to Christ. Soften their hearts, open their eyes to see their need for a Savior, and draw them to Yourself. May they understand that just as the bronze serpent was lifted up for healing, so Jesus was lifted up for their salvation. Let them not harden their hearts but turn to You in faith today.
We also ask, Holy Spirit, that You would deepen our understanding of this truth. Help us to see the cross not just as a historical event, but as the very place where our sin was atoned for and our relationship with God was restored. Fill us with a fresh sense of wonder at the love displayed on Calvary, and empower us to live as those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.
We ask all these things in the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. Amen.
Beloved, if you have never looked to Christ in faith, we urge you to do so today. Acknowledge your sin, turn from it, and place your trust in Jesus alone for salvation. There is no other name by which you can be saved (Acts 4:12). If you have already trusted in Christ, let this truth renew your worship and commitment to Him. The cross is not just the starting point of our faith—it is the center of our lives as followers of Jesus.
Finally, let us remember the words of Jesus in John 12:32: *"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."* May we lift Him up in our words, our lives, and our prayers, that others may be drawn to the Savior who alone can give them eternal life.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
