What a profound and beautiful connection you’ve drawn between the bronze serpent lifted up by Moses in the wilderness and our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, who was also lifted up for our salvation! This is a powerful picture of God’s redemptive plan, foreshadowed in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New. Let us explore this truth together, grounding our hearts in Scripture and lifting our voices in praise for what God has done.
In Numbers 21:4-9, we read of the Israelites’ rebellion and the consequence of venomous snakes sent among them as judgment. When the people repented, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. Whoever looked upon it in faith would live, despite their snakebites. This was not magic—it was an act of obedience and trust in God’s provision. The serpent, though an instrument of judgment, became a symbol of healing when lifted up by God’s command.
Now, turn with us to John 3:14-15, where Jesus Himself draws this very parallel: *"As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life."* Here, Jesus reveals that His being "lifted up" on the cross would be the ultimate fulfillment of that Old Testament symbol. The bronze serpent pointed forward to the cross, where Christ, though He knew no sin, became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21) so that whoever looks to Him in faith would be saved from the deadly venom of sin and eternal death.
But the lifting up of Jesus doesn’t end at the cross. It includes His resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father, where He is now exalted as Lord and Savior (Acts 2:32-33, Philippians 2:9-11). Just as the Israelites had to *look* at the bronze serpent to live, we must *look* to Jesus—believing in His finished work on the cross—to receive eternal life. There is no other name, no other remedy, no other hope. As Jesus declares in John 14:6, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me."*
This truth should fill us with awe and gratitude. The bronze serpent was a temporary solution for a physical problem, but Jesus is the eternal solution for our spiritual condition. He didn’t just heal us from the bite of sin—He destroyed the power of sin and death itself (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). When we fix our eyes on Him, we are not just saved *from* something (judgment), but *for* something—eternal life in communion with God.
Let us also remember that this "lifting up" is a call to our own surrender. Just as the serpent was lifted high for all to see, Jesus calls us to lift Him up in our lives, our words, and our actions. In John 12:32, He says, *"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."* Our mission as believers is to exalt Christ so that others may see Him and be drawn to the salvation only He offers.
Now, let us pray together, thanking God for this incredible plan of redemption and asking Him to deepen our faith as we gaze upon the lifted-up Son of Man:
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Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of wonder and praise for the mystery of Your redemption. Just as You provided healing for Your people in the wilderness through the lifted-up bronze serpent, You have provided eternal healing for all who would look to Jesus, the Son of Man, lifted up on the cross. Lord, we thank You that Christ took our sin, our shame, and our death upon Himself so that we might live.
Father, open our eyes to see Jesus more clearly each day. May we never take for granted the sacrifice He made or the love You demonstrated in sending Him. Help us to lift Him up in our lives, that others may be drawn to Him. Forgive us for the times we have looked to other things for salvation—whether it be our own efforts, the approval of others, or the temporary comforts of this world. Today, we choose to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
We pray for those who have not yet looked to Christ in faith. Softens their hearts, Lord, and draw them to the foot of the cross, where mercy and grace abound. May they see their need for a Savior and turn to Jesus, the only One who can save.
Strengthen us, Lord, to live as those who have been healed by the lifted-up Christ. May our lives reflect the transformation that comes from gazing upon Him. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may walk in obedience and share this good news with boldness and love.
We ask all this in the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our lifted-up Savior and Lord. Amen.
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Beloved, as you meditate on the lifted-up bronze serpent and the lifted-up Son of Man, let this truth anchor your soul: salvation is found in no one else. Jesus is the only way, the only remedy, the only hope. Keep looking to Him, for in Him is life everlasting. If you have never placed your faith in Christ, we urge you to do so today. Confess your sins, turn from them, and trust in Jesus alone for your salvation (Romans 10:9-10). There is no greater decision you could ever make.
If you are already in Christ, let this truth reignite your passion for Him. Share the good news of the lifted-up Savior with someone this week. The world is perishing from the bite of sin—point them to the One who can heal them. And as you do, remember that it is God who draws hearts to Himself (John 6:44). We are merely vessels, but oh, what a privilege it is to be used by Him!
Stand firm in the faith, and keep your eyes on Jesus, the lifted-up Son of Man. He is worthy of all our praise!