As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, John 3:14 WEB
In this passage from John’s gospel account, Jesus referenced an event from the days of Moses. After the Israelites escaped Egypt, they grew impatient with Moses and God. As they traveled through the wilderness on their way to the Red Sea, the people of Israel spoke out against God and Moses. We read their complaint in Numbers 21:5 which says, “The people spoke against God and against Moses: ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no bread, there is no water, and our soul loathes this disgusting food!’ WEB”
Through their rebelliousness and lack of faith, the Israelites angered the Lord. Responding to the Israelites, God sent venomous snakes among them. The snakes bit some of those who complained and they died. After this, the Israelites confessed their sin to Moses asking him to intervene with God on their behalf. Upon hearing Moses’ appeal, the Lord instructed Moses in Numbers 21:8 saying, “Make a venomous snake, and set it on a pole. It shall happen that everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live. WEB”
Salvation Through Christ
The incident in the wilderness with the snakes foreshadowed the sacrifice of Christ for our sins. The snake represents sin itself and the bite represents the death we earn from our sinful behavior. Lifting up the snake on a pole symbolized Christ lifted up on the cross. In this way, the phrase “lifted up” is a euphemism for the crucifixion. Just as those who looked upon the serpent were saved from their snake bites in the time of Moses, those who turn to Christ find salvation from their sins.
Here, John’s gospel records Jesus teaching Nicodemus the significance of his eventual sacrifice for the sins of mankind. After describing how the Son of Man, Jesus, must be lifted up like the snake in the wilderness, Christ continued with these famous words from John 3:16-17 which reads, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. KJV”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for providing a way for sinners to find redemption. Thank you for paying the price for my sins. Lead me away from temptation. Deliver me into your kingdom as I strive to live in obedience to your word and will. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Pray Over Him
