Lifted Up: The Cross and the Bronze Serpent

Introduction: The Power of Symbolism in Scripture

• Jesus often used Old Testament references to reveal profound truths about His mission and the plan of salvation.
• In John 3:14, Jesus refers to an event in the book of Numbers (Numbers 21:4-9) to explain His role in God’s redemptive plan.
• This passage teaches us about sin, redemption, and the saving power of faith.

Illustration: Think of how a medical symbol—a snake wrapped around a staff—originates from this same biblical story, symbolizing healing and restoration.

II. The Story of the Bronze Snake (Numbers 21:4-9)

1. Israel’s Rebellion:

   • The people complained against God and Moses as they wandered in the wilderness, demonstrating a lack of gratitude and trust.
   • Their ingratitude and lack of faith led to God sending venomous snakes among them as a consequence of their rebellion.
   • Many were bitten and died, symbolizing the deadly consequences of sin (Romans 6:23). Sin, like venom, poisons and destroys.

2. God’s Provision for Healing:

   • When the people repented and acknowledged their sin, God instructed Moses to make a bronze snake and lift it on a pole.
   • Anyone who looked at the bronze snake in faith was healed. This act of looking represented an act of trust and obedience.

Application: Sin is like the venom of those snakes—it brings death and separation from God. But God, in His mercy, provides a way for us to be healed and restored. This healing comes through faith and repentance.

III. Jesus as the Ultimate Fulfillment (John 3:14-15)

“So the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”

1. The Cross as the Ultimate Lifting Up:

   • Just as the bronze snake was lifted up on a pole, Jesus was lifted up on the cross. This act of lifting up was both physical and spiritual.
   • The cross is both a place of judgment, where Jesus bore the weight of our sin, and a place of healing (Isaiah 53:5). It represents the ultimate sacrifice for our redemption.

2. Faith as the Key to Salvation:

   • Just as the Israelites had to look at the bronze snake to be healed, we must look to Jesus in faith for salvation. It is not enough to simply acknowledge Jesus, we must trust in Him completely.
   • Ephesians 2:8 — “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith.” Salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ.

Illustration: Imagine a drowning person refusing a lifebuoy because they think they can save themselves. In the same way, many refuse to look to Jesus, thinking they can handle life and its challenges on their own.

Application: Have you placed your faith in the “lifted-up” Savior, Jesus Christ? Looking to anything else—good works, self-help, or worldly solutions—will not save you. True salvation comes only through faith in Jesus.

IV. The Power of the Cross Today

1. Healing for the Broken:

   • Jesus not only saves us from eternal death but also brings healing to our brokenness, both physically and emotionally (Psalm 147:3). His sacrifice on the cross provides restoration and wholeness.

2. Victory Over Sin:

   • Because Jesus was lifted up, sin no longer has the final say (Colossians 2:14-15). His death and resurrection broke the power of sin and death.

3. A Call to Lift Jesus Up:

   • As followers of Christ, we are called to lift Him up before the world (John 12:32). We do this through our words, actions, and lifestyle.
   • Share the message of the cross boldly and compassionately, demonstrating the love and grace of Jesus to those around us.

Application: Are you lifting up Jesus in your life, your words, and your actions? Are you reflecting His love and grace to those around you?

V. Conclusion: Look and Live

• The message of John 3:14 is simple: Look to Jesus and live. Turn your gaze away from yourself, your problems, and the world, and fix your eyes on Jesus.
• Just as the Israelites found healing by looking at the bronze snake, we find eternal life by looking to Jesus in faith. This is not a passive act, but an active choice to trust and obey Him.

Prayer:

Thank God for sending His Son to be lifted up for our salvation. Pray for those who need to place their faith in Jesus and for the courage to lift Him up before the world. Ask God to help you live a life that reflects His glory and draws others to Him.