By John Doughty
”And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:14-15)
The Old Testament records the incident Jesus refers to above (Numbers 21: 4-9) explaining how salvation would be assured through Jesus Christ. Israel’s people were attacked by poisonous snakes due to their disobedience of God, and went to Moses for help. Consulting with God, Moses was instructed to make an image of a snake and mount it on a pole. Anyone who looked at the snake was cured from their bite and lived.
Jesus was comparing the manner in which the bronze serpent was lifted up to the manner in which He Himself would be “lifted up” (i.e. crucified) to pay the penalty for people’s sins and save those who looked to Him and placing their Faith in Him.
Especially now during Lent, as frequent sinners we ALL need to repent, ask for God’s forgiveness, Thank Him for sending his own Son Jesus to die on the cross for OUR sins and granting us eternal life with Him in Heaven. We must always give Glory to God for His Great Mercy & Love, which though undeserved is granted freely upon our repentance.
While meditating on these verses I found it interesting that the very next verse (John 3: 16), one that really ‘packs a punch’ in simply stating our Lutheran Beliefs as emphasized so much during our Confirmation studies, and always throughout our lives until earthly death.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
AMEN & Peace Be with You All! John Doughty