How does John 3:14-15 connect to the events in Numbers 21:9? The Wilderness Plague and the Bronze Serpent Numbers 21:9 – “So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole; and if anyone who was bitten looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.” • Israel’s grumbling brought God’s judgment in the form of venomous serpents. • Death was certain unless God Himself provided a cure. • The remedy was startlingly simple: look at the bronze serpent and live. Jesus’ Reference in John 3:14–15 John 3:14-15 – “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.” • Jesus places Himself squarely in the center of the Numbers account. • “Lifted up” points first to the cross (John 12:32-33) and ultimately to resurrection and exaltation. • The same life-or-death urgency is now applied to every soul. Parallels That Tie the Two Passages Together • Sin’s deadly bite – Serpents in Numbers picture the lethal sting of sin (Romans 6:23). • God-given singular remedy – Only one bronze serpent, only one Savior (Acts 4:12). • Lifted up on a pole – Bronze serpent on a pole; Christ on the cross (Galatians 3:13). • A look of faith – Israelites “looked”; we “believe” (Isaiah 45:22; Hebrews 12:2). • Immediate, complete deliverance – Physical life then, eternal life now (John 5:24). Why a Serpent? A Picture of Christ Becoming Sin • Serpent imagery speaks of the curse. • 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” • On the cross, Jesus bore the full curse so He could break it for believers (1 Peter 2:24). “Lifted Up”: More Than Execution • John 8:28 – recognition of His identity. • John 12:32 – drawing all people to Himself. • The pole in Numbers anticipated not just death, but triumph over death (Colossians 2:14-15). Living Application: Look and Live • The Israelites were healed the moment they fixed their gaze on God’s provision; hesitation meant death. • Saving faith today is the wholehearted look to Christ alone—no works added, no alternate cures. • Eternal life begins the instant that look of faith rests on the risen, exalted Son of Man. Supporting Scriptures • Isaiah 53:4-6 – the wounded Substitute • Psalm 22:16-18 – prophetic picture of crucifixion • Hebrews 9:22 – necessity of atoning blood • Revelation 1:17-18 – the Living One who conquered death |
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