Scripture: John 3:14 (ESV) – “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.”
In this verse, Jesus draws a powerful parallel between an Old Testament event and His own mission of salvation. He references the story in Numbers 21:4–9, where the Israelites, afflicted by venomous snakes, were saved by looking at a bronze serpent Moses lifted on a pole. Jesus explains that in a similar way, He must be “lifted up” so that those who look to Him in faith will be saved.
The document highlights the necessity and purpose of Jesus’ being “lifted up.” His crucifixion is not a tragic accident but a deliberate part of God’s redemptive plan. The lifting up of the serpent brought physical healing, but the lifting up of the Son of Man brings eternal life. The parallel emphasizes both the seriousness of sin and the sufficiency of God’s provision for salvation.
John Calvin, in his Commentary on the Gospel of John, elaborates on this typology. He notes that the bronze serpent had no power in itself but served as a sign pointing to God’s mercy. Similarly, Jesus’ death on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of God’s grace. Calvin emphasizes that just as the Israelites were saved by faith in God’s provision, so too are believers saved by looking to Christ crucified. The necessity of Jesus’ lifting up underscores the exclusivity of His sacrifice as the only way to be reconciled to God.
For us, this verse is a reminder to fix our eyes on Jesus, especially His work on the cross. It calls us to acknowledge the seriousness of our sin and to trust fully in His atoning sacrifice. Just as the Israelites were healed by looking in faith, we are called to look to Christ as the source of our salvation.
Reflection Questions:
- How does the parallel between the bronze serpent and Jesus’ crucifixion deepen your understanding of God’s redemptive plan?
- Are there areas in your life where you struggle to fully trust in the sufficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice for your salvation?
- How can you more intentionally fix your eyes on Christ, especially in times of doubt or struggle?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being lifted up on the cross to save us from sin and death. Help us to fix our eyes on You, trusting fully in the sufficiency of Your sacrifice. Teach us to see the cross as a demonstration of God’s mercy and grace, and may our faith grow stronger as we reflect on Your work of redemption. Thank You for the eternal life You offer to all who look to You in faith. In Your name, Amen.
*This devotional is based upon material from a sermon by Pastor Chris Cousine*
Covenant Presbyterian Church 