The Light Shines in the DarknessSample

Jesus must be lifted up

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up” (John 3:13-14)

The apostle John loves to use words with a double meaning. One of these words is “being lifted up”, which usually means “being exalted / honored”. This word is also used in John 12:32, where it is surprisingly followed by the remark: “He said this to show by what kind of death He was going to die”. In John 3, Jesus says that He will be lifted up “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness”. This refers to a story from the book of Numbers, where Moses had to make a bronze serpent and set in on a pole. This serpent was used by God as a means of salvation for people who faced God’s judgment on their rebellion. So, this snake was literally lifted up on a stake, not figuratively lifted up as an expression of honor.

Both meanings apply to Jesus. This is beautifully summarized in Acts 5:30-31, where the apostles say: “The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging Him on a tree. God exalted Him at his right hand as Leader and Savior”. So, Jesus was “lifted up” on a wooden cross by his enemies, which was utterly humbling. But after His resurrection, He was “lifted up” by his heavenly Father. Let’s bring Him glory and praise!