The New TempleSample

“No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from Heaven, the Son of Man. 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 3:13-15

Our faith is a “behold and believe” kind of faith. Restoration is found simply by looking at the cross of Christ and believing. We must recognize Jesus as the Son of God and the only means of our salvation.

It may seem odd that Jesus mentions Moses and the serpent in this conversation with Nicodemus, but there are two reasons why it is important. First, it is a picture of sin judged. Bronze was a metal associated with judgment, and the serpent was a symbol of sin. Therefore, the act of simply looking at the bronze serpent was symbolic of a saving act.

It may seem odd that looking at a bronze serpent was enough to save Israel from this sin, but perhaps God was trying to teach the people a lesson. Perhaps it is the point Jesus is making with Nicodemus. For soon He would mirror this same image. Surely a man dying upon a cross would not be associated with a saving act, and yet, for those who believe, that is exactly what it did and does to this day.

Both the book of Isaiah and Jesus make this clear:

“Look to me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God and there is no other” – Isaiah 45:22

“For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” – John 6:40

Look to the cross of Christ, look where there is death, and find life! Where there was condemnation find freedom!

Reflection:

Where do you look for salvation? Is it in your own works or is it the cross of Christ?! Take some time to think, “Am I truly looking to Jesus for my salvation?”

Other Verses to Consider:

-Isaiah 12:2

-Ephesians 2:8-9