The Life and Ministry of Jesus
No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:13–15
The words lifted up appear twice more in this Gospel (8:28; 12:32), and each time they emphasize the centrality of the cross and the message of salvation. The sin in the desert was rebellion, and Israel needed to show faith and obedience by looking to the pole. “Similarly, Jesus, the heavenly Son of man made flesh, is destined to be lifted up for all to see. He will hang on a cross like a condemned criminal. But his subjection to that particular form of death will not be due to some mischance. He will die in that way, precisely because it is in that way that God has chosen to reveal His love for sinners” (Tasker). 1
Personal Encouragement
The Lord was lifted up, so He could lift us up out of the bondage of sin. Will you look to Him today to lift you up? He will give you hope and healing.
So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived. Numbers 21:9
Deliverance: looking to Jesus and not to your situation, or to others.
A Prayer
Lord, please keep my eyes steadfast upon You alone.
1. Gangel, K. O. (2000). John (Vol. 4). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
