Just Look!

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up….
John 3:14 (ESV)
 
The children of Israel had grumbled, disobeyed, and seemed to be generally annoyed with God and His messages. God allowed snakes to do what snakes do and bite people, promoting deadly consequences. As people laid in pain, Moses prayed, and God gave Moses a directive to build a bronze serpent on a pole, and that all who looked at the snake would be healed.  God solved the problem by giving them something that all could do, look at a snake.
 
This Old Testament story is referenced in today's passage when talking about Jesus Christ. Just as Moses lifted the serpent in the wilderness, Jesus was to be lifted up, and His death on the cross is what is necessary for life to continue as it was meant to be.
 
Those who refused to look at the bronze serpent died. Those who refuse to place their faith in Christ's finished work on the cross will also die and be separated from God for eternity.
 
For now, the choice is ours.


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