“So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.” – Numbers 21:9
When the people of Israel once again complained against God, accusing Him of evil motives, God sent venomous snakes to attack them. The snakes were an outward representation of the toxic venom that was already in their hearts. However, God also provided the remedy for their suffering – this unusual bronze serpent Moses was to make and set on top of a pole. Anyone who looked at the serpent was healed of the poison.
The Apostle John helps us fully understand the point of this strange event because Jesus connected it with His own life and mission. Jesus knew that every person on this earth has been bitten by sin. We’re all filled with sin’s poison and God sent Jesus to be our remedy for sin. Jesus did that by being lifted up on a cross. On the cross, Jesus carried our sins on his innocent shoulders and paid the penalty for them in full.
Everyone who looks to Jesus for salvation is forgiven their sins. In Christ, we are healed of sin’s spiritual venom and deadly effects. His work on the cross is more than just a one-time cure. He is always interceding on our behalf. Whenever we’re bitten anew by sin, all we must do is look to Jesus, confessing our sins and asking His forgiveness. He is faithful to forgive. #FollowJesus