In the wilderness, the people of Israel grew impatient and rebellious. God’s judgment came in the form of venomous snakes. But when they confessed, the Lord gave an unexpected command: make a bronze serpent and lift it high. Whoever looked at it would live (Numbers 21:8–9).
Jesus referenced this moment in John 3:14–15: “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up…” The bronze serpent foreshadowed the cross. Just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the symbol of their affliction, we are saved by looking in faith to Christ crucified—who bore our sin.
Charles Spurgeon wrote, “It is ever the Holy Spirit’s work to turn our eyes away from self to Jesus.” We cannot heal ourselves. But if we look to Jesus—lifted up in love—we find life.
Henri Nouwen reminds us, “The cross is the center of our faith because it is the sign of God’s greatest act of love.” Jesus became the very likeness of sin so we could be freed from it.
This Lent, we are invited again to lift our eyes. Not to the distractions of the world, or the failures of self—but to the cross. In looking, we live.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
Help us turn from every false remedy and look to You alone.
Thank You for taking our sin and becoming our salvation.
Teach us to look—and truly live.
Amen.
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