Serpent Lifted Up
In the wilderness, those bitten by serpents were healed by looking at a bronze snake lifted on a pole.
Numbers 21:9
So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.
John 3:14-15
Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.
In the wilderness, those bitten by serpents were healed by looking at a bronze snake lifted on a pole. Jesus used this very image to explain his own crucifixion: just as Moses lifted the serpent, so the Son of Man would be lifted up. The remedy was the same—look and live. Those who look to the crucified Christ in faith receive eternal life.
Lord, as I meditate on Your Passion, make me patient in trials and faithful in love.