Lifted Up

The rebellions in the wilderness are important moments of God's revealing the gospel and its remedy for sin. God is carrying a rebellious people to His gracious provision for them. What can preserve them on the journey? What will keep them from the wrath of God utterly destroying them? Moses is required to lift up a symbol. It is a symbol of their rebellion and its deserved curse. They are required to look to the bronze serpent lifted up as a standard. If they look upon the serpent, they will be healed and live. Jesus compares Himself to the bronze serpent set up as a standard among the people. He says He will be lifted up so that all who look to Him when He is lifted up will be healed and live. Jesus is referring to becoming accursed for us on the cross. Looking to Him as the crucified means to place our faith in Him. Those who look to Jesus by faith will have everlasting life.