“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.” John 3:14

I have read the passage where Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night myriad times; I have heard plenty of sermons on the passage. Stepping into the Story afresh, however, what caught my attention was verse 14: “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up.” Why does Jesus reference an Old Testament story? What does He expect the already-confused (vs.4,9) Nicodemus to understand?

Some background: On their journey toward the Promised Land, the constantly complaining Israelites “spoke against God and Moses” (Numbers 21:5-6), so God “sent venomous snakes among them.” Many died, the people confessed and cried out to Moses, who cried out on their behalf to God. God could have vaporized the snakes. Instead, He commanded Moses to craft a bronze snake, put it on a pole, so “anyone who is bitten can look at it and live” (21:6-8). 

The Israelites must have been just as confused as Nicodemus. Why look to a snake for healing?

As a learned Pharisee and teacher, of course Nicodemus knows this story. Or does he? The Israelites can’t heal themselves; snakes keep biting and killing. So the people take the first critical steps: repenting of their sin and acknowledging their inability to save themselves. Then they’re ready to hear and apply what God wants of them. Even if it doesn’t make any sense, would they obey? Would they look at the snake, believing that this is God’s provision for healing? 

OK, Nicodemus, your turn. What brought you to Jesus, secretly at night? What have you seen that you call miraculous? Did Jesus’ disturbance at the Temple get you thinking your religion and your works just might not be enough? Are you feeling oddly empty? Whatever it is, you’ve taken the best first step: engaging with Jesus Who will soon become the snake lifted up on a pole - a despised Man on a despicable cross. You won’t want to look at that. That would mean admitting you can’t save yourself. It would mean facing what God Himself is willing to become to deliver you. But you must look; it’s the only way to healing. 

Look and live, Nicodemus. Cross into the true Promised Land. 

OK, dear reader, your turn. What might bring you into conversation with Jesus? Is there something you would like to discuss with Him? He’s inviting you to step into His story.