The Story

John 3:14-15 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

I heard a quote once of the Gospel of John that said, “It is shallow enough that a toddler may wade, but deep enough that an elephant may swim.” The simplicity of the passage above explains why Jesus had to die; to save us from sin and provide eternal life to all who believe in him. The depth of this passage when Jesus was speaking to Nicodemus goes way back into the typology of Christ in the Old Testament with Israel fleeing captivity with Moses leading them in the desert. If we look back into Numbers 21, we find that Israel had rebelled again, and God had punished them by sending poisonous snakes that bit many who died. Israel had recognized their sin, and asked for Moses to pray to God to forgive and heal them. This was Moses’ last miracle before he died. 7 And the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you. Pray to the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 And the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.” 9 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. Matthew Henry has a powerful commentary on this passage from Numbers 21 on the sting and recognition of our sin also. Israel found the serpents repulsive, just they found the Cross repulsive. Now God was showing them in the desert that they must look upon what turned their stomachs to be healed. Jesus was telling Nicodemus of his coming death at the cross; Jesus was telling him that he must look upon what he despised to be healed from our sins.

One of my sons told me recently of how a kid at school said he didn’t believe some of the stories in the Bible. It bothered him deeply, and I pray that the Lord gives them time alone to let the Holy Spirit lead a conversation. Many other religions tell that Jesus was a good man, a great prophet, a man like none other even, but a division comes at him being the Son of God. It is proven in history outside of Christianity of his life, death, and resurrection, yet many argue he was not the Son of God. Do you believe? You can’t say you are a Christian and not believe the foundational truth that the Son of God came to earth, died for your sins, and arose from the dead to return to heaven. This must be bedrock, this must be understood that their is no other way to heaven except through Jesus Christ and what he accomplished just over 2000 years ago. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Do you have questions also about Jesus? What is the Easter season where we are celebrating his death and resurrection? I am including a link to a great website that will help you understand. Take a few minutes and explore The Story and let God open your eyes through your heart.

http://viewthestory.com/viewer/?c=1000&p=t&quality=high