“Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you people do not accept our testimony. If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven, except He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes will have eternal life in Him” (John 3:11-15; all Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible).

Sometimes, we have a hard time understanding the truth. Like Nicodemus, we barely comprehend earthly things; how can we contemplate the kingdom of heaven? How can we explain rebirth? God’s plan of redemption seems foolish to us.

During their wilderness wanderings after escaping Egypt, the Israelites occasionally rebelled against God. On one occasion, He judged them by sending “fiery serpents” whose bites could be fatal. When the people repented, God told Moses to make a bronze serpent and put it on a pole. People who looked at the snake after being bitten would be healed and survive (Numbers 21:4-9).

Nicodemus had probably read that passage many times, along with the rest of the Old Testament. Despite that, he still did not understand. Eventually, he came around, seeking to defend Jesus against the accusations and plots of the other religious leaders (John 9:50-51) and helping to bury Him after the crucifixion (John 19:39).

The story of Moses and the bronze serpent painted a remarkable picture of Christ’s death. The Israelites were dying becuase of their rebellion and God’s judgment. So are we (Romans 6:23). The serpent on a pole was lifted up, and people only had to look to it for healing. Likewise, Jesus was “lifted up” on a cross, and we look to Him by faith for forgiveness.

Today marks the Feast of the Holy Cross in some churches. Let us use this day as a new opportunity to praise God for our victory over sin, hell, and death, which was gained when Jesus was lifted up in crucifixion.

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross that he might draw the whole world to himself: Mercifully grant that we, who glory in the mystery of our redemption, may have grace to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen (from The Book of Common Prayer).

What does the cross mean to you?

Copyright © 2023 Michael E. Lynch. All rights reserved.