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.” John 3:14-15
These two verses precede the most familiar scripture of all, John 3:16. Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus, a Pharisee, a jewish ruler, who came in the night to understand the miracles of Jesus. Nicodemus was very learned in Old Testament theologies and histories. He had some preconceived ideas about the promised savior. Jesus was correcting and redirecting his misperceptions.
When God called Moses in the wilderness, Moses was afraid and needed to see God’s power and presence. His staff turned into a snake and then back into a staff. (Exodus 4:3-5) Heaven touched Moses through this act. Moses is the chosen one, sent to deliver the Hebrews from bondage. Again in Numbers 21:4-9 God instructed Moses, with a snake and a staff, to convey His power and justice.
Jesus came to close the gap between Heaven and earth. He will be exalted, slain and then exalted for all eternity. He is connecting Nicodemus to God’s plan of deliverance then and now. Nicodemus knew of God’s promise to make His nation great, and now he is hearing that it is so much more than what is on earth.
God has prepared so much for mankind. We get wrapped up in the things of earth when it is the things of Heaven on earth that Jesus died to give. It’s all about eternal life, but remember, it begins on earth.
Happy Monday,
Gretchen