Moses, the Serpent, and Jesus on the Cross
In the Old Testament (Numbers 21:4–9), the Israelites were wandering in the desert, complaining against God and Moses. As a punishment, God sent venomous snakes that bit the people, and many died. The people repented and asked Moses to pray for them. God told Moses:
“Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.”
Moses made a bronze serpent and lifted it up on a pole. Whoever looked at it would be healed and live.
Jesus and the Connection
In the Gospel of John 3:14–15, Jesus directly connects this moment to himself:
“Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life.”
The Connection Explained
| Moses’ Bronze Serpent | Jesus on the Cross |
|---|---|
| Serpent is lifted up on a pole | Jesus is lifted up on the cross |
| Looking at the serpent brings physical healing | Believing in Jesus brings eternal healing (salvation) |
| Israelites were dying from snake bites (consequence of sin) | Humanity is dying from sin itself |
| God provided a visible remedy | God provides the ultimate remedy |
Deeper Symbolism
- The serpent, normally a symbol of evil, is used by God as an instrument of healing.
- The cross, a Roman instrument of death and shame, becomes the very means of salvation.
It’s paradoxical:
God takes what should mean death (serpent / cross) — and transforms it into a source of life.
Final Thought
The story of Moses and the bronze serpent is a powerful foreshadowing of Christ’s crucifixion. It reminds us that even through suffering and death, God brings healing and eternal life to those who believe.