John 3:14 - The story of the lamb and the snake

Our hospice nurses had an animated discussion this morning about snakes. I won't go into all the details, but you can assume that most of them are not fond of snakes--particularly when they get too close to home. Even garter snakes.

I couldn't help but think of the story in the Old Testament where the Israelites were again complaining and rebelling in the wilderness. So God sent poisonous snakes that started biting them. People were dying everywhere and they called out to Moses to intercede. Moses did so, and God instructed him to make a serpent out of brass, set it up on a pole, and everyone who simply looked up at the brass snake would be forgiven and healed. (Numbers 21)

The importance of this is explained by Jesus: Just like Moses raised a brass snake up on a pole in the wilderness, in the same way the Son of Man (Jesus) must be raised up on a cross. (John 3:14, KJC paraphrase) Anyone who looks to the cross of Christ can be forgiven and healed.

I'm used to the image of Jesus being the sacrificial "Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world." But a snake?

Think about it, though. Snakes are despised and hated. Jesus, too, was despised and hated. (Isaiah 53:3) But the very One who was despised and hated became the salvation of the world.

And for that, Father, we give you thanks. Amen.