A Compelling Picture

Lesson #39

Today we will continue with the text from John 3:13 – 15. We will finish our discussion of the verse, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up” (verse 14). We were considering the five observations listed by John Piper (See Lesson # 37) and covered the first three in the last lesson. Today we will cover the last two and also verse 15.

Jesus did no wrong. He was able to live fully by the law and out of envy sinful men lifted him up on the cross. These men devised evil and nailed him to the cross as a curse to die a shameful, horrible death. God used this as a time for good, a time for Jesus to finish the work he was sent to do. Through his death provision was made “so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life” (John 3:15 NET).

The uniqueness of Christianity is the cross and the death of God’s Son on it to provide the way of salvation. This is indeed a compelling picture of Jesus Christ crucified for sinners. This is the picture we need to keep before those like Nicodemus who say, “How can these things be?” Belief in the cross and Jesus crucified is the only way of salvation. When we come with believing faith we will then understand being born from above.

In the beginning was the word “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 ESV). As Jesus is lifted up on the cross we behold his glory and in that look we receive grace that only he can give.

Prayer

Father, thank you for this amazing illustration of the snake on the pole in Numbers and how it points to Jesus on the cross. Thank you for the requirements that were met so that you could offer me the free gift of eternal life.