John 3:14-15 (NIV)
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may in him have eternal life.”
When the Israelites in the desert suffered a plague of venomous snakes, Moses was told by God to erect a bronze snake on a pole, so that “anyone who is bitten can look at it and live” (Numbers 21.8). Jesus is clearly drawing a parallel with what would happen when he was put on a cross. We can look by faith at the cross and see the cure for the venom of sin. But when Jesus said he would be lifted up, was he also thinking of the glory he would receive afterwards – lifted up in exaltation? And when, just a few days before the crucifixion, Jesus in John 12.23 said “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” was he thinking of the victory of the cross and not just the glory which would follow it? The crucifixion, resurrection and ascension are all part of the one saving work. The Lamb who was slain is the centre of heaven’s worship!
Jesus, we lift you up with our worship, you are worthy of all glory, honour and praise!
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