KEY VERSE:
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:14–15 (NKJV)
INTRODUCTION
Moments of victory can quickly be followed by seasons of discouragement—especially when we find ourselves in the wilderness of life. Israel had just experienced a miraculous military triumph through the power of God (Numbers 21:1–3). Yet shortly after, as they journeyed through a difficult, barren path, they fell into despair and murmured against God and Moses.
MESSAGE
1. A Pattern of Forgetfulness
In the wilderness, Israel forgot the faithfulness of God. They complained:
“There is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loathes this light bread.” (Numbers 21:5).
Their discontent dishonored the God who had just delivered them—and it opened the door to judgment. Fiery serpents were sent among them, and many perished.
2. Mercy in the Midst of Judgment
In their affliction, the people confessed their sin and cried out for mercy. God answered—not by removing the serpents, but by providing a remedy:
“Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole… everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.” (Numbers 21:8)
Moses obeyed, and those who looked lived.
3. A Shadow of the Cross
Jesus referred to this event in John 3, revealing its prophetic significance:
“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up…”
The serpent on the pole was a symbol; Jesus on the cross is the reality. He bore our likeness, yet without sin, and was lifted up so we might be healed and saved by faith in Him.
4. Spiritual Parallels
Israel’s experience mirrors ours:
o We, too, journey through a spiritual wilderness.
o The enemy (the serpent) seeks to destroy through sin.
o We have an intercessor—Jesus Christ—seated at God’s right hand.
o God Himself designed the remedy for our sin.
o Just as the bronze serpent bore the image of the curse, Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh to break sin’s power (Romans 8:3).
o As the serpent was lifted up, Jesus was lifted on the cross—above the wilderness of this world.
o Israel looked at the symbol and lived. We look to the Savior and receive eternal life.
CONCLUSION
In the wilderness of sin and in the dry places of life, God has already made provision for your salvation, healing, and deliverance. The invitation is simple but powerful: Look to Christ and live. Fix your eyes on the One who was lifted up for your sake. He is your source of life in every desert.
PRACTICAL REFLECTION
• Are you in a spiritual wilderness right now?
• Have you allowed discouragement or complaints to cloud your view of God’s goodness?
Pause and look to the cross. Healing, restoration, and victory are found in Christ alone.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, forgive me for the times I have murmured in the wilderness. Help me trust Your provision.
2. Jesus, thank You for being lifted up for my salvation. I look to You for healing and deliverance.
3. Father, strengthen my faith in dry seasons, and help me never lose sight of the cross.
FURTHER STUDY
• Numbers 21:1–9
• John 3:14–16
• Romans 8:1–4
• Hebrews 12:2
• Isaiah 45:22