And the LORD said to Moses, "Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live." So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live. Numbers 21:8-9
Israel sinned by complaining against God. God’s method of discipline (this time) was a plague during which “many died” (v.6) But just as God was faithful to discipline His rebellious people to redirect them, God was faithful to provide a remedy for their suffering and deaths. God directed Moses to erect a pole with a bronze serpent on it. As the people looked at the bronze serpent, they would be healed of the plague, and live.
Jesus referred to this account in John 3:14-15, saying that serpent on the pole was a type of His own crucifixion. Just as those who looked at the serpent were “saved” from the consequences of their sin, so are those who “look” to Christ” as the only remedy for the consequences of our sins. “Looking to Christ” is more than physically looking at a cross or crucifix. It means trusting in Jesus as the one and only Savior. Have you looked to Christ in faith? If so, your sins are forgiven. If you have not, you will suffer the consequences of your sin. Praise God for His grace to save!
An interesting footnote: Rather than worshiping God for His grace, the children of Israel idolatrously worshipped the bronze serpent! (2 Kings 18:4) We do not worship the cross—we worship Jesus who died on the cross.