Wednesday, September 16, 2026

John 3:13-17 

[Jesus said:] 13 “No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 
  16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 
  17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him.” 

This passage contains perhaps one of the most well-known and quoted verses in all of scripture: John 3:16. It echoes what we celebrate about both the power and paradox of cross, through God’s death on a tree, victory over death has been won for you and for me. 

The very consequence of all the whining and complaining of those Israelites from our reading on Monday is of no more consequence. Just as the serpent was lifted up, so must the Son of Man be lifted up. The beginning of our passage from John’s gospel seems a bit random but makes more sense when we understand it as the latter part of Jesus’ interaction with Nicodemus, a devout Jewish leader who was curious enough about Jesus’ teaching to risk his own authority and acceptance in his community. 

So, Jesus' reference to Moses lifting a serpent in the wilderness correlates with the reading for Monday’s devotion. Moses and the people are having trouble with an attitude of gratitude for God’s deliverance and providence, so God punishes them with a slew of snakes. The passage from Numbers must be the first recorded account of Ophidiophobia (an extreme fear of snakes) in history. But low and behold, it is a bronze serpent that Moses lifts that ends up being their salvation, if they only look upon it. 

Now, Jesus references this passage not because of the punishment the Israelites receive for their lack of faith, but for the raising of the serpent, because it is a foreshadowing to him being raised on the cross that will bring salvation to them all. Thanks be to God. 

– Pr. Kyle 

Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ was lifted high upon the cross so that he might draw the whole world to himself. To those who look upon the cross, grant your wisdom, healing, and eternal life, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.