John 3:14-15, The Serpent

14 And 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. 

In Numbers 21 we find the strange story of God telling Moses to construct a bronze serpent and lift it up on a pole for all the people to look at after they have been bitten by poisonous serpents. By looking at it in faith they will be healed. While not explicitly spelled out in this story, the work of the serpent in bringing sin and death to the people of God is judged, and through the same symbol of death, the snake, comes life. 

In a similar way, Jesus says that he too will be lifted up, referring to his death, resurrection, and ascension. All who look to him and believe will receive eternal life. The gospel declares that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins so that we can be forgiven. He went to the cross in our place to be judged and to receive the penalty we deserve. In an ironic twist, Jesus defeats Satan not in power but in weakness, giving a new definition and meaning to grace.  

Where do you need healing in your life? Look to Jesus, raised on the cross, and pray today to be healed by the grace of God.