|
Serpents were killing the Israelite people (Nm 21:6). At God's command, Moses made a bronze serpent to represent the real serpents that were killing the people, mounted it on a pole, and lifted it up. When the people looked at the lifted-up serpent, the Lord healed them of what was killing them (Nm 21:8-9). Sin was killing people. Therefore, God sent a Man Who did not know sin, to be sin (2 Cor 5:21) to represent the sins that were killing the people. Our sins were mounted on a cross in the person of Jesus and lifted up (Col 2:14-15). "For our sakes God made Him Who did not know sin, to be sin, so that in Him we might become the very holiness of God" (2 Cor 5:21; see also 1 Pt 2:24). When the people looked at the lifted-up Jesus with eyes of faith, the Lord healed them of what was killing them (Jn 3:14-15). Jesus' death on the cross triumphs over our worst, most disgusting sins. Sin defeated us, but Jesus triumphed over our sins and won victory for us on the cross. The sins that had absolute power over us are now crucified! Therefore, "let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus" crucified (see Heb 12:2; Jn 3:14-15). He became sin that we could be healed and freed from sin. Repent! Be crucified to sin and to the world (Gal 6:14). Believe in Jesus' crucified love and forgiveness. |
